Offering essay help is just one of the ways the N.B. Public Library is encouraging a positive outlook on reading and writing amongst youth in the community. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Lending a hand

Public library offers writing guidance for teens

May 15, 2019 | 2:20 PM

The North Battleford Public Library is offering essay help from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 16.

Assistant Librarian Candice Froess, came up with the idea. She said the program is offered to teens of all ages, and is not strictly for essay writing, but available to offer guidance with any writing project.

“I think it’s important to have the opportunity to get [one’s writing] read by somebody who is outside of their own sphere, by kind of a neutral person,” Froess said. “Teens can bring in any kind of writing they’ve done, whether it be an essay for school, or a poem they wrote on their own, or short story and we can help them to review it.”

Froess believes writing can serve an essential and therapeutic role in helping youth navigate the teenage landscape.

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“I think writing, especially when you’re a teenager, is actually really important,” she said. “You need an emotional outlet because you’re going through the adolescent experience and you’re trying to develop and grow as a person, so [writing] can provide a safe space for you to express yourself.”

Partnering with the library for their writing assistance program, is Battlefords Concern for Youth (BCFY), an organization devoted to offering outreach and mentorship services to youth in the community.

BCFY will offer free transportation services to and from the library as needed Thursday, ensuring all youth who wish to attend, have the opportunity to do so.

The belief in encouraging young teenagers to engage with putting pen-to-paper is also the spirit behind another of Froess’ programs to come, beginning in the fall.

“In September we’re going to be starting a Teen Writers’ Club,” she said. “It’s just another way [for youth] to share their writing and get constructive feedback on it, while kind of building a report with other teen writers.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1