Teens have an ally in Westlake Village Library

By Lori Porter Acorn Staff Writer

Teenagers living in and around Westlake Village and Agoura Hills now have an advocate at the Westlake Village library.

Library aide Deborah Farber, 27, of Agoura Hills manages the Young Adult Resource Center at the library. She focuses on teen programs.

With a degree in liberal arts from California Lutheran University, Farber is currently working on a master’s degree in library and information science through San Jose State University’s online program.

She discovered she loved working with teenagers while employed as a tutor at Sylvan Learning Center in Westlake Village. Farber also teaches computer skills to teens and other people.

When she joined the library, Farber had many ideas for teen programs which she’s thrilled about implementing. This past summer she published the first issue of the quarterly Teen Newsletter. The first issue, available at the library and at local schools, tells teenagers how they can get involved at the library.

The newsletter is also a vehicle for local youth to publish their original poems, articles and stories. They can also make announcements regarding teen events. Farber strongly encourages teenagers to submit their work.

For those who love to read and talk about what they read, Farber has established a book club called "Book Scene for Teens." Farber calls it, "a teen book discussion group where pizza and books rule."

Book Scene For Teens meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the library’s Young Adult Resource Center where there’s a sign-up sheet for those interested in joining.

The selection for the month of October is the book "Holes" by Louis Sachar. It’s not too late to enroll or obtain the book and begin reading in time for the next discussion group on Oct. 29.

The age group targeted for these programs is about 11 through 18, or seventh through 12th grade. Farber wants everyone to know that no matter where they live, all local teens are invited to join the book discussion group and/or submit material for the newsletter.

In addition to these programs, there are a volunteer opportunities for teenagers at the library. For more information, please call the Westlake Village library at (818) 865-9230.