Teens @ the Cedar Lake Branch Library

Winter & Teens @ the Library

2012-01-23T20:06:00.000-08:00

Teens created some amazing tie dye t-shirts, socks, & bandanas. They also celebrated National Do Nothing Day. Those who wanted to made deep fried twinkies & oreos for snacks, made stress balls from balloons and rice, and challenged each other to a Guitar Hero Tournament and a Fear Factor Scavenger Hunt. Check out the pictures:

tie-dye crafting

Relax with a stress ball...

The programs keep coming...check out the Events Calendar and don't miss GameFest Wed. Jan. 25 @ 3!

Chocolate & More!

2011-12-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

Celebrating December! Teens made chocolate candy to eat, take home, & for library programs in December.

They also made ornaments for the library tree & to take home...

Check out the great madlib from the GameFest Holiday Style program:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the squirrel

Not a pikachu was stirring, not even a wombat.

The children were electrified all snug in their loveseat

While visions of hot pizzas banished in their ear.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my leg to see what was the matter.

I knew in an eyeball it must be Saint Philip with his miniature Lamborghini

And 17,000 tiny dragons named Dasher and Dancer and Roger and Keith.

He filled all our squirrels, then laying his teeth aside of his fingernail, up the chimney he echoed.

But I heard him exclaim as squeaked out of sight,

"Intelligent Christmas too all and to all a daring night!"

Fall Festival

2011-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

Teen Volunteers hosted their annual Fall Fest for the community. Over 350 people enjoyed games, crafts, library golf, a graveyard cakewalk, pumpkin bowling, face painting, the haunted room--and a spooky story. The pie in the face activity was challenging because of the wind & it was cold! But everyone had a great time. Thanks to all the volunteers!!!

Seven years ago, in a much smaller & older version of our current building, the library's first Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) was deciding on a program for Teen Read Week. The theme that year was volunteering and they decided they wanted to hold a community event--not a teens only program. Ever since then the T.A.B. has hosted the Fall Festival. More people attend each year and we always hear how much everyone looks forward to it. Way to go, teens!

And...if you are 12 or older & want to join, see library staff--or just come to a meeting--they are on the 1st Monday of every month at 5pm. Teens eat, play games, try out activities for programs, plan programs & do other volunteer-type things--& earn volunteer time, too!

Haunted Crafts @ the Library

2011-10-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

Finishing up with haunted food. Yum?

It's Teen Read Week!

2011-10-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

Just 'Picture It' & 'Read for the Fun of It'! We've been celebrating all month long. Teens kicked off the week with our annual Fall Fest with over 370 people in attendance! Lots of games, crafts--& a haunted room with scary stories. It was great, but cold & windy outside for those brave volunteers who worked the pie in the face throwing and pumpkin bowling.
Teens have been voting weekly for their favorite top ten teen books of 2011. It's a Book Bracketology. We tally the votes each week & eliminate books that don't get many votes. Vote each week & we will see what Cedar Lake's favorite book is!
All this week you can 'Picture It' by making a poster of a favorite book, movie, or magazine. We have quite a few great looking posters, but there's still time to make yours! Everyone who makes a poster will be entered into a drawing for a bag of goodies.

Teen Top Ten

2011-09-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Time to vote for your favorite book of 2011! Books were nominated by teens like you. You can vote here. Click on this link to the American Library Association Site. Click on any of the books to learn more about them in the library catalog. Request them, too. Then click on the 'back' button on your browser to return to this list. Choose from these books:

Beam, Cris. I Am J. 2011 J (Jeni) is a boy and has always identified himself as such, but he was genetically born female. As a teen, J acts like a boy and dresses in baggy clothes to hide his feminine body. He wants to begin testosterone treatments to transfer physically to a man, but his parents and best friend do not accept him as male. J decides to run away and enroll in a school for gay and transgender students, where he is able to begin to find acceptance. More than just a story of a transgender teen, this is the story of how teenagers live and love and cope.

Beaudoin, Sean. You Killed Wesley Payne. 2011. Teenage Dalton Rev is a private eye. He is sent to a high school to find out about the death of Wesley Payne. Was it really a suicide? The school's tight cliques have gone insane and lost control. It’s up to Dalton to sort through a huge mess of betrayal in order to restore the hierarchy.

Black, Holly and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies vs. Unicorns. 2010. Are you Team Unicorn or Team Zombie? In this anthology of twelve fast-paced stories, popular teen authors make strong arguments for both sides in the long and gruesome debate concerning the awesomeness of zombies versus unicorns.

Card, Orson Scott. The Lost Gate. 2011. Danny thought he was a “drekka,” one without magic, until he discovers he has magical powers as a gate mage. The only problem: all the magic families made a pact to kill any person who could make gates to transport themselves. Danny is forced to run from everything and everyone he knows in an attempt to unravel the secrets behind his powers.

Clare, Cassandra. The Clockwork Angel. 2010. In this prequel to the Mortal Instruments series, Tessa Gray travels to England to search for her brother, her only remaining relative. She is captured by the mysterious Dark Sisters and discovers that there is a fantastical world thriving alongside her own. She finds that she must ally with the unknown shadowhunters to save her brother.

Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. 2010. The final book in the Hunger Games series finds Katniss Everdeen rescued from the horrific 75th Hunger Games—but not her fellow tribute, Peeta Mallark. Now she must lead a rebellion against the evil capital with the help of District 13, which is not destroyed, but has been quietly sowing the seeds of war for years. As Katniss becomes more entangled in war and revolution, the question of who she can trust becomes ever harder, and she must fight for her life once again.

Condie, Ally. Matched. 2010. In Cassia’s society, most of her choices are made for her, including the person with whom she will spend the rest of her life: her Match. At age 17, Cassia is happily surprised when her Match turns out to be her best friend Xander, but when a glitch occurs and another boy’s face appears on her screen, Cassia can’t help but wonder what would happen if she were able to choose her own Match. Now she must decide between conforming to society and pursuing a life where she can make her own choices.

Cremer, Andrea. Nightshade. Penguin/Philomel. 2010. (9780399254826). When Calla, who is a Guardian, saves a boy on her mountain from a bear attack, the consequences are farther reaching than could be imagined, especially when that boy shows up at her school and appears to be a favored companion of her masters, the Keepers.

Fitzpatrick, Becca. Crescendo. Simon & Schuster Children’s. 2010. (9781416989431). In this sequel to Hush, Hush, a few months have passed since Nora’s lab partner Patch, actually a fallen angel, saved her from his murderous vassal Nephil and became her guardian angel. She and Patch are now dating, but she is starting to doubt his love for her. Is he keeping something from her? And is she really safe now?

Grant, Michael. Lies. 2010. Lies continues the story that began in Gone and Hunger. Is death the only answer? Life is getting hard for the under 15s who survived. Food is running out, the beach is burning, and things are getting tense. The situation is getting worse for the survivors and everyone has their own battles to face.

Hawkins, Rachel. Demonglass. 2011. An unbelievable betrayal, an ancient spell, and a love triangle all make Rachel Hawkins’ sequel to Hex Hall impossible to put down. When Sophie goes to her father’s mansion for the summer, she thinks she knows exactly what she wants: to undergo the Removal and get rid of the demon inside of her. But when it turns out that someone else is making demons, she has to question everything and everyone—especially Archer Cross, the boy she can’t get out of her head.

Hakwins, Rachel. Hex Hall. 2010.Sixteen-year-old Sophie is a witch sent to live at Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (witches, faeries, shape-shifters, etc.), after she bungles a spell at prom and attracts too much attention from normal humans. At her new school, Sophie must face the usual teen troubles of mean girls and crushes with the added dimension of magic and learning about her own powers.

Kagawa, Julie. The Iron King. 2010. On the eve of her 16th birthday, Meghan starts seeing dark creatures in the most unusual places and senses that everything is about to change. But she could never have imagined the truth—that she is a princess, the daughter of a mythical faery king. When she finds out her little brother has been kidnapped and replaced by a changeling, Meghan ventures in to the fey world to rescue him.

Lore, Pittacus. I Am Number Four. 2010. Number Four is one of nine aliens that escaped from the planet Lorien just ahead of the evil Mogadorians, a rival alien race bent of their destruction. He’s settling into another new town on Earth, trying to get a handle on his developing powers, when he gets the news: Number Three is dead. If Number Three is dead, that means Number Four is next.

Moore, Peter. Red Moon Rising. 2011. In a world dominated by vampires, half-vamp, half-wulf Danny is used to hiding his true nature. When he experiences strange changes, it appears that his wulf side has become active. In a world where wulves are not treated equally, Danny faces a difficult choice: a dreary future as an inmate once a month or life as an illegal, unregistered wulf.

Nelson, Jandy. The Sky is Everywhere. 2010. After Lennie's sister suddenly dies, she finds herself torn between two boys. One is the new boy in town, and the other is her sister’s ex-boyfriend. While she is genuinely attracted to one, the other really understands her feelings, yet she knows it is wrong. Who will she choose?

Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall. 2010. Popular, rich, and attractive Sam Kingston never worried about how her behavior affected other people. After dying in a car crash, Sam is forced to relive the last day of her life for seven days. She progressively becomes a better person as she realizes the ripple effect of her actions and uses the second chance to fix her most dire mistakes.

O’Neal, Ellis. The False Princess. 2011. At sixteen, Princess Nalia learns that the king and queen have used her as a false princess to protect their real daughter from an omen of death. Princess Nalia, now Sinda, is sent away from the palace to live with the one relative she has left in a world she does not know. Sinda struggles with her new life and uncovers a secret that may change her country forever. Magic runs through her veins, and theories of corruption in the royal bloodline keep her entangled in the royal family's affairs.

Patterson, James. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel. 2011. In book seven of the Maximum Ride series, the titular character is devastated after a fellow “bird kid” leaves to start his own flock of mutant heroes. Scientists tell her that another “bird kid”, Dylan, is her perfect mate, and that she’s been created to save the world. When the Doomsday Group starts hypnotizing children, Max heads to Paris with her flock to investigate. Unfortunately, Fang and his new flock are investigating as well.

Pearce, Jackson. Sisters Red. 2010. Sisters Rosie and Scarlett March are left as orphans at eleven after their grandmother is killed by a Fenris, a soulless creature that takes the form of a man and can turn into a wolf. Scarlett loses an eye in the attack and decides to devote her life to hunting the Fenris. Eight years later, the sisters have vowed to protect their town from the Fenris. Silas, a young woodsman, returns to town. Rosie knows the Fenris deserve to die, but she's not ready to commit her entire life to hunting them. Can the sisters learn to live with their differences as Rosie and Silas’s friendship blossoms into something more?

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Blessed. 2011. Quincie, everyone’s favorite teen restaurateur and vampire, is back in this follow-up to Tantalize and Eternal. This time, she has even more on her plate. She just died, became a vampire, said goodbye to her true love/ werewolf boyfriend Kieren, and she has to stop the most powerful and evil vampire in centuries and find a way to save her own soul and the souls of the soon-to-be evil vampires.

Westerfeld, Scott. Behemoth. 2010. This sequel to Leviathan picks up where the last book left off with Alek, the lost Austro-Hungarian prince, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy, on the airship Leviathan heading to the Ottoman Empire. Upon arriving, Alek escapes and starts a revolution to overthrow the Sultan and try to stop a war.

White, Kiersten. Paranormalcy. 2010. Normal? Yeah, right! Evie's biggest dream ever was to be normal, but with a faerie ex-boyfriend and a mermaid for a best friend, she might as well just throw the word “normal” right in the trash can. Evie has the unique ability to see through paranormals’ glamours, which has made her a valued asset of the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA). When someone breaks into the Agency headquarters, Evie meets an unusual Paranormal: a boy who can shape-shift into any human. Can Evie save the lives of unarmed Paranormals from something that is after her.

Click on a book to see more about it in our library catalog. Request it, too. The Cedar Lake Branch has a display of these books. Check them out! During October, the Cedar Lake Branch will have its own voting--a Bracketology. Vote each week for your favorite book. Each time you vote, you will be entered into a drawing for a bag full of prizes! Last year the national winner was Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. The Cedar Lake Library winner was Witch and Wizard by James Patterson. Which books will win this year? It's all up to you!

September @ the Cedar Lake Branch Library

2011-09-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Join the fun! All programs are for teens, 11 & older, unless otherwise noted.

