After attending a few meetings fighting library cuts in
Barnet, I decided to get involved in my local library in a small way. Finchley
Church End Library had no teen reading group, so with the help of the head
librarian, the wonderful Steve Saunders, I decided to try and set one up. Flyers
were sent round to all the local schools, and we were hopeful that it would
attract a few kids.
Last week we had our first meeting. I went prepared and
armed with lists of books. The librarian had reserved books from the Carnegie
shortlist for me, so that the teens could have a look at each book before
deciding which one they wanted to read and discuss first.
I got to the library early and set up the table. And then I
waited. Ten minutes into the time, no one had arrived and I began to wonder
whether there would in fact be no reading group because there was just no
interest.
And then four kids arrived! And they were all into books and
reading and excited to share what they liked and what they didn’t, what they
had read over the last year and what they wanted to read. There were three
girls and one boy, and all of them said they had friends who would love to join
and could they let them know so they could come next time.
Of course I said yes, happily.
The kids decided that they did want to unofficially shadow
the Carnegie and the book they voted to read first was When Mr. Dog Bites by Brian Conaghan (I think the swear words in
the book only played a small part in that choice!). Our next session will be
discussing the book and the issues it raises. The kids hadn’t heard of either Tourette’s
or Asperger’s, so we’ll be talking about both of those conditions.
They have also decided that next they want to read Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan, and
then next Buffalo Soldier by Tanya
Landman.
Hopefully, from these small beginnings the teen book club
will grow and thrive, and I’m looking forward to sharing with them the many
amazing teen books that are out there.
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11 comments:
Good onya, Savita! It's a great thing to do. Enjoy!
Great idea - good luck!
Your group sounds fabulous - well done for making it possible!
That's a great idea. Might suggest it here in Carmarthenshire. I did one event recently in a library and just two teens turned up but we had a great chat.
I love this sort of thing and it really supports the work of the librarian. Brilliant.
Fantastic, Savita! Doesn't matter how many come - it's how keen they are that counts. Well done!
It's all about ever widening ripples. This is wonderful to be able to work with such enthusiastic readers whatever the size of the group. Have fun!
Thanks everyone! Love the widening ripples, Dianne!
This is a brilliant venture. It sounds as if it's going to be a stimulating group. Keep us posted.
Superb! I remember reading about it. What day and time will be the next meeting? I'd like to bring my children.
Knowingchristie, sorry, I've only just seen this! The next meeting will be on 20th July. Then we break for summer and come back on Monday 7th September.
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