The Andalusia Public Library is trying to incorporate a program that brings more teens into the library during the summer break.

Librarian Caryl Lee Ray said that during the summer, most teens are either working or have other extracurricular activities.

“Our attendance during the summer does go down as far as teenagers go,” Ray said. “Because students usually have band camp, travel for the summer or have other camps that they go too.”

The board game theme for this year’s Teen Day came from last year’s teen program.

“At the last teen program we had, Samuel, my helper, ran and got his Uno cards,” Ray said. “It was very receptive to the teens that came. So, instead of bringing a presenter and having somebody stand up and talk to them, we are having a laid back sort of board game day. This way they can just play games and visit with each other and not have to worry about paying attention to a speaker.”

Another reason why Ray wanted to bring back these classic board games is that they all have a story.

“I have people tell me all the time when they see dominoes or chess, ‘Oh, I remember when so and so and I would play that game,’” Ray said. “I am hoping that by providing these games, these teenagers can make memories like that.”

Ray said that she is hoping to incorporate the World Championship Domino Tournament, as well.

“I don’t know if some of the teenagers even know how to play dominos,” Ray said. “And that is a very big part of Andalusia history, which is why I want them to play and learn.”

While the attendance has gone down, Ray said that teen reading is actually increasing.

“The teen room has really been utilized this year,” Ray said. “We went through and reorganized it. Purged a lot of old stuff. If they tell me the books that they want, then I will get them, that has been the most important thing because kids will read if they like the book.”

Last month, the library saw more than 800 kids come through its doors during their summer program.

“We had a really good showing this year,” Ray said. “I think most of it had to do with passing out flyers at the individual schools. We had 800 come in over every single program that we had at the library.”

With the new teen program, Ray hopes to get at least 15 to 20 teens.

“We are hoping to get at least that many,” Ray said. “If we see it being successful then we will keep on doing it.”

The Teen Game Day will be Thu., July 18, from 2 p.m., until 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the library at 334-222-6612.