SNACK & PLAN

Mon. Sept. 12 @ 5pm

Members of T.A.B., Teen Advisory Board, & those wishing to join (12 to 17 years of age) will eat, play games, & plan programs for teens and younger kids. Earn volunteer hours.

COOL IT COLORAMA CRAFTING MANIA!

Tues. & Wed. Sept. 13 & 14 @ 4

Make sidewalk paint and chalk, make your own ice cream, enjoy ice cream floats and sundaes, too! Paint the library sidewalks or wait at least a day and draw with your homemade chalk! Experiment with splatter painting and paint a library mural, too!

GAMEFEST

Wed. Sept. 21 @ 3

Play PlayStation & Wii games. Compete in tournaments for prizes.

July @ the Library

2011-07-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Cirque De Lune, site of the 'crime'.

Crepes & home made salsa!

Newest 'gold card' volunteer--over 100 hours of volunteer time!! Thank you!!

Maisy makes her entrance.

After the puppet puppet show audience members take turns behind the puppet stage.

In July teens solved the mystery at the Cirque de Lune at the Mystery Dinner Theater. The play was written by T.A.B. members and featured a missing trapeze artist and several circus performers who were prime suspects--all with reasons to hate Fred. Teens donned costumes to assume the various roles. Three teens nearly successfully solved the crime.

The Puppetteens performed to a capacity crowd early in July. Teens also assisted with a visit from Maisy the Mouse that day.

Teens also cooked up a variety of recipes from around the world. They played Wii & PlayStation games at Gamefest and enjoyed pizza and games at the Summer Reading Volunteer Recognition party. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the library summer reading programs this year a success!!

Summer Fun @ the Library!

2011-06-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Battle of the Sexes--gross food competition (the girls made the best corpse fingers, dirty Q-tips, boogers on a stick & amazonian spiders, but the boys ate more of the gross food); Minute-To-Win-It games (boys won one, girls won one); Bubblegum sculptures (girls won); Library Scavenger Hunt (boys won); Garbage Can Scavenger Hunt (boys won); marble search in buckets of ice (boys won) & more. It was close. Boys won 64,000 points to the girl's 62,000. Congrats to all the brave and talented players.

And more to come in July...

*Just Eat It! Tuesday July 12 @ 4 Make godd from around the world. Eat some, take some home. Yum! Play Geography Twister & other games for fun & prizes, too!
*Mystery Dinner Theater Thursday July 21 @ 4 Play the parts as you work to solve the mystery. Eat a mysterious meal of food from around the world. Successful detectives will win prizes. Play games that involve drama, improv, & lots of laughs.
*Gamefest Wed. July 27 @ 4 Play a variety of PlayStation, Wii, & other games. Thoise who wish may compete in tournaments for prizes. Food & pop will be provided.
*Keep reading for prizes! Enter for every book, magazine, audio book or 100 pages you read. Weekly drawings & a grand prize drawing! Enter @ the library or online.

New Book by John Green

2011-06-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

John Green, a well-known Indiana author who writes great books for teens, is coming out with a new book. Check it out: http://www.earlyword.com/2011/06/29/john-green-is-1/. It's already on bestseller lists and it's not actually out until sometime in 2012! You can help design the cover of the book if you want: http://fishingboatproceeds.tumblr.com/post/6990024657/tomorrow-afternoon-i-will-actually-announce-the.
John Green is the author of An Abundance of Katherines and Looking for Alaska, which both received a Printz Honor Award for great teen fiction. He received the Printz Award for best teen book of the year for Paper Towns. Most recently he co-authored Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Click on any of the titles for more information and to request them. Enjoy great books & win prizes for reading this summer!

Summer Crafting

2011-06-18T11:47:00.001-07:00

Masks, X-Ray Art, Batiking, God'sWeyes, Worry Dolls, & more! Check out these pics & more on the right!

Summer @ the Library

2011-06-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Win prizes for reading! For every 100 pages, magazine or book you read or listen to you can enter weekly drawing to win. Fill out entry slips @ the library or go online http://www.lcplin.org/srp2011.htm#teen for an even easier way to enter.
We have programs every week, too:
*Tuesday, June 14, 4pm Here, There, & Everywhere Craft Mania
Choose from a variety of crafts from around the world -- recycled materials chip bags, masks, worry dolls, X-ray art, boomerangs, batik art, & more
*Thursday, June 23, 4pm Library Fear Factor: The 4th Annual Battle of the Sexes
Genders will compete in fear factor games, trivia, library flag football, and other challenges. Some will be outside, so come prepared to get wet. The girls were victorious last year. Who will claim the trophy this year?
*Wed. June 29, 4pm GameFest
Play a variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Those who wish may compete in tournaments for prizes. Food & pop will be provided.

Crafting @ the Library

2011-05-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

More than 30 teens created amazing art at the U-Pick Craft Days in May. They made rubberband balls & jewelry--and jumped rope with a jumprope made from rubberbands. Then they made a 40+ foot long rope made of rubberbands that stretched around the library! Teens also made sunprint art, tie dye t-shirts, & duct tape hats, hoola skirts, boxes, & wallets:

Peeps Visit the Library!

2011-04-16T14:31:00.001-07:00

Mostly, it was a great visit. They read, they played, and then they studied an atlas to plan their next trip. But some of the teens were getting hungry.....

Teens @ the Library

2011-04-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

GAMES GALORE: CHESS & MORE! (Teens, work with younger kids & earn volunteer time!) Tuesday, April 19 @ 4

Play chess, checkers, card games, & a variety of other board games. All games--& snacks--will be provided.

SPRING BREAK! Teens 11 & older Thurs. April 21 @ 4

Take a break and pick what you want to do! Play games, some for prizes. Play Wii electronic games. Make your own snacks, including deep fried oreos. Paint a mask; make something with duck tape; or tie dye; or use recycled materials for your creations.

GAMEFEST Wed. April 27 @ 3 Teens 11 & older

Play PlayStation & Wii games. Compete in tournaments for prizes.

Teens @ the Library

2011-02-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

Check out the amazing duct tape creations made during last month's programs--purses, basketball hoops, hats, sandals & more!

Teens @ the Library

2011-01-22T10:01:00.001-08:00

At the 'Make It Hot' program teens made their own salsa, tasted 10 varieties & picked their favorites (Spike's), made and baked pretzels (check out the designs--the owl and heart turned out very well--and made felt scarves. They made cupcakes and played games, including 'Survive Jeopardy and Fell Like a Millionaire at the 'To 2010 & Beyond' program. Cupcakes were a favorite of the decade, along with deep fried Twinkies, which they also made.

