Teens recognized by library

Fifteen outstanding teens were recognized for their volunteer work for the Faulkner County Library Teen Event with a banquet and T-shirts at the library on Friday night.

Kara Propes, Youth Program Director for the Faulkner County Library, extended a tearful thank-you to the parents attending the Friday's banquet.

"You all have wonderful, wonderful kids," Propes said. "I started here a little over three years ago and I took over the youth programs in October of 2005 and when I decided to do that I thought I had to have teenagers to help me do the programming, because who knows teenagers better than teenagers." Propes said she enrolled her own daughter in the program, even though she was too young at the time, to help come up with programs for the teens. She added that she "cornered a few teens" who hung out at the library and together they all got to work. Teen programs at the library include book discussions, movie nights, XBox games and more.

"We've gone from five members to 15," Propes said. "I know that a lot of you get tired of them coming to the library all of the time, but I promise you, when they are here, they're working and their doing great things for this library."

David Rogers of Arkadelphia said that he brings his 15-year old daughter, Ashlynn Rogers, all the way to Conway so that she can participate in the library's youth programs.

"One thing that I am really impressed by is the involvement and everything (the library) has to offer," Rogers said. "I live in Clark County and we have a lot smaller population and a smaller library and it's nothing like what you guys have got here. Everybody should really appreciate what you've got...there's a lot of counties that don't have this."

Tammy Kleczka of Conway said that she thinks the programs are good for her daughter's self-esteem.

"I think it's really good, really positive," Kleczka said. "It's pretty important to her," she said of her daughter, Mary, who is 16. The Kleczka's live near the library and Mary is there nearly everyday, she said. "It makes a difference in the community," she added.

Vickie and Curtis Payne of Conway said they've been bringing their son, Akeem, 14, to the library since he was three years old. "They'd say, 'let him stay!'" when Akeem was younger, Vickie Payne said.

As for the teen programs, Vickie Payne said, "I think it's a very good program and it keeps them out of trouble." Curtis Payne added, "it gives them something to do."

"On top of that they're learning," Vickie added.

Teens and their parents were treated to a barbecue dinner and a slide show from past events held at the library. Teens were given certificates, T-shirts and a framed photo from the Haunted House put on by the teens in October.

Recognized teen volunteers were: Lois Chavez, Mariah Miller, Ashlynn Propes, Matt Viola, Erin Brorman, James McPhail, Herman Chavez, James Walker, Lance Moore, Emily Jones, Ashley Steiner, Seth Steiner, JeanAnn Wiseman, Alisya Coghill, Akeem Payne, Mary Kleczka, Ashlynn Rogers, Alexander Propes, Britanny Miller and Jasmine Miller. Past members Ian Scott, Dave Larson and Dray Clark were also recognized.

For more information on teen programs offered by Faulkner County Library, contact Kara Propes at 327-7482.