With the mid-term congressional elections coming up in November, the Princeton Public Library is offering a place to register to vote and doing its bit to foster the democratic impulse in the youth of the community.
A new reading program, "Read to Vote," to be launched on Saturday, September 16, aims to increase young readers' knowledge of civics and the election process. The program will continue through November 12.
"We thought this would be the perfect time to put the focus on issues related to civics and voting," said Jan Johnson, manager of the Youth Services Department.
"Read to Vote" will offer separate components for children in kindergarten through grade 5 and for young people in grades 6 and above. Kids in both age groups will get prizes for signing up and can qualify for additional prizes for reading and voting for their favorite books.
Reading and resource lists with titles of suggested books, films, and websites geared to each age group will be made available.
"The program will give us an opportunity to showcase the library's extensive resources in the areas of civics and voting while emphasizing the importance of participating in our democratic process," said Ms. Johnson.
Voter Registration
The voting process gets a boost each year at the library when the League of Women Voters of Princeton hosts a voter registration table. The table is usually staffed by volunteers from the library's teen program, who are being encouraged to participate again this year. Registration will be located on the first floor of the library and continue through October 16.
Prospective volunteers can register by calling (609) 924-9529, ext. 240 or by visiting the youth services desk on the third floor of the library.
"The voter registration effort is a prelude to the library's national Teen Read Week," said Teen Services Librarian Susan Conlon, who noted that this year's theme is "Get Active @ Your Library."
Teen Read Week, which promotes teen volunteerism and physical fitness, as well as reading, will run from Sunday, October 15, through Saturday, October 21.
For more information, call (609) 924-9529, or visit www.princetonlibrary.org.