By AUSTIN DeFOOR – Web Master
Last week, schools across America, including Clarke Central High School, participated in Teen Read Week. This program was created in 1998 by the American Library Association to encourage teens to pick up a book.
“Teen read week is sponsored by the Young Adult Library Service Association division (of the ALA). They pick a theme every year and have one week where (the ALA) celebrates the idea that there are certain services that are offered just for teens. This year the theme (was) Picture It @ Your Library and is supposed to celebrate the idea of the importance of graphic novels and Manga,” CCHS Media Specialist Lindy Weaver said.
CCHS Media Center Specialist Kacy Tedder was in charge of the organization for Teen Read Week, creating events for each day of the week.
“As part of (Teen Read Week), we’ve had all kinds of contests. (There was) a book swap, where students and teachers (brought) a book and then, in exchange, were given a ticket. Then they could go and pick up a book that other people have swapped,” Weaver said.
Additionally, a bookmark contest, book amnesty day, a guess how many books there are game, a reader’s survey and a best excuse for a lost book contest was planned.
The media center also worked in conjunction with the graphic arts department to design posters and bookmarks in an attempt to market Teen Read Week.
“(CCHS graphic arts department teacher Jennifer) Chastain’s class designed the posters based on the theme. They also created buttons and bookmarks for us,” Weaver said.
While words-only books are the most common read for most teens, graphic novels and books such as Manga are popularizing each day.
