Library activities aim to attract today's teens
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Jessica Cutler, 13, of Millstone Township, creates a doll outfit while taking part in Project Runway, a competition that asked teens to design and make an outfit out of limited materials.

HOWELL - Rita Palumbo of Howell watched as her granddaughter, Jessica Cutler, 13, designed and created a garment during the Project Runway competition at the Howell library, Old Tavern Road.

The competition was the last event in a series of programs based on the popular television shows "Fear Factor," "American Idol" and "Project Runway."

The library sponsored the events in an effort to attract teenagers back into the library.

According to Veronica Stevens, library associate and young adult coordinator, "The teenage group is not as easy to get into the library as the younger children. It gets a little more difficult as they get involved in a lot of other things, such as extracurricular activities."

Anton Balsirow, 15, has been volunteering at the library for more than a year. Anton said he enjoys the library's programs. He said they are good outlets for youths to get involved in.

Anton Balsirow, 15, of Howell, pays close attention to an item he is sewing while participating in Project Runway at the Howell library.

"Today's 'Project Runway' challenge is very interesting. It's a great way for kids to express themselves through art. I like how it motivates people to do things outside their homes," Anton said.

Palumbo, meanwhile, recalled a time when young people, especially women, were more homebound. She said it was refreshing to see young people take advantage of the opportunities being offered by the library.

Abigail Halprin, 9, jumped at the opportunity to compete in the "Project Runway" challenge. She is hoping to pursue a career in fashion.

"I want to be a designer when I grow up, so I came to get as much practice as I can," Abigail said.

In addition to hosting special events for teenagers, library administrators have purchased new furniture and floor pillows in an effort to create a more attractive environment for teenagers.

According to branch librarian Janet Trotter, "We recently increased our young adult book collection and our paperback collection, and we remodeled our teen area with floor pillows and new furniture to make it a real fun and relaxing place to sit and read a book."

Stevens said library administrators have more hands-on events planned for teens, including a home decor program in which participants will make pillows out of old jeans.

The "Project Runway" competition was a success for everyone who participated. All of the contestants left with a prize, with Jessica Cutler taking first place in the competition.