Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) celebrates Teen Read Week, October 18 – 24, 2009. They join thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year’s theme, “Read Beyond Reality,” which encourages teens to read a wide variety of materials that are out of this world. As part of this year’s celebration, PLCMC offers a lineup of exciting sci-fi and fantasy themed events including author visits, book clubs, the Amazing Race Library Edition, movies, scavenger hunts, and more. It is the Library’s hope that teens will join in the fun, and rediscover just how enjoyable reading can be.

Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week, too. Studies show a regular reading habit increases reading proficiency, and one of the most important ways teens acquire the habit is by watching adults they respect. The Library offers these ideas:
• Set aside time each night for the family to read.
• Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward.
• Share your favorite book with your teen.
• Explore the web with your teen to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is the Library’s teen site www.libraryloft.org.
• Join a book discussion group at the public library.
• Visit the public library with your teen to bring them to a Teen Read Week event and check out books while you’re there.

Teen Read Week Event Schedule

Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC has been recognized as a “Five Star” library and is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community. For more information, visit www.plcmc.org.