Teen Read Week 2001 announced

[Esther Murphy <emurphy@ALA.ORG>]

NEWS
For Immediate Release   Contact:        Linda Waddle
March 2001                      312-280-4391
                                        lwaddle@ala.org

"MAKE READING A HOBBIT" IS THE THEME FOR TEEN READ WEEK 2001

"Make Reading A Hobbit," the theme for Teen Read Week 2001, celebrates the =
popularity of fantasy literature with teens, and suggests connecting the =
word "hobbit" with the word "habit" to underscore the need for teens to =
develop a reading habit.  This year's dates for the celebration are =
October 14-20.

Now in its fourth year, Teen Read Week is a national literacy initiative =
of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the =
American Library Association (ALA).  Its partners include: American =
Association of School Administrators, American Booksellers Association, =
National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Council of =
Teachers of English, National Education Association, Speak Up Press, =
International Reading Association, and TeenInk.

The number of schools, public libraries and bookstores that celebrate Teen =
Read Week has grown, and their programs and activities have helped to =
spread the message that teens need to "Read for the Fun of It."  The =
message is still an urgent one.  The latest reading test scores from the =
National Assessment for Educational Progress indicate reading scores have =
made no significant statistical gains since the 1970's.  They also report =
that a smaller percentage of 13- and 17-year olds reads for fun daily in =
1999 than in 1971. In addition, the number of different types of reading =
materials available in homes has decreased, and a smaller percentage of =
17-year-olds saw adults reading in their homes during the same time =
period.  Clearly, adults as well as teenagers need to develop the habit of =
reading.

The Teen Read Week web site, www.ala.org/teenread, has been completely =
redesigned for those who are planning Teen Read Week activities.  The =
information allows you to go the "hobbit" route or the "habit" route, or =
both.  Along with sample press releases and public service announcements =
you will find lists of recommended fantasy books, the "Seven Habits of =
Highly Effective Teen Readers," new sources of information about books and =
reading, and program ideas by state from across the country.  A registratio=
n and feedback form for reporting this year's activities is available for =
librarians and teachers.   There is also a special section just for teens =
with lists of books they will enjoy and a form for voting for the "best =
book read in 2001." =20

For more information, contact the YALSA office by e-mail at yalsa@ala.org, =
or by phone at=20
1-800-545-2433, ext. 4391.

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