Campus Connection

A La Crosse teen librarian will discuss the revival of teen literature during a presentation at UW-L's Murphy Library. Linda Jerome, teen librarian at the La Crosse Public Library, will speak on “Teen Books: Not Just for Teens Anymore” from 5:45-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in the Collaborative Learning Studio, 273 Murphy Library. The event is free and open to all. She will repeat the presentation in the same room from 2:30-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13. 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 the literature, and the challenges associated with banned teen literature. She will also 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 presentations are sponsored by the Murphy Library and School of Education and are offered in conjunction with October’s Month of the Young Adolescent. The Month of the Young Adolescent focuses on the young adolescent and young adult literature, and how it can and why it should be part of every student’s reading life. Teen literature has grown from a small section 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 and many other similar books, the genre has seen a revival in recent years that has drawn in adult readers as well as teens. If you go — What: "Teen Books: Not Just for Teens Anymore" Who:   Linda Jerome, teen librarian at La Crosse Public Library When: 5:45-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9; repeated 2:30-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 Where: Collaborative Learning Studio, 273 Murphy Library Admission: Free