The Ina Thompson Moss Point Library is hosting a teen summer program from June 11 through July 2 at 11:30 a.m. called “How Was I Supposed to Know?” Each session is designed to teach teens financial literacy, cursive writing and family history research.
Developed by Youth Services and Library Assistant Lauren Landry-Jones, “How Was I Supposed to Know?” marks the first time the library has combined life-skills topics into a summer program. The library has previously offered individual financial programs for children, multiple levels of genealogy, and cursive writing.
The program was created after library staff noticed some teens lacked skills commonly used in adulthood.
“We found that because children don’t really use cursive in school anymore, they were not able to give a signature. We wanted to make sure that the kids could at least sign their names properly,” said Liz Williams-Murphy, branch manager of the Ina Thompson Moss Point Library.
Upcoming sessions, “Money Doesn’t Have to Be Scary” and “Unearthing Your Roots,” will introduce teens to financial fundamentals and genealogy. The series will conclude July 2 with a party.
“We wanted them to not feel that, while adulting is scary, it doesn’t have to be scary if you’re prepared early,” Williams-Murphy said.
Sessions are open to all teens and do not require a Jackson-George Regional Library System card to attend.
Teens are encouraged to participate in the entire series but are welcome to attend individual sessions. Materials for each session will be provided by the library.
For more information, visit the City of Moss Point’s Facebook page.
Contributor: Michelle Pinto


