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JKPL has new teen book club
The Joeten Kiyu Public Library launched a brand new Teen Book Club last Friday. Called the “The Page Turners,” it is being coordinated by JKPL’s technical services librarian Rosalyn Ajoste.
Ajoste said the first session drew about 10 students—mostly girls from Marianas High School—while others expressed a desire to join in the coming weeks.
The book club is both for boys and girls and is open to all young adults with ages 12 to 18 from all public and private schools in the CNMI. Home-schooled students are also welcome to participate.
The meetings will be held every Friday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the Pacific Room of JKPL.
“The book club is an example of new library programming aimed at promoting literacy among teenagers. JKPL unveiled the idea for the book club during its recent celebration of Teen Read Week Celebration,” Ajoste said.
The Teen Read Week Celebration was held from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18. Ajoste said this year’s theme was “Turn Dreams Into Reality.”
For the book club’s first venture, JKPL purchased 20 copies of the novel Divergent by Veronica Roth.
“Using a formal discussion guide, each of the members of the club will take turns leading a group discussion that delves into key concepts, controversial issues, motifs and themes raised by the dystopian novel,” she said.
Ajoste noted that discussions can range from weeks to months.
“Once a book is finished, the group then decides together on what novel they would like to read next,” she said.
Ajoste cited research that shows that book clubs provide enrichment for teens by turning reading into a social activity. Teens improve overall reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as they analyze character motivations and question storylines.
“Book clubs also build confidence and develop leadership skills. They offer a safe environment for teenagers to practice public speaking and conflict resolution and hopefully they build lifelong friendships in the process,” she said.
For more information on JKPL’s programs or activities call 235-7329 or email them at thesaipanlibrarian@gmail.com
