Bluffton Public Library will celebrate Teen Read Week (Oct. 17-23) with special displays and programs aimed at encouraging area teens to read for the fun of it.

Thousands of libraries, schools and bookstores across the country will hold similar events centered on this year's theme, "Books with Beat @ your library," which encourages teens to read a variety of materials, including poetry, audiobooks, books about music and more.

Teen Read Week is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association.

"Teens have more activities to fill their free time than ever - web videos, social networking sites, video games, afterschool activities, athletics - and increasingly high expectations in the classroom," said Rikki Steingass, youth services coordinator. "It's important that we show them that reading is something that's fun and relaxing that they can do for free. And we hope that reading for fun can translate into better performance at school."

In addition, Ms. Steingass hopes to show parents and other concerned community members what the library can offer by hosting a special event and book display during Teen Read Week.

Due to the increasing popularity of a Fox television series, the Bluffton Public Library will host a marathon of that show on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 3:15 p.m. for teens on the lower level of the library. Teens 14 and up are encouraged to bring snacks and enjoy a few episodes from season one of the television show.

Teens of all ages are also encouraged to check out one of the many "Books with Beat" that will be on display in the library's Young Adult section.

"Many families have learned to make do with less as a result of the economy and have flocked to the library," Ms. Steingass said. "Teen Read Week is a great time to make sure teens and their families know about all the free services the library can offer them and to reach out to teens who aren't regular users and encourage them to come see what they can find here."