Library Stuff for Media Teens

Winner of the Teen Beat Pizza Party Raffle

2005-06-27T22:05:00.000-04:00

Abby Dunn of Springton Lake won 2 tickets to see the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Center on July 7th. Congratulations!

Don't Forget Monday Movie Matinees

2005-06-27T22:03:00.000-04:00

We had our second MMM today at 1pm - Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure...Dude!

Our next showing will be on July 11th (because we're closed on the 4th of July) and will be Ocean's Twelve! It is PG-13, so make sure you are allowed to watch it if you come.

Swords & Shields Tomorrow, June 28th

2005-06-27T22:02:00.000-04:00

This fencing demonstration is set up to be held at Barrall Park beginning at Noon. If it is raining too much, we may have to move it to the Library.

Everyone is welcome!

2005-06-27T21:58:00.000-04:00

We learned many interesting facts about alligators and how to tell them apart from crocodiles.

2005-06-27T21:57:00.001-04:00

Here Bria holds a (stunted) 5 year old Alligator.

2005-06-27T21:57:00.000-04:00

This is the Harris Hawk, "Apache".

2005-06-27T21:56:00.001-04:00

Here Bria shows off a Harris Hawk, not found in this area.

2005-06-27T21:56:00.000-04:00

Mocha was very cute (and descented).

2005-06-27T21:55:00.000-04:00

Bria from Elmwood Park Zoo informs the audience about Mocha the skunk.

Don't Miss Elmwood Park Zoo tomorrow at the Library

2005-06-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

Come in at 1pm to see some cool reptiles or birds from the zoo. It's sure to be an interesting time for all. All ages are welcome for this Teen Summer Program event.

The Pizza Party was a hit!

2005-06-22T10:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had the Pizza/Registration Party for Teen Beat 2005. We had a great turn out of about 15 guys and gals going into 6th-12th grade. It was a social gathering where everyone got to hang out, eat Pinocchio's pizza and cookies, and get a preview of some of the great prizes they could would during the summer just for submitting reviews.

If you are interested in joining Teen Beat, please come on in! You can never be too late because prizes will be picked weekly until mid-August. If you review a book, it must be of YA level or higher. For all of you who may not be huge or quick readers, you can also review movies, teen magazines, good websites, and music or audio cd's. This is a self-motivated program. The more reviews you submit, the more chances of winning!

Thanks to everyone who came for the pizza party though....it was a good time.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

2005-06-19T00:42:00.000-04:00

I saw the movie on Thursday, and I was pretty happy about it. I thought it was 100 times better than Episodes 1 or 2. It left me completely satisfied with it leading to the answers to the original Star Wars series. Oh, Anakin...if only you could have just sent Padme (sp?) to the Pet Cemetery. hehe. Do you get that? Oh well, the dark side is powerful.

Have a good weekend.

Book Reviews

2005-06-13T16:30:00.000-04:00

Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation by Steven Levenkron
(review by an anonymous library patron)

"The author's writing is narcissistically self-agrandizing, and his approach to the topic is overly anecdotal, but there are a few useful tidbits on etiology and treatment that can normalize the behavior and help parents and sufferers."

- Thank you for your well-thought out opinion. Brandi

Rainbow Party by Paul Ruditis

I've not heard of rainbow parties before, but I have heard of the controversial colored, jelly bracelets, etc. So a rainbow party is an oral sex party where each girl dons a different color lipstick...thus creating a "rainbow" on the guy once each girl has had a turn. Okay, so I think that oral sex is a subject that should have a place in ya fiction because teens are curious and often experimental; however, this book didn't make the grade for me. It mostly takes place during the day the party is supposed to take place. You read about the dynamic between 13 high-school students and their feeling as individuals and couples regarding this type of party. Is it cheating? Will it get one girl the guy she's wanted? Who's going? Why?
It also touches on STD's and the fact that sex can lead to them, and that they can become widespread.

Unfortunately, I do not feel that this book was good enough for our collection, so you will have to get it elsewhere if you want to read it. The bad news about that is, I don't see it available at any Delaware County library, and even Barnes & Noble has chosen not to carry it.

On the Magnetic Poetry Board today

2005-06-09T20:34:00.000-04:00

celebrate summer
stone ricochet
drink & throw mud!
never slather lotion
play night
taste soil
drip red popsicle
make music in puddles
giggle
sing
remember
bound
stagger
imagine
love America

TV Film version of Laurie Halse Anderson's "Speak"

2005-06-09T11:58:00.000-04:00

Being released on September 5, 2005, Labor Day, is the television debut of Speak on Lifetime and Showtime. No release date yet, but there will be a dvd release to follow. I can't wait to see this. I know that so many of you have loved this book and will not want to miss seeing this either.

What's on the Magnetic Board Today?*

2005-06-06T18:52:00.000-04:00

off color peach popsicle
I giggle & stagger across America
a dizzy machine in a wicked paradise
lounging in the brilliant summer sky
stoned over time through immense rain
I love weed

make black sun sizzle from prison puddle

*(note that writings are anonymous and nothing written is endorsed by the Library or its staff)

Audio Book Review

2005-06-06T15:53:00.000-04:00

Inventing Elliot by Graham Gardner, read by Dominic Taylor.

From the case: When fourteen-year-old Elliot Sutton arrives at Holminster High, he is determined not to stand out. He simply can't let himself become a target like he was at his last school. He's going to invent a whole new Elliot. The new Elliot is tough, impenetrable.
Enter the Guardians. A group of upperclassmen that secretly rule over Holminster with a quiet and anonymous terror. Obsessed with George Orwell's book 1984, they desire power for the sake of power. And strangely enough, they want Elliot. Not to terrorize...but to become one of them. Everyone knows that if the Guardians notice you in the wrong way, life will be miserable. But as Elliot soon discovers, even if they notice you in the right way, there will be some terrifying choices to face.

Thoughts: I really like listening to books. It gives me a chance to read when I don't really have any free time. Almost more important than the book, in that case, is the reader. This reader is London-based, so it took me a bit to accept the accent. Once I got into it, I like it. The book is pretty predictable. But there aren't a lot of books on bullying for teens. Once you listen to them refer to 1984 so often, you will want to read that too.

What did you do for Memorial Day?

2005-05-31T18:20:00.000-04:00

Most likely you were celebrating with a b-b-q or you went down to the shore and relished the warm weather. I had a brunch with some friends and spent the day outside in the yard. It was really nice having an extra day off.

Don't forget to begin signing up for the Teen Summer Programs. First is the Pizza/Registration party on June 21. And make sure you sign up for the Elmwood Park Zoo visit on June 23rd at 1pm!

