Programs promote learning for teens

Teens looking to ditch their typical summer routines and expand their horizons might find something this month at the Columbia County Library.

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The library will hold three free programs designed for patrons ages 12 to 18. The classes on self-defense, comic books and music, will be held downstairs in the library's meeting room.

"They don't have to bring anything," said young adult librarian Christy Iler. "We'll have any supplies and all that here."

The library will offer a martial arts course taught by area instructor Darin Prazer at 1 p.m. July 16.

Participants will learn basic self-defense during the program, Iler said.

The library also will hold a manga drawing class at 1 p.m. July 24. The class will be taught by Jovenne Kybett, a new instructor at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art in Augusta.

"It's a drawing class, but the purpose is to promote literacy," Iler said. "We don't care if they read actual books or if they read comic books, as long as they're reading."

Manga works are very popular, Iler said, adding that the county's library has an entire section devoted to the Japanese graphic novels.

On July 31, the library and band members from Snap Snap Drive, will host Music Mania 2-4 p.m.

"It's a music appreciation (program)," Iler said. "They'll listen and talk about different genres of music, so it's pretty much a little bit for everybody."

The class also will feature a small performance.

"They can expect to be entertained and educated," Iler said about all three programs. "We really want to make sure that they enjoy their time in the library. That's the key, because we want them to keep coming back."

Each program requires registration. To register for any of the events, call the library at (706) 863-1946 or sign up at the library's reference desk.

The library is located at 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. in Evans.