Martin Library and York County Libraries are inviting York County Teens, ages 13 – 18, to find their voice during the upcoming “speak up ¡levanta la voz! Books Empower Us” event on Saturday, October 16. It will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Springettsbury Park. Teens will have the opportunity to share how access to diverse books, authors, and ideas, impacts and empowers their lives during the event.
Teens are invited to sign up in advance for a five-minute performance spot to share their thoughts through spoken word, poetry, or a personal story. Registration is now open for a limited number of performer spots, and for teens interested in attending the event at yorklibraries.org/events. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Masks and physical distancing are recommended for everyone’s health and safety.
The new “speak up ¡levanta la voz!” program is the first in a series of events that will encourage teens to use their voices and empower them to become advocates for change. “Books have the ability to foster learning, discussion, empathy, understanding of cultural differences and insight into diverse perspectives,” says Martin Library Director Mina Edmondson. “Sharing stories can strengthen the community and be a catalyst for positive change. We hope that teens will come out, share their stories, and learn from each other.”
According to York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert, library members countywide have asked for more programming for teens and YCL has built that request into its strategic planning and campaign projects. “Our libraries are continuing to develop and offer more programs to help teens build knowledge, confidence and leadership skills that will help them in school and the workforce,” says Lambert. “When construction is complete at our three campaign project libraries - Martin, Kreutz Creek and Kaltreider-Benfer - there will be dedicated space, specialized programs, and additional resources for York County teens.”
The “speak up ¡levanta la voz!” teen event is a Civic & Social literacy program. York County Libraries are moving PA Forward by investing in and delivering programs which help York County residents of all ages build the key literacy skills they need for personal and workforce success. The five PA Forward literacies include Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health, and Financial. Martin Library is a branch of York County Libraries and is recognized as a PA Forward Gold Star Library. It is located at 159 E. Market Street in the city of York and has been transforming lives and building communities since 1935.
York County Libraries include 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and electronic information, best sellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions and more. Their librarians are passionate advocates for lifelong learning, providing opportunities and resources for all ages. Through early childhood literacy programs, they ignite a love of reading and learning in young children and empower parents as their children’s first teachers. To learn more about York County Libraries’ programs, services, and resources, go to yorklibraries.org.
