DERBY — The Derby Neck Library is looking for teens to assist in fundraising for a new Teen Space by participating in a Read-a-Thon.
Positioned right next to the Derby Public High School and Middle School, the library has become a popular place for teens to spend time. While there currently is a Teen Space, it quickly reaches full capacity and overflows into the Common Area or the Children’s Room of the library.
Staff also found themselves overwhelmed with teens looking for volunteer opportunities as part of graduation or other endeavors. It didn’t take long to realize that there just weren’t enough books to be shelved to satisfy the need.
“We knew we had two problems to solve, and we wanted to provide a way for teens to complete their service hours while fulfilling the very heart of a library’s mission – cultivating a love of reading,” Head Librarian Krissy Warrenger stated. “The Read-a-Thon not only checks these boxes, it also teaches them what community engagement really means. It’s one thing to say ‘I use a space’ and quite another to say ‘I helped create a space’.”
Teens participate in the Read-a-Thon just like any other “-a-thon” fundraiser: they canvass their families, teachers, and neighbors looking for sponsors.
Sponsors may make a one-time donation, or commit to a certain amount for every book the teen finishes in the allotted time.
The Read-a-Thon began on February 14th and ends on March 31st.
Teens from any town may join in at any point by visiting https://go.rallyup.com/playyourpart/ or contacting Youth Services Librarian Miss Sarah at [email protected] or by calling 203 – 734-1492.
