LEWISTON — A series of library orientation sessions for teens will take from 4:30 to 5 p.m. starting Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the Teen Room on the second floor of the Lewiston Public Library.

Youth between 13 and 18 are invited to any of the 5 orientation sessions to learn about teen-specific services at the library. They will also have a chance to provide feedback on how the library can better serve the needs of its teens and young adult patrons.

“We really want teens to give us feedback,” said Molly Ladd, the library’s new teen services coordinator through Americorp/VISTA. “Libraries are changing. What once was a silent, serious space is now blossoming into a center for cultural and exploratory learning.”

The annual event began in 2006 after increased use of the Teen Room prompted library staff to investigate better ways of serving its teen population. Orientation will give teens a chance to meet the library staff, take a look at the constantly expanding collection of young adult literature, graphic novels, anime, manga and short stories, sign up to get involved in the new Teen Advisory Group, and hear about youth-powered initiatives taking place in the Lewiston-Auburn community.

All teens who participate will be awarded bonus time on the library Internet computers, and will have their names entered in a drawing to win a new 8-gigabyte iPod Nano.

Orientation sessions will be repeated from 4:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, Monday, Sept. 14, Tuesday, Sept. 15 and Thursday, Sept. 17. More information is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library Reference Desk at 513-3135 or [email protected].