A blog to keep up on what's happening for teens at Brooks Memorial Library including: • new books • events • resources available • fun website suggestions • ... and more.

Monday, October 31, 2005

Happy Halloween!


The picture says it all today!
See the whole collection here, from OrrinJCL.

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Trick-or-treat for rutabegas?


"One of the most popular and enduring features of Halloween, jack-o'-lanterns, are primarily an Irish tradition. In Ireland, oversized rutabagas, turnips, and potatoes - instead of pumpkins, which were not available - were hollowed out, carved into hideous faces and illuminated with candles, to be used as lanterns at Halloween celebrations." - source: The American Book of Days, third edition. REF 394.2

Look for this and other fascinating facts in the reference section. Happy Halloween. -- Jeanne

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Download $100?


Well, not exactly. But you can now download the entry form for the Teen Brooks Logo Contest from the Brooks Memorial Library website or just click HERE. If you're between the ages of 12 and 18 and if you love to draw or design, you'll want to enter and win $100. Time to get started--entries must be received by December 22!

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Just unpacked!


Every so often you'll see a blog post called "Just unpacked." These are books that have arrived at the library and are soon-to-be catalogued. Even if a book isn't ready to be checked out, you CAN still put a reserve on it. If you don't know how to do this on the library website, then just ask somebody behind the circulation desk to help you. When you search for these books, DON'T search by author; always do a title search and you're sure to find them.

This is just a heads-up for enthusiastic readers out there who like to know what's new. Click on the links for more information. Catch a Tiger by the Toe is a historical novel about McCarthyism through the eyes of 13 year old Jamie Morse, growing up in the Bronx in 1953. Blood Red Horse is an adventure story set in medieval England. And Shadows of Ghadames will take you to nineteenth century Libya.

China


Today’s Reformer had an article about Chinese language at BUHS. Did you know the library has recently ordered some books about China? Take a look at the Complete Idiot’s Guide to modern China or Treasures of China: an armchair journey to over 340 legendary landmarks. If you're interested in more Chinese language materials, take the stairs up to the mezzanine and check out the 400's. It's a small section and the Chinese materials will catch your eye quickly. Ask the reference librarian for help finding even more materials about China, the Chinese language, or even some good fiction taking place in China. Also, check out library director Jerry Carbone's blog. Hint: He'll be taking a trip to China next month!

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Zephyr Designs Sponsors Logo Contest

A big thanks to Zephyr Designs for their generous donation for the TeenBrooks Logo Contest!! If you need art supplies, be sure to check out Zephyr Designs at 129 Main Street.

By now you've probably heard about the TeenBrooks Logo Contest. If you need an application, you can find one at the library, at BUHS/BAMS and other locations around town. Don't forget -- THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A $100 CASH PRIZE!

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Links for Teen Read Week

Here are a few links from the American Library Association related to the Get Real theme for Teen Read Week:
"Teen Consumer Scrapbook - Sponsored by the Washington State Attorney General's Office and written by teens, this consumer guide addresses topics especially of interest to teens -- modeling scams, CD clubs, piercing, sports drinks, tanning, driving laws, scholarship scams, and a host of other relevant concerns and issues.
dMarie Time Capsule - Create your own online time capsule. Enter a date, pick from the top headlines and famous people born, top hits, top TV shows, hot new toys released, and top books released. When you are finished, print out the page. It includes extra info like who was president and the prices for bread, gas, stamps, and the minimum wage.
The Merchants of Cool - The website of the Frontline program on the relationship between marketing professionals -- the creators and sellers of popular culture -- and the teenage market, the hottest demographic in America. The program poses the question of which comes first - the attitude or the desire for the attitude? Teens drive the economy, but are teens really driving their own interests?"

Sunday, October 16, 2005

National Chocolate Cupcake Day!


Did you know that October 18th is National Chocolate Cupcake Day? This is one celebration that you should not miss, so spread the word and spread the frosting! If you don't like chocolate, then maybe you need to know about National Lemon Cupcake Day. You can find out more about these holidays and many others in a reference book called Chase's Calendar of Events. Jeanne (the reference librarian) can help you find it. You might be surprised to find out that your birthday has a few other holidays on it, too!

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Archer Mayor - A Local Author


A note from Sara –

Last night I was chatting with Archer Mayor as he signed a copy of his NEW book. Archer Mayor is not a young adult author but he is a local author and if you like a good mystery you might want to try one of his books. Many of them take place right here in Brattleboro! I asked Mr. Mayor if he could recommend any of his books in particular for teen readers. He flipped open the book jacket to look through all the titles he’s written and we debated our favorites. Some of the books focus on particular issues or particular places. In the end Mr. Mayor said that it would be good to read them in order if you were planning to read them all. If you just want to try one of them check out the Brooks catalog or Archer Mayor’s website to find out more, and then look for his books on the back wall of the library in the Mystery Section.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Teen Read Book Display


Be sure to check out the Teen Read Book Display in the library. This year’s theme is Get Real@ Your Library. You can find fiction and non-fiction books on the table, and a lot of information to grab. Please feel free to check out anything on the table display. We like to see books go out—and come back again, of course!

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Teen Advisory Board Meeting on Thursday!

