The Springville Public Library has a new program for kids and teenagers who want to have some clean, wholesome fun.

Shelley Maag, senior clerk at the library, said the library has been looking for ways to get teenagers involved at the library. Maag said several community members contacted the library trying to find activities for youth, and library workers were excited to put something into place once funding became available.

"We've been interested in doing teen programs for awhile," she said. "We'd like to get some fun things going for that age group."

The game night will be on the third Thursday of the month, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Maag said this Thursday's game night is only the second since the program began, but several kids have already attended and want to bring friends to the next event.

Maag said the library felt that it was important to get more activities for older kids because there were not many programs geared to getting them involved at the library.

"It's just a fun age group," she said. "We like to have them here and give them something to do."

Maag said the library has several programs for kids, including the usual story time for young children and boys-and-girls-only, after-school programs once a month that focus on different books for elementary school kids.

The library is also hoping to start a family game night in the summer time when the games can be expanded outside as well, but nothing is set in stone.

Several libraries in the valley have also come up with programs geared toward youth, including the Provo Library, which has had a Teen Advisory Board. Mary Beth Cox, an adult and teen services librarian at the Provo Library, said the age group has been neglected in the past. Many programs were focused on young children and adults, and Cox said it was often expected for teens to become adults who were active in the library.

Cox said the library now has summer reading programs and "teen weeks," as well as activities for youth. The library hosted a "Dance Dance Revolution" party as well as other activities focusing on different interests.

Cox said she thinks such programs have convinced more youth visit the library.

"Since we have done more programs, I think we have seen a different demographic," she said. "It's a good thing if we can just make them feel more welcome in the library."

Lanell Reeder, teen librarian at the Orem Library, said her library has tried to connect more with what teenagers are doing at school. Starting last year, the library has had Literature and Science Mind Marathons, which included presentations that corresponded with topics being discussed throughout the semesters in local schools.

The Mind Marathons addressed topics such as artificial limbs, drug-resistant pathogens and global stewardship, and reviewed books like "My Antonia."

Reeder said she thinks the programs have brought more kids into the library and more have come in to get library cards.

She said there will be summer programs for youth, and she hopes it encourages them to continue to visit the library in the future.

"We're hoping to help lifelong learners and encourage lifelong learning," she said.