PACL Teens

Changes are Coming

2009-02-12T12:49:00.000-08:00

This will be the final entry in the PACL Teens blog. Tomorrow, February 13, you will automatically be signed up for a new library e-newsletter called Teen Zone. Through Teen Zone, we’ll regularly send you information you can use about teen programs, books, music, people, movies, the online world, homework help and more! Teen Zone is just one of many new library e-newsletters available through BookLetters. BookLetters is all about books and authors and you’ll find all kinds of cool stuff in over 35 categories.

Check it out in your email tomorrow!

"Secret Keeper" by Mitali Perkins

2008-12-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 15th, 2oo9, from 6-7 pm, stop by Not Your Mother's Book Club at the Town & Country Village in Palo Alto to say hi to author Mitali Perkins and find out about her newest book, Secret Keeper.

Then, from 7-8 pm, Mitali will be leading a writing workshop for 15 participants called "Magic Carpet: Creating a Sense of Place in Story." This is a fun, hands-on, stress-free event for writers of all stages and ages. We will start with tips and techniques, continue with prompts to inspire a time of writing, and end with personalized feedback.

http://www.secretkeeperbook.com/

Come to the Valentine Henna Party!

2008-12-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

Henna Artist Darcy Vasudev of Henna Lounge will teach this traditional art of body decoration while working with the freshest natural henna. Snack on yummy Valentine treats while you work. Open to teens in grades 6-12.

Saturday, February 7 at 3 p.m.

Main Library (1213 Newell Road)

Registration is required. To register, use the Library's calendar of events or call 650-329-3436.

Library Salutes Remarkable Teen Readers

2008-10-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

During Teen Read Week, the Jordan Middle School Library celebrates their 'remarkable readers.' You can also see these remarkable teens in a special display in the Teen Zone at the Palo Alto City Main Library. There is a photograph of each teen holding his/her favorite book and a testimonial as to why they have been nominated as a 'Remarkable Reader'. Come down to Main Library and read their remarkable stories!

Win Prizes During Teen Read Week!

2008-10-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

Attention all you vampire fiction lovers! It's time to celebrate Teen Read Week (October 12-18). This year the theme is Books With Bite @ Your Library. Try your hand at our Books With Bite Trivia Contest; copies are available at Main or Mitchell Park or here. Bring your answers to the Reference Desk any time from 10/12-10/18 and receive a small prize. Your name will then be entered into a drawing to win a grand prize of a $25 bookstore gift certificate! You do not have to be present to win.

Enter our Guesss How Many Blood-Red M&M's in the Jar contest at either Mitchell Park or Main. The person with the closest guess will win a $10 bookstore gift certificate.

We will be giving out New Moon flower tattoos while supplies last. Sink your teeth into that!

2008-09-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

PALY Glass in the Teen Zone

Mitchell Park Library has a display featuring glass pumpkins made by students in David Camner's art class at Palo Alto High School. The library will have these magnificent pieces on display through October 19th, so be sure to come and take a look.

Banned Books Week: September 27 - October 4

2008-09-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Each year the library celebrates 'Banned Books Week,' an initiative of the American Library Association. Banned Books Week celebrates our freedom to choose and our freedom to read. Many of the books that are banned or challenged each year are books for youth and teens. Take a look here at the most frequently challenged books of 2007. You may have read many or most of them already. You can read some teen reactions to banned books in this article in The Onion. Banned Books Week also has a page on Facebook. Go ahead, take a look and don't forget to exercise your right to read!

Christopher Paolini. . . . .LIVE!

2008-09-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

Books Inc. in conjunction with You Say Read, We Say Party Book Club presents New York Times best-selling author Christopher Paolini for his only Bay Area appearance to discuss his new book, "Brisingr."

When?: Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Time?: 7:00 pm
Where?: Capuchino High School in San Bruno

Information: (650) 685-4911 and online at http://www.booksinc.net/

T-LAB Meeting

2008-09-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Come to our first 2008-2009 Teen Library Advisory Board Meeting on September 24, 2008 at Mitchell Park Library from 3:30 to 4:30. Tell us about your summer and bring a movie, music or book review to post on the Teen Page [http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/forms/lib/lib-book-review.lasso].

