Middle school students at Banning Lewis Prep are calling on their community to create a more accessible space where teens can gather to read, write and connect outside the classroom.A group of about nine students, including seve nth graders Brooke Wilson and Kyla Simon, say the Banning Lewis area lacks nearby options tailored to their age group."There's not very many places for us to get together. There's a few coffee shops and two to three other bookstores, but a lot of them aren't really directed towards our age group, or they're pretty far away from our area," said Wilson.Wilson, who said she got into writing in first grade, described reading as more than a hobby."It's a way for reality to be different at your fingertips," said Wilson.Simon echoed that sentiment."I love reading. It's a big part of my life," said Simon.The students say their local library has a teen section, but it falls short of what they need."I noticed at the library they have a teen section, but it's very small and limited, and it's hard to meet up with your friends there," said Simon. "They do have clubs, but it's mostly for adults. I would love to see it for teens."Teachers at Banning Lewis Prep say they have noticed the gap as well. Middle school teachers Marisa Aragon and Kelsey Castellanet say the enthusiasm for reading among their students has been contagious, but there is nowhere nearby for students to take it."There's not a lot of spaces for students of their age to go out and read books, or to write, or to collaborate," said Aragon."Or to just hang out and be kids," said Castellanet.Aragon added that the distance to existing spaces creates a real barrier."It's a lot harder for kids these age to get to these places," said Aragon.Both teachers say keeping students off screens is a priority, and reading culture among this group of students has made that easier."Any time the students can get away from the screens, it's a win," said Castellanet.Wilson and Simon say their ideal space would be something like Third Space Coffee, a spot with group-style seating where teens can read and talk together. For now, they and their classmates are asking the community to help make that vision a reality in the Banning Lewis area.__________Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching. ...read more read less