Book program helps troubled teens

The Vernon Area Public Library is among 181 libraries, including 13 in the state, selected to host the Great Stories Club book-discussion program this summer for troubled teens. Gina Sheade and Pam Minarik of the Vernon Area Library will lead 12 youth age 14-16 from the Robert W. Depke Juvenile Justice Complex in Lincolnshire through hour-long monthly book discussions starting in June.

The Young Adult Library Services Association selected three fiction books that focus on teens facing challenges: "Born Blue" by Han Nolan; "The First Part Last" by Angela Johnson and "Stuck in Neutral" by Terry Trueman. [These are all available in our bookshop: click the flags of countries nearest to you.]

Born Blue Han Nolan

The First Part Last Angela Johnson

Stuck in Neutral Terry Trueman

By the dozen
Each participating library received 11 copies of each book, thanks to $50,000 in funding from Oprah's Angel Network. The library purchased a 12th copies of each book itself.

Sheade said she felt compelled to apply for the grant from the American Library Association when she read about the program earlier this year. "Since the Depke Complex is in our district and most public libraries don't have that, I felt we had the responsibility and obligation to follow through," she said. Since all three books revolve around the same theme of facing tough challenges, Sheade said she is hoping the teens will find the selections interesting and relevant to their lives.

Michael Fletcher, assistant director of the Depke Complex, said he has already seen benefits as the youth prepare for the program by reading. "They've gathered together in groups to read the book together," Fletcher said. "Pockets of them are reading the book out loud together. That shared experience as an entire group is a new experience for them." Fletcher said he hopes that through reading literature about their own situation "they would begin to develop empathy and give them a fresh look, an outside look at themselves."

Showing they care
But the most important lesson the Great Books Club can bestow is that outsiders care, he said. "To see someone come in from the community means a lot to them," he said. Sheade said reaching out to the community -- all aspects of the community -- is part of the library's role. "The library is involved in partnership with a variety of schools, businesses and organizations throughout the community," she said. "That's central to our role, to be active in the community and explore new ways to interact and provide services people want and need. It's a natural extension for us."

Involvement with youth is of particular importance, she said. "Young people are our future library supporters," Sheade said. "Any way we can reach out to them and communicate the value and importance of libraries is a good thing."

Linda Blaser
22 June 2006

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/bg/06-22-06-939014.html

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