New Magazine

2005-05-31T18:17:00.000-04:00

Attention Gamers! GamePro has arrived. We have the four most current issues.

Book Review

2005-05-31T18:11:00.000-04:00

The Driving Book: Everything new drivers need to know but don't know how to ask by Karen Gravelle

I saw this cover and thought it looked really appealing, so I read it even though I've been driving for more years than some of you have been alive. How Depressing! Anyway, it is full of all-purpose driving tips such as like make sure you check your oil and tire pressure, etc. It is also full of other tips that you may not think of until you are driving. For example, if you are unfamiliar with driving on toll roads, you may not be aware that some exits have many many miles between them and not gas stop. And you may not realize that those rural roads don't always have street lights and may seem like something from a horror movie if you're driving at night. Plus it has a lot of nifty little illustrations to make it a non-boring, essential read.

I definitely would have picked it up if I were about to be driving or a new driver.

Whether or not you read it....be safe on the road!

YA Summer Programs

2005-05-25T17:39:00.000-04:00

June 21st - Registration begins for Teen Beat with a Pizza Party. (Pizza 1-3pm but registration is ongoing) Sponsored by Pinocchio's Pizza of Media. Plus you will be entered to win Tickets to the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Music Center on July 7th.

MMM- Monday Movie Matinees at the Library. Mondays beginning on June 20th at 1pm. Feel free to bring snacks. Ratings PG and PG-13.

June 23rd - Elmwood Park Zoo visits with Predator vs. Prey series ( Animals may include: Bearded Dragon, Blue Tongue Skink, Great Horned Owl) Registration is required. 45 minute program. All ages welcome.

June 28th - Swords and Shields Fencing and Armour Demonstration by the SCA. 12 noon - 3pm at Barrall Park. Registration is required. All ages welcome. Experience the Middle Ages: Non-scripted Fencing, Q&A, Real Medieval Armour, Refreshments. Call Brandi at 610-566-1918 for information.

June 30th - Napoleon Dynamite Night. 6:30pm. Movie showing. We will also be raffling off two baskets of SWEET Napoleon goodies! Registration is required. Entering grade 6 through adult.

July 6th - Cool Bubbleology. 11am. Learn about bubbles and make your own creations, including bubble art.

July 7th - Knitting for Beginners. 6-8pm. Learn to knit with Sue Walker, instructor for Michael's Craft Store. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. Class limited to 8. Ages 12+.
July 12th - Todd Marrone, Artist, will be doing a live mural demonstration. Visit Todd's website. Registration Required. Win an original piece of art.

Book Reviews

2005-05-21T22:19:00.000-04:00

Vote for Larry by Janet Tashjian

Let me preface this by saying you really have to read the first book The Gospel According to Larry before this sequel to fully enjoy it. Having read the first and the second, I didn't think that Vote stood very well on its own because there is too much background info needed.

Okay, so once you've read The Gospel, by all means read this book. If you are interested in the onslaught of political satire and the like, if you like Michael Moore or the Daily Show's Jon Stewart, you will probably like this.

Josh (aka Larry) is back from the pseudo-dead and ready to spill the proverbial guts of the two party system's corrupt nature along with their corporate sponsors. 18-year-old Larry beats the odds and runs for president of the USA under the Peace Party. He and his supporters gain the votership of the young adults of society, pushing the political envelope.

Dream Watcher by Barbara Wersba

Originally published in 1968, this book is considered a "contemporary classic" along the lines of Catcher in the Rye. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about a freshman in high school who believes that his life is worth nothing and often thinks of commiting suicide. He befriends an elderly woman who makes him feel good about himself and the dreams that he holds.

New EMO CDs added today

2005-05-19T18:33:00.000-04:00

Emo is Awesome/Emo is Evil 2
A Near Fatal Fall
The Warped Tour 2004 Compilation

and the Butthole Surfers, who are from the 90's, and you should check 'em out.

Lemony Snicket Movie to Show at the Library

2005-05-19T18:23:00.000-04:00

Register and come to see the movie based on Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events next Thursday night for free. That's Thursday, May 26 at 6pm. You can bring a snack and a pillow if you want. Call or email to register 610-566-1918/ teenassist@yahoo.com .

Also, beginning Monday June 20th, there will be regular movies shown at 1pm on Mondays in the summer. Titles will be posted. There will be a mix of new and old but all will be free.

Two Poems created by two 7-graders share a title but are very different in content.

2005-05-16T15:42:00.000-04:00

"Summer" by Tres Moore
The day breaths, flocks fire from the stone
grounds, the night noise supply a sweet
sound, together towns sleep in the innocence
of swift fields, by day the trees steal the
meditation of peace, summer, summer,
summer, let live, let find, summer, let summer
care, let summer free from mixed rage, let
live, let live, summer.

"Summer" by Christine Sowa
Study not, care not
Sleep in
With the sweet air
And the shade of the trees.
with not a care
Live free and find peace
Day and night.
Summer -
Happy.

Are you Paraskevidekatriaphobic

2005-05-13T17:30:00.000-04:00

That is the unreasonable fear of Friday the 13th.

Though no one can say for sure when and why human beings first associated the number 13 with misfortune, the belief is assumed to be quite old and there exist any number of theories purporting to trace its origins to antiquity and beyond. Read more here.

I, regardless of how many "bad" Friday the 13th's I've had, had a wonderful day today. Hope your 13th was lucky!

New CD added

2005-05-11T23:03:00.000-04:00

My Chemical Romance's I brought you my bullets, you gave me your love was added to the YA collection because it was requested via the YA notebook. Ask and your wish may be granted too!
I can check out MTV.com, Spin magazine, etc. (I don't listen to the radio much unless it's WXPN), but I won't ever really get a collection that you all want unless you tell me who you want to listen to. So get on the suggestion wagon and let's pump up the volume!

It looks as though EMO is in, so give me some names...Should I go by a website's review or what. I like Phish and Gov't Mule. Stuff like that...what's your pleasure?

Girls Life Magazine

2005-05-10T18:35:00.000-04:00

We have subscribed to GL, and our first issue has arrived. The cover article is on the Sisterhood of the Traveling pants movie. Check it out. June 3!!!!!

The Zoo on Mother's Day

2005-05-09T21:16:00.000-04:00

The Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown is a great zoo in your local area. It is very inexpensive compared to the Philadelphia Zoo. Sure it doesn't have all the very large animals, but it is clean, not crowded, unassuming, and a great place to spend a few hours strolling. Here are some pictures of the animals I took. We had a really nice time.

