By Caitlin Bieganski, staff writer

For readers and nonreaders alike, the Saegertown Area Library is celebrating Teen Read Week (TRW) October 18-24. The event is meant to inspire young people to pick up a book and become more involved in the world of literature.

The Young Adult Library Services Association created Teen Read Week in 1998. Our local library began participating in the event about three to four years ago, when young adult works, such as Twilight, were becoming more frequent in the literature scene. The library has a special event each year, but this year is the to be the best and the biggest yet according to librarian Paula Brown. Not only will TRW benefit readers, but it will encourage photographers and artists as well.

This year’s event will kick off Sept. 19 with a month-long Instagram contest, which will continue through the end of TRW on Oct. 24. The photos entered in the contest must include the original bookmark created by local artist, Emily Loccisano, a sophomore at Saegertown. Loccisano designed the bookmark because she was intrigued with TRW and wanted to promote the event. Her bookmark reads “Be a book nerd and celebrate Teen Read Week! Oct. 18-24.” Loccisano said “I wanted it to look cute and represent Teen Read Week.” Additional rules and details can be found on the library’s website. “I think Teen Read Week is a great way to encourage people to read, and is a great experience!” Loccisano said.