During these hot, hazy and humid days of summer, many North Haven teenagers are staying cool while going to the library or staying indoors with the air conditioner and reading a good book. The North Haven Memorial Library is sponsoring the first teen summer reading program during July and August, and it is open to North Haven residents in middle (have completed fifth grade) or high school.

“We always have programs for children, but this year, thanks to the brainchild of Pat LaTerza, librarian of the children’s department, we are sponsoring a reading program for teenagers,” stated Angela Beach, assistant librarian of the children’s department. “Pat and I are trying to get teenagers from middle school to high school into the library to enjoy the books while doing something constructive with their time.”

Beach further explained that on July 1, there was a pizza party held to officially kick off the program. The participants were given copies of a calendar with the months of July and August on them, and every day a teen reads a book for 30 minutes, he or she can mark an X on his or her calendar. The teens can read seven days a week and anything they wish, including fiction, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, Bibles from summer Bible camp, etc. They receive a raffle ticket for every day they read, and the tickets are placed in a jar for the raffle drawing at the end of the program on Aug. 12. The grand prize is a $50 gift card to Westfield Mall and additional prizes of $15-$25 gift cards to iTunes, Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch, Barnes and Noble, Aeropostale, Sports Authority, Target and Showcase movies.

“Most kids come weekly to show their calendars and they are enthusiastic and excited when they come up to the desk,” added Beach. “They are eager to get credit and their tickets.”

The library has always sponsored various programs throughout the year, especially during the summer, but this year was the first time a program for teens was held and the response has been great. Presently, there are 120 sign-ups with good response and support from parents as well. Also, the library is hosting various programs and workshops for teens throughout the summer, and participants can earn up to five raffle tickets for attending. At the end of every program, there is a drawing and five lucky winners are treated to a free Libby’s Italian-Ice. The programs include a Manga Workshop, Baseball Days, T-Shirt Transfer, Embellished Clothing, Finger Knitting, Duct Tape, Henna Tattoos, and Shrink Wrap Pendants.

“We try to have a variety of programs and workshops that will be appealing to all teens,” stated Beach. “Our programs thus far have had good attendance with at least 20-25 attendees at each.”

Beach also explained that the prizes and supplies for the summer teen reading program are made possible by the generous donations of Ciulla & Donofrio, LLP of North Haven, and several local businesses, including Luigi’s Restaurant, Big Y Supermarket, and Libby’s Italian Pastry Shop. The Friends of the Library have also been very supportive. Both Beach and LaTerza are very glad that they went forward with the program, and both believe it fills a need because of the huge response.

“Since we have had a great response this summer, we have decided to continue with programs for teens after school starts in September. We are going to set up a Teen Advisory Group in which a selected group of teens under my supervision will make suggestions on programs they would like to see at the library,” added Beach. “It will be a teen-driven program and some possible suggestions may include movie nights, craft nights, sports nights, tie-dye, Bingo, yoga class, theater club, cooking series, heritage night, computer animation workshop, music club, acting lessons and others.”

The final drawings will be held on the last day of the teen summer reading program which is Thursday, Aug. 12. In the meantime, teens are encouraged to continue reading while enjoying and exploring the many possibilities that the library has to offer. Registration is an on-going process, and those interested in the program are welcomed to sign up at the library.

“This has been a wonderful summer program, and Pat and I are so happy to see children of all ages, especially the teens, showing a conscientious effort in reading,” replied Beach. “Remember, the more days you read, the more beneficial it is for your mind, and the better your chance of winning a prize.”

For more information on the Teen Summer Reading Program or other programs and services available at the library, please call the North Haven Library at 203-239-5803 and ask for the Children’s Department or visit the website at www.northhavenlibrary.net.