Volunteer teens helped make the 'Games Galore, Chess & More', a program for younger children, a great success. They taught beginners how to play chess and and helped children learn and play other games, too, including Twister, Uno, Junga, & checkers.

We will be having a games program and a lego program for younger children every month. If you want to volunteer, just see Linda or any staff member.

*Observe No Name Calling Week Jan. 24-29 @ the library. We'll have games, crafts, and books to check out as we call attention to bullying and what we all can do about it.

*Join us for GameFest on Wed. Jan. 26 @ 3 for open play on PlayStation and Wii. Compete in tournaments for prizes. Snacks, too!

Volunteering @ the Library--Making Candy!

2010-12-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

Teens made chocolate candy for library programs & patrons--a some for themselves too! Check out some of the yummy chocolates!

Teens @ the Library

2010-11-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

This month teens created amazing rubber band art. They made bouncing balls and a variety of jewelry. Later in the month they made and tasted a different kinds of international food. They tested their food knowledge by playing games for 1000s of points. Yum!

The Votes Are In!

2010-11-24T17:14:00.001-08:00

Teens voted all month for their favorite books of 2010. The winner was Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Next was Witch and Wizard by James Patterson. Catching Fire is the 2nd of the fantastic Hunger Games Series. Start with Book 1, The Hunger Games, Then keep on reading, because the third and final book of the series just came out--Mockingjay. If you like action, romance, torture, political and social intrigue, this amazing series if for you! The sequel to Witch and Wizard is coming to your library soon. Watch for Witch and Wizard: Battle for Shadowland.

Celebrate Teen Read Week!

2010-10-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

*Play Book Bracketology all month long. Top ten nominated teen books have been listed bracket-style. Vote for your favorite book of 2010. We started with all the nominated books and have tallied your votes every week to whittle the list down,. There are 6 books remaining and you can vote until Oct. 28 when we will announce Cedar Lake's favorite book of 2010. The books are on display, too, so check out one of the top teen books of the year.

*During Teen Read Week, Oct. 18-23 play the Page Race. Pick up a reading log at the Check-Out Desk and then just keep track of the number of pages you read this week. Turn in your log and pick a small prize. You'll be entered into a drawing for a bigger prize. The reader with the most pages wins the grand prize. Join the race!

*On Thurs., Oct. 21 at 4 we'll have Wimpy Kid Mania. Play games, eat, watch parts of the movie, discuss, & more. Win prizes, too! Diary of a Wimpy Kid is the teen selection this year for Books to Bridge the Region. And we will definitely have cheese!

Teens @ the Library

2010-08-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Programs for Teens in September

T-SHIRT MANIA

Sept. 14 @ 4

Teens, 11 & older--Turn an old t-shirt into a pillow. No sewing required! Bring your own t-shirt. All other supplies--and snacks--will be provided.

WHO’S SORRY NOW? BORED GAME FEST

Sept. 16, Thurs. @ 4

Teens 11 & older

Compete in Sorry and/or Uno tournaments for prizes; enjoy a variety of other games just for play. Online board game play will be available, also. Pizza & snacks, too!

GAMEFEST

Teens 11 & older

Wed. Sept. 22 @ 3

Play a variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Those who wish may compete in tournaments for prizes. Food & pop will be provided. Join the fun!!

Balloon Blast

2010-08-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Teens played games with balloons, learned to make balloon animals, hats, and flowers, & made stress balls and juggling balls from balloons.

Fear Factor: Battle of the Sexes

2010-07-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Genders competed in Fear Factor style games, library scavenger hunts, and other challenges. Check out some of the pictures here and see the rest at the library!

THE GIRLS WON for the first time ever! They beat the guys by a few points when they were the first to complete the Haiku challenge. See their great poems above...

July @ the Library

2010-07-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Teens created 'phenomenal photography' when they participated in a photo scavenger hunt and created framed sunprints, too. Check out some of the pictures here and see the rest of the great pictures @ the library.

Fun in the Summer...

2010-07-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Who was the perpetrator responsible for the disappearance of King Henry? Teens played the parts to reenact the mystery at the Mystery Dinner Theater. Holmes and Watson were on hand to interrogate the suspects and solve the crime.

Everyone tried to guess the criminal and his or her motive, but only one solved the mystery correctly!

Summer @ the Library

2010-07-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

More great programs for teens this summer:
*GameFest Monday July 12 @ 3pm
Play a variety of FlayStation & Wii games. Compete in tournaments. Enjoy snacks & pop, too!
*Phenomenal Photography Tuesday July 13 @ 2pm
Create amazing photos with & without a camera. Play a photo scavenger hunt for prizes! Enjoy phenomenal snacks, too!
*Library Fear Factor: The 3rd Annual Battle of the Sexes
Genders will compete in fear factor games and other challenges. Some will be outside,m so come prepared to get wet. The guys were victorious last year. Who will claim the trophy this year?

Cool Fun: Crafting Mania with Sidewalk Chalk, Paint, Ice Cream & More!

2010-06-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

The weather didn't cooperate, but teens made a variety of colors of sidewalk paint. Some took them home, others braved the rain and cold to paint a little outside, but most created murals inside. They also mixed and molded their own sidewalk chalk. Then they made their own ice cream and slushies. Most made ice cream sundaes, too!

Summer Fun for Teens @ the Library

2010-06-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Win prizes for reading books or magazines or for listening to audiobooks! Put in an entry for every 100 pages, magazine or book you read or listen to. Drawings every week. Enter with a paper entry form at the library OR--enter ONLINE this year! Click here, create your account and start logging!
Or just go to the library's homepage at www.lcplin.org, click on 'Teens" under 'Summer Reading" and get started.

Mystery Dinner Theater @ the Library Thursday, June 17 @ 4
Teens 11 & older may play the parts and help solve the mystery of the disappearance of King Henry VIII from the library. Is Robin Hood responsible? Pinocchio? Snow White? Holmes and Watson are on the case, but there are a number of suspects who all admit to a plot of their own against the King. Enjoy snacks, pizza & pop. Solve the case and win prizes, too!

