Nineteen Wilmington High School students and their English teacher, Ms. Clair Welch, joined Wilmington residents in reading Empire Falls, by Richard Russo.

Teen Services Librarian Nathalie Demers, who attended two classroom discussions of the novel, was impressed by the students' insights and comments about the book. She noted that several students felt that the novel realistically reflected high school life and teenagers. One student said "this is like one of the best books I've ever read!" Clair Welch and her students also joined in the discussion at the Buzzell Senior Center. Nathalie Demers, Teen Services Librarian, encourages teens to begin thinking about a book to nominate for the next "Wilmington Reads."