What's your favorite book of 2008? Vote here!

2008-08-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

26 books have been nominated for 'Teens' Top Ten' of 2008, an initiative of the American Library Association. Teens across the country will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite during TEEN READ WEEK, October 12-18. In the mean time, take a look at the nominees on the left of this page and vote for your favorite so we can compare Palo Alto's picks to the national favs. We'll post the results of your vote here.

Win Itunes Gift Certificate & Other Cool Prizes!

2008-08-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already picked up your Teen Summer Reading Prizes, you can still claim your prizes through August 25. We are giving away some great books this year so stop by Main or Mitchell Park libraries soon for the best selection. Along with a free book, free pizza coupon and free 'Book Bucks', we will be having a drawing to win two $50 Itunes gift certificates along with numerous smaller prizes such as ice cream coupons and movie passes. You don't have to be present to win, so what have you got to lose?!. Come on down to the library to claim your prizes and to fill out an entry form for the drawings! Don't forget --- the last day is August 25.

More on The Graveyard Book

2008-08-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Since I posted the other day about the Neil Gaimin event (October 4th -save the date!) I finished reading an advance reader's copy of the new book, and I have to stay I loved it! We're all in for a treat when Gaimin hits town.

Catch my short review on LibraryThing or our book review wiki, or a longer one by librarian and blogger, Fuse #8.

Reserve your copy here.

Neil Gaiman Is Coming to Palo Alto!

2008-08-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Save the date! Kepler's, the Library and PAUSD are co-sponsoring a fabulous event - an evening with Neil Gaiman. Join us for an exquisite treat when this master storyteller reads from his latest invention of wonder, terror and magic, The Graveyard Book.

Saturday, Oct. 4th at 7:30 pm
Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Rd.

Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?

Neil Gaiman has written graphic novels, screenplays, and novels for kids, teens and adults. This is his second novel for young readers, after Coraline.

You may reserve either book by clicking on the title.

Inanimate Alice

2008-07-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Who or what is Inanimate Alice? It's sort of a book, sort of a movie, sort of a game, and totally cool. Here's how their website describes it: "Inanimate Alice tells the story of Alice, growing up in the early years of the 21st century. Written and directed by writer Kate Pullinger and digital artist Chris Joseph, this series of multimedia, interactive episodes uses a combination of text, sound, images, and games as Alice takes us on a journey through her life from the age of eight through to her twenties. Alice becomes a games animator; not just any animator, but a creator of characters for the most successful games company in the world. "

The 4th episode has been released and offers new ways to interact with the story.

But start with episode 1 - you won't want to miss any of them! You can start here.

Morphing Mondays: Learn the Art of Drawing Anime

2008-07-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

In anime, the face tells the story. Oliver Chin is the author of numerous graphic novels for youth and called a "Comics expert" by the San Jose Mercury News. Teens are invited to attend Oliver's upcoming, hands-on library workshop where he will share his expertise with you about "How to Draw Anime Faces".

Date: Monday, July 21

Time: 4-5:30 p.m.

Place: Main Library, 1213 Newell Road

Preregister here. Free snacks and free drawings for cool prizes

Morphing Mondays: Art Workshop: Winged Insects and Cocoons

2008-07-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

Create your own insect creatures with artist Corinne Takara. This picture shows one of her creations. She'll walk you through the process of designing and making one of your own.

When: July 14 and July 16 (two part program)

Time: Beginning at 4:00 p.m. both days

Where: Mitchell Park Library

Morphing Mondays: Transform Your Bedroom

2008-06-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

Melissa Wilson of HGTV will show you how to turn your bedroom into your own extraordinary space without spending a lot of $$$$.

Monday, July 7th, 4:00 pm
Mitchell Park Library

Sign up here.

This program is part of the teen summer reading program, Metamorphosis @ Your Library. If you haven't signed up yet, do it now! There are prizes! Here you go.

A New Harry Potter Story!!!!

2008-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's a very short Harry Potter story. In fact, it was written on a two-sided card. But it was written by J. K. Rowling, and it's a prequel to the books. Waterstone's had a contest called What's Your Story? Famous authors contributed to it, including Rowling. Take a look on their website, click on Authors in the upper right, and then choose J. K. Rowling. Be sure to read both sides.

