Nogales library reports youth program schedule, author-led book project for teens

Victor (library staff) summarized youth and teen programming underway at Nogales and Rio Rico branches, including arts and crafts sessions, a motivational workshop and a teen-led book project with local author Maritza Helene Iguera.

Victor said activities on set dates focus on arts and creativity and that a motivational workshop hosted by Santos Yezkas will teach ways teens can generate income through creative projects. He described a book-writing project led by Maritza Helene Iguera intended to produce a book for submission to the University of Arizona Festival of Books if teens meet a September 30 deadline. “So the goal is for them to publish their book,” Victor said.

Staff reported regular youth attendance: one session drew about 35 young people. Program times target school-release schedules so more students can attend; staff noted some charter schools release students later and programming times were chosen to accommodate most participants.

Director Carolina and staff said Rio Rico will pilot Saturday hours for kids’ activities — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on specified dates — and that Nogales’ main library will adopt adjusted fall hours (Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.), with the first Saturday schedule starting Sept. 20.

Trustees asked whether teen programs run in nearby communities; staff said Rio Rico is beginning a vinyl club and Saturday programming in September. No formal action was taken; staff invited trustees to attend and support events.