On May 19, 16 students and seven adults from Bradford Area Public Library attended the Teen Bookfest at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.

The BAPL Teen Book Club and Middle Ground Book Club members along with a few parents attended the event. The students were able to select author workshops from over 25 Young Adult authors. They also were able to attend general workshops dealing with cartooning, graphic novels, and publishing and writing novels.

Over 2,000 students were in attendance with opportunities to select 4 sessions to attend. As well as workshops, Barnes and Noble, was the main vendor offering a chance for students to buy books of their favorite authors so they could attend the signing session.

“It was a great day,” said Marie Troskosky, the clubs’ co-advisor. “The kids were definitely in their element, surrounded by other kids who love reading, they had the opportunity to meet some of their favorite authors. Many of the kids were willing to wait in long lines to get their authors’ autographs and to meet them up close and personal.”

Tina Dalton, the recently hired youth services librarian and co-advisor of both groups, added to Troskosky’s comments, “One of the best things about the Teen Bookfest is that kids are among their book-loving peers. All the kids there love to read, they love books, and they are excited to meet their favorite authors. Kids who attend can geek out about their favorites in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Dalton will be offering students in both clubs a variety of summer workshops throughout the months of June, July and August. The Middle Ground Book Club and the Teen Book Club will continue monthly meetings throughout the summer.
Students who are going into grades 6-8 are welcome to join the Middle Ground Book Club and those going into grades 9-12 are eligible for the Teen Book Club. If students or parents have questions about the club, they should contact Tina Dalton at the library at youth@bradfordlibrary.org.