Bibliotherapy Book Club for Teens (12-18) meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4pm:
- January 16th
- February 20th
- March 20th
- April 17th
- May 15th
- June 19th
- July 17th
- Sept. 18th
- Oct. 16th
- Nov. 20th
- Dec. 18th
The Ukiah Branch Library has partnered with Tapestry Family Services and Project Sanctuary to create a new book club for teens: Bibliotherapy Book Club! Starting in January, the Bibliotherapy Book Club for Teens (12-18) will meet monthly & focus on a variety of "tough topics" including anxiety, depression, grief, sexual abuse & rape, racism, bullying, suicide, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, & issues surrounding gender identity - to name a few. Some titles we will read include:
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky (trauma, grief)
- Hyberbole and a Half, Allie Brosh (depression)
- Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher (suicide)
- Say What You Will, Cammie McGovern (OCD)
- Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell (sexual & physical abuse)
- Speak, Laurie Halse Andersen (rape)
Teens will be able to discuss tough topics in a safe environment with trusted librarians and counselors from Tapestry & Project Sanctuary, as well as receive assistance for service referrals if requested.
Advance registration is required. If you are interested in the program or want to find out more about the Bibliotherapy Book Club, please contact Melissa at the Ukiah Library: 467-6434 or carrm@co.mendocino.ca.us This book club is free and open to all interested teens.
Certainly this was planned with the best of intentions, but sadly, it sounds more like a therapy discussion group at the library for teens than a book club.
My teens are avid readers and would have loved a true book club. They can get therapy from therapists, and might be open to a therapeutic discussion group in another setting, but strongly vetoed this “club.” They would have been among the first to sign up if this was an actual book club, led by teens and open to all topics…a gathering of like-minded deep thinkers.
I urge parents to research the dangers of exposing a suicidal teen to “13 Reasons Why.” Research the cautions being expressed by mental health profesionals. I have great respect for Project Sanctuary, Tapestry, and the Ukiah Library based on personal experience, but think this plan could use revision.
In the meantime…parents, know where your kids are and read these books for yourself, either with your teen, or before your teen reads them. If a book like “13 Reasons Why” sends your teen into a downward spiral, you will have a better chance of recognizing the signs and seeking professional support in time to prevent a tragedy.