2005-05-09T21:14:00.000-04:00

Awwww...prairie dogs...so cute.

2005-05-09T21:13:00.002-04:00

Bison...they are really big.

2005-05-09T21:13:00.001-04:00

Pink Flamingos...a little bit of Florida in our own back yard.

2005-05-09T21:13:00.000-04:00

John? Cougar

2005-05-09T21:12:00.001-04:00

American Bald Eagle. What a great shot.

2005-05-09T21:12:00.000-04:00

Here is the entrance sign...nice huh?

Scrapbooking Program Pictures

2005-05-09T20:58:00.000-04:00

Great job to all of you!

2005-05-09T20:57:00.000-04:00

This is one guy that's dedicated to making a personal mother's day gift. What a lucky mom!

2005-05-09T20:56:00.000-04:00

Who says scrapbooking is not fun?

2005-05-09T20:55:00.000-04:00

The girls are hard at work on their scrapbooks, while the guy in the group looks on for comparison

Teen Beat PIZZA PARTY!

2005-05-05T18:09:00.000-04:00

Be sure to mark your calendar for June 21st, summer solstice, to attend our Registration/Pizza Party from 1-3pm at the library.

"Joust Read" is the theme for our teens this yearthere will be a few programs coinciding with the Medieval theme, like a live fencing demonstration along with a show'n'tell of armour and swords, hosted by the Eastern Kingdom of the SCA. (date yet to be determined) How cool!

Sign up to get email updates for upcoming programs in your inbox! Teenassist@yahoo.com

Magnetic Poetry Stand in YA Area

2005-05-05T18:01:00.000-04:00

If you haven't been into the library since the beginning of April, come expurge your creativity onto our new magnetic poetry board located on the YA table. It is a lot of fun.

Some random writings on it today are:

live as they do in prison

make time so you feel music

hold that wet black lizard

peach be off

heart full thought

imagine you have a popsicle!

meander and sizzle

Poetry submission

2005-05-05T17:55:00.000-04:00

(created from the "create a poem"handout that challenged one to make a poem using only the words provided)

"Blest" By R. Shearer

The sound of trees
can yield peace in mindand in body.
The sound of breaths
can yield peace in mind and in body.
The sound of day
can yield peace in mind and in body.
The sound of night
can yield peace in mind and in body.
The sound of winter
can yield peace in mind and in body.
The sound of summer
can yield peace in mind and in body.
The sound of noise
can yield peace in mind and in body.
The sound of innocence
can yield peace in mind and in body.
The attire of the world
can yield a sweet supply of
quiet grounds, fields of shade, and milk of recreation.
Thus, towns mixed together
yield a happy world of health.

Amazing Rain by Sam Brown

2005-05-05T17:36:00.000-04:00

This is a graphic novel by Sam Brown, founder and artist of www.explodingdog.com. His style is clean, vivid, and poetic. It is "Stick-figure computer art with a gorgeous design sense and good sick humor, based on random phrases sent in by readers "according to http://www.graphesthesia.com/hob/links/.

Amazing Rain is the sad story of the inevitability of life and death, and the futility of always seeking greener pastures (at least that's what I got out of it). Minimal words with great big, colorful pictures.

Don't Read This!: and other tales of the unnatural by Margaret Mahy and others

2005-05-05T17:27:00.000-04:00

This is a collection of ghostly stories from around the world. The title story is by Susan Cooper and is narrated by a monstrous being that warns the reader of the consequences of reading the tale. Supposedly, if read, all of the grisly murder read about will happen to someone somewhere as soon as it is read. So, if you are superstitious about that sort of thing, heed the warning!

Another good tale is called "Eyes" by Paul Biegel (Canada, I think). It is about a girl and a doll with glowing yellow eyes. The girl knows that the doll often seems as if it has emotion, and she will not part with it no matter how ugly or haggard it may be. You must read the story to find out what has given the doll's eyes their amber blaze.

Take this Summer Reading Poll

2005-05-04T11:27:00.000-04:00

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 7

2005-05-03T15:57:00.000-04:00

Make sure you visit Showcase Comics at the Granite Run Mall for your free comic books. If you miss it, Showcase will donate any extras they may have to the library, so check us out. I have just ordered new graphic novels for our collection too.

The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck

2005-05-02T15:56:00.000-04:00

I just finished this audiobook. Set in Indiana in 1904, some boys think they killed their teacher and become enthused that they may not have to go to school anymore because another teacher won't be found. Unfortunately, Tansy, a 17-year-old, convinces the school board to let her take over. In this 20th Century schoolhouse romp, you will come to like the characters of this title.

Who or Whom? Which should you use when?

2005-04-27T12:25:00.000-04:00

Here's that trick, step-by-step. If it seems overly complicated, try it a few times anyway. Once you get it, you'll be able to skip the question part (unless you hit a really confusing sentence), and it'll take barely a thought to figure out whether to use who or whom.

1. Look at your original sentence.
The boy to (who/whom) I sent the love poem is avoiding me.

2.Ask a question about the noun that the who/whom represents.I sent the poem to (who/whom)?

3. Answer the question with a personal pronoun.I sent the poem to him.

4. If the pronoun used to answer your question is I, we, he, she or they, use who.

5. If the pronoun used to answer your question is me, us, him, her or them, use whom.

6. The boy to whom I sent the love poem is avoiding me.

I, we, he, she, they = subject case = who
me, us, him, her, them = object case = whom

Taken from http://teenwriting.about.com/od/grammar/a/WhoWhom.htm, where you can check out all sorts of tips and tricks on creative writing for teens.

TV Turn-Off Week

2005-04-27T11:03:00.000-04:00

Come check out a book for the rest of tv turn-off week (April 25-May1)
You can look at www.turnoffyourtv.com for more information and ideas.

"I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on I go into the library and read a good book."--Julius "Groucho" Marx

Don't forget to register for Scrapbooking on May 5th!

2005-04-27T10:46:00.000-04:00

This is a great chance to give your mom, etc. a thoughtful Mother's Day gift on May 8th from 7-9pm at no cost to you other than a little of your time. Be sure to register at 610-566-1918. You will need to bring your photos.

Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

2005-04-20T12:15:00.000-04:00

I just finished listening to the audiobook of Ann Brashares Girls in Pants (the 3rd summer of the sisterhood). I know that there are a lot of fans out there of Tibby, Lena, Bridget and Carmen, but in all honesty, I was quite disappointed in this book. The pants were not the focus this time. Matter of fact, they were rarely mentioned at all. Even the girls are more distant from each other than in the first two books. Yes, they were always distanced physically from one another, hence the need for the traveling pants, but now they are growing up and really becoming more emotionally distant, imho. Okay, so you have to read it and decide for yourself. I liked the storyline as a whole. Girls in Pants just didn't seem to flow with the trilogy. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear a teen's perspective. As with anything, you can always email me anonymously at teenassist@yahoo.com

And look for a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book discussion and craft to celebrate the upcoming film version in June. Visit the link to see the cast lineup and view a trailer of the movie. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403508/

Letting go of Bobby James, or how I found myself of steam by Valerie Hobbs

2005-04-14T20:09:00.000-04:00

From the inside flap: "Scared and alone, sixteen-year-old Sally Jo (Jody) Walker sits at a gas station in the middle of Florida contemplating the rest of her life. Should she wait for Bobby James, who abandoned her there? Should she find a way to get back to Texas and her family? Jody does neither. With twenty dollars to her name, she begins a new life in Jackson Beach, Florida, washing dishes at Thelma's Open 24-Hour Cafe and sneaking into the cineplex at night to sleep."

Set in 1991, the story begins as a letter from Jody to a store owner about their coleslaw. But Jody just can't stop rambling on about how she came to try the coleslaw and the events that led her there, and more importantly, what happened to her afterward. The book is really about how Jody, not entirely meaning to, escapes from an abusive relationship with her husband Bobby James. She lands a job at a dive diner, where she makes some colorful and faithful friends. Effaline, a pregnant 15-year-old, becomes another central figure in the book. Together the two girls find the courage to create new lives for themselves. While this book is really hard to believe, there are young people out there who are in abusive relationships, runaways, broke, and pregnant with no where to turn. I thought the depiction of a girl who is naive and not well educated was well done so far as Jody's letter writing and the misinterpretation of such things as "self esteem." One (un)funny misinterpretation was by Bobby James, wherein he states that Jody is [his] "awful wedded wife." Really makes you think about marriage at such a young age. I would like to know what prompted Valerie Hobbs to create such characters.

April Poetry Contest

2005-04-13T08:49:00.000-04:00

Stop in the Library to pick up your poetry contest handout. There are three columns of words. Create an original poem from those words (you do not have to use them all), and turn it in at the desk by the end of April. A random winner will be picked to receive a prize, and poems will be posted on the blog and library website at www.medialibrary.org on the teen page.

Come in and get your poetry handout today! Happy writing.

SCRAPBOOKING FOR MOTHER'S DAY - TEEN PROGRAM ON MAY 5TH

2005-04-12T12:51:00.000-04:00

Sign up for this program to be held on Thursday, May 5th from 7-9pm Scrapbooking supplies such as templates, papers, and embellishments will be provided. You provide photos. Each person will be able to make one or two scrapbook pages. Since Mother's Day is May 8th, maybe you would like to make a special page to give as a gift - for mom, grandmom, a special person in your life.

Photo ideas:
*you and your "mom" as babies
*mom being pregnant and you as a baby
*a special day that you shared together
*a previous mother's day celebration
*you and your "mom" sharing an interest or hobby
*three generational photo

Feel free to bring in any special embellishment you may want to include on your personal page.
You can come alone or do this with your mom as a really special treat!

Sign up by calling 610-566-1918 or emailing teenassist@yahoo.com

Mates, Dates Guide to Life, Love, and Looking Luscious by Cathy Hopkins

2005-04-11T18:48:00.000-04:00

For all you fans of Hopkins' Mates, Dates series, she is releasing a non-fiction guide for girls in June. I read the advanced copy, and it is pretty humorous but also contains some rather good advice.

Excerpt from the back cover (may change):
"What happens when Lucy, Nesta, Izzie, and TJ get together and start talking? They come up with all sorts of solutions to life's little problems and some of the biger ones, as well! Boys for start - what they want, where to find them, how to be a great kisser - everything you really need to know. Then there are health, fashion, and beauty tips, including Nesta's suggestions on how to deal with braces, Lucy's commentary on achieving the essential wardrobe, Izzie's recipes for alternative remedies and meditation, and TJ's advice on how to be street-smart savvy...This is a must-have book for all the Mates, Dates fans out there!"

More New CDs

2005-04-07T10:47:00.000-04:00

New additions are:

Joss Stone - Mind Body Soul
NOW 18!
Nelly - Sweat
Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin
Karaoke - Ashlee & Jessica Simpson

The Boyfriend List by E.Lockhart

2005-04-07T10:18:00.000-04:00

After suffering through multiple panic attacks, Ruby Oliver is sent to a shrink. Ruby is made to create a list of all boyfriends (real, pseudo, imagined, hoped for, etc.) to analyze her anxieties. Throughout 15 chapters, which are titled according to the coordinating numbered "boyfriend," the reader gets to delve into the psyche of Ruby and a humorous yet realistic look at the boy/girl relationship during adolescence. Okay...that sounds dry, doesn't it? Well, it's a fun book to read and will give you some insight into those questions that everyone has when they begin dating.

Here is a quote from a fellow, male librarian, Ritchie Partington, about his thoughts on the book.
"Whatever you think about the cover (or Chick Lit), THE BOYFRIEND LIST is a delightful and frequently achingly honest tale--warts and all--about what happens when girls and boys meet." If you want to read more of Ritchie's in depth reviews of YA books, you can check out his site at http://richiespicks.com

Guys, don't always judge the YA book for it's cover. There are a lot of books out there that look like Chic Lit that you would thoroughly enjoy. You can always bring it to the desk and say it's for your sister ;)

Book Review - Frankenstein

2005-04-06T11:16:00.000-04:00

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel adapted by Cary Reed

I'm sure that most of you are familiar with Frankenstein's monster. But I bet that most of you haven't actually read the original horror tale. I adore the book Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley when she only a teenager. It is more than just the life of a scientific experimenter and his creation of life. It is about life and the feeling of loneliness, the need for love. It is frightening because of its realistic connotations, not only because there is a hideous creature.

Well, even if you don't want to tackle reading the novel, there is a great graphic novel adaptation coming out. Excerpts were carefully taken directly from the original book, so all of the verbage is key to the story. I thought that is this version was very well done.

Book Review

2005-04-05T18:50:00.000-04:00

TTYL by Lauren Myracle

*From the inside flap*
"On the first day of tenth grade, best friends Maddie (mad maddie), Angela (SnowAngel), and Zoe (zoegirl) vow not to let school stupidness get them down...or split them apart. But as the weeks pass and the instant messages accumulate, it's clear that tenth grade will be a roller coaster ride of boy temptation, math torture, donut emergencies, and Queen Bee encounters. Then a jerky boy sends peppy Angela into the dumps, tough Maddie makes a mistake that has the whole school talking, and good girl Zoe gets in over her head with a flirty teacher. Will the winsome threesome make it through the year?"

