Library

Hunger Games Hysteria Hits County Libraries

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Hunger Games hysteria is in full effect in San Diego County and that excitement is translating into more people of all ages picking up the book and getting hooked on reading according to the San Diego County Library.

“It’s like Harry Potter,” said Margo Smart, San Marcos branch teen librarian. “It’s not only a best seller, it’s an incredible story and a lot of older adults read it too.

“It’s been one of those book phenomena. Boys read it too because it has lots of adventure and fights to the death.”

Readers of all ages have been gobbling up any books and materials related to the Hunger Games at the San Diego County Library. The actual book has a waiting list, but the library has dozens of copies to meet the demand. The library has used the eager anticipation of the movie – based on the first book of a young adult trilogy by Suzanne Collins – to tailor library programs designed to capture new readers and excite regulars.

“Programs are live information,” said Angelica Fortin, San Marcos head librarian. “They bring people into the library and it opens the doors for more reading and learning. “Nothing is more exciting that introducing people to the library and all it offers.”

The San Marcos library was one of several San Diego County Libraries hosting events centered on the opening of the movie. Thursday the branch hosted a Hunger Games Kick-off Party that featured a “’til the death” ping-pong tournament, costume contest and a presentation on movie costume design from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) of Los Angeles. Joy Sprink, the representative from FIDM, told the group of teenagers at the event about careers as a costume designer.

“On a movie set, every single person – hundreds of people sometimes – has to have a costume,” she said. “A costume designer is responsible for bringing relevant characters to life.”

She tied the work of a costume designer to reading and using the library.

“How do you find out how people dressed in a certain time period?” Sprink asked. “Books!”

There are more Hunger Games-related events next week at different branches of the San Diego County Library:

  • Teen Hunger Games Party, Bonita-Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road, March 26, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Teens can find out what Panem District they belong in, make a Mockingjay pin and select Tributes to represent them in District games.
  • Teen Book to Film Club, Santee Library, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd, #17, March 31, 5 p.m. Teens will meet to discuss the book and then go watch the film at a movie theater.
  • Hunger Games: Book vs. Movie Smackdown, Lakeside Library, 9839 Vine Street, April 11, 4 to 5 p.m. Debate the book versus the movie.
Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact