The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 7, 2012) – Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as the libraries of the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) are promoting the 15th annual Teen Read Week™, October 14 – 20, 2012.

This year’s theme, “It Came from the Library” dares teens to come to the library and read graphic novels, horror books, fantasy titles and more. During this time period, area libraries will be active with books and programs aimed at encouraging teens to read for pleasure and to visit their libraries for free reading materials. It’s programming and reading and ways to increase adolescent literacy all rolled up into one week-long celebration known as Teen Read Week™.

The libraries in the RCLS service area of Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and southern Ulster counties will join hundreds of other libraries across the country, the American Library Association (ALA) and the Young Adult Library Services Association in the celebration of this year’s theme.

“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 – and reading gets lost in the shuffle,” says Randall Enos, RCLS Youth Services Consultant. “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.”

A reading habit increases reading proficiency. One of the most important ways teens acquire the habit is by watching adults they respect. Being around adults with a reading habit can counteract the latest statistics from the Nation’s Report Card that indicate that in homes across America the number of different types of reading materials has decreased, and a smaller percentage of 17-year-olds saw adults reading in their homes.

Since its inception in 1998, Teen Read Week™ has focused on the importance of teen recreational reading. Teen Read Week’s objectives are to give teens an opportunity to read for the fun of it, allows teens to select their own reading materials, and to help teens get in the habit of reading regularly and often. This year’s theme, chosen by teens, is “It Came from the Library,” and it is a great theme because it includes so much – spooky stories, mysteries, thrillers and anything else teens dare to check out!

Enos says there are lots of ways teens can “take time to read and drop by their library and dare to read, just for the fun of it.” Here are some tips for teens:

· Visit the local public library to attend a program or to check out books.

· Set aside time each night for your family to read.

· Read on your lunch hour. Pick a table in the corner of the cafeteria or sit outside on a bench and pick up some non-required reading.

· Ask for books or magazine subscriptions as birthday or holiday gifts.

· Surf the Internet to learn about new books or authors.

· Join a book discussion group at the school or public library.

· Keep a book in your backpack at all times. Use it to read while waiting for the bus, an appointment, or for your friends to pick you up.

· Read what you want to read, just for the fun of it.

Enos also offered the following tips for parents. “Be a role model. Let your teen see you reading for fun as well as work. Sharing a book shows you care,” he explained. “If you show books are important to you; that sends a message louder than any words.”

For more information, visit www.ala.org/teenread on the Web or call at 800-545-2433, ext. 4390.