Staff Writer
For six weeks this summer, the winds of change were blowing through the Caribou Public Library’s teen section.
The library’s young adults spent the summer participating in the themed summer reading program called, “Metamorphosis at Your Library.”
Contributed photo
Emily Staples, left, and Faith Peterson work on their dream journals during the dream analysis portion of the Caribou Public Library’s teen summer program, “Metamorphosis at Your Library.”
“The library’s summer programs emphasized bringing about positive change for oneself both inside and out through a series of special events, along with the six-week reading program,” said Mona Martin, young adult librarian.
Beginning with “Mother/Daughter Makeover Night,” moms and their teen daughters learned about having a positive body image through games and “all things girly.”
Manon Levesque, beauty consultant, shared tips on basic skin care and makeup application. Along with the makeovers, the girls learned the importance of finding their own special qualities and enhancing them.
A martial arts demonstration, presented by Loren Gordon and members of the Tai Gi Shin Dojo, gave teens a look at the art of ninjutsu.
Through historical background of the fighting technique and hands-on practice of ninja moves, Gordon and his students shared insight into how the art of ninjutsu focuses on self-defense, respect and self-esteem. They also shared how practicing this art has influenced positive change into their own lives.
The program’s third and final special event was a night of self-discovery through dream analysis. Teens were able to take an in-depth and often comical look at their dreams and how those dreams might apply to their everyday lives.
The participants also made their own dream pillows to enhance good dreams in addition to making dream journals in which they could keep a record of their dreams.
Throughout the entire summer program, a group of young adults also prepared a Readers’ Theater production.
After five weeks of practicing, making props and helping to prepare the set, the group performed “Grasshopper to the Rescue” for the younger participants of the library’s summer programs as well as the general public.
Of course, all teens were encouraged to read throughout the summer and not get out of the habit just because school was out for the summer months.
With the introduction of this year’s reading menus, teens were encouraged to change their views of reading, and to see reading in a new light.
“Reading is not just about chapter books, but also about newspapers, magazines and graphic (illustrated) novels, too,” said Martin.
Various point values were assigned to different reading materials. Teens could earn extra points by reading the various materials in any combination and cash the points in to receive Pizza Hut coupons.
Dana McLeod, an avid library user and member of the library’s Teen Advisory Group, attended the martial arts demonstration and the dream analysis night, both of which he said were “cool.”
He also enjoyed learning about ninjutsu and how “everything in their lives revolved around it.”
McLeod also had fun with the dream analysis, saying “it was cool because your dreams can have stuff to do with your everyday life.”
As far as Martin is concerned, the library’s summer programs were a success, saying, “we had kids reading, learning and having some fun, and that was our goal.”
Contributed photo
Tai Gi Shin Dojo owner, Loren Gordon, works with Dakota Rhodes, left, and Dana McLeod during the ninjutsu presentation at the Caribou Public Library as part of their summer program.