GameFest Wed. June 30 & Monday July 12 @ 3
Teens 11 & older--Play a variety of PlayStation and Wii games. Compete in tournaments for prizes. Snacks & pop, too!

Fear Factor Battle of the Sexes Thursday July 15 @ 4
Teens 11 & older--In the 3rd annual Battle of the Sexes genders will compete in Fear Factor games and other challenges. Some will be outside, so come prepared to get wet. The guys won last year. Who will claim the 2010 trophy?

15 Going on 2 & 1/2

2010-05-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

Teens had fun being little kids again. Some came in pajamas. They made baby bottle sand art, played games and enjoyed chocolate milk & more!

Summer Reading @ the Library

2010-05-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Read for fun & prizes beginning June 7! Enter for weekly prizes every time you read 100 pages, a magazine, a book or listen to a book! You can sign up today. Or you can turn in paper entries. Either way, you just might win a great prize!
Sign up for programs, too!

Snack & Plan--Mon. June 7 @ 5--Teens 12 & older, members of the library's Teen Advisory Board, and those wishing to join, participate in volunteer activities, games, snacks, & more while earning volunteer time.

Cool Fun Crafting Mania--Tues. June 8 @ 2--make your own sidewalk chalk and paint and decorate the library's sidewalks with your creations. Make & eat your own ice cream sundaes and floats, too!

Summer Reading Kickoff with Mark's Ark--Thurs. June 10 @ 1--wild animal fun for all ages!

Sign up to be a library volunteer today! You just have to be 11 or older and want to help kids have fun @ the library this summer.

Teens @ the Library: Upcoming Programs

2010-05-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

CRAFTING MANIA: U-PICK

Tues. & Wed. May 11 & 12 @ 4

Choose from a variety of crafts--duct tape, beading jewelry, tie dye, masks, bounce balls, & sock puppets. All materials & snacks will be supplied.

15 GOING ON 2 & 1/2

Thurs. May 20 @ 4

PJ Party fun. Wear pjs or not, but enjoy the games of your younger years, Milk, cookies, baby bottle crafts & candy, karaoke, games, & more!

SUMMER READING VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Wed. May 25 @ 3 OR 4:30

Teens ages 11-17 who want to volunteer at the library this summer should attend this informational program. Duties of a volunteer will be discussed and sign-up sheets will circulate. Volunteers must have an application signed by a parent before they can sign up for hours.

GAMEFEST

Wed. May 26 @ 3

Play a variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Those who wish may compete in tournaments for prizes. Food & pop will be provided. Join the fun!

T-Shirt Mania--Tie Dying with Sharpies!

2010-04-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

Junk Food Cookin'

2010-04-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Nearly 30 teens made & ate their own junk food, including elephant ears, donuts, ice cream, & chocolate candy. Teens deep fried oreos, potatoes, pretzels, pickles, & tortillas for bueno litos.

Check out the goodies!

Cleaning up...a great way to put away the whipped cream!

Duct Tape Mania!

2010-04-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

Masks, mugs, wallets, jewelry and m0re. Check out what teens created in March. With duct tape you can make almost anything!

Teens Create

2010-04-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

At the last T.A.B. teens began working on a video for U-Tube by creating sculptures from bubble gum and ice. Some teen described the experience as "gross." What do you think?

April Events @ the Library

2010-04-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

*All Month: POETRY MADNESS
Celebrate poetry by creating poems from words & pictures from magazines. poems will be displayed in the library. and poets may pick a small prize for every poem they create.

*SNACK & PLAN
April 5, Mon. @ 5
Members of T.A.B. and those wishing to join (ages 12 -17) will eat, play games, and plant programs for tens and younger kids. Participants will earn volunteer hours.

*T-SHIRT MANIA
April 13 & 14 Tues, & Wed. @ 4
Make tie dye t-shirts. Or use a variety of fabric markers & paints to create a design. All materials and snacks will be provided. 11& older

*JUNK FOOD COOKIN'
April 15, Thurs. @ 4
Make & eat a variety of 'junk food'--some might even be (slightly) healthy. Test your knowledge of America's favorite foods & win prizes too! 11 & older

*GAMEFEST
April 28, Wed. @ 3
Play a variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Those who wish may compete in torunaments for prizes. Food & pop will be provided. Join the fun! 11 & older

Chocolate Taste-Off

2010-02-19T16:31:00.000-08:00

Teens created chocolate, ate it, played games and won more candy!

And they participated in a taste test to pick their favorite candy bar. The candy bars were unwrapped and cut into pieces so they didn't know the names of the candy they were tasting. But most thought the favorite would be 100 Grand...

Guess again.....

The favorite!!

Teens @ the Library: Upcoming Programs

2010-02-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

CHOCOLATE TASTE-OFF--Thursday, Feb. 18 @ 4

Make your own chocolate candy, judge your favorite, play games to win candy & more!

GAMEFEST--Wed. Feb. 24 @ 3

Play a variety of PlayStation & Wii games, compete in tournaments for prizes; snacks provided!

SNACK & PLAN--Mon. March 1 @ 5--Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)

Members of T.A.B. and those wishing to join will eat, play games, and plan programs. Earn volunteer hours!

LEARN, CREATE, SHARE: TEEN TECH WEEK--March 8-13

Celebrate all week by playing online trivia. A new game every day. Win a prize for every game you play!

DUCT TAPE MANIA--Tues. & Wed. March 9 $ 10 @ 4

A variety of colors of tape will be on hand to make duct tape creations. All materials--and snacks--will be provided.

VIDEO IT!--Thurs. March 18 @ 4

Brainstorm a concept, write a script, cast & shoot a (very) short film. The video can be about the library or a favorite book--a book trailer. Bring your ideas & get ready to shoot!

GAMEFEST--Mon. March 22 & Wed. March 31 @ 3

Play a variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Those who wish may compete in tournaments for prizes. Food & pop, too!

