Before he started his self-defense seminar, Johnny Hughes offered some advice.

"Don't go to stupid places. Don't do stupid things. Don't be around stupid people," Mr. Hughes, of CSRA Defensive Arts, said at the seminar at the Headquarters Library on Saturday.

In many circumstances, just following that advice could eliminate the need for the knowledge he was imparting, he said.

Mr. Hughes taught the group six methods of self-defense -- four punches and two kicks. These moves could be used in different combinations, depending on the situation.

Although participants ranged from elementary school pupils to adults, the target group for the program was middle and high school students.

"We try to have something that appeals to that age group," said Jennie Feinberg, the young adult librarian for the East Central Georgia Regional Library.

Traditionally, most summer programs at the library have been for elementary school children and younger. These programs are designed to keep middle and high school students engaged during the summer, too, she said.

Some of the programs on tap for the summer relate to the theme of Metamorphosis.

"When I thought of self-defense and yoga, I was thinking about exercise changing your well-being," Ms. Feinberg said.

A Yoga and Smoothies class will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the headquarters library.

Other events have been scheduled just because they are popular among this age group, Ms. Feinberg said.

"The manga class was so popular last year," she said. "I wanted to have it again." Learn to Draw Manga will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 23.

Another popular activity is the teen photography contest, which has a deadline of Friday. It is open to pupils in sixth through 12th grades. Participants may enter up to three photos. They should be 5 inches by 7 inches or larger and can be on any subject. Library patrons will cast their votes for their favorite photos.

The photographs will be voted on through July 20, and the winners will be announced July 21. The top three vote-getters will receive gift cards from Borders. First place will receive a $30 gift card; second place, $20; and third place, $10.

For more information about any of the teen-related programs, call (706) 821-2600.

Reach Charmain Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.