Samantha Thompson demonstrates the wooden train set that was recently donated to the children's section of the Hughesville Area Public Library.

HUGHESVILLE – “What’s new at the Library?” one might ask. Fortunately for many readers there is always something new at the local library. However, recently the Hughesville Public Library was fortunate to receive some new materials and activities for kids and teens as related by Samantha Thompson, a fairly new employee at the library. “We wanted to do more for the teen group,” she remarked.

Sam who is a teen herself, started working at the library in the beginning of October and saw a need to incorporate more things to do for teens and younger adults. Along with the new director, Kathy Butler and the Friends of the Library, they created movie nights and teen video game nights.

This Sunday night from 6 to 10 p.m. the library will be open for available video games such as Lego Star Wars, Super Smash Bros, Just Dance Kids, Super Mario Bros, and more. “Wii game consoles are available but we could use some more remotes,” said Sam.

A movie night will also be available each month. This week’s feature is “The Searchers.” A new screen was purchased and is located in the main part of the library with comfy chairs and bean bags.

Much of the funding came through United Way and a new wooden train set was purchased for the children’s area. Butler began purchasing the trains last year, then started to add other pieces. A large train table was added two months ago. “This is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon,” commented Thompson.

Every Friday morning, a pre-school story hour is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with a special theme for each month that includes a story and a craft. This Friday will be all about ‘snow’ followed by ‘Food’ on the 22nd and ‘Time’ on the 29th of January. For future reference, flyers are available at the circulation desk and registration is highly recommended for the events.

Thompson, who said she loves her job, was hired to write articles about the library. She writes about teen and school life for the Education section of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. She feels that often school employees such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers often go “unrecognized” and “under-appreciated.”

According to Butler, “Hiring her has been one of my best decisions.” Thompson is a sophomore this year at Hughesville high school and walks to work at the library after school. After hearing about the opening position, Thompson said she applied right away because she has been enjoying coming to the Hughesville Library since she was a kid. “I saw an ad in the paper and was surprised to be chosen after a few interviews.” She is hoping to go into the Air Force Academy after graduation and work as a state prosecutor.

Butler who was hired in June is working on programming and gathering small groups. Thompson works Saturdays checking books, writing press releases, doing some maintenance and organizing books.

To register for any of the teen nights, call the Hughesville Area Public Library at 570-584-3762.