Creative Writing and Artwork from New Jersey’s Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

About the Program | Speakers: Valerie L. Egar, Mary T. Previte | Photos from the Event

About the Program

On Friday, May 13, 2005, there was a very special reception at the NJ State Library in Trenton, hosted by the NJ Center for the Book, a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.  Approximately 40 librarians from around the state attended this event.

The program, from 10:00 to 11:30, featured two speakers.  Valerie L. Egar, Special Counsel to the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission, Howard L. Beyer, spoke on his behalf.  In addition, we were fortunate indeed that Assemblywoman Mary T. Previte agreed to join us.  She has been the Assemblywoman for Legislative District 6 for four terms, has won numerous awards, and has sponsored five bills to improve the quality of life of her constituency.  She is the Administrator of the Camden County Youth Center and is passionate in her support of programs that benefit the at-risk youth in these centers.

The purpose of this reception was to honor the Creative Writing and Artwork from New Jersey's Youth Detention Centers, a project that highlights the important work being done in New Jersey, through its youth detention programs, to encourage young people to use writing and art to explore and understand their feelings and experiences.  The work of these students was put together in an exhibit that first appeared to exceptional praise at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. in October 2004. 

Some photos of that event can be viewed at:
http://www.njcenterforthebook.org/news_events/nbf/nbf_2004_photos.html

After the exhibit leaves the New Jersey State Library, it will go to other libraries in the state, beginning with Monmouth County Public Library for two weeks, opening on May 20. Future venues will include Ocean County Public Library and Camden County Public Library.