|
|
"I think it's the most important thing," McInnis said. "What you read can become so powerful."
To celebrate the event, the Washington Public Library is holding a drawing where three teenagers can win a $50 gift card to Borders Bookstores.
To enter, a teen must read one or more books from the 2009 Teens' Top 10 Nominations list and write a short review of each book. The list consists of 25 nominees chosen by 15 different book clubs around the country.
"I like the fact that Teen Read Week is driven by the interest of teens," McInnis said. "It's not some adult saying 'Here it is' (the nomination list)."
All reviews must be turned in to the Washington Public Library by Saturday, Oct. 17. The 2009 Top 10 Nominations list and review form can be found in the library or on the city's Web site, www.ci.washington.mo.us.
Teen Read Week also is being celebrated by the Washington High School library. Although the school is celebrating the same event, the WHS library is taking a different approach.
Instead of encouraging books only on the Top 10 Nominations list, the library will display a different book each day based on the week's theme.
"We will probably focus on a lot of fantasy and science fiction novels which are very popular among teen readers." WHS Librarian Ann Loesing said. "(We want to) draw people to novels, old and new, that they haven't necessarily looked at before."
In honor of Teen Read Week, the WHS library usually has daily activities, which may include trivia, games, puzzles and/or essay contests.
"We always try to do something different and try different things," Loesing said.
Research shows that students who read for fun get better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the work force.
"It's a good way to experience new things and go in someone else's shoes," said Gretchen Ferguson, Washington High School student. "It's just a good way to spend free time."
