Teen Read Week is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association, the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association.
“Teens have more activities to fill their free time than ever — web videos, social networking sites, video games, afterschool activities, athletics —and increasingly high expectations in the classroom,” said Sudi Napalan, SSHS librarian. “It’s important that we show them that reading is something that’s fun and relaxing that they can do for free. And that reading for fun can translate into better performance at school.”
In addition, Napalan hopes to show parents and other concerned community members what they library can offer by hosting special programs and events during Teen Read Week. Here are the school and library events for Saipan Southern High School:
• 2010 Reading Challenge. A school wide reading activity that encourages students, teachers and staff to read regularly. Challengers will read 150-page book from the school library and complete an online form. The challenge will run from October 1- December 21 with the finale of shaving Mrs. Napalan’s head on Dec. 23, when all the challengers complete the task.
• Teen Read Week Read-aloud and Book Talk. Students, teachers and concerned community members will share about their favorite books, tips and advice on reading to encourage students. Presentations will be help from October 18 to 23 during lunchtime at the school library.
• Parent Literacy Night. Teachers will share their expertise on reading with the children on October 22, 2010 at 6pm in the school cafeteria. All parents are invited.
• Motheread/Fatheread Program. A parent training to assist in developing a good reading bond between a parent and a child. Interested community members are encouraged to contact Mrs. Napalan for schedule.
“Many families have learned to make do with less as a result of the economy and have flocked to the library,” Napalan said. “Teen Read Week is a great time to make sure teens and their families know about all the free services the library can offer them and to reach out to teens who aren’t regular users and encourage them to come see what they can find here.”
Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week at home, as well. Sudi Napalan offers these ideas:
• Visit the public or school library with your teen to attend a program or to check out books.
• Set aside time each night for the family to read.
• Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward.
• Share your favorite book with your teen.
• Go online with your teen to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is YALSA’s Booklists and Book Awards page, www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists.
• Join a book discussion group at the school or public library.
Teen Read Week is held annually during the third week of October. An updated sponsors and supporting organizations list can be found at the Web site, www.ala.org/teenread. For more information, visit Saipan Southern High School Library Facebook.
