Local libraries gear up for Teen Read Week

October 9, 4:34 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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Next week marks the start of Teen Read Week.  It will be celebrated October. 18th- 24th.  This year's theme is Read Beyond Reality @ you library, which encourages teens to read something out of this world, just for the fun of it.  Teen Read Week is an initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), which is part of the American Library Association (the brains behind Banned Book Week).  It started in 1998. 

Since then, YALSA and teen librarians nationwide have been encouraging teens to read for pleasure.  According to YALSA, research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. 

Libraries around King, Snohomish, and Island Counties all have programs and events celebrating Teen Read Week.  In Snohomish County, the Monroe Public Library is having a Zombie Survival Test for teens on Wednesday, October 14th at 3 p.m. Teens (12-18) will talk about the best movies, games, and books in the genre as well as trivia contests and other zombie-related fun. There is also a zombie costume contest.  Also next Wednesday, the Edmonds Public Library will have Ross Allison of the Advanced Ghost Hunters of Seattle-Tacoma (A.G.H.O.S.T.) discuss and demonstrate what it takes to conduct a paranormal investigation.  On Monday, October 19th, the Mulkilteo Library will have a "Liar's Party" with teen author Justine Larbalestier.

At the Freeland Public Library in Island County, teens (12-18) can enjoy Stardust, the film based on Neil Gaiman's fantasy graphic fable on Friday, October 16th at 3 p.m.  In King County, at the Auburn Library on Saturday, October 17th, teens are invited to a new and classic sci-fi movies filmfest at 2 p.m.  At the Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library, Michael Buckley will talk about NERDS (National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society) on Saturday, October 10th at 2 p.m.

Sound off:  What are other libraries and bookstores doing to celebrate Teen Read Week?  Leave your suggestions below!

Check back Monday for my list of books for teens who want to read beyond reality!  Can't wait that long?  Check out my list of books to read after Twilight!

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