How to Encourage Teens to Love Reading

 By Ava Walter, 12th grade

In an era dominated by technology, it can be challenging to promote reading with teens in a way that truly interests them and helps them to see the value of reading. As screens and distractions vie for their attention, it sometimes requires some creativity to help inspire a love of reading that encapsulates teen interests or lifestyles.

One way to engage teens to read more is to use something they are likely already interested in, which is technology! A number of young readers find reading more enjoyable when reading with e-books and/or audiobooks. While there are more benefits to reading physical books compared to e-books, teens getting interested in reading through e-books may encourage them to someday read more physical books. Digital platforms can provide an ideal opportunity to be able to appeal to the teens' interest in their preferred genres and authors. There are even apps to track reading progress, helping to create that sense of accomplishment when they successfully finish a book.

Motivation to read can be vastly increased when reading connects with a teens' interests. It's important to note that the interests of teens aren't often going to be the same as the interests of young children or adults. Therefore, it's important for teens to have access to books about topics and stories that genuinely interest them. For example, at the North Haven Library, the

"Teen Haven" part of the library specifically caters to the interests of teens by providing them with books they would actually be likely to enjoy. This greatly encourages teens to read more as having a selection of books made with their interests in mind can help them to realize reading truly can be an exciting and enjoyable experience.

Finally, motivation to read among teens can be increased when there is a certain motivation that causes them to want to read. For example, the summer reading challenge for North Haven High School students encourages them to read books because they have the possibility of being awarded for it. While some teens may be more focused on earning the award rather than reading, they may actually discover a newfound love for reading by participating in the challenge. This reveals that having motivations for reading among teens can be truly valuable.

Overall, motivating teenagers to read in a world that is now heavily centered around technology could seem challenging, but when we consider what interests and motivates teens, helping them discover an enjoyment for reading can definitely be achieved.