By the way, did you know there's going to be a new cover for the first Harry Potter book in honor of it's 10th anniversary?

Turn Trash Into Treasure

2008-06-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

A two-part program on learning how to sell stuff on EBay. Turn that old stuff in your closet into cash! Come with a parent or guardian as you must be 18 to sell on EBay. Come to Main Library:

Monday, June 23rd at 4:00 pm (Part 1)
Wednesday, June 25th at 4:00 pm (Part 2)

Please register in advance at Main or Mitchell Park libraries or here.

This program is part of Metamorphosis: Teen Summer Reading Program. Have you signed up yet? If you're in grades 6 -12 (this fall), what are you waiting for?! Sign up here.

Metamorphosis @ Your Library Summer Reading Program

2008-06-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can sign up for the summer reading program right now? That's right - Metamorphosis @ Your Library has already begun!

Just set a goal for the number of books you'd like to read this summer, keep a list of what you read, and bring the list into the library between August 1 and 24 to collect your prizes. You'll get to choose a free book, get a coupon for a free Round Table pizza, and you'll be able to enter a drawing to win a free $50 iTunes gift card (two gift cards will be awarded).

So, get more information and sign up here. You'll also get the scoop on some fabulous Morphing Monday programs. The first one is next Monday, June 9th -it's a School's Out Party! Come on over to the Mitchell Park Library at 3:30 pm for a humongous water fight, popcorn and popsicles!

City of Ember - the Movie!

2008-05-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

Did you love The City of Ember? It's been the Library's 6th grade book discussion group title for the last two years. Well, now it's being made into a movie (due out in the Fall) and the trailer is up and looks really cool! Take a look here.

There's also a 4th book in the series that is due out in August. It's called The Diamond of Darkhold. You can reserve it now - here!

If you haven't read any of the series by Jeanne DuPrau, go right here and get started!

April Display - Holocaust Remembrance Month

2008-04-25T12:14:00.001-07:00

The Palo Alto City Library is featuring a display in the Teen Zone in remembrance of the Holocaust. The T-LAB group that meets monthly has devoted their April meeting to educating teen library users on human rights abuses both in the Holocaust and today.

T-LAB is also participating in the Butterfly Project in support of the Holocaust Remembrance. Materials for creating handmade butterflies for the project can be found in the Teen Zone at Mitchell Park. For more information visit: www.hmh.org/minisite/butterfly. Come to the library and check out the awesome display.

Celebrate National Poetry Month

2008-04-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

National Poetry Month was established by the Academy of American Poets as a month-long, national celebration of poetry. To learn more about it, visit the website of the Academy of American Poets, where you can sign up to receive a poem a day during the month of April. Visit the Teen Zone at Main Library for a display about poetry.

Muggle Quidditch

2008-03-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hey, Harry Potter fans - have you heard about Muggle Quidditch? It turns out that some folks have it all worked out! Here's a video from some Middlebury College students. Take a look:

You can also read about it on their press release here.

Who is Kiki Strike?

2008-03-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

The mysterious main character of two fantastic books by Kirsten Miller. I recently discovered the Kiki Strike website. Here's what it says about Kiki:

Who is Kiki Strike? Good question. Here's all you need to know right now . . . She's the founder of the Irregulars--a band of delinquent girl geniuses who protect the forgotten tunnels beneath Manhattan that are known as the Shadow City. She's fluent in a dozen languages, she can break into any building, and she's been known to kick butts twice the size of hers. (You've got to be tough when you're 4'10.) And like any girl mastermind worth her salt, there's a series of books devoted to her bizarre adventures.

Not only is the website amazingly cool to look at, it's also full of great stuff, including a blog by Ananka (the narrator of both books) a store, a quiz about which Irregular you might be, and tons more. These are great books! Everything you ever wanted to know about being a spy.

You can also read an interview with Kirsten Miller here.

If you haven't read the books yet, go directly here and reserve them. I mean right now. Go. Scoot!

Play Techno-BINGO, win prizes!