I thought that this book, done entirely in instant messages (IMs), was a flirty, fun book that I kept wanting to pick up and finish. The three BFF (at least for the past 4 years) are likeable characters. You like them, even if you don't always agree with them. They are pretty normal teenagers who push the envelope. Zoe and the flirty teacher is something to watch, even making me feel a little uncomfortable at times over Zoe's naivete. And Maddie finds herself in a mess with photographic evidence being passed all over the school all because she yearned to be part of the "popular" yet backstabbing group. Anyway...I recommend it for a fun, quick read. And you can check out Lauren Myracle's website at www.laurenmyracle.com.

Let's Go Out To Dinner And See A Movie ( - Phish)

2005-04-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, my hubby and I went to the movies tonight to see Sin City, adapted from Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same title. They way they shot it was really original. I hadn't read the gn first though, so the storyline was a bit more "graphic" in nature that I would have guessed. For those of you under 18, you're not supposed to see this without an adult. It was way violent and lots of naked breasts, but not gratuitous, just the nature of the story. I still thought it was good. Of course, one of the guest director's was Tarantino, so what would you expect?

Okay...so, if you can go see an "R" film and like violence, go. If you're not old enough and like violence, wait until it's on dvd. If you don't like violence or nudity, definitely not the film for you. But, if you like unique films...I would say give it a shot.

Now, I'm going to have to check out Sin City the gn, which, by the way, IS available in our library's gn section. So, you too can read it.

Hello Dali!

2005-04-03T11:39:00.000-04:00

If you can, be sure to go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art during the Salvador Dali exhibit. I was going to go spur of the moment, but tickets are sold out. So be sure to make plans in advance. The show runs through May 15th.

Happy Anniversary To Me

2005-04-03T11:34:00.000-04:00

Monday is my 1 Year Wedding Anniversary, and we get to eat the top of the cake. I'm not sure who started a tradition of eating your cake after it has been frozen for a year, but I'll give it a shot. Too bad it won't have the strawberries on it anymore. So I won't be back to work until Tuesday, April 5, but feel free to email me.

2005-04-03T11:15:00.000-04:00

That's me. blogging.

2005-04-03T11:13:00.000-04:00

New YA Music CD Collection...let me know what you want included!

2005-04-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

New Books on Display in YA. Great titles and authors. Come check 'em out!

Princess in Training: The Princess Diaries, Volume VI by Meg Cabot

2005-03-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

For all of you PD followers, I just finished the advanced copy of the 6th volume in the series. The date for release was actually yesterday. Our library copy is on order, so be sure to put your name on a hold list, if you want it right away. I skipped reading a few in the series, but did not have any difficulty catching up. It was quite funny, too, that Meg Cabot alludes to the two movie adaptations of The Princess Diaries, and that they didn't truly follow the books' plot lines.

2005-03-28T23:40:00.000-05:00

A 7th grader begins forming ears with an overstitch of contrasting thread.

2005-03-28T23:35:00.000-05:00

All three girls are very proud of their bunnies. Good Job! They look worn and worthy of any Easter basket.

2005-03-28T23:24:00.000-05:00

This 7th grader holds the beginning of her bunny upside down - happy to finally have a face formed.

Fast Food Reading

2005-03-28T14:36:00.000-05:00

An Order of Amelie, Hold the Fries by Nina Schindler (translated by Robert Barrett).

I thought the book was quite interesting. Tim sees the girl of his fantasies walking on the street and she happens to drop something with "her" name and address, which he quickly snatches up and begins cooresponding with her only to find that it was not her information - it is Amelie's. Tim and Amelie develop their own relationship through emails, text messages, and letters. The concept of using a tinge of graphic novel elements and text entries made it ideal for the reluctant reader in my eyes. The content isn't anything spectacular, but it is fun.

Yo, Peeps!

2005-03-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

Love Easter Peeps? Check out the eewy-gooey marshmallow guys' official website. There are recipes, a fan club, and more. http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/

Teen Book Review

2005-03-28T11:57:00.000-05:00

The Minister's Daughter by Julie Hearn

Nell is one of the main characters in this book. She was born in May and is called a merrybegot - a child taken care of by the entire village. She is the granddaughter of the village cunning woman : healer, helper, and accused as a witch.
Grace is, as the title states, the minister's daughter.Grace and Nell are as different as could be. But their paths cross when Grace and her younger sister, Patience, are using bad language, having fits, and not making sense in conversation. Grace's father is positive it is the work of witchcraft when Grace gets very ill. Suddenly, all signs point to Nell. Poor little Nell is taken to be tortured with no comfort, food or support. She is in the noose to be hanged when a young boy whisks her off to safety.

In my opinion, this book was excellent. As soon as I started, I couldn't stop. I found myself stopping in the middle of what I was doing to read The Minister's Daughter.Julie Hearn definitely knows how to keep a reader interested.
-Reviewed by Madison Dankanich

*Thanks Madison, it's a great review*

Madison took advantage of my Advanced Reading Copies at the Library. This book is not set to be published until June 1. If you too are interested in reading and reviewing something before it is published, please contact me.

Book reviews of new books at the library

2005-03-24T17:38:00.000-05:00

SEXY by Joyce Carol Oates (Fiction)This compelling, masterfully written novel by acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates explores one teenager's search for identity in a complex, deceiving world and the answers he finds in the most unexpected places.

LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green (Fiction)Miles "Pudge" Halter is abandoning his fairly normal life. Fascinated by the last words of famous people, Pudge leaves for boarding school to seek what a dying Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." There, he unexpectedly learns some valuable life lessons.

STAINED by Jennifer Richard Jacobson (Fiction)The lives of three characters --- Jocelyn, Benny and Gabe --- intersect with a fourth --- Father Warren, the town priest --- in this riveting story layered with mystery, love, sex and faith.

PROM by Laurie Halse Anderson (Fiction)High school senior Ashley Hannigan seems to be the only one in her urban Philadelphia high school who doesn't care about prom. But when the faculty advisor gets busted for taking the prom money, Ashley suddenly finds herself with the huge responsibility of putting together a gala dance on an extremely low budget.

ME & EMMA by Elizabeth Flock (Fiction) In many ways, Carrie Parker is like any other eight-year-old --- playing make-believe, dreading school, dreaming of faraway places. But even her imaginative mind can't shut out the realities of her impoverished North Carolina home or help her protect her younger sister, Emma.

