MOUNT VERNON — Got an aspiring young novelist in the house? A fledgling poet? A young writer who could use an extra set of eyes on scholarship and class essays? If so, drop by Teen Writing Program at The Annex.
The library program includes workshops led by Jordan Shaevitz and Mattie Lawler, trained writing instructors with experience teaching creative workshops at the Mount Vernon Library, as well as in summer camps, enrichment programs, and public schools.
Teen Writing Program combines the library’s focus on cultivating the next generation of writers with high school students’ need for extracurricular academic support.
“The series began with a workshop on character building. Students created their own characters and practiced dialogue through improvisational skits. It was a blast,” said Shaevitz.
Each week, teens drop by to get feedback on original creative writing, homework help, and assistance composing college essays or scholarship applications.
Lawler said “future workshop plans will include small group and personalized writing enrichment activities and games.”
The updated Teen Writing Program is a collaboration between the Public Library of Mount
Vernon and Knox County and The Annex, An Art Initiative of The Gund at Kenyon College.
“The Annex is the perfect space for us,” said library staffer Jamie Lyn Smith-Fletcher. “It’s welcoming, bright and the space lends itself to lively and interesting opportunities to explore art and writing. We’re so grateful for this partnership.”
“Plus, the young writers are having a great time, and we have room for many more,” Smith-Fletcher said.
Teen Writing Program meets at The Annex, 12 E. Gambier St. in Mount Vernon on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, 16, 23, and 30; and Nov. 6, 13, and 20.
Participation is free and all teens ages 13-18 are welcome. Registration is not required. For more information, visit https://www.knox.net/teens.html, email knoxwrites1@gmail.com or call (740) 392-BOOK extension 8259.
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