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HILLSBOROUGH: Library launches programs aimed at teens

By Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
Special week activities kick off new focus
   It is a place to learn and relax with a good book, but with the celebration of National Library Week and the work being done to provide more opportunities for teenagers, the Hillsborough Township Public Library is fast becoming the town’s newest community center.
   In an effort to attract more teenagers to the library, the Library Advisory Board will induct its first high school liaison at tonight’s (Thursday) meeting. Hillsborough High School senior Jemimah Vergara will fill the position.
   ”She will talk about what she heard from her peers at the school, and promote what the library does,” said Karen Briegs, publicity chair for the library. “In general, we want to attract more kids to the library.”
   According to Ms. Briegs, this move is part of a plan to make the library more appealing to the younger members of the community. She said plans have been discussed over the past year to show first-run movies, hold Wii tournaments, offer book clubs and add other features to entice the younger generation to visit.
   ”We find that the youth are always so busy and active,” she said. “We want to bring the library into part of that, to keep and grow a connection with the kids. They are so attracted to other forms of media, (we want them to know) there is still value to what they find in the library.”
   Elizabeth Erwin, teen librarian, is hoping to offer a wide selection of options that can attract a variety of teenagers with such activities as gaming and crafting programs, book discussions and special performances. She said she is looking forward to an upcoming Teen Art Exhibit and Open Mic Night that will be held at the end of the summer.
   ”I think these will draw in some teens who may not have looked to the library as a place to hang out and have fun,” she said. “By trying a little bit of everything, we will be able to gauge where the interest is, and then go from there programming wise.”
   In order to create more diverse programming, Ms. Erwin said she is also planning to start a Teen Advisory Group, called Pizza and Pages, to develop suggestions for activities for teenagers.
   In general, Ms. Erwin said she believes a library should be a community landmark, where teenagers can go not only to find a book for a school assignment, but also to participate in free programs with other residents. She said teenagers often have so much to do in a day, they do not think about visiting the library, but hopefully the new programs will change that way of thinking.
   ”Certainly the research element is a huge one, and libraries can really help students to not only access information, but also to judge whether it is the best information available,” she said. “But we also want them to realize that this is the place where you can test your Wii skills out against other teens or learn a new skill at one of our free programs. There is a lot happening at this library, and I think if people checked us out, they would be surprised at how diverse our offerings really are.”
   To find a student liaison, Ms. Briegs said, the board drew up a job description, then worked with the high school guidance counselor to find candidates who would be qualified. She said Jemimah is actually looking to minor in library science in college, which fits part of the criteria.
   ”We’ll see what she can bring to the meeting, and what she’s been thinking,” Ms. Briegs said. “The advisory board is looking at broadening its perspectives.”
   In addition to the new liaison, the library is currently celebrating National Library Week, which was created to celebrate the work of the nation’s libraries.
   ”This week is an opportunity for the Hillsborough Library to join with libraries across our nation in celebrating the importance of libraries in a community and how libraries and library workers are dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives,” said Hillsborough Library Branch Director Edward Hoag.
   Mr. Hoag said patrons of the library and the Somerset County Library Service have access to all kinds of different resources of information and entertainment.
   ”We have more than 50 databases available on our Web site, in addition to movies, music and books,” he said.
   Throughout the week, the library is holding programs for adults on genealogy searching, creating environmentally friendly landscaping and what it means to be green, among other activities, Mr. Hoag said.
   For the children, the library is offering an SAT question challenge and a pressed flowers program with the Neshanic Garden Club, he said.
   With the events that have been held thus far this week, Mr. Hoag said, about 40 adults have participated in activities, and five students attended the SAT question challenge. Circulation for Monday and Tuesday, he said, reached close to 4,000 books or materials lent.
   ”The genealogy program was very well-received,” he said. “People were very interested in finding out what resources the library had available to assist with family history research.”
   In addition, the Township Committee presented a proclamation Tuesday to honor National Library Week and recognize it in Hillsborough.
   With so many different events being held lately at the library, such as concerts with various musicians, Ms. Briegs said they are looking to do what they can to bring more people around.
   ”We want to make it more of a community center,” she said. “But we have to market ourselves and make sure we stay current.”