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

2010-02-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Imagine being a survivor after a nuclear holocoust. You survived because your father is a billionaire and he built a luxurious compound to save his family in the event of an attack. The attack came. Your father got you and your mother sisters down into the compound--to safety. But where is your twin brother? Your grandmother? Your dog? Your cat? They didn't make it. But you all have everything you need for the next 15 years. Because that's how long you have to stay in the compound. It won't be safe to leave before then. And you can't. There's a huge steel door and only you dad knows the code to open it. But then after 6 years something has gone wrong with the food supply. But that's ok becuase your dad has a contingent plan. Your mom's been having babies. Your dad calls them "the supplements" and they never leave the room with the yellow door. You've never met them. You don't want to because you know what they are for. But then you connect to the Internet. The Internet! There's not supposed to be any Internet anymore! How could there be? And it's what your dad has told you. If your dad has been lying about that, what else is he lying about?

reviewed by Linda

Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going

2010-01-31T21:42:00.001-08:00

The fat kid in Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going is Troy. He's about to commit suicide by jumping in front of a commuter train at the subway station. Then a skinny kid named Kurt calls up to him from the floor. Kurt is a homeless drug user who is also a great musician and very sick. He wants Troy to be the drummer in his new band. Together, maybe, they can help each other...

reviewed by Linda

Games Unplugged, Gocks & More

2010-01-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

On Jan. 21 teens played Jeopardy, Lingo, Jenga, and some fairly disgusting Fear Factor games...

Earlier in January they made 'gocks', sock puppets with distinctive personalities...

Join the fun every month:

1st Monday: T.A.B. (Teen Advisory Board) @ 5: Play games, eat, plan programs & more all while earning volunteer time!
2nd Tues. & Wed. @ 4: Crafting Mania
3rd Thursday@ 4: Program--in Feb. it's a Chocolate Taste-Off with lots of different chocolate, games, candy to make & candy to win!
Last Wed. 3-5: Gamefest--play Wii & PlayStation games, enjoy snacks, compete in tournaments for prizes!

January @ the Library

2010-01-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

SNACK & PLAN

Mon. Jan. 4 @ 5pm

Members of T.A.B., Teen Advisory Board, and those wishing to join (12-17 years of age) will eat, play games, & plan programs while earning volunteer hours.

CRAFTING MANIA: GOCKS (11 & older)

Tues. & Wed. Jan. 12 & 13 @ 3:30

Create a goth puppet or other kind that reflects your personality, emotions, or maybe just all the materials that will be available. All supllies & snacks will be provided.

GAMES UNPLUGGED

Thurs. Jan. 21 @ 3

Play game show style games, including Fear Factor, Pasword, Lingo, & Jeopardy. Enjou pizza & pop, too! 11 & older

GAMEFEST

Wed. Jan. 27 @ 3

Play a wide variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Food & pop will be provided. 11 & older

Teens Recommend...

2009-11-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

These titles were recommended by teens during Teen Read Week. Click on the link to learn more about each book. Request the ones you want & we will send it to your library of choice.

Devil's Kiss by Chadda Sarwat
15-year-old Billi SanGreal has grown up knowing that being a member of the Knights of Templar puts her in danger. If she is to save London from catastrophe, she must make sacrifices greater than she imagined.
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
When Bella moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets alluring Edward, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Called "Freakin' sweet" by our reviewer.
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Lucy discovers her family is under an ancient curse by an evil elfin prince. In order to break the curse, she must perform 3 impossible tasks before her daughter is born in order to save them both. Our reviewer says, "It has major twists in it. This book is about that anything is possible."

December @ the Library

2009-11-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

Make gifts, ornaments, & candy, earn volunteer time, & play games @ the library!

GameFest--Wed. Nov. 25 & Dec. 16 @ 3 Play PlayStation & Wii. Compete in tournaments or enjoy open play. Food & pop will be provided.

Chocolate Galore & More--Sat. Dec. 5 @ 1 Make chocolate candy for yourself, as gifts & for the library holiday programs. Create, eat, have fun, & earn volunteer time!

Holiday Crafting Mania--Tues. & Wed. Dec. 8 & 9 @ 3:30 Make gifts, ornaments & your own wrapping paper. Enjoy holiday snacking too!

Fall Festival & TRW

2009-10-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

On Sat., Oct. 17, members of the library's Teen Advisory Board hosted their annual Fall Festival for the community. This year over 270 children people attended and enjoyed pumpkin painting and other crafts, library golf, Bozo Buckets, ball throwing games, face painting, a musical gravestone walk, pumpkin bowling & pie throwing. Several brave teens were the pie throwing victims. For the second year we also had a haunted room. The teens worked very hard & everyone had a great time.

The Fall Festival kicks off Teen Read Week each year and this week the fun continued as teens won prizes when they checked out 'winning' books from displays.

The votes are in for the top teen books of 2009. Teens voted this fall for their favorites. Paper Towns by John Green came in first, followed by Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. Other books voted into the top ten were:

Check them out @ the library!

Love Rules by Dandi Mackall

2009-10-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Love Rules is about this girl named Mattie and she has two best friends named Jake and Emily. Emily is a deaf girl, but Jake and Mattie can understand her and what she says.
Mattie and Jake are going off to college, and Emily wants something every Monday from them. They think that college is going to be a breeze, but they soon realize that it's going to be tough.
They will find love and they will learn a lot when they are at college.
This book has to be one of the best books I have every read. The plot and story line are so good. The ending of this book has to be the best part. It will touch your heart and make you smile for hours when you finish the book. I recommend this book to everyone.

Reviewed by Karina

Want to see your review on this blog? Want to earn volunteer time by writing reviews? Talk to Linda @ the library.

T.A.B.--Volunteering @ the Library

2009-09-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Last month T.A.B. members played games for prizes, ate snacks, went on a scavenger hunt, created colored sand for a program, made scary heads for the Fall Festival's haunted room, made craft samples, and created a great bulletin board in the Children's Program Room. This month they painted pumpkins, went on a photo hunt, played games, ate, cut crafts, won prizes, AND...they all earned volunteer time.

Do you want to have a say in what the library is doing for teens? Do you want to help plan programs? Perform in puppet shows? Help with other jobs @ the library? Earn volunteer time while having fun? The Teen Advisory Board may be for you. You just have to be at least 12 years old and fill out a volunteer form. Then join the fun!

We meet on the 1st Monday of each month 5-6pm. The next meeting willl be Mon. Nov. 2.

On Sat. Oct. 17 T.A.B. will host the library's 5th annual Fall Festival. It all started when members of T.A.B. were discussing what they wanted to do during Teen Read Week and decided they wanted to do something for the community. The Fall Festival features games, pie throwing, pumpkin bowling, crafts, face painting, library golf, & more. 60 people attended the first year. Last year over 250 kids and adults enjoyed the fun. There's still time to sign up to volunteer. Just talk to Linda at the library.

