By By Thomas Tingle
Record Managing Editor
Do kids read comic books?
Do teenagers actually read?
Stephanie Walker, young adult librarian at Madison Public Library, says "yes" – teens read and there are lots of ways for teens to get "graphic" at the library.
The Madison Public Library is celebrating Teen Read Week this week with unique ways to encourage reading.
"Teen Read Week encourages teens to get graphic at the library," Walker said. "In order to find out what graphic novels are and to encourage kids to read them, the answers will be revealed this week at the library."
The Teen Read events will help teens develop a habit of reading for the fun of it.
"Reading for the fun of it is the very best way to acquire a reading habit," Walker said.
Walker said the nation's report card shows that reading scores have made no significant statistical gains since the 1970's and a smaller percentage of 13 and 17-year-olds read for fun daily in 1999 than in 1971.
"A reading habit will increase reading proficiency," Walker said. "There are lots of ways for teens to start reading more. For example: read comic and graphic novels, join a book discussion group at the school or public library, or log on to www.ala.org/teenhoopla., check out careers in graphic arts, keep a comic book in your backpack at all times. Use it to read while waiting for the bus, add a comic book or graphic novel to your collection, and read what you want to read for the fun of it."
Teen Read Week will continue through Oct. 19. For more information about what activities are planned at the Madison Public Library, call Stephanie Walker at 461-0046.