Hello current and prospective TAB members!

Our next TAB meeting is tomorrow (Thursday) at 4:30 in the Teen Space. Snacks will be served, of course, and we are looking forward to meeting with you and having some time to plan some important upcoming events!

Here's the agenda:
Teen Read Week displays for the main floor--we'll display books, make signs, develop suggestion lists, etc. for the annual Teen Read Week with the theme of Get Real! @ Your Library.

Teen Brooks Logo Contest--we'll be kicking-off the Teen Brooks logo contest during Teen Read Week and will need your help in figuring out some of the rules and requirements and in getting the word out to community teens.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is coming!!--we ordered this DVD and can have a movie night in November. Come with your calendars so we can pick a night and plan some other activities around this book as well.

February Open Mic Night at the Library--we'll make our final decision about the date of this community event.

School Resource Section in Teen Space--please bring copies of any research assignments you have coming up this semester that we can pass on to Jeanne, Reference Librarian.

The New TAB Blog! If you're reading this, then you've found it. Post a comment! Sara will give us some information about how to use this new blog. Have your friends check it out, too!

See you there, and please feel free to bring friends!
Julianne

2005 Quill Awards

This just in—winners of the 2005 Quill Book Awards that you can find in our library include:
Book of the Year - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Young Adult - Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror - The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore
Sports - Faithful: Two Diehard Boston Red Sox Fans Chronicle the Historic 2004 Season by Stewart O'Nan and Stephen King
*****For more winners, see the Quill Awards Website.

Tool for Series Readers


Do you ever discover a great book that's part of a series, but when you look inside the cover for a list of the rest of the titles, they're all in the wrong order? Why do publishers do that? It remains a mystery to me, but there is a nice website that can help. It's called the "Four Part Trilogy," and it's maintained by a bookstore in Australia. If you look up an author or series name, you will find the whole list in correct order: http://www.gaslightbooks.com.au/4part/mastdex.htm

It's interesting to see what's in there: not just classic spaceship science fiction and not just dragons. Anything with a slightly surreal edge is likely to be included. Also check out their "Themes" lists for ideas on new authors to try.

--from Jeanne in Reference

Monday, October 10, 2005

Brattleboro Literary Festival--authors wanted


The fourth annual Brattleboro Literary Festival ended this weekend. Although the rain poured at almost biblical proportions, attendees filled to capacity all events and venues. The censorship panel on Saturday--not your typical literary event--had to turn away people as those who got there early were able to find seats.

Although the festival was somewhat light on YA authors, Fantasy writer and YA friendly author Gregory Maguire got the weekend off to a rousing beginning on Friday evening. Speaking to a packed audience in The Church, on Main and Grove St., Maguire transfixed the eager crowd with an incredible reading and commentary on his 1995 book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, and his new one, Son of a Witch. Maguire talked of his life, his enamoration with the Wizard of Oz; his philosophy of toward reading and writing; and even spoke passionately about the current political situation of the Iraq War and the Abugraib issues.

Laban Carick Hill, a bona-fide YA author and National Book Award finalist, provided a multi-media presentation at the Brooks Library using a DVD, which he created to present his book, Harlem Stomp: A Cultural History of the Harlem Renaissance. A colorful celebration and exuberant history of the Harlem Renaissance.

As we plan for next year, your author recommendations will be welcome, especially those who write for teen audiences. Please send an email to Brattleboro Literary Festival

It's almost Halloween


Do you know where your pumpkin is? Need some ideas for Halloween, or just wish you knew a little bit more to get into the spirit of things? These websites can help:
Halloween Online is your one-stop location for all things Halloween from pumpkin-carving to building a haunted house. Need to know more about the history of Halloween? Try this site from the History Channel.
Tired of the same old ghost stories? Try a few ghost stories from the White House.
The Costume Page
is a great resource for anything and everything about costumes. Scroll down and click on Halloween Costuming for many ideas. If you think you're too old for costumes, check it out anyway and give your younger brothers and sisters some tips.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Need some stress relief?


Some of the staff at Brooks use this web site as a stress buster. Scroll down to the "pandacam" to watch mother Mei Xiang and her little cub who was born on July 9. If you're lucky the cub will be actively moving about. The pandacam is available 24/7 and it's a nice break from doing homework or studying for tests.
If you're just in the mood for something really cute, then try the Daily Kitten Website.
And if you need to get back into the real world, try the teen space at the Internet Public Library!

Thursday, October 06, 2005

If you like adventure stories....



or if you like books with a tough heroine, you might just like this first book in a series. The library doesn't have it yet, but it is on order and we expect it soon. Here's what our database Novelist has to say about this book:

Title: Book of the sword, The
Author: Asai, Carrie

Despite being the only survivor of a tragic plane crash at a mere six months of age, this young girl was lovingly raised by a Tokyo couple for the next nineteen years, but all that she has known her entire life is about to change.

If it sounds good to you, try putting an advance reserve on this book!

Welcome!


Welcome to Teen Blogs@Brooks!

Blogs are one example of new technologies that make it easier for us to let you know what is new at the library. Check this blog often for information about:
• new books
• events
• resources available
• fun website suggestions
• TAB meetings
• and... whatever else we want to tell you about!