Crafting Mania: T-Shirt Reconstruction!

2009-09-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Last week teens reconstructed t-shirts! "What's that?" you say? Check out the pictures! They cut, tied, laced, painted, & even tie-dyed!

Join us next month on Tues. & Wed., Oct. 13 & 14 when teens will create goth puppets just in time for Halloween fun!

Vote for Your Favorite Book of '09!

2009-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

Check out the 2009 Teens’ Top Ten Nominations. You can help decide which book is the best of the year. Most of these books are available @ the library. Ask if you can't find a copy and we'll have one sent to the branch of your choice. Click on a title to find it in the library catalog. Click here to vote!

Cashore, Kristin. Graceling, 2008.
Lady Katsa is born with a Grace (super talent) of killing. Her uncle, the king, makes her his brute squad. When she meets Po, a rival kingdom's Graceling, she becomes more powerful as a woman of justice, self knowledge, and romance.

Cast, Kristin & P.C, Untamed, 2008.
At finishing school for young vampyres, Zoey makes a shocking discovery about the school's leader, but no one will listen to her as her undead friends and 3 boyfriends turn against her. Loyalties are strained, truths are revealed, and an ancient evil is awakened in Cast's 4th House of Night novel.

Clare, Cassandra. City of Ashes, 2008.
The second in the Mortal Instruments trilogy, this volume continues the saga of Clary and her best friend Simon as they struggle to find their place in a magical world parallel to their NYC home. Demon-fighting shadowhunters, vampires, warlocks, werewolves, faeries, and a master villain named Valentine provide a heart-pounding backdroop as Clary uncovers secrets about her past.

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games, 2009
To save her young sister from competing, Katniss Everdeen takes her place in the annual Hunger Games, a televised competition in which only one person, the winner, survives. By turns an adventure, a love story, and a futuristic thriller, this is the first in a planned trilogy.

Fukui , Isamu. Truancy. Tor Teen, 2008.
In the totalitarian society that Tack lives in, a rebel group called the Truancy is fighting for freedom. But Tack vows revenge on the Truancy when someone he loves is killed accidentally during one of their attacks on the government.

Fukui , Isamu. Truancy: Origins. Tor Teen, 2009.
Umasi and Zen, adopted and raised in a life of privilege, are horrified to discover that their father is behind the restrictive policies of their city. One brother will be driven to rebellion.

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book, 2008.
When a toddler wanders away from his home just before an assassin slays his family, he ends up in a graveyard. Named Nobody Owens, the ghosts and other denizens of the cemetery adopt him and teach him important skills he will need to survive, as the assassin. part of a group of killers, continues to hunt him.

Green, John. Paper Towns, 2008.
When they were little, Margo Roth Spiegelman was Q's best friend. Now, a month before high school graduation, she disappears after taking Q on a night of pranks involving dead fish and a depilatory, sending him on a quest to find her.

Harris, Joanne. Runemarks, 2008.
Maddie is shunned by the town because of the mysterious rune mark on her hand. This same rune mark will shatter her dull existence as it propels her into the center of a war between the new controlling religious government and Norse gods of old.

Hopkins, Ellen. Identical, 2008.
Identical teenage twins, Raeanne and Kaeleigh, respond in totally opposite ways to the abuse and abandonment from their parents. One twin finds bulimia and cutting eases the pain and helps her to maintain her passivity, while the other, more rebellious twin sinks into the world of drugs and sex.

Lockhart, E. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, 2008.
When Frankie's boyfriend joins a secret society that she isn't supposed to know anything about, she surprises everyone--including herself--by trying to beat them and become the biggest prankster of them all.

Marriott, Zo. Daughter of the Flames, 2009.
Zira bears scars from the battle that left her orphaned and in the care of the Ruan people. When a tryant king threatens her home, Zira seeks help from an unlikely romantic interest and uncovers the truth about her past.

McMann, Lisa. Wake, 2008.
Going to sleep isn't a big deal for most of us, but for Janie, falling asleep means getting sucked into other people's dreams. The supernatural ability she's always considered a nuisance quickly becomes a nightmare when she blunders into a dream and witnesses a murder.

Meyer, Stephenie. Breaking Dawn, 2008.
In this, the fourth and final installment of the Twilight Saga, Bella's new life as the wife of vampire Edward Cullen is wrought with unexpected obstacles, difficult decisions, and potentially overwhelming outcomes.

Moran, Katy. Bloodline, 2009.
In the brutal world of Dark Age Britain, Essa fights for his life, his identity and the lives of those he loves. Paolini and Tolkien fans will be drawn in.

Ness, Patrick. The Knife of Never Letting Go, 2008.
Dangerous secrets can even be hidden in a world where all men and animals hear each others' thoughts. Because all women died shortly after he was born, Todd Hewitt is the last boy left in his town. When he learns a dangerous secret, he runs for his life with his dog and finds something even more surprising: a girl!

Noel, Alyson. Evermore, 2009.
Her life ripped apart by a tragic accident that killed her family, Ever struggles with her newfound ability to hear people's thoughts. Enter Damen, the new boy who seems the perfect distraction--except he doesn't eat or drink, and soon Ever discovers a supernatural new world of which she is now part.

Palmer, Robin. Geek Charming, 2009.
Dylan's middle name is "crisis." It seems to follow her wherever she goes. First she catches her boyfriend staring at another girl. Then her beautiful designer bag takes a swim in a fountain. However, along with crisis comes opportunity, and Dylan's Beverly Hills world is about to be turned upside down.

Pierce, Tamora. Melting Stones, 2008.
All life, all plant and animal, on the Battle Islands is mysteriously dying. Stone mage Evvy responds to the islander's call for help. They need her magic to solve the mystery. Accompanied by her friend and mentor, Luvo, she uncovers the deep secret revealed by the stones and the volcano. Will it be it be in time to rescue the children?

Scott, Elizabeth. Living Dead Girl, 2008.
Alice was kidnapped when she was young and is forced to pretend to be a little girl to please Ray. She could never escape and wishes for death. Soon her wish will be true, as she has become too old and now she must find Ray a replacement for her.

