Devon County Council

From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, November 14, 2008

ANYONE who thinks teenagers are only interested in online networking sites, computer games and hanging around with their mates is in for a refreshing surprise in Bideford.

The town's library has started a new group for teens to encourage them to read books and try their hand at creative writing, and so far it's proving a success.

The group meets on the first and third Thursdays in the month between 5.30 and 7pm.

The group are currently reading Tears of the giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith.

Tom Collins from Bideford Library said: "We believe teenagers still love to read, and we want to encourage them as much as possible. We hope to give them ideas of new and perhaps unexpected books to read, and also to give them the confidence to try their own creative writing."

Executive Member for Culture, Cllr Sheila Hobden, said: "Our aim at all our libraries is to make them an interesting and relevant point of information and entertainment for all people, young and old."

Local Devon County Councillor for Bideford East , Cllr Hugo Barton said: "This is a really fun initiative for young people to encourage the development of both reading and creative writing, and to savour the wonderful rewards that can be gained. It's also great that this is run by young people for young people, and very appropriate coming as it does in the National Year of Reading."

The library has also recently launched a 'Books without babies' group for parents and carers. The group is held between 1.30 and 2.30pm on the third Wednesday of the month. A crche is provided, but needs to be booked on 01237 476075.

Both groups would welcome new members.