Humans and Unicorns are NECK AND NECK!

Posted on June 7th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

Ok Sports fans, here is your weekly run down on all the SRP action from the teen side! Humans are in the lead, but only by 2 hours!

Is it harder for unicorns to read without thumbs?! Are vampires frustrated that the library is only open during daylight hours?! WHAT exactly is a Hufflepuff anyway?! Stay with us summer readers for the answers to questions you never asked, exciting reading competition developments and much more!

Humans: 92 registered, 359 hours logged

Unicorns: 102 registered, 357 hours logged

Zombies: 63 registered, 183 hours logged

Vampires: 57 registered, 127 hours logged

1 comment.

THE RACE IS ON!

Posted on June 3rd, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

Okay, you signed up for Summer Reading and you chose a team…WHAT? You haven’t signed up yet?

Go here and do it. Now.

Ok, so you are signed up–awesome! The four teams are reading like crazy to try and out do each other…
Here are the stats…

Aren’t sure how to get some hours in? Here are some tips:

• Take a book to the pool…just try not to get it too wet!
• Read some comics on the web–heck, yea it counts!
• Read your favorite picture book to your snotty little brother–maybe if you read together he won’t be so snotty!
• Come to the library–if you attend a program it counts toward your log–here’s what is going on.
• Put a zombie sticker on your head and read a book about brains at the park…why not? You get double fun for being a weirdo… (so says Teen Volunteer, Kat!)
• Listen to a book on your ipod or computer or ipad or whatever techno gadget floats your boat…I just listened to The Hobbit and it was awesome-have you ever heard dwarves singing?
• Grab a magazine–they are fun to read and they have pictures!

0 comments.

WWAR (What Would Avengers Read)?

Posted on May 15th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: Books, Movies.

Have you seen Avengers yet? By all accounts (especially according to ticket sales and those old fashioned box office votes known as ticket money) this movie is amazing and it is breaking records left and right! To make the movie even COOLER Joss Whedon wrote it! You may know him from such coolness as Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Toy Story, Serenity, X-Men and…need I go on? He is stinking cool. period.

I was also super stoked to see this post on The Hub this week….Maria Kramer took her super powers of library science to make you an Avengers’ Reading List! As in WWAR (What Would Avengers Read)?

Sure, the Avengers have been taking names and smashing box office records, but here’s the big question: what would members of this superteam read in their free time? Wonder no more!

She took each character and picked out a book for him/her based on that hero’s interests, personality and ability. Cleversauce!

So read the post, pick your favorite character and then check out his/her book.  Then you can let me know what you think! Was it a good match? What book would you choose for your favorite hero?

4 comments.

It’s a Transformation! Teen ARC Club –> Beta Books

Posted on May 7th, 2012 by Becky.
Categories: Beta Books, Books, Events.

Those of you who have visited our Teen ARC Club have probably heard the news — we’re changing the name! We voted and chose democratically: beginning in June, this group will be known as Beta Books. New name; same great flavor! Not to worry — we’ll still be reading and sharing ARCs (that’s Advanced Reading Copies — preview copies of books that haven’t yet been published!). We’ll meet 4-5 pm in the Activity Center on these days:

Friday, May 25

Wed, June 27

Wed, July 25

Wed, August 22

If you can’t make it to a meeting, never fear! You can sign out a book from the Teen Center at any time, and share your thoughts online. (However, the meetings are pretty hilar. I would recommend stopping by for the laughs and snacks if nothing else…)

Here’s our latest review from reader Maddie (thanks, Maddie!). The book is now out, so you can reserve it:

Title: Hourglass

Author: Myra McEntire

What did you think of the book? I liked everything about the book. It was well written with few if no mistakes, easy to read, and went by fast. My favorite part was when they went back in time to save the professor. I would recommend it to a friend.

How would you rate this book? 5 stars – Unbelievable! I’d rather read this book than sleep!

What did you think of the cover? I think the cover fit the book well. It showed how she’s coming from one place to the other. In my opinion, I’d like it if it showed both where shes going and where she’s coming out of.

3 comments.

The Library’s Most Requested: Books You’re Asking For

Posted on April 30th, 2012 by Becky.
Categories: Books, Technology, Web sites to watch.

Recently, we were asked, “What are the top requested books by tweens and teens at your library?” What a great question! Librarians in the Youth Department used our collective memory to compile the top books that we are asked for at the reference desks ALL the time. Our results are above (collaged together using the most awesome www.ipiccy.com — check it out if you miss Picnik!).

What do you think? Are these YOUR personal faves, or do you do most of your book requesting online? Someday soon we’ll take a look at those stats, too, and see how they compare!

2 comments.

Cover Stories: Book Cover Judginess

Posted on April 27th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

I do it, you do it and I bet your Auntie Muriel does it to. YA Bloggers do it and librarians do it too…everyday. Do what? Judge books by their covers. And why shouldn’t you? A book cover is designed to grab your interest so you’ll pick the book up and give the words a try!

