Terrebonne Parish libraries will celebrate Teen Read Week™ (October 16-22, 2011) with special events and programs aimed at encouraging teens to read for the "fun of it”. Thousands of libraries, schools and bookstores across the country will hold similar events centered on this year's theme, Picture It! @ Your Library®, which encourages teens to read a variety of materials, including graphic novels, movies, books about photography, and more.

Teen Read Week™ is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 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 Library Director Mary Cosper LeBoeuf. "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, LeBoeuf hopes to show parents and other concerned community members what the library can offer by hosting special programs and events during Teen Read Week™. Here is what is being offered at Terrebonne Parish libraries. For more information call 985 876-5861.

· October 17 at 4 pm: Personalized Collage Frame at the Gibson Branch

· October 18 at 4 pm: Halloween Craft at the Chauvin Branch

· October 18 at 4 pm: Solar Print Making using photosensitive paper to create a unique piece of art at the Dularge and Montegut Branches; Registration required

· October 19 at 6 – 8 pm: Darkroom photography activity and presentation at Main Library with professional photographer Tiffany McCullough.

· October 20 at 3 – 5 pm: Teens will learn to make hair bows at the Grand Caillou Branch

· October 20 at 4 pm: Manga Pumpkin Carving Workshop; Bring a clean pumpkin; Patterns and carving tools are provided at the Bourg Branch

· October 21 at 3:30 pm: Wii games and Craft workshop at the Dularge Branch

· October 22 at 2 pm: "Yes We Care” Program – greeting cards designed by teens to be sent to local nursing homes. Let your creative side come through using a variety of art supplies at the East Houma Branch

· October 22 at 4 pm: Solar Print Making using photosensitive paper to create a unique piece of art at the North Branch; Registration required

"Many families have learned to make do with less as a result of the economy and have flocked to the library,” LeBoeuf 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.

LeBoeuf 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.