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A dance, dance revolution? If they get, get education

A new after-school program at the library will use video games to attract teens, teach them a bit about technology and, if all goes well, get them reading.

By Lora Pabst, Star Tribune

Last update: August 21, 2007 - 11:15 AM

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TEENS, TECH, YOUTH AND LEARNING AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

For teens in grades 6-12. Starts Sept. 4.

Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, 952-847-5600.

Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m.

Augsburg Park Library, 7100 Nicollet Ave., Richfield, 952-847-5300.

Monday-Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m.

For kids in grades K-5, there will be a program with crafts, games, homework and reading help.

For more information visit www.hclib.org

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What do you think about libraries having video games available for young people? Share your thoughts at startribune.com/blogs/north/.

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Teenagers playing video games like Nintendo Wii, Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution might not fit the image of a quiet library, but library officials have an ulterior motive.

They are hoping a new after-school program that brings together video games, computers, tutors and books will attract teens who often socialize at the library and expose them to technology -- including how to e-mail and use a digital camera -- that they might not have at home. And while they're at the library, the hope is that maybe they'll pick up a book or two.

"They're coming to our library because they don't have access to this material," said Ben Trapskin, a senior librarian for Hennepin County who will run Teens, Tech, Youth and Learning (TTYL). "We want to make sure they're on par with kids who have this at home."

Many families can't afford computers, he said, much less expensive gaming systems and software.

The program is now available at Brookdale Library in Brooklyn Center and Augsburg Park Library in Richfield and could be expanded to others.

Fifteen-year-old Steven Chanthavilay spends a lot of time at the Brookdale Library in Brooklyn Center using the computers to access e-mail and play video games.

"I come to the library to hang out with friends," he said as he lounged on a chair. "Home is boring and I don't have Internet at home."

While some parents might question how many kids will use the tutors versus the video games, Trapskin said "the tutors are the main component, the other stuff is to draw the kids in." The video games will only be available for a portion of the time.

"They're in the library but they're just kind of hanging out. They don't have much structure" he said. "We want to offer them homework help and a chance to explore some emerging technology."

This summer, the Rockford Road Library in Crystal ran a similar program. They didn't have tutors available but encouraged junior-high- to high-school-age kids to play video games and bring their parents.

Claudia Kroeck, a librarian at Rockford Road, said kids would take a break from playing video games to go look at books or use the computers. Over the summer, Kroeck said she met some girls who came in and "DDRed their brains out."I know them by name now and I had some great conversations with them about books," she said. "If you know them by name, you can so much more easily direct or channel some of those behaviors in a more positive direction."

Judy Hohmann, Hennepin County Library's division manager for partnerships and communications, said the program will not just be a time to play video games. They want students to learn how to use all sorts of technology -- podcasting, digital cameras, e-mail and advanced software programs. Depending on how this year's program goes, it might be expanded to other libraries in the future, she said.

"In their continuing education and jobs, they have to be able to submit a job application online or use digital videos or cameras," she said.

Rosa Garcia often brings her five children -- ages 1 to 11-- to the Brookdale Library to get them out of the house. She said video games would be a big draw for her kids.

"If they're gonna add the tutoring, then they could come have fun but learn too. All they do at home is play video games anyway," she said with a laugh.

Lora Pabst • 612-673-4628

Lora Pabst • lpabst@startribune.com

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