Impressive Readings At Booth Library Young Writer’s Salon

By Susan Coney

The C.H. Booth Library Young Adult Council recently presented the third annual Young Writer’s Salon on Friday, November 4. The very clever and sophisticated presentation given by students in grades 6 through 12 provided the small but appreciative audience with a wonderful range of work, from serious poetry to humorous short essays.

The students transformed the downstairs meeting room of the library into an informal coffee house atmosphere complete with special effects lighting, beatnik style music, and pillows strewn on the floor for the presenters to sit upon.

Those who wished to participate in the readings submitted their written work ahead of time for young adult librarian Margaret Brown to review. Ms Brown organized the event but stated that the students showed up that evening at 5 for a practice run-through and set up the room complete with a table of refreshments prior to the presentation at 7. Ms Brown commented, “Many of the students I knew from previous programs; however, some I met for the first time that night. They did a wonderful job organizing the events of the evening and it really came together.”

Katie McMorran and David Tortora acted as emcees for the event. David stated at the beginning of the program, “Some of these writings are very personal and it takes a lot of courage to get up and read their work.”

As students were introduced, they came up to the podium and read their work. After each reading Taegan Estores, who was in charge of providing the music, played jazz as the audience snapped their fingers in applause instead of the traditional clapping. A brief pause was provided between each reading giving the audience an opportunity to discuss the work.

Presenter Zach Richter read a short story called “Chicken Fracas,” about a mother hen named Olive in search of her missing chick, Herman. The story carried a humorous theme with a sideline tale of romance. Zach read his piece with wonderful expression, pausing in just the right places to enhance the humor of the piece.

Reed Intermediate sixth grader Luke Shearin read his poem “The Fog.” Luke said, “I wrote this because our class in school was writing scary stories and poems. My class really liked it and one of my teachers Mrs Lynch recommended I submit it to the Young Writer’s Salon, so I did.”

At the end of the presentations parents and friends were invited to enjoy refreshments and discuss the program. Librarian Margaret Brown said, “I thought it was just a marvelous evening. I was so proud of the kids, they were so poised.”

For more information about this program or any other young adult programs call the library at 426-4533.