Bethel Park High School Seeks New Ways to Promote Independent Reading Among Its Students

Bethel Park High School recently contacted the Bethel Park Public Library to connect students to its resources. The school hopes this will inspire a love of reading and encourage students to explore books that align with their interests.

Two years ago, the Student Library Card Initiative was launched. Through this initiative, all grades 7-12 students received public library cards, which granted access to resources such as research tools, free tutoring, movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and more. Handouts highlighting these opportunities were shared to help students maximize their library access.

This year, 12th-grade teachers have introduced an independent reading project in which students read complete stories in genres and areas of interest to them. To kick off the project, Mrs. Megan Gaston and Ms. Nicole Zalak from the Bethel Park Public Library showcased curated book lists, recommended popular titles, and provided personalized suggestions based on students' interests, including favorite genres, topics, movies, and songs.

Additional engagement opportunities include a book club hosted by and at the library, including high school teacher Mrs. Kristen Kincak. This book club offers the teens a platform for book discussion. The high school also highlights a rotating collection of new and seasonal titles arranged by Mrs. Christine Firek, ensuring fresh options are readily available in the library.

Looking ahead, plans are in place for a summer reading group where students can collaboratively discuss their assigned honors texts and summer assignments.

These positive initiatives empower students to explore reading on their terms, fostering a deeper connection to books and building a lifelong love for literature.

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