APL’s Summer Reading Program shifts focus to teens in July
Published 1:00 pm Saturday, June 29, 2024
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Part of the Summer Reading Program adventure may have come to an end at the Andalusia Public Library in June, but another one is about to begin as the focus turns to teens in July.
Teen Tuesdays are back for the second straight year with three days in July for teenagers to visit the APL and participate in fun-filled activities from 2 to 3:30 p.m. each day in the Dixon Room.
“There’s another adventure waiting for teens at your local library. Teen Tuesdays is a time when teens bring their interests to explore. We will continue our Summer Reading Program and welcome tweens and teens to hang out, snack, and create in July,” Children’s Librarian Caryl Lee Ray said.
The first event is on July 2 with a rock painting activity. Following a week off, the next activity is on July 16 with do-it-yourself hair wraps and Legos. The month will close with crafts and games on July 30.
As part of the SRP, children ages 4-12 and teenagers who are aged 13-19 were encouraged to build Lego creations. Those Lego displays must be turned into the APL by Monday, July 8. Select judges will visit the library one day in July and pick their favorites from different age ranges. Winners will be notified and receive gift cards and prizes.
Ray added that she and the APL staff are excited about the return of Teen Tuesdays following last year’s inaugural program.
“Cultivating a space and programs in the library that teens can activate and own sends teens a strong signal they are valued and welcome. A teen space is not about tables, chairs, and trendy lounge seating but is more about intention and usefulness. We want teens to know they are welcome in the library to look for books, utilize the Wi-Fi, participate in contests, and share in the sense of community that is Andalusia Public Library,” she said.
One space at the APL that teenagers can take advantage of when visiting the library is the Book Nook.
“This is a fun library space that accommodates and fosters activities that teens automatically engage in. It gives them endless opportunities such as socializing, sharing ideas, resources and content, group play, and creating things like artwork and digital content. APL values our teens by reserving spaces and programs in the library where they can take ownership,” Ray said.
Threasa Martin and Sydney Demers will assist Ray with all the July activities planned for the Teen Tuesdays program.
“We would like to see another big turnout this year after last year. Parents will be allowed to drop their teens off and return to pick them up when we are finished each day. This is a fun way for us to welcome older children to the library and allow them to spend time in our newly renovated teen area,” Ray said.
The Andalusia Public Library is located at 212 South Three Notch Street and is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information email library@cityofandalusia.com or call 334-222-6612.