Programs for teens will start this month and October at Howland Public Library in Beacon. Students grades six and up can get together with friends and peers to enjoy video games at the Gaming Club, which meets every third Friday of the month from 3 to 5 p.m. starting Sept. 16 at the library at 313 Main St.
The library will supply a Wii, Playstation, Xbox 360 and games so that kids can test their gaming skills while having fun playing with a group. Kids may suggest new games, bring games to share or bring their own controller. Refreshments will be served. Howland Public Library also hosts an Anime Club for students grades six and up. The first meeting is 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 23. It meets every fourth Friday of the month around the school year.
FUNimation Productions Ltd. provides members with screenings of its upcoming movie titles. The group reviews them and gives FUNimation feedback. The library gets to keep the movie for its collection. Club members get a 40 percent discount if they wish to buy a title for themselves. Check out the website at http://operationanime.com. Members also can bring their own anime DVDs to share. Members can participate in anime art events, come on buying trips and give the library suggestions for anime movies and graphic novel purchases.
The Youth Advisory Committee holds its first meeting from 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 14. It meets every second Friday of the month during the school year. Students in sixth grade and up may join. The committee was formed for teens to advise the library on programs and services for young people. Members help to select materials and programs and decide on how to make teens feel welcome. Activities include book- and movie-buying trips, special programs for committee members, planning programs for teens and younger children and volunteering and participating in community events. This program is an excellent way for teens to fulfill community service requirements. If you are interested in meeting informally for some lively idea sharing, decision-making and refreshments, come join us.