Library events catered to teens

The Columbia County Library in Evans is holding a variety of activities in July that will keep teens learning during their summer vacation.

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"We hope that they're having so much fun they don't know that they're learning," said Cindy Welch, the library's reference services manager.

Teens can submit entries for a photography contest through Friday. Teens are limited to three entries, and the photo can be no smaller than 4-by-6 inches and no larger than 8-by-10 inches, Welch said.

An awards ceremony for the contest will be held at 2 p.m. on July 21. Welch said prizes will be given out for winners and participants. So far the library has received more than 20 entries, she said.

On July 14, staff from the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at the University of South Carolina Aiken will bring several animals to the library for teens to observe.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. The animals will include frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, an alligator and a barred owl.

Alchemy Dance, an area belly dance troupe, will visit the library at 6:30 p.m. July 23 to perform and give a basic lesson.

Welch said she hopes to keep the teens' brains stimulated and noted that the library has plans to continue these types of programs next summer.

"Our theme this year is to 'express yourself at the library,' so we want them to express themselves and to gain a little bit of knowledge all at the same time," she said.

Each program is free and open to sixth-graders through high school seniors. Their families also can participate.

"Of course, parents and young siblings are invited," Welch added.

Registration is required for each event, which will be held in the library's meeting room downstairs. For information or to register, call the library's reference desk at (706) 863-1946.