Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
Area teens in need of some downtime are welcome to hang out in the library, chill with friends and read a book. The library’s newest young adult program, “Read and Relax,” takes place on Friday, April 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Stillwater Public Library (SPL). This free program is open to teens in grades 6-12, who will also enjoy light snacks and meditative music.
Jordan Stine, SPL teen librarian, hopes to create a stress-free zone for teens during a time of the school year that can often be demanding.
“Finals and end-of-the-year schoolwork can be nerve-racking,” Stine said. “The library wants to give teens a quiet space to relax and focus on reading for pleasure or required reading for school, without any distractions from the outside world. It also doesn’t hurt when you can listen to music, be around friends and have something to munch on.”
The Friends of the Library will provide snacks for “Read and Relax.” Additionally, teens may wear appropriate pajamas or comfy clothes and bring blankets or pillows to snuggle up with.
To make the reading environment peaceful, librarians will also play instrumental music of the teens’ choice to create a soothing space.
“We hope to use music to put teens into a focused headspace,” Stine said. “Teens can help pick the music; however, librarians will limit selections to instrumental music without lyrics so that they can give their undivided attention to reading.”
Stine hopes teens will enjoy having a “home away from home” to get ahead on their studies or have some much-needed rest and relaxation.
“I love the idea of having a program just focused on reading for teens at the library,” Stine said. “If teens enjoy it, I’d like to make this a reoccurring activity.”
SPL is open until 6 p.m. on Fridays, allowing teens to visit the library to borrow titles during the first hour of the program.
Registration for “Read and Relax” can be found at library.stillwater.org/register.php. Those interested can also stop by the library or call the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106. Teens who would like to help with programs like this one can pick up applications to join the Teen Advisory Council (TAC) at the library.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.