With all the technology available today, today’s generation of kids are being pulled further and further away from traditional means of entertainment/education, mainly, reading books.

However, the Brown Library, which hosts monthly reading programs for area teens, gives kids a chance to immerse themselves in not only reading books, but a social gathering, of sorts, that is, more or less, a book club. The teens meet once a month and participate in activities pertaining to reading and, at that time, they have the opportunity to discuss their favorite characters, favorite parts and other analysis of the books they read. Among some of the activities the teens participate in include book-to-movie events, arts and crafts and other projects.

In addition to keeping teens immersed in reading, these programs provide an important outlet for some of them. Some of the teens that participate may feel uncomfortable or unaccepted in other social settings and may not fit a typical demographic like athletes, for example. According to Kim Davenport, program coordinator, the program provides the teens with a “safe haven” where they can be themselves and enjoy reading, as well as the fellowship that comes along with the program.

Davenport also says the program’s effectiveness shows through its growth. At its inception, only a handful of teens were participating regularly. Through word of mouth and regular participants bringing their friends, and their friends bringing their friends, the program has grown to around three-dozen regular participants. Some teens have entered the program reading only graphic novels. However, through the activities and positive peer pressure in the program, these avid graphic novel readers have transitioned to reading traditional novels, which Davenport says is a sign of success.

Participants recently held their end-of-year Christmas party, celebrating its success, and soon, the program will host one more event prior to the beginning of the New Year. Pre-registration is required, but the group is always looking for new faces and new ideas.