Motivate Teens To Read
Communities value their libraries, and at the Levittown Library, the library staff, in turn, truly appreciates their patrons. Employees at the Levittown Public Library, with a talent for knitting, demonstrate their commitment to the community’s teens by making “amigurumi”—small knitted or crocheted stuffed toys—for use in the reading program.
As many parents know, getting teens to read can be a challenge. Each year, amigurumi relating to the reading theme are created and used to make the program more appealing. The toys are taken to school outreach events to generate interest. The knitted toys are hidden in the library and given as prizes.
Talented Levittown staff members make the toys on their own time with their own supplies. Some even create original patterns. Their time and enthusiasm pays off—the amigurumi strike a chord in teens, who often have one foot in childhood and the other in adulthood. The toys are highly-coveted, teens often bypass a gift card prize and choose an amigurumi instead.
The teen years are busy and often stressful. Homework, test prep, sports, extra-curriculars and socialization all compete for precious free time. Reading may not always seem like a priority to teens but is critical to future achievement in all areas. Levittown Public Library staff members are dedicated to helping motivate teens to read and succeed.