SHRIMP by Rachel Cohn (Fiction)In this sequel to the hugely popular novel GINGERBREAD, Cyd Charisse comes back home to find the boy of her dreams and winds up learning even more about family, friends, and herself.

**All reviews taken from www.teenreads.com**

Last Call for Sock Bunnies

2005-03-24T02:08:00.000-05:00

Sadly, I do not have enough registrants to hold the sock bunny program at the moment. Please call or email me by 1pm today, if you want to come, otherwise this program will be cancelled.

YA cds are on the shelf!

2005-03-24T01:54:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce that the YA music cd collection is now available for check out. You can find the new collection on the left side as you walk into the YA area. Just bring the cd case that you would like to check out up to circulation. The actual cds are not placed in the cases until checked out. They are free and have a three week circulation period just like YA books and magazines.

Included are:

The Donnas
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Maroon 5
Usher
Eminem
Shania Twain
Alicia Keys
Tim McGraw
The Doors
Baha Men
Jay-Z/Linkin Park
Motley Crue
Modest Mouse
Now 17 (compiliation)
Music from the extreme games (compilation)
The 5 Browns
The Black Crowes
Green Day
Gwen Stefani

...and more.

Happy Listening and don't forget to drop me suggestions.

Shojo increasing in popularity

2005-03-22T18:48:00.000-05:00

I read an article in the March/April 2005 issue of Utne magazine entitled "Emancipated Anime": Girls just wanna read (and create) manga. I have not had any requests for shojo, manga written for girls, but the readership of it seems to be growing strongly. Two major manga publishers, Viz and Tokyopop, were reported to have "only four shojo titles between them; last year, Viz released more than 300, while Tokyopop produced some 450." That's outrageous. Some girls or guys out there must be reading this. Are any of them interested in having these titles in our library? Let me know, and I'll be happy to add some to our Graphic Novel collection.

I have recently added Azu Manga Daioh: vol. 1 and Princess Tutu: vol. 1 (both shojo) and Cromartie High School: vol. 1 (manga). All of these are rated teens, 13+ by, which according to Tokyopop means it may contain violence, profanity, and semi-nudity. To view all of the ratings visit http://www.tokyopop.com/aboutus/LibrarianGuide.pdf.

Call for Suggestions

2005-03-21T15:15:00.000-05:00

I am asking for suggestions for Spring and Summer Programs for Teens at the Library. I encourage you to give me ideas of what you want rather than me holding programs that have no teen appeal.

Some ideas I have are...
*Blogging workshop
*Tie-dying (this was popular last summer)
*Movie matinees during the summer
*Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
*Fencing demonstration
*Catapult competition and art project
*Bubble Program
*Manga
*Medieval feast

Many of you are interested in the Online, interactive game Runescape. If you can think of a program to include the game (such as a tournament) or based on the game, please let me know.

Library as Safehaven?

2005-03-17T12:32:00.000-05:00

Where do people think they can go and be safe? Where do they think they can leave their children and be safe? The Library. People assume that the public library is non-threatening, but as we saw with my purse being stolen, it is not always safe. There are a lot of teens who leave their backpacks and bags lying around while they are in search of books or using the Internet. The Library is not responsible for your personal belongings, and you should ALWAYS keep them in your possession. This goes without saying, but ALWAYS keep smaller children that you may bring to the Library with you in your sight!

The person(s) that took my purse and belongings, returned to steal my car this week. The car was found without any major damage. This boggles my mind. Joyride? A short trist through Media for no good reason. This is becoming a major expense (and pain in the rear) for me. I hope that the persons who took my things are caught and given the maximum fine/jail time allowable.

Again, if anyone knows of anyone involved in either of these crimes, you should report this to myself or the police...you can be held accountable as an accomplice if you do not come forward with knowledge.

...Be aware of your personal belongings when in any public place, even the well-loved library!

This book is not just about boobs!

2005-03-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

I just finished Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You by Dorian Cirrone. I would recommend this to high school students, theatre and art afficionados and girls who have developed early. It is primarily about Kayla Callaway, a Junior in the Florida Arts High School, nicknamed by the students as FARTS. Kayla is a third-year ballet student and one of the best in the class, but her breasts are not the petite size that usually adorns the well-know ballerinas. They are a Double-D-sized dilemma. Kayla had hoped for the lead role in Cinderella but gets cast as an ugly stepsister. Should she have a boob job and conform to the ballet stereotype or should she keep her womanly figure and delve into the world of choreography herself to tear down the barriers of conformity? Read about Kayla and her fellow FARTS peers as they face controversy, censorship, and death threats!

2005-03-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

Brandi and Liakadja

SOCK BUNNIES AT THE LIBRARY

2005-03-10T20:06:00.000-05:00

If you're 12+ (or 6th grade+), come make a sock bunny at the Library at 7pm on Thursday, March 24th. You just need to register with me and bring in a clean sock (patterned would be cool).

Snacks and all supplies will be provided. Guys and Girls are invited.

Mommy, I've had a bad day( "Hate the Police" by Mudhoney)

2005-03-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

Okay...I've had a bad week so far. Not to get entirely off of the YA subject, because I know that is what this blog is primarily about, but I just have to vent!

Monday...I had my purse STOLEN. Yes, Stolen, from the LIBRARY. Right from my desk. Unbelievable. I hope that this was not done by any of the regulars that come into our Library, and I do not think that it was. Most of the stuff in it was useless to whomever decided to violate my private property except for the $25 cash and the number of minutes on my cell phone that you used. By the way, if the person who took it reads this, the telephone numbers that you called will be available to me, and don't think that I won't be checking them out! What really ticks me off are the personal items that I no longer have, like a photo of my baby girl, my favorite cross pen that I recieved as a graduation present years ago, my favorite lipstick, and my driver's license (now I have to get a new one and my hair is not nearly as nice!)

So, if ANYONE has ANY information about who took my purse, the Media Police Department and myself would really really appreciate it. Thanks.

Tuesday...I was not in the Library because I went to a vendor fair in North Jersey (basically it is an exhibition hall where all these publishing companies give away stuff.) It was raining when I left at 8am but by Noon, it was hailing and then the wind began to wail. It was a small blizzard. Had I not been carrying many heavy bags full of giveaways, I'm sure that I would have been blown right into the Atlantic Ocean! This did not make for a fun return trip. It took an hour to move the first 5 miles! But I made out like a bandit with free things for the Library, so my life being endangered was worth it. *wink*

So, many of these freebies that I've collected will be put into the YA Area...I'm soooo excited about that. These aren't some no-name authors or titles either. I've also collected some new Manga for the Graphic Novel collection. I'll post "new additions" next week hopefully, so keep checking the blog.