In our Teen ARC (soon to be Beta Books) meetings we talk about book covers quite a bit and even play games where we try to make up stories based solely on book covers…it gets kinda funny (remember the spanked by flowers cover?). We really like picking covers apart to talk about what we like and what we don’t like to see in a teen book cover. The top offenders?

• Plain Janes: We don’t like it when there is absolutely nothing on the cover at all! What’s up with that? Give us something to look at!
• Imagination Killers: Sometimes the fun of the book is imagining the characters for yourself instead of imaging the cover model as the character.
• NO PDA! We don’t like to watch people making out in real life and we don’t want to see it on the cover either…that goes double for those too sexy models in impossible poses on the cover. Seriously, no one can really arch their back like that. Ouch.

So how do you judge your books? Give me a shout out in the comments.

And finally for your viewing pleasure, here is how a specific book cover was made sped up to show the whole process in 1 minute and 53 seconds.

4 comments.

Haven’t Been There, but I’ve Read That: Historical Fiction for Teens

Posted on April 24th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

Can you imagine what it felt like to grow up in a Medieval village in the depths of the Dark Ages? What about how stressful it must have been to be a fighter pilot strapped in the belly of a plane hurtling through the sky towards enemy airspace? Of course you can imagine it! Although you can’t live in the past, you can visit it…when you read about it.

If you aren’t the type to follow wizards into dark mines or hitch rides in alien ships, than you may just be a fan of historical fiction.

BUT WHAT *IS* HISTORICAL FICTION?? I can hear you shouting. (Seriously–you don’t need to shout, I am sitting right here.)

Let’s ask the professor:

So there you have it. Mostly real, but not quite. But it will feel real to you…so go ahead and step into historical fiction. The feelings are real, but the dumb souvenir t-shirt is totally optional. Browse the catalog now because history is cool.

0 comments.

Summer Orientations for Teen Volunteers: They’re Coming!

Posted on April 23rd, 2012 by Becky.
Categories: Events, Teen Volunteers.

Come find out the scoop about volunteering at the Library’s %2012 Summer Reading Program and summer events!

Summer Reading Volunteers MUST attend at least one orientation, so mark your calendar:

• Sun, May %20 @ 3 pm;
• Thurs, May 24 @ 7 pm; or
• Sat, May 26 @ 3 pm

Bring your schedule to sign up for times to volunteer!

Need to fill out a volunteer application or ask a question? All the links you need are in the “Teen Volunteer Opportunities” box on the top right of this blog.

Hope to see YOU volunteering this summer!

0 comments.

Hide Your Electronic Gadget with this Recycled Book Craft!

Posted on April 18th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: Art & Craftiness.

Upcycle an old book to protect and disguise your e-reader or tablet gadget! Spaces are still available for this teen craft, but they are going fast! Choose a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys book from us or bring your own book and let the crafting begin! Sign up here!

A craft in time for Earth Day! Bring in an old book that is a similar size to your tablet, e-reader or Mp3 device or use one of ours to make a recycled holder out of the cover. Trendy, recycled and useful–pretty cool, eh? Please note parents, we will be using craft knives and glue guns for this program under the supervision of the librarian.

0 comments.

How Many Have You Read? YALSA Announces Teens’ Top Ten Nominees

Posted on April 16th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

Have ya’ll seen this yet?

These are the nominees for the coveted Teens Top Ten list this year. Teens nominate the titles and teens vote on the winners.

I like a lot of these picks, what do you think? Any gems that were missed? Any included that you hated? Give me a shout back in the comments.

If you haven’t read all of these–get cracking!  You can see the whole list in our catalog and you’ll have months to read them all. I’ll be bugging you to vote for your favorites this fall.

Seriously…go read. Get thine nose in a book... Now.

3 comments.

Poetry Jam workshop this Sunday!!

Posted on April 12th, 2012 by Becky.
Categories: Books, Events, Words & Writing.

Calling all writers age 12-16! This Sunday from 3-4 pm, poet Jennifer Hambrick will be hosting Poetry Jam: Bringing Your World to Life in Poetry.

Maybe you’ve never written poetry and want to try your hand at it, or maybe you’ve written some free verse and want to write more. Either way, here’s your chance!

We’ll find poem subjects from the world around us, turn them “on their heads,” mine them for meaning, and tell their stories in free verse poems. We’ll also workshop our poems and learn how to give and receive constructive criticism.

Bring plenty of paper and pencils and come prepared to look at your world a little differently! Registration required — click here to register online, or call 614-882-7277 x 5006.

0 comments.

The Titanic: Long Gone but Not Forgotten

Posted on April 9th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

With the 100 year anniversary of the sinking approaching on April 15, %2012 and the brilliantly timed release of James Cameron’s Titanic in 3D much of the world is very interested in the rusting and romantic heap of history on the bottom of the ocean floor.

