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FYI,

Great Stories Club Accepting Applications

Applications are currently being accepted for the Great Stories Club: “Nature vs. Nurture: Origins of Teen Violence and Suicide.”

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016. Questions? Contact ALA’s Public Programs Office at ...@ala.org">publ...@ala.org.

The Great Stories Club (GSC) gives underserved youth facing significant challenges the opportunity to read, reflect, and share ideas on topics that resonate with them. Organized by the American Library Association, the program has reached 700 libraries in 49 states and more than 30,000 young adults (ages 13 to 21) since 2006. GSC programs are conducted by libraries working in partnership with juvenile justice facilities, alternative schools, residential treatment facilities, group homes, and other community organizations that serve at-risk youth.

For information about the Great Stories Club theme, three books included on the reading list, and application instructions, please consult the Guidelines and FAQ. Prospective applicants may also wish to read about the program’s history, consult resources for program planning, and learn more about past themes.

Libraries selected to participate in the Great Stories Club receive 11 copies of three theme-related books to use in reading and discussion groups of 6 to 10 young adults; a variety of programming support materials; and online or in-person training (depending on past participation in the project). Training will include an exploration of the humanities content in this series led by a literature scholar, programming tips and ideas led by a librarian advisor, and specialized support from a mental health practitioner who will offer best practices and other resources for working with young adults on content that deals with bullying, depression, and suicide. All types of U.S. libraries located within or working in partnership with an organization that serves at-risk youth are eligible to apply.

NJ Public Libraries who have received funding to offer this club last year include:

US Air Force Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, JBMDL, NJ

Ocean County Library, Toms River, NJ, partnering with the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center

Elizabeth Public Library, Elizabeth, NJ, partnering with Prevention Links-Bayway Family Success Center

Garfield Public Library, Garfield, NJ, partnering with Garfield Auxiliary Middle & High School (Auxiliary School) 

Forwarded by:

Sharon Rawlins

Youth Services Specialist for Lifelong Learning

NJ State Library

185 West State St.

P.O. Box 520

Trenton, NJ 08625-0520

...@njstatelib.org">sraw...@njstatelib.org

609-278-2640 ext. 116

609-278-2650 – fax

CSLP 2016-2017 President