2008-02-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

From March 2 - March 8, libraries around the country will be celebrating Teen Tech Week, an initiative of the American Library Association. This year, we invite teens to play Techno-BINGO and win some fun prizes. Just complete three in a row --- up/down, across or diagonally --- on a Techno-BINGO card (download here or pick up a copy in the Teen Zones). Bring the completed card to the Reference Desk at either Mitchell Park or Main any time from March 2-8 for a small prize. You will then be eligible to enter a drawing to win 2 FREE MOVIE PASSES.

Pizza and Books! Come Get Yours!

2008-02-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

The middle school lunchtime book discussion groups are back! Our teen librarians come once a year to lead a discussion about a great book - and they bring pizza along! We'll be at Jordan next week, JLS the first week in April, and Terman in May. The books this year are:

6th grade - City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau
7th grade - Code Orange by Caroline Cooney

8th grade - Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen.

If you've read the book, we hope you'll come join us. Those who do may enter a drawing to win a free copy of the book. Jordan students, go talk to Ms. McQueen in the Jordan Library if you haven't signed up yet.

A little candy and romance for Valentine's Day

2008-02-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

During the month of February, we are focusing on a little romance in the Teen Zones at Main and Mitchell Park. Visit the Teen Zone and browse through a display of teen romance fiction and poetry. If you stop by on Valentine's Day, February 14, we'll have some yummy candy for you to enjoy.

Come to the Gunn HS lunchtime book discussion

2008-01-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, February 21, a city librarian will be at Gunn High School to lead a lunchtime book discussion for Gunn students about "The Distant Land of My Father" by Bo Caldwell. Set in Shanghai on the eve of World War II, "Distant Land" is a story about home, family, love and loss. We'll munch on delicious pot stickers while we talk about this fascinating story. There will be a free drawing to win a copy of the book. You can check out a copy of "Distant Land" from the Gunn library or reserve a copy here. "Distant Land of My Father" is this year's selection for 'Silicon Valley Reads', and author Bo Caldwell will discuss her book at the Palo Alto Art Center on February 24 at 3 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Heart Animals

2008-01-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture of the animal you choose to make to get a template.
Print the template.
Using the template as a guide, cut hearts out of card or foam paper, or just out of the template itself.
Glue the hearts together in the shape of your animal.
Include the Valentine’s Day message!

Some bunny_Loving you is_You make my_Have a purr-fect
Loves you!__Such a tweet!_Heart flutter!_Valentine’s Day!
____ __

I wuff you!_Wishing you a__Wishing you___Hop on over
_________Ton of fun on__Oceans of love!_And give me
_________Valentine’s Day! ____________A hug!
___

I may be small,_Guess who__We shell be__Hoppy
But my love for_Who, who___Friends____Valentine’s
You isn't!_____Loves you?__Forever!____Day!

________________

The Seer and the Sword

2008-01-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

How much courage would it take for a princess to escape a brutal murder and live to challenge the tyrant who had took over her kingdom? How much talent would it take to be able to gaze into a crystal and see the future in it? Princess Torina did this. Read this exciting and interesting book that will keep you on your toes with its weaving plot and mind thrilling action. I promise you that you will not be dissapointed.

Anthony Horowitz is coming to Menlo Park

2008-01-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Author Anthony Horowitz is coming to Kepler's Bookstore on January 23rd at 7 p.m. If you would like to attend, check out the details here. You can reserve a copy of Snakehead and read all about the latest intrigues and adventures of Alex Rider, a very cool 14-year-old.

A great new book by Caroline B. Cooney!

2008-01-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that, every summer, author Caroline Cooney's name appears on the Palo Alto Middle School Summer Reading List. In fact, all of her terrific books of mystery and suspense are recommended. Well, her latest, Diamonds in the Shadow, is an excellent example of why her books are so highly recommended. I just read it and couldn't put it down! Check out my review on the Teen Book Review webpage and check out a biography and interview with Caroline Cooney at Teenreads.com.

The Sweet Far Thing

2007-12-19T16:36:00.001-08:00

Libba Bray's final installment of her critically acclaimed "A Great and Terrible Beauty" trilogy comes out the day after Christmas (December 26, 2007). Excerpts can be found on her live journal,libba-bray.livejournal.com, and it sounds like a great end to a fabulous series!

