Bruton Memorial Library’s new youth centered programs aim to foster a lifelong relationship with the young readers.
John Russell, youth services librarian, said the programs help ensure the library is engaging with all age groups and effectively sparks readers’ creativity.
“We try to show the library is relevant to them and their interests,” Russell said. “It will be there for them for the rest of their lives. We’re doing our programing for teens but we’re also engaging them in other areas they may need help in. Whether it’s something for college, a job search, resume help, these teens are just a few years away from going to college, from starting their career and we want them to know we’re here.”
Some of the unique programs offered at Bruton are the teen game zone, which features classic and new games on Nintendos, Xboxes and more, board game sessions with popular games like Settlers of Catan and, recently, interactive author chats.
New York Times bestselling author Jody Lynn Nye Skyped in with young readers at Bruton on Jan. 30 during the
group’s first author chat. The teen book club had read her newest novel, Moon Beam, which she co-authored with Travis S. Taylor, and were able to chat about the writing process and ask questions with its creator.
Nye explained to the attendees the process of effectively creating a science fiction and fantasy world. She described what you have to describe and what you need to focus on to make your vision believable. She also included advice on becoming a writer and how to work with a publisher as many of the young readers are considering pursuing a career in the field.
Several of the attended asked about her process co-authoring a book and what it was like to build a world with someone else.
Taylor has a scientific background and worked on projects for NASA. His knowledge of space and the scientific field helped Nye create an accurate, while still inventive, universe.
However, readers were shocked when Nye surprised them with her review and critique of some of the books the club had read throughout the past year. She had taken the time to not only study their prior reading list but also made suggestions for books to add to their future itinerary.
Each month, the teens meet to discuss the book they read and then pick a new book for the upcoming month. Bruton obtains extra physical and e-book copies so anyone who wishes to join the group can get their hands on the story.
The monthly event is part of the library’s Teen Tuesday, which featured stop motion animation video design, Lego robotics, 3-D printing and more.
In November, Bruton hosted its very own escape room, transforming the library into an interactive mystery. The teens pretended to be locked in and then had to find clues, solve riddles and escape the “evil librarian” that held them hostage in the building.
Next week, Bruton is hosting its very first mini golf event. The Friends of the Library are offering a unique experience for the whole family on Feb. 17 by setting up a mini golf course inside the library. Tickets are $5 each or $8 for a family. Adam Hayward, retired linebacker from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be making a guest appearance at the event.
“We’re always developing our programs based on what our members are interested in,” Russell said. “The library is a place people can grow with and there is something offered here for everyone. It’s our goal to make sure there’s always a program or event or service available that taps everyone’s interest.”