As part of the first-ever Sudbury Teen Read Week, Marymount Academy students in teacher Allison Cameron's English class visited the Greater Sudbury Public Library to take part in the official launch of the event. 

Along with two other secondary school classes, the Marymount students were welcomed by event co-ordinator Pierre Dubuc, the library's child and teen programmer.

Teen Read Week is a literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association that began in New York. This is Sudbury's first event and its focus is to encourage teens to regularly read books so that recreational reading becomes a habit.

As part of the official launch, the students were encouraged to get a library card if they didn't already have one and learn more about the services and products offered at the library.

Also on hand were representatives from several community organizations to talk to students about their connection to the library and literacy, including Laurentian University, Cambrian College, College Boreal and the Student Action Centre for Youth.

Cameron said she was excited for her class to be invited to the Teen Read Week Launch, and encouraged all of her students to sign up for a library card if they didn't already have one.

"What a great opportunity for our students to see what amazing books are available to them," Cameron said.

"This event is a great way to engage our students through recreational reading - it doesn't just have to be about assignments and school work. Teen Read Week emphasizes the importance of reading books just for fun, and I am sure that my students will respond enthusiastically."