2007-12-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

Join the Gunn or Paly book groups!

2007-12-18T18:41:00.000-08:00

This February, a teen librarian will come to both Paly and Gunn high schools to lead a lunch-time book discussion about Bo Caldwell's 'The Distant Land of My Father'. We'll munch on tasty potstickers while we talk about this memoirlike novel of homeland, loss and family set in wartime Shanghai. Reserve your copy here or check one out at your school library. Check your school library for date and time. (Part of Silicon Valley Reads)

Learn to Create Beaded Jewelry!

2007-12-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

Have fun learning how to use beads to make your own jewelry creations. Free, and snacks will be provided. How cool is that?! Details here.

Date: Friday, January 4, 2008

Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Place: Mitchell Park Library

Registration requested at the Mitchell Park or Main Reference Desk.

Teens Pick Vampire Fiction As Favorite Book of 2007

2007-12-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

More than 6,000 teen readers across the country chose "New Moon", Stephenie Meyer's sequel to "Twilight", as their favorite book in the annual Teen's Top Ten. "New Moon" is the story 18-year-old Bella and her relationship with Edward Cullen, a handsome and charismatic vampire. Check out all of the Teen's Top Ten titles and reserve a copy of "New Moon" here.

New Online Series and Social Network

2007-11-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

Take a look at Quarterlife, a new online series and social network that follows a group of twenty-something artists coming of age in the digital generation. View two new episodes each week and join the forums to discuss music, art, writing and life!

And the Winner Is.......

2007-11-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sherman Alexie just won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature for his novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. If you were lucky enough to see him at Gunn or at Kepler's on his recent book tour, you'll agree with me when I say - he deserved it! It's about a boy named Junior who leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Click on the title and you can reserve the book.

Author Sites to Check Out

2007-11-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Mitchell Park's Teen Library Advisory Board

came up with some great

titles and authors worth checking out!

Brian- Grade 8-JLS student suggests:

Spy High by A. J. Butcher and Physik by Angie Sage

and

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/a-j-butcher/

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/angie-sage/

'The Golden Compass' website is awesome

2007-11-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

The movie based on Philip Pullman's beloved story is coming out December 7.

The movie's website is cool and you can even take a quiz to reveal your own personal daemon.

Native American Themes

2007-11-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is coming, so why not read a book with a Native American theme. Some recommended titles include The Dark Pond by Joseph Bruchac, The Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac, The Spirit Line by Aimee Thurlo and Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.

"Guess the Weight" Winner

2007-11-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Prachi (left) and her friend Hanako (right) came to Mitchell Park to accept the prize of 2 movie passes for guessing the weight of our pumpkin at Mitchell Park Library. Prachi's guess was 15.2 lbs, very close to the actual weight of 15.5 lbs. Congratulations to Prachi a JLS 7th grade student!

Get the scoop on Halloween

2007-10-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Check out this website for everything you ever wanted to know about Halloween, including costumes, history, movies and more!

And the Winner Is...Annie!

2007-10-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

Annie is the winner of our "Guess the Number of Gummy Worms in the Jar" Contest. In fact, she guessed the exact number. Annie won a $10 bookstore gift certificate. Annie is 15 and a high school junior. She enjoys doing arts and crafts and is shown here with one of the library's many craft books. She enjoyed reading "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak and likes the author Blake Nelson. Congratulations Annie!

Cool Comic Book & Pizza!

2007-10-22T15:32:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to 15-year-old Aubrie Lee for winning the Teen Comic Contest., "What’s So Funny About Palo Alto?". You can see the comic in full here.

Come celebrate with Aubrie and view her work at a teen pizza party:

When:Thursday, October 25

Where:Mitchell Park Library

What Time: 3:45 p.m.

Aubrie will be awarded a $50 gift certificate from University Art for her winning comic. Her witty and deftly rendered comic beautifully captured the theme and made us all LOL.

Well done Aubrie!

Download the flyer to help you remember.

Win 2 free movie passes!

