Increasing Teen Participation

One of the best parts of the “Books for the Beast” conference is the opportunity to listen to, and interact with, teens in the book discussion groups. Year after year, this is the aspect that many participants say makes our conference different from other literature conferences.

We need your help and enthusiasm! We believe that you can help us build excitement about the conference by getting teens excited about discussing books. (Plus, the conference has lots of good food, freebies, and the chance to listen to famous authors and talk to teens from across the state!)

One of the ways to encourage teen participation in this conference is to “grow” teen readers who like to discuss books by engaging them in book discussion groups in your own schools and libraries.

We’ve gathered some information and resources to help you promote and encourage teen book discussion groups. This is only a starting point-let us know if you have other favorite resources.

Please feel free to add your comments and tips about teen participation to this blog!

Web Resources:

Check out this great Wiki created by Beth Saxton, Teen Coordinator of Cleveland Public Library. It has lots of information about starting teen books clubs and discussion groups, and ways to connect teens to the written word.

CPL TeensRead

http://cplteensread.wikispaces.com/

From CPL TeensRead and Beth Saxton:

Why is it important to encourage teen book clubs and discussion groups?

• Encourage reading and literacy skills
• Promote the collection
• Help establish relationships between teens and librarians and between teens and their peers
• Encourage reading outside of school
• Help teens develop social skills like active listening and empathy with other points of view
• Support critical thinking
• Let teens build communication skills
• Encourage self-expression
• Promote personal responsibility through making a commitment to read and attend
• Help teens better understand themselves and the world around them through literature