Teen Mental Wellness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2023
Library Program for Teens to Focus on Mental Wellness
YORK, PA – Award-winning author NoNieqa Ramos will speak with York County teens on Thursday, February 2 at Martin Library in York. Their appearance is part of the annual York County Libraries Part of the Story program. Area high school students in grades 9 – 12 are invited to sign up for the free event which will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Teens space at the library. This year’s Part of the Story event will focus on the theme of teen mental wellness and will feature an interactive presentation by Ramos, a human library, and an opportunity to design a billboard. Interested students should register in advance at yorklibraries.org/part-of-the-story. The inclement weather date is set for Thursday, February 9.
“The beauty of Part of the Story is that it is a book-based program that invites teens to examine real-life issues that affect members of their community,” says York County Libraries Director of Youth Services Jaclyn Cassidy. “Through discussion and exploration, they deepen their understanding of the issues at hand, and strengthen their civic engagement skills.”
Throughout the day, participants will engage in several small group activities. York-based artist and writer Ivy Rodgers, House of Yoga Studio Owner and Founding Teacher Jackie Dahlheimer, and WellSpan Health Dr. Maria Lusso will join Ramos to create a human library where they will share their experiences and expertise with attendees. Lamar Advertising will provide a Billboard Design 101 session for teens. After which, they will work in groups to create a billboard design based on their response to the author’s book. The art will be evaluated by a panel of judges and the winning design will be displayed on billboards across York County.
“Over the last several years, area teens have come together at Part of the Story to explore hot topic issues including immigration, body image, bullying, social justice, and addiction,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “The combination of award-winning authors, local experts, and peer collaboration provides a rich learning environment that fosters ingenuity, growth and change.”
Ramos is an educator and writer of picture books and young adult literature. Teens attending this year’s Part of the Story event will receive a copy of their book “The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary” while supplies last. The book has received multiple accolades including being named a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens. It also earned a 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection, and a 2019 In the Margins Award Top Ten pick. In addition, the title has earned starred reviews from Booklist, Voya, and Foreword.
Anyone with questions about the day’s program should email York County Libraries Teen Services Program Manager Susan Korsnick at [email protected]. Martin Library is located at 159 E. Market Street in York.
York County Libraries include 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and digital information, best sellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions and 80 databases. In addition to their extensive collection of 642,000 physical items, they offer over one million digital library materials for loan. All are available for free with a York County Libraries card. Community members without a card are invited to request one at yorklibraries.org at no cost.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries