Community Corner
Library DJ Puts Spin on Summer Reading Program
Germantown Public Library reaches out to teens through DJ demonstration
It seems counterproductive to bring a DJ into a quiet place, but that's exactly what Germantown Library is doing Thursday.
Why? It's a proven hit with teenagers.
The "Be a DJ" demonstration is back through the library's summer reading program, said Michele Sellars, Montgomery County Public Libraries spokeswoman. The event began four years ago at the Long Branch and Germantown libraries, and its success prompted the return.
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Sellars said the idea for the program came from a collaboration by the MCPL's Teen Advisory Group (TAG) and library staff. TAG is a group of 20 teens from around the county who help advise the library system about programming and information needs of teens, she said.
"TAG is a good opportunity for teens to make a difference in the library and participate in the planning process," Sellars said.
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The library's summer reading program encourages children of all ages to continue reading when school is not in session. Sellars said the program brings books to life with special activities using music, magic, storytelling and other activities.
"Teens are a unique group, and programs of interest like the DJ workshop, poetry slams, craft programs and creative writing and drawing clubs are a great way to attract teens to the library," Sellars said.
The Mid Atlantic Professional DJ Association is providing the DJ, 24-year-old Carlos Marroquin.
Marroquin has been DJ-ing since age 15, when he was hired by the association as an equipment manager. He gradually worked his way up to DJ and has been spinning ever since.
He plans to incorporate DJ-ing history, hands-on experience and lessons on what a professional DJ does into his demonstration.
"I want to show the kids where we are now. I started with tapes and vinyl, but now everything is done on laptops," he said.
Marroquin exclusively uses CDs and a laptop when he DJs, which he said is much easier now that he uses Virtual DJ software.
As a full-time student at Montgomery College, DJ-ing is a way to help pay the bills. "Be a DJ" is right up his alley, however, as an elementary education major who often works with youth.
Sellars said it costs $250 to put on the event. All system-wide programs are funded through local Friends of the Library chapters and Montgomery County.
She said the library is expecting a large crowd based on attendance from prior years.
The event is free and begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the library's meeting room. No registration is required; pizza and soft drinks will be provided.
