Miami, Fl – With the theme IMAGINE THIS @ YOUR LIBRARY, Miami-Dade Public Library System is joining bookstores, libraries and schools across the country from October 15-22 in celebration of Teen Read Week – originated by the American Library Association - recognizing the fact that imagination and creativity are fostered through reading. This year, in an effort to further encourage teens’ reading habits, the Library has extended adolescents’ programming beyond the usual 7-day series.

Area teens are getting ready to participate in special reading sessions with a Miami Dolphins player (name still a secret), WEDR-FM 99 JAMZ station’s van with on-air personalities and music that will move their feet, and CBS 4 in a reading initiative, Leaders are Readers! The place to be is the North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183 Street, on Tuesday, October 11, from 3:30 p.m.

Anime, playwriting workshops, mystery, science fiction…there is something for every mood and interest, including the opportunity to make new friends and learn about acting. Made possible by The Children’s Trust, award-winning author Richard Peck of A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder will discuss his latest work The Teacher’s Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts at the Coral Reef Branch, 9211 Coral Reef Drive, Saturday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. and at the West Kendall Regional Library, 10201 Hammocks Blvd., Saturday, October 22, at 2:00 p.m. Also “Off the Page” at the Library and sponsored by The Children’s Trust will be author Brad Meltzer, of the popular comic book series Identity Crisis, who will discuss several of his works at the Miami Beach Regional Library,227 22nd Street on Thursday, October 20, 7:00 p.m.

A living legend of literacy, award-winning actor Tommy Ford, known best for his TV show Martin, will be at the North Dade Regional Library, Thursday, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. The accomplished writer and role model will lead a discussion for teens that is sure to inspire. Information on other programs now follows:

From the Page to the Stage: A Teen Poetry Event
Join the Fantasy Theatre Factory in celebration of Teen Read Week with poetry readings; bring your own poetry and writing to share!
North Shore Branch – 7501 Collins Ave., Saturday, October 8, 2:00 PM
South Dade Regional – 10750 SW 211 St., Saturday, October 15, 3:00 PM
South Miami Branch – 6000 Sunset Drive, Tuesday, October 18, 7:00 PM
Main Library – 101 W. Flagler Street, Thursday, October 27, 4:00 PM

Playwriting Workshops for Teens
Middle and high school students will write their own play during a ten session workshop with excerpts of their plays read aloud on Thursday, October 27th at 5:00 PM.
Miami Beach Regional - Tuesdays & Thursdays, beginning on September 27, 5:00 PM
*Registration is required; please contact the library at 305 535-4219.

Read-A-Thon
The Library System is inviting youngsters, 12-18 years, to a Teen Read-A-Thon at the South Dade Regional Library on Saturday, October 15, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and at the North Dade Regional Library, Saturday, October 22, also from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

It’s the time to share their favorite books with peers and friends and learn how valuable the Library really is in their lives. Most importantly, it’s all FREE and happening throughout the branches. For more information, please contact 305 – 375-BOOK or visit www.mdpls.org.

Media Contact:
Marivi Prado, Public Affairs Officer
Tel. (305) 375-5180
pradom@mdpls.org