Why do we love history? Is it the romance? Is it the adventure? Is it the cool costumes? Who knows–but historical fiction is gaining in popularity with adults and teens alike!

So what happened that cold night in 1912? Why weren’t there enough lifeboats and how did it feel to look into that dark 28 degree water and know you were about to plunge in?  No helicopter rescue for these folks…and none of them are around anymore to ask. Here is how National Geographic thinks it may have happened:

They aren’t the only ones piecing together stories from the past. Some try to piece together the facts and others try to match the facts up with feelings and human emotions–that is the beginning of historical fiction. These authors want you to listen to their take on the disaster. Are you up for some adventure?

0 comments.

Origami Rhino & Origami Books

Posted on April 3rd, 2012 by Becky.
Categories: Art & Craftiness, Books.

If there’s one crafty thing I’m asked for by all ages at the library, it’s origami. (Sometimes it’s Origami Yoda, but mostly it’s real origami.) I was reminded of its awesomeness when I came across this video of an origami rhino unfolding. I don’t know why it’s so magical, but it is! Enjoy it, and then check out a book on origami. Bonus: if you’re a visual person like me, don’t be afraid to look up instructional videos on how to do the complicated ones…OK…the easy ones, too. It really helps to see someone doing it!

Origami Rhino Unfolding from MABONA ORIGAMI on Vimeo.

1 comment.

Road Trip! Books that go the Distance

Posted on March 26th, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

Yes, sports fans–it is that time again!

Spring Break is on and teens are ready to hit the road and we are ready to offer up or annual pick of the buddy books about road trips, travel and spring break shenanigans!

Catch and Release by Blythe Woolston
Eighteen-year-old Polly and impulsive, seventeen-year-old Odd survive an deadly outbreak of flesh-eating bacteria, but resulting wounds have destroyed their plans for the future and with little but their unlikely friendship and a shared affection for trout fishing, they set out on a road trip through the West.

Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger
Sixteen-year-old Hattie and eighteen-year-old Delores set off on a road trip that takes unexpected turns as they discover the healing power of friendship and confront what each of them is fleeing from.

Don’t Stop Now by Julie Halpern
Recent high school graduates Lil and Josh leave Illinois for Oregon seeking Lil’s sort-of friend Penny, who faked her own kidnapping to escape problems at home and an abusive boyfriend, but Lil also wants to find out if she and Josh are meant to be more than friends.

Rivals by Lauren Kunze
Callie Andrews has looked forward this semester but Lexi is still after her, boyfriend Clint wants her back but Gregory has decided to fight for her, Vanessa still has not forgiven her, and working on the Harvard Crimson is taking a toll, causing Callie to yearn for spring break.

What is your favorite road trip book?

1 comment.

Spring is for the Birds: The Not-So-Twitterpated Book List

Posted on March 21st, 2012 by Mickie.
Categories: All posts.

Ahhh…Spring–that magical time when everyone’s thoughts turn to love and beauty…right? Spring…the birds are singing, the freshman are batting their eyes at potential prom dates and all the flowers beg for attention from the pollinators. It is inevitable, right? All creatures’ thoughts turn to romance in the Spring time…

Well, not everyone…some people like to balance those frisky rabbits and google-eyed love birds of spring with a box of tissues and a sad story. Grab some snacks and turn off the phone (like you need one more text about your BFF’s new crush) and enjoy these  weird relationships, tear-jerkers and bad romances…

Boy meets girl, girl goes crazy, girl runs away…ah teenage love can be so one-sided. In this scrapbook of make-believe and truth readers have to decide for themselves where the story ends. Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony–after you read this, come talk to me. I have some theories about what may be going on.

In White Cat by Holly Black, Cassell is pretty sure he was in love with his best friend…too bad he is pretty sure he killed her with his secret powers. That’s awkward.

When you know you are going to die, is it still ok to fall in love? What if you can’t stop it? Is it worth living even if the living is what is killing you? How the heck did Anne Frank manage to live with her crush under her roof and the Nazis outside her door? Grab your tissues for this one folks…The Fault in our Stars by John Green is gonna clear out your sinuses.

Cas’s girlfriend is gorgeous…and she’s also a blood thirsty ghost who has been known to rip the limbs off of his friends..maybe double-dates are out of the question? Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

He thinks she is a boy, but she finds herself hoping he’ll see her as more…oh yeah and the fate of the world is at stake in an alternate history of WWI…love…it is tricky, especially when you are riding around in a live whale that has been made into an airship. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

So finding books with weird romance was kinda fun…and kinda hard. I am sure there are tons more that I haven’t read. Do you know of any star-crossed, love-hate, sobbing-crazy love stories? Give me a shout back in the comments. We need a good long list of these gems.

0 comments.

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