Program Ideas

http://www.planolibrary.org/children/TeenMysteryResource.htm  This site features successful teen mystery program scripts.

Teens' Top Ten

Let your teens be a part of a national vote to determine what the top ten books of the year are.  Go to the Teens' Top Ten page and have your teens read the nominated books, then take part in the vote during Teen Read Week.

Live @ your library

Hold a series of "live" demonstrations on a variety of popular topics.   For example, title a program "CSI - Live!" and ask the local forensic people at the police station to stage a demo of how they investigate a crime scene.  Stage the demo so that it seems that it is actually happening in the library, and then let the audience ask questions at the end.  Come up with other demos that can be converted into a "reality TV" type production. 

Weird Science

Offer teens weird scientific trivia facts each day of the week on cards or a bulletin board near a display of science books.  Show the movie Weird Science or Real Genius.  Some programs that may fit under weird science are cooking classes (it could be gross foods),or classes where teens mix their own cosmetics.  Hire someone to do amazing science experiments or magic shows or animal programs.

Natural Disaster

Have posters of cataclysmic natural events and see if teens can identify what they are - tornados, typhoons, etc.  Invite a meterologist to talk about and show evidence of tornadoes or something of interest to your region.  Have a display of survival fiction such as Hatchet.  Another program that would fit in this theme is an introduction to orienteering.

It's Alive in your Body!

Make a display with a model or drawing of the human body (vague - this is teens!) with interesting facts for growth, joints, breathing system, etc.   Offer healthy snacks some of the days during the week.  Host a walk-a-thon or jump rope marathon, or dance-a-thon for charity.  Other programs include inviting someone to demonstrate medicine in war times, such as the Civil War, healthy eating cooking classes, extreme sports, etc.

How do YOU plan to celebrate Teen Read Week?  Do you have an program idea that you want to share?  Let YALSA know, and your idea could be listed on this web site!