Today...well, I just need chocolate, and I don't have any! Donations of candy to your local YA Librarian are always welcome!

JOUST READ

2005-03-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

Good Day Ladies and Gents,
I was at the Summer Reading Workshop the other day, and got some good ideas to help me help you get involved in the library during a time when you may not be reading as much...when school is not requiring it! Well...reading for pleasure is a lot different, and much much more enjoyable, than required reading. Give it a shot. If you need some help finding something you would like...ask me and I'll try my best to pair you with a great book that you'll love.

This Summer Reading theme for teens is "Joust Read." Medieval, Dragons, Sorcery, Fantasy...these are to name a few of the subjects you can read about to follow Joust Read. Here's the chance for you Harry Potter and Eragon fans to participate in Summer Reading while picking up the newest of your favorites to read. Of course, any YA or adult-level books you read will count toward your reading goals for Summer Reading/Teen Beat. If you have participated in Teen Beat before, you know that you can win some cool things just by reading and submitting your book reviews throughout the summer.

There will be programs that coincide with Joust Read too. How would you like to help build a catapult and use it to create art (keeping an eye out for more info.) Maybe you want to partake in a Market Fair? Maybe you just want to watch a movie.

If you have any ideas for a program that you would like to participate in, please let me know. Remember, I want to offer you great things.

Out of the "office"

2005-03-02T18:05:00.000-05:00

For anyone needing my assistance tomorrow, I will be out all day at a Summer Reading Workshop learning some tips that I hope will lure you into our programs whilst you're out of school. Ah ha ha ha!

YA Author Cafe

2005-03-02T17:50:00.000-05:00

Visit http://ourworld.cs.com/YAAuthorsCafe/ at 8:oopm tonight to participate or just linger in on a live chat with Sonya Sones, author/poet of What My Mother Doesn't Know and, more recently, One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies.

These Chats occur at the YA Authors Cafe online every week; although usually at 8:30pm.

What a great opportunity to "speak" with your favorite authors!

"Waiting for the Sun" (The Doors)

2005-03-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

I am so sick of the snow. When I was a teenager (yes, I was one once too), I didn't care if it was sunny or hailing outside. I was always out and about. Many of you obviously do not care about the weather conditions since you always manage to come into the library to access the computers. Runescape must be a very addictive game. When we announced our closing early last Thursday, some of the teens actually "awwwed." How awesome is that. (I know the pun was obvious). I only wish that the teens reading this would consider getting involved in the library more. We have some great stuff here...and the cd's will be out soon!

*Closing Early Due to Snow

2005-02-24T13:36:00.000-05:00

The Library is closing at 3pm today because of the snow!

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music (-The Sound of Music)

2005-02-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

An order has been placed for the first ever Young Adult Music Collection. Wahoo!!!
Now, I have a (very) limited budget to work with here, so be kind. I have ordered about 20 cd's to begin the collection. Musicians ranging from Alicia Keys to Modest Mouse to Tim McGraw should appease all teen musical tastes.

If the collection is popular and remains intact....meaning you return them!...then I will add more cd's throughout the year. I would also be interested in any donations of cd's you may no longer want in your own personal music library for consideration in our music library.

I hope that you all enjoy the new addition to the Young Adult Section and respect the property enough to have it grow!

Happy Listening!

Many New Non-Fiction Teen Books

We have a plethora of new non-fic for teens on the shelves from Dave Mirra to Internet Piracy, Paul Zindel to American Indian Cooking. Come check out the great resources that you can use for reports (Life Under the Taliban), homework help (Algebra I or II), or personal intelligencia(Tokyo Culture).

New Graphic Novels have been added too!

Make sure you check out the new graphic novels such as Will Eisner's In The Shadow of No Towers or The Book of Leviathan. We have a couple of Manga Illustration books on order, so watch out for them.

*The Graphic Novel Collection is now located on the Young Adult shelving below the new books*

Hey Mickey, You're So Fine, You're So Fine You Blow My Mind, Hey Mickey...("Mickey" by Toni Basil...throwback to the 80's)

2005-02-22T13:39:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a good LONG weekend. I know I did. It is always nice returning to work (or school) on a Tuesday and knowing you have one less day to go this week! YAY President's Day!

Well, I did get one book done while I was off. I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader by Kieran Scott. (I read the advanced copy, but the book will be on the library shelf in the next couple of weeks. )
Summary: High-School Soph. Annisa Gobrowski has moved six times already with her family. Now in Florida, she is once again the "new girl in school" but now she is also only one of two named brunettes in the entire h.s. A little far fetched for the whole school to be blonde? maybe, but not really for the entire Sand Dune Cheerleading Squad to be blonde (au naturale or clairol). Annisa becomes the only non-blonde cheerleader, but moreso becomes a breath of unbleached air that Sand Dune H. S. needs. A fun read! This would make a good movie adaptation too.

PS - to whomever it was that wrote about the great girl books in our YA Notepad, this is the same author who wrote The V Club that you suggested. Thanks for sharing!

Off-subject - I guess I had a theme going this weekend. Besides the cheerleading book. I watched the movie "Drumline," which circles around a college marching band, and "Bend it Like Beckam," which is partly about girls football (soccer in England) . Both were very good and rated PG-13. Get a parent/guardian to rent one for you.

2005-02-19T01:26:00.000-05:00

Liakadja (3.5 months) - My babydoll's very 1st Christmas. She's my love!

Chic Authors

2005-02-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

TOO COOL! I EMAILED SONYA SONES AND GOT A REPLY...SHE'S WRITING A NEW BOOK!

From Sonya Sones email: "The book I'm racing to finish is the sequel to "What My Mother Doesn't Know," and I'm having a wonderful time writing it. It picks up right where the other book left off, only it's told from Robin's point of view. It's been a fun challenge to write in the voice of a boy for the first time.

I have some autographed books coming personally from Cathy Hopkins and Rachel Cohn!!! (make sure you keep your eye open for contests)

Did you like Laurie Halse Anderson's book Speak? check out this link about the screen adaptation coming soon to cable and dvd. http://www.writerlady.com/speakmovie.html

Did you get caught in the big flakes of snow that fell briefly over Media? It was pretty through the library windows, very "It's a Wonderful Life."

"All this chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter ’bout Shmatta, shmatta, shmatta" ("Shattered" by the Rolling Stones)

2005-02-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

Teen Times

The first newsletter for teens at the Library is out! You can pick up a copy in the YA area or email me at teenassist@yahoo.com for an online version. I would be interested in having writings from local teens to include - articles on school events, personal rantings, book review(!!!). Submit a note of interest to me.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ A BOOK BEFORE IT’S PUBLISHED?

