Book Beats!

Each summer the Chicago Public Library offers intergenerational programming and new materials with a wide range of appeal related to a specific theme. While Book Beats, Chicago Public Library’s 2011 Summer Reading Program, is now over, check back in May to find out how you can take part in the Summer Reading Program 2012!

Teen Volume Reads

In case you didn’t have an opportunity to indulge in these breezy and lyrical novels from Chicago Public Library’s Teen Volume collections highlighted for the 2011 Summer Reading Program, check out this list of music-related reading recommendations and ask your librarian for even more! Also, don’t forget to let us know what you think by submitting your review.

Teen Volume Programs

From June through August 2011, the Chicago Public Library presented 30 special author or guest presenter programs related to music especially (or exclusively) for teens across the city. Some highlights from these follow.

Michael Taylor

West African drummer and music teacher Michael Taylor presented five programs at Chicago Public Library branches as part of the 2011 Summer Reading Program. Taylor is an accomplished musician and teacher, and his 90-minute program combined an introduction to the history of drumming in West Africa, with an emphasis on its important role in daily activities and storytelling, with lessons in using two types of drums—the djembe and the dundun. A 14-year-old who attended his program at the Greater Grand Crossing Branch noted, “my favorite part of the program was the stories that went along with the songs we played.”

Felicia Pride

Teens and staff had an enthusiastic response to author Felicia Pride’s multimedia presentation, which took place in six libraries, covering the history of hip-hop and the influence music has had on inspiring her writing and life decisions. Sumera, a 14-year-old who attended the program at the Northtown Branch, wrote on her evaluation, “This was the first time I met an author in my whole life.” And Kyla, 15, from the Hall Branch, reflected she was inspired by “how the author related to us and shared her love, history and knowledge of music with the group.”

Jandy Nelson

Jandy Nelson, author of The Sky Is Everywhere, a CPL Best of the Best title, presented four multimedia programs at branches during the Summer Reading Program, discussing her writing process, artists who have inspired her and finding one’s voice. One special program combined a Reader’s Theatre troupe performance of an excerpt of her novel (and others) with her author presentation (see the next section for details on that event).

“Jandy Nelson persuaded me to write more and to find my voice and be myself when writing a poem, book or even a paper for school.”—Susan, 13

Teen Volume Reader’s Theatre

The Reader’s Theatre 2011 Summer Tour included performances in the Library’s North, Central and South districts, for which the troupe developed performances around special themes, including “Tales of Love and Heartbreak,” “Noteworthy Teen Reads” and “Summer Chills.”

Ashley, 15, reflected on her first experiences in the troupe, after joining in June, “My favorite Reader’s Theatre troupe memory is when we met Jandy Nelson, author of The Sky Is Everywhere. She is amazing, and so is her lifetime connection with the story and her books. This was my very first Reader’s Theatre troupe performance, and it was fantastic. I also loved watching my fellow troupe members perform the script Blue Bloods in rehearsal—now I want to read it because it sounds super thrilling!”

While the summer tour has ended, the Reader’s Theatre troupe continues brings books to life year-round through monthly dramatic readings. Join us for theatrical games, prizes and an opportunity to learn about some great books at a Chicago Public library near you!

Teen Volume Book Discussions

While the Library’ music-related Teen Volume book discussions tied in with the theme of the 2011 Summer Reading Program, book discussions are offered all year. It’s not to late to join a monthly book discussion for teens in high school at your neighborhood library—and who knows, they just might be reading and talking about a novel with musical elements! Please be sure to call your local library to sign up in advance for each discussion; confirm the dates and times; and reserve a copy of the book to be discussed. Discussions are offered all over the city.

Teen Volume is made possible through generous grant funding from the Chicago Public Library Foundation.