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For hundreds of students in Carroll County, school is out and many are wondering what to do this summer.

The remedy for lackluster summer lies at the Carroll County Library System, where several programs will be offered to out-of-school students.

According to Jennifer Stephenson, director of the Carrollton/North Carrollton Library, the 2009 Summer Library Program will begin on June 1 through June 30, and students can register for several programs.

"This will be our first year with a program for teenagers," Stephenson said. "Ages four through 12 will meet on Mondays through Thursdays, and teenagers 13 to 18 will meet on Fridays."

Stephenson said she is urging the students to take part in the summer and give recommendations to the staff at the library of what they wish to read.

With the emphasis on the teenage group, Stephenson said there has always been a big gap from sixth graders to 12th graders, but she said she is open to any suggestions from students.

"I'm looking for ways to close that gap," Stephenson said.

The 90-minute session at the library is titled "Express Yourself at Your Library", and Stephenson said the program will begin at 3:00 to 4:30 on Fridays throughout the month of June.

We want them to express what they are interested concerning young adults. With last year's turnout a success with the younger students, Stephenson said she hopes the older students will take advantage of what the library has to offer.

"Other libraries are looking to other methods of attracting the teenage group," she said, "Some have even looked into the Nintendo Wii as a solution to get them in."

Stephenson said when she mentioned the Wii possibility to some of the loyal library attendees, the response was overwhelming.

"All I heard from them is, are we really getting a Wii," she said humorously. "I told them I said maybe."

Stephenson said she thinks the other methods are working to get the older children more involved in the libraries, but more work is to be done.

"If you can find out what they are interested in and get them to enjoy reading," she said, "It can go a long way. It can get them ready for college and prepare them for the future. Reading improves the brain in many ways."

Stephenson along with Lacy Wade, the assistant librarian at the Carrollton/North Carrollton facility, both are optimistic about this year's summer program and the teens they are expecting to draw.

Throughout this week, students, who were exempt from final exams, got a head start in the library and showed the staff signs of hope for the upcoming summer program.

"They realize this is a free resource for movies, books, and computers. It is positive entertainment and they know what the community has to offer them."

Stephenson said being in a small community like Carrollton and North Carrollton, she has become familiar with the kids and she wants them to become familiar with the library. The librarian will also stress creativity for the students this summer and is currently seeking the help from the community.

"We are looking for creative people to help us this summer," she said. "We want to show the kids the different areas of creativity and different cultures. Creative minds help grow creative children, and I know there are several creative and talented people in Carroll County."

Stephenson said for any information regarding this year's summer reading program at the Carrollton/North Carrollton Library contact them at 237-6268 or visit the website at http://cpls-verso.auto-graphics.com.

The Vaiden Library has also announced plans for their summer reading program. According to librarian, Sharon Tollison, the program is set for the week of June 15-19. Times for the program are currently incomplete.