Monson Free Library launches four new clubs for teens

Oct. 5, 2022 | Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com

The Dungeons and Dragons club at the Monson Free Library. Pictured from left to right are Kaden Mossa, Teen Coordinator Sarah Thomas, Henry Caswell, Tommy Appleby, Eddy Duggan and Desmond Newland.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

MONSON – To expand teen offerings in town, the Monson Free Library has launched four new clubs that will kick off this month.

Sarah Thomas, teen coordinator, explained that this position is the first of its kind. She began the role this summer, although she has been involved with the library since last year.

With her new role, she works to create opportunities for teens, as there are not a lot of existing programs in town, she said. Over the summer, Thomas spoke with various teens at the library to learn their hobbies and interests, along with what they might be interested in seeing offered.

“So many [teens] said they enjoyed coming to the library as a kid,” shared Thomas. Based on their positive association with the library, several expressed interest in carrying that on.

While the teens can be considered “tweens” as they are primarily ages 11 and 12, Thomas noted that they are too old to visit the library and play with toys. Instead, many shared that they would like to visit the library to partake in a club.

After gathering a great deal of feedback, the Monson Free Library developed four clubs: anime club, book club, writing club and Dungeons and Dragons club.

Beginning in October, the clubs will start meeting once a month.

Thomas noted that all clubs are drop-in friendly. Registration can be done online at https://monsonlibrary.com/ (check calendar listings) or at the Monson Free Library where sign-up sheets can be found in the teen section.

There is no limit to how many teens can join each club, aside from Dungeons and Dragons. Thomas explained that it can become difficult to run a Dungeons and Dragons game with more than eight people. However, if there is a lot of interest for this club, they might consider adding another session.

At press time, Thomas said there were about a handful of teens signed up for each club, with room for more. Because this is a new offering in town, she predicts that it will take some time for the word to get out.

As the clubs slowly roll out, Thomas will be advising each session. Over time, she is hopeful to receive assistance and bring in special guests for the writing club, among others.

The first book club meeting will be on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. Teens will vote to decide whether they read “Coraline,” “A Monster Calls” or “Something Wicked This Way Comes.”

On Oct. 19 at 3 p.m., the writing club will meet at the Hillside Cemetery to discuss horror and have “extra spooky fun,” said Thomas.

The Dungeons and Dragons club will meet on Oct. 27 at 3 p.m.

The anime club hosted their first meeting on Oct. 5, after Reminder Publishing’s deadline.

There is no cost to join any of the clubs. At each meeting, snacks will be provided.

Aside from the clubs, Thomas shared other important information for teens and their families to know. For instance, every Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., there is “open homework time” with Chromebooks available for research, snack time and more.

On Oct. 11 at 2:30 p.m., there will be a discussion of time management.

Lastly, on Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. a “crafternoon” will take place for all ages, as there will be an early dismissal from school.

“For any teens looking at or considering joining [a club], just come and give it a try,” said Thomas. “Even if you’ve never done it before, it’s fun to give it a try.”

For anyone interested in other topics, Thomas asks teens to share those ideas with her. “Who knows, we may do a club with it,” she added.

To learn more about the new clubs, visit https://monsonlibrary.com/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/monsonfreelibrary.

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