2007-10-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Teens in grades 6-12 can enter the library's 'Guess the Pumpkin's Weight' Contest. Come to Main or Mitchell Park between now and Halloween and take your best guess. The closest guess without going over will win 2 free movie passes.

Celebrate Teen Read Week!

2007-10-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Teen Read Week is in full swing at Main and Mitchell Park Libraries. Check out the display of humorous titles in keeping with the theme of 'LOL at Your Library'. The Library is pleased to honor 'Remarkable Readers' from Jordan Middle School. You can see their photos and read their testimonials at Main and Mitchell Park. While you are at the Library, why not try to guess the number of gummy worms in the jar? The closest guess without going over will win a $10 bookstore gift certificate. Also, if you spot the rubber chicken in the Teen Zone, you will win a movie theatre pass. (One pass per day will be awarded.)

Teen Library Advisory Board (T-LAB)

2007-09-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Our first meeting of T-LAB at Main Library will be on 10/17 from 4-5 p.m. Our first meeting at Mitchell Park will be on 10/24 from 3:30-4:30. This is what we will work on:

-Blogging

-Halloween decoration

-Book reviews

-Eating great snacks

Do You Read Banned Books?

2007-09-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

We hope so! And we hope you will celebrate Banned Books Week (9/29-10/7) by visiting the library and reading a banned book. Did you know that the most frequently challenged title in 2006 was the children's book And Tango Makes Three? If you have read it, please comment here. Check out the most frequently challenged books of 2006.

Beijing Olympics Games Begin 8/08

2007-09-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will run from August 8-24. Check out the official website to learn more about the games. The Torch Relay will not go through Taipei. Read more about the Torch Relay and write your comments here.

Catch Chris Crutcher @ Burlingame Library

2007-09-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Burlingame Public Library, in Partnership with Books Inc., will host esteemed young adult author Chris Crutcher!

September 20th, 2007
7:00 PM - Lane Community Room

Earn Those Hours!

2007-09-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Do you need to earn community service hours for school? Then join T-Lab, the teen advisory group at the Library. It's as easy as 1-2-3!

We are looking for dedicated and motivated teen community service workers in grades 7-10 who:

Like to read and would enjoy writing about reading, music and movies and contributing to the library’s Teen web page…or

Have an artistic flair and would enjoy working on library displays in the Teen Zones…and

Are committed to attending a one-hour meeting once a month at either Mitchell Park or Main Libraries

More information and an application are available online or at Main and Mitchell Park libraries. For more information send an email or call 650-329-2436 #2 for Reference

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

2007-09-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15-October 15. Check out this great gateway site with outstanding links about Hispanic heritage.

Hey there Tezuka manga fans!

2007-08-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

I went to see the Tezuka Osamu manga exhibit at the Asian Museum in SF yesterday. Awesome! If you are a fan, it's worth a trip to see the original drawings from all his famous works including Astro Boy, Black Jack, Metropolis and Buddha, just to name a few. The exhibit runs through September 9. Please write a comment if you have seen it.

Laurie

All Good Things Must Come to an End ... Goodbye, Summer!

2007-08-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

If you signed up for the summer reading program, YNK@ Your Library, and you've been reading all summer (of course you have!), the last day to pick up your certificates and prizes is Monday, August 27th. You don't want to miss out on the chance to win that $100 iTunes gift certificate!

Password Overload?

2007-08-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

Teens! You probably have gobs of online accounts - FaceBook, YouTube, HotMail and who knows what else. And each one has a different password. Here is an easy way to store all your passwords in one place - SignInKeeper. Now, if you can just remember the passwords to SignInKeeper.

That is a personal problem!

Drinking Antimatter

2007-08-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

The newest energy drink is called Antimatter - so named because on of the ingredients taken from space. Wha?? That's right - check it out! And let us know if you have every tried it.

Hey, Video Makers! Want to Win an iPod or MacBook?

2007-08-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Do you make movies? You could win an iPod or MacBook! World Book (which you know the Library has online, right?) is sponsoring a contest for young filmmakers on evaluating websites. Create a two-minute (or under) video about what makes an online site a good information source. Students themselves will vote on the winners in three tiers: K - 8, 9 - 12, and college. You can submit your video from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30. If you win, your school also gets a digital video camera! Details are here. They even have some advice for you if you think this is a boring topic for a video!

