Campus Connection

Linda Jerome, Teen Librarian at the La Crosse Public Library, speaks on “Teen Books: Not Just for Teens Anymore” from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Institute for Campus Excellence, Murphy Library. The event is free and open to the public. Jerome will discuss how young adolescent and young adult literature can help adults connect to middle school aged children, how curriculum content areas can come out through this literature, along with challenges associated with banned teen literature. Also, Jerome will discuss the merits of getting a library card into the hands of young adolescents. Jerome has been working with teens for the last 13 years of her 24-year library career. She finds teens to be “the most fascinating, amusing and delightful group of human beings.” The presentation is sponsored by Murphy Library, School of Education, and The La Crosse Public Library. The program is offered in conjunction with the celebration of Month of Young Adolescent Literature during October. The Month of the Young Adolescent Literature focuses on young adolescent and young adult literature, and how it can and why it should be part of every student’s reading life. It has grown from a small section of literature directed to teens and young adults to an expansive genre that connects on many levels with readers of any generation and age. With the success and cult followings of series, such as “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games;” as well as books, such as “The fault in Our Stars,” “The Giver,” “The Maze Runner” and many others; the genre has seen a revival in recent years that has drawn in adult readers, as well as teens. In short, teen books are not just for teens anymore. If you go— What: Teen Books: Not Just for Teens Anymore Who: Linda Jerome, Teen Librarian at the La Crosse Public Library Where: Institute for Campus Excellence, Murphy Library When: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 Admission: Free.