Two teen summer reading programs recently finished with the Jefferson Public Library.

Youth Services Librarian Stephanie Hall says about 25 middle school teens registered for the program this year with the theme of “Oceans of Possibilities.”

“Our main goal for the summer with our teens was just to get them involved in reading again. And they got to set their own goals. So each one had their own Captain’s Log and with Captain’s Log they made their goal.”  

Hall points out these kids participated in lots of programs including an escape room, a murder mystery and an ocean-themed Dungeons and Dragons. She describes how the program went for the younger teens.

“I think the teens have really started to come in more and more, and it’s been great to get their feedback. We started a D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) Club and they’re actually meeting outside of the library too to continue it. So there’s lots of growth and lots of new people coming together that may not have been involved with each other in school. That they’re actually starting to make that connection and forming some friendships.”

Additionally, the new high school teens program had four participants. These individuals were given reading goals and earned a prize for each goal that they met.