TEENtober 2024 Teen Readers of the Year

Each year in October, the Union Parish Library highlights “Teentober”, as we partner with U-ACT Union-Alliance for Community Transformation to recognize the TEEN READER OF THE YEAR at each school as selected by school academic instructors and the Union Parish Library. Students receive a prize package valued at over $100 with a book, plaque, cookie cake, and book bag full of games, candy, and prizes! What more could a teen want!
Our 2024 TEEN READERS OF THE YEAR are…
Sophie Johnson, Union Christian Academy
Zeke Tynes, Homeschool U
Kaileiaunah Gray, Union Parish High School
Ava Patterson, Downsville Community Charter School
Madison Scallan, Darbonne Woods Charter School,
Juana Palomo, Union Parish High School
TeenTober™ is a nationwide celebration hosted by libraries all across the country every October and aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round library services and the innovative ways teen services helps teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library.
The library hosts monthly programs through a leadership team of 15 students that encourages the creativity and imagination of teens. They named themselves the Tic-Tacs: Teens-in-Charge, Teen Advisory Council.
During the summer months, the Tic-Tacs hosted it’s second annual Comic-Con for over 250 teens! In August, they celebrated National Video Game with a “Among Us” game IRL (in real life!) that they 100% planned and organized and a Zombie Escape Room in October. Coming up in November, they will be hosting the second Karoake Night for teens with the theme Wild Wild West! The Tic-Tac big winter event will be a Greek Mythology Mardi Gras ball just for teens! In the Spring the annual Poetry Slam invites students to write and recite original poetry!
There are lots of other monthly programs throughout the year that are all directed, organized, and led by teens for teens! Check out the full schedule of teen programs at the library teen site UPL Teen Scene (aka “the Tic-Tacs”)or call the library to be added to the TIC-TAC chat room!
Congratulations to all the TEEN READERS OF THE YEAR! The Union Parish Library celebrates our teens in Teentober all throughout the year! Come join the fun of reading, literacy, writing, gaming, and creative imagination! You belong here!