The popular fiction book series-turned-film "Twilight" is the inspiration for Mary Riley Styles Public

INAUGURAL MEMBERS OF THE ”TWILIGHT” fan club met for the first time last Wednesday to share their interest in the popular vampire novel series. (Photo: Courtesy Cary Frostick)

Leader of the club, 17-year-old Youth Services volunteer Ambar Atta, said the group is already planning its first official debate, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24. A face-off between "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob" members will take place, each team representing loyalty to one of "Twilight's" two lead male characters. A neutral group of undecided members will judge who makes the better case.

For those lost as to how this page-turner series about vampires romancing mortals has translated into millions of dollars at the box office and an unstoppable fan base, Atta summed it up as being far more than the fictional characters who are tugging at the heartstrings of teens and "Twi-moms" alike.

"[Author] Stephanie Meyer did a good job with the writing, but it's more the whole plot about finding your true love. In our generation, people are dating but it's really hard to find true love. Bella (the main character) found true love, and her best friend," said Atta, a senior at McLean High School.

Youth Services Supervisor Cary Frostick, who oversees the library's Teen Advisory Board of volunteers, has been working with Atta to get the club off the ground after a board meeting was held to encourage volunteers to think up a new program for the library. Frostick and the library's director, Mary McMahon, also read the "Twilight" books at Atta's recommendation.

"I think the draw for young girls in particular is the romanticism that's attached to vampires, that and the combination of the supernatural. And 'Twilight' is written in such a realistic way that seems so plausible, the reader feels as though this could actually happen to them," said Frostick, who, as an adult, became a fan of Ann Rice's "Interview With the Vampire."

But it's not just adolescent females who're pulling copies of "Twilight" off the shelves. Frostick added that she was surprised at the number of boys that have also read "Twilight," which she attributes to the book's strong male characters. In the storyline, fictional vampire Edward Cullen and werewolf Jacob Black exude masculinity by physically fighting for their mutual love interest, mortal teen Bella Swan. Atta remains hopeful the club will attract young male members in the future.

Diversified attendance or not, Frostick said she was impressed at Atta's dedication to leading the club despite her busy school schedule.

"She's taken on a lot of responsibility with very little effort on my part to remind her. I can't say enough about Ambar; she is a really special girl," said Frostick.

Those who did not attend the first meeting but remain interested are invited to next month's meeting Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. inside Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). Meetings will be held the last Wednesday of every month. Registration is required. Call 703-248-5034 for more information.

And for "Twilight" fans planning ahead, Creation Entertainment will host a three-day Twilight Convention in Arlington from April 23 - 25 at the Sheraton National Hotel. "Twilight" film actors scheduled to make an appearance are Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Bronson Pelletier, Kiowa Gordon, Christopher Heyerdahl and Michael Welch.