Prize Time!

2007-08-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

For all of you that signed up for the summer reading program AND you read some books - it is time to come in, pick up some prizes and enter the drawing for a $100 ITunes gift card. You know, the site where you can download not just music but movies, TV shows and more. Just what you need for the last days of summer. Come on in!

Comic Book Art

2007-07-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

The art on the cover of comic books and graphic novels is HOT! Check out Coverbrowser.com which has covers from all your favorite comic book heroes - or villains.

Want to Win Some Stuff?

2007-07-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

OK, so summer is going by quickly - and we are about to close the summer reading program and start handing out prizes. AND give away a $100 ITunes card. Yes, that's right, $100 gift card will be given away in a drawing from those that complete their summer reading. So, what are you waiting for! Sign up if you haven't - read, enjoy, and win!

Learn the Tricks of the Trade!

2007-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Learn tricks that will amaze your family and friends. Magician Michael Stroud, co-author of The Klutz Book of Magic, will teach you how! It is not often that a magician shares their secrets, so be there! July 16 beginning at 7:00pm at the Main Library. And of course, it is FREE!

Henna Hand Painting

2007-07-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Henna artist Darcy Vasudev will be at the Mitchell Park Library on Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. to teach teens the ancient art of henna hand painting. Create your own beautiful design with the freshest natural henna. Free snacks and cool raffle prizes.

Fabulous Harry & the Potters

2007-07-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Harry & the Potters had about 300 teens rockin' on the lawn at Main Library.

Hot Summer Nights

2007-06-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Come hear Harry and the Potters - a loud and raucous band that will perform FREE at the Main Library on Monday, July 2, 6:00pm. The summer is heating up, and so are the teen programs. Opening for Harry and the Potters is Roonil Wazlib. See you at the library!

The Mystery of Archimedes

2007-06-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

Who? You know, Archimedes, the guy who moved the earth with a plank. Or did he? Learn the mystery of Archimedes and enjoy other teens over food and talk. Monday, June 25 at 7:00pm at the Main Library. Just the facts.

Sign-ups Have Begun!

2007-06-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

FBI's Most Wanted

2007-06-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

Check it out! An FBI agent is coming to talk about what he does and the most wanted fugitives. Monday, June 18 at 7:00p.m. at the Mitchell Park Library. Free, of course!

Harry & the Potters Make Music

2007-06-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

You won't want to miss Harry and the Potters at the FREE summer concert - Monday, July 2 at 6:00pm, Main Library. The summer promises to be full of cool programs such as the FBI's most wanted and hands-on henna. Check out all the summer programs!

Summer is Here!

2007-06-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Once school is over and you have had a chance to chill out, dive into a great book or two. Join the summer reading program after June 14th and win prizes - this brochure has the details.

Teen Summer Reading

2007-05-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Teen Summer Reading Program sign-ups begin June 14. The theme this year is ‘YNK’ - You Never Know. Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming teen programs. More information will follow soon.

June 18 FBI’s Most Wanted

June 25 Mystery Of Archimedes: Ancient Text Revealed with X-Ray Vision

July 10 Hands-On Henna

July 16 ‘Magic is No Mystery’ Workshop

July 23 ‘Cracks In The Wall’ Mystery: You Solve It!

If you are looking for a good book to read this summer, check out this list of nominees for the best teen books of 2007!

T-Lab

2007-04-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

The final meeting of the Teen Library Advisory Board (T-LAB) for the school year will take place on May 16. Members will present a Reader’s Theatre performance of "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" to a preschool and school-age audience. Our teen volunteers have been busy rehearsing for the performance as well as making scenery, signs and props.

Saturday Night Slam

2007-04-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

"The library’s first teen poetry slam was a big success with over 70 attending and a dozen who performed their original poems. The judges had a tough job deciding who would win the first, second and third place prizes of $25, $15 and $10 gift certificates. Big thanks go out to members of the Gunn High School Slam Team who hosted the event and gave an awesome feature performance.