I would love to have you review some teen books to help with the decision of "to buy or not to buy."

Check with Brandi to see what previews are available.

Cathy Hopkins' new Mates...

2005-02-16T14:21:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are fans of Cathy Hopkins "Mates, Dates..." Series, be on the lookout for two new books at the library. Mates, Dates and Tempting Trouble (February release) and Mates, Dates and Great Escapes (June release).

For more info. on this series or about the author visit her website. You can find the link under authors down on the right side of this site.

Cheerio

How Are You Celebrating (or NOT) Valentine's Day?

2005-02-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

Are you going to a dance? Party? DATE? Are you curling up with a good book? maybe a trashy book? Watching a romantic comedy? Binging on Ben & Jerry's Chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and chocolate sprinkles?

Come to the library and check out a book or movie. (remember you have to have an adult library card to check out a movie).

I'm working and then going home to my sweeties, kick off my boots, make a cup of Sweet Dreams tea and veg on the couch with a book in hand to relax. Oh yeah, and eat one of those orange cupcakes that I made last night. yum! I watched Charlie Brown's Valentine and Winnie-the-Pooh last night too. I'm just a kid at heart. ttfn

Recently Read Books

2005-02-14T13:34:00.000-05:00

Heart on My Sleeve by Ellen Wittlinger
Catalog Summary: From the end of high school to the beginning of college, Chloe and Julian deal with major changes in their families and friendships and explore their feelings for each other through emails, letters, and a visit.

My Summary: This quick read is done solely in email (and a few interspersed snail mail) messages. There is a cast of 12, which includes sisters, best friends, parents, girl friends, and girl/boyfriends. Through their coorespondance, you get to know the inner workings of each writer throughout the book. Then again, maybe you don't get to know the real them unless you actually met them in person. At least this was the experience of Chloe and Julian (the two "main" characters). I really enjoyed this format of writing, and think that all of you who are email or IM junkies will fly right through this selection! :)

How I Live Now by Meg Rossof
To get away from her pregnant stepmother in New York City, fifteen-year-old Daisy goes to England to stay with her aunTo get away from her pregnant stepmother in New York City, fifteen-year-old Daisy goes to England to stay with her aunt and cousins, with whom she instantly bonds, but soon war breaks out and rips apart the family while devastating the land.t and cousins, with whom she instantly bonds, but soon war breaks out and rips apart the family while devastating the land.
While I wasn't attracted to the cover (I read it because it won the Printz Award), it was a book that deeply affected me while reading it. I was brought to tears during one part (don't want to give anything away) because of the thrashing the war gave. It is a short book as well, so don't be reluctant to pick it up! It is well worth a read! I was a little bothered because of the lack of punctuation (being a geek that way), but those of you who are IM'ers and such are probably used to it.

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
In 1906, sixteen-year-old Mattie, determined to attend college and be a writer against the wishes of her father and fiance, takes a job at a summer inn where she discovers the truth about the death of a guest. Based on a true story.

Blogs?

2005-02-11T15:19:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm familiar with them. I've read them, professional and personal, periodically over the past year or so. Reading a personal blog is like picking up someone's diary, only a diary is meant to be secretive and bloggers only write what they don't mind being read by friends or strangers. Actually it is more of a reality text...like reality tv. This; however, is meant to be a professional blog, of interest to all of those in Media that hang out in my domain, skate past it sliding in only to check email, or come in to tongue wrestle in the fiction room (you know who you are!)

Keep checkin' here for informative ranting.

If you want to post comments or post a thread, you must email me for a personal invitation.

Library Stuff for Media Teens

Winner of the Teen Beat Pizza Party Raffle

Don't Forget Monday Movie Matinees

Swords & Shields Tomorrow, June 28th

Don't Miss Elmwood Park Zoo tomorrow at the Library

The Pizza Party was a hit!

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Book Reviews

On the Magnetic Poetry Board today

TV Film version of Laurie Halse Anderson's "Speak"

What's on the Magnetic Board Today?*

Audio Book Review

What did you do for Memorial Day?

New Magazine

Book Review

YA Summer Programs

Book Reviews

New EMO CDs added today

Lemony Snicket Movie to Show at the Library

Two Poems created by two 7-graders share a title but are very different in content.

Are you Paraskevidekatriaphobic

New CD added

Girls Life Magazine

The Zoo on Mother's Day

Scrapbooking Program Pictures

Teen Beat PIZZA PARTY!

Magnetic Poetry Stand in YA Area

Poetry submission

Amazing Rain by Sam Brown

Don't Read This!: and other tales of the unnatural by Margaret Mahy and others

Take this Summer Reading Poll

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 7

The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck

Who or Whom? Which should you use when?

TV Turn-Off Week

Don't forget to register for Scrapbooking on May 5th!

Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

Letting go of Bobby James, or how I found myself of steam by Valerie Hobbs

April Poetry Contest

SCRAPBOOKING FOR MOTHER'S DAY - TEEN PROGRAM ON MAY 5TH

Mates, Dates Guide to Life, Love, and Looking Luscious by Cathy Hopkins

More New CDs

The Boyfriend List by E.Lockhart

Book Review - Frankenstein

Book Review

Let's Go Out To Dinner And See A Movie ( - Phish)

Hello Dali!

Happy Anniversary To Me

Princess in Training: The Princess Diaries, Volume VI by Meg Cabot

Fast Food Reading

Yo, Peeps!

Teen Book Review

Book reviews of new books at the library

Last Call for Sock Bunnies

YA cds are on the shelf!

Shojo increasing in popularity

Call for Suggestions

Library as Safehaven?

This book is not just about boobs!

SOCK BUNNIES AT THE LIBRARY

Mommy, I've had a bad day( "Hate the Police" by Mudhoney)

JOUST READ

Out of the "office"

YA Author Cafe

"Waiting for the Sun" (The Doors)

*******Closing Early Due to Snow******

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music (-The Sound of Music)

Hey Mickey, You're So Fine, You're So Fine You Blow My Mind, Hey Mickey...("Mickey" by Toni Basil...throwback to the 80's)

Chic Authors

"All this chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter ’bout Shmatta, shmatta, shmatta" ("Shattered" by the Rolling Stones)

Cathy Hopkins' new Mates...

How Are You Celebrating (or NOT) Valentine's Day?

Recently Read Books

Blogs?

*Closing Early Due to Snow