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Eternal, 2009.
Zachary, a guardian angel, has, against all rules, fallen in love with his charge. When he sees Miranda sleeping in the shadow of death, his attempt to save her hurls her into life as a vampire princess and exiles him from heaven.

Smith, Sherri L. Flygirl, 2009.
Because she wants to fly and to support her soldier brother, 18-year-old Ida May Jones passes for white amidst obstacles of race and gender and joins the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.

Weingarten, Lynn. Wherever Nina Lies, 2009.
Two years after 16-year-old Ellie's older sister, Nina, disappeared, Ellie pieces together clues to her whereabouts and heads out on a road trip that leads to murder and mystery with her hot new boyfriend, Sean.

Werlin, Nancy. Impossible, 2008.
This gentle story details young teen Lucy's rape and subsequent pregnancy, with an amazingly supportive cast of a faithful boyfriend and loving parents. A fairy tale set in the present, with flashes of realism and romance.

Yee, Lisa. Absolutely Maybe, 2009.
Maybe (short for Maybelline, her mother's favorite mascara) leaves home and heads to California on a mission to find her biological father, and avoid her mother's planned wedding number seven.

List and annotations are from the ALA website. Read more there and vote!

Fall Fun for Teens @ the Library

2009-09-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH (ages 2-8th grade)

Sign up for a library card or show the one you have & pick a prize. Your name will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to Borders!

COOL TREASURE HUNTS @ THE LIBRARY

Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month every week by playing games for prizes. New games every week!

CRAFTING MANIA: T-SHIRT RECONSTRUCTION (ages 11 & older)

Tues. & Wed. 9/8 & 9/9 @ 3:30

Create a new t-shirt from an old one. Bring a t-shirt. All other materials & snacks will be provided.

SNACK & PLAN (ages 12 & older)

Mon. 9/14 @ 5

Members of T.A.B., Teen Advisory Board, & those wishing to join will eat, play games & plan programs for teens & younger kids. Earn volunteer hours!

GAMEFEST

Wed. 9/23 @ 3 (11 & older)

Play PlayStation & Wii games. Compete in tournaments for prizes. Food & pop, too!

Summer @ the Library

2009-08-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Teens 'Got Creative' &'Expressed Themselves'! They put on a puppet show, created masks, made sand art, dabbled with coffee, put on a mystery dinner theater, became book characters, & more! Teens also read more than during the last 2 summers with the 2nd highest participation ever! Congrats to all the readers, winners, actors, and artists!

Great Teen Reads!

2009-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Read the reviews; then check 'em out @ the library!

Summer Fun In July

2009-07-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Check out some of the pictures so far below & on the right of the page! Teens have made great masks, played games, solved a murder mystery, learned how to do improvisational comedy, read more than during any other summer, won prizes, and volunteered at programs. There's still fun ahead for July:

Expresso Yourself starts on Tues. July 14. Create works of art with coffee and coffee grindings. Make beads from magazine pictures. Create sand art with colored salt and plastic bottles.

GameFest Tues. July 22 Warm up with open play on the PlayStation 2 and Wii. Then compete in tournaments for prizes if you want to. Enjoy food & pop while you play.

Keep reading and submitting those entry forms. Three winners will be chosen each week. Win t shirts, tote bags, & more! And you could win the grand prize of an MG3 player!

Who IS behind the masks???.....and....Who killed Lola LaPoufe?????

2009-07-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Summer Programs for Teens 11 & older
@ the Cedar Lake Branch Library

June 8-August 1 Read for prizes!
Put in an entry form for every magazine, 100 pages or book! 5 winners each week and a grand prize drawing for an MP3 player!

Summer Programs for Teens @ Your Library

2009-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

· GameFest--Monday, June 8 & Wed., July 22@3pm
Play a variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Those who wish may compete in tournaments for prizes. Food and pop will be provided. Join the fun!
· Crafting Mania--Tuesday, June 9@ 1pm
Make your own famous Greek drama mask from a variety of materials. Help make a puzzle masterpiece, too! Recreate famous paintings one square at a time. All supplies (and snacks) will be provided.

· Red Cross Babysitter Training --Wednesday, June 17 @9am – 4:30pm
Teens, ages 11 to 15, will learn to care for infants and young children, to make decisions in emergencies, and keep themselves and children safe. Bring a sack lunch. Fee of $25 must be paid at the time of registration. This class is limited to 10 students.· Mystery Dinner Theater--Monday, June 22@ 4pm
Participants will play the parts as they work to solve the mystery of the sudden demise of actress Lola LaPoufe. The one who solves the prize will win a prize. Then play games that include drama, improv and lots of laughs while you eat a dinner of pizza and pop.· Laugh Out Loud @ Your Library--Wednesday, July 8 @7pm
The hilariously funny comedy troupe Tom Foolery will perform improvisational humor. They will teach members of the audience some games, too, so everyone can contribute to the hilarity. LOL!!!

· Expresso Self --Tuesday, July 14@ 4pm
Enjoy espresso and other snacks while you create amazing paintings with brewed espresso and coffee grindings. Create open-ended art with a variety of recycled materials, too.

New @ the library: If the Witness Lied

2009-07-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

If the Witness Lied by Caroline Cooney will keep you guessing to the end. A 3 year old Tris did an unspeakable thing, but is he really guilty of murder? The family is falling apart. Now orphaned, Tris's two sisters find other places to live and that leaves oldest brother Jack to protect his youngest brother. Aunt Cheryl moves in to help out, but is she really helping? Besides Tris, she was the only witness to the accident--or was it?
Reviewed by Linda
Check out this new book @ the library!

Book Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

2009-05-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Movies and pictures are marvelous inventions. I think that both are aspects of education that are severely overlooked. I previously posted a review of the graphic novel Robot Dreams by Sara Varnon in which I mention how reading pictures is an important skill that is often times forgotten after learning how to read written words.

In The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick perfectly combines the use of images and words to tell stories in a way graphic novels typically do not. He uses 158 different pictures interspersed between pages of literature. The reader of the novel is required to read the words written by Selznick, but also to read the pictures.

The pictures often times present an unclear image and with each turn of the page the perspective provided in the image is enlarged. For example, the story opens with the moon, then the night sky, then the night sky over Paris, then the sun rising over a small part of Paris, then a train station, then the entrance of the train station, then the crowded inside of the train station, and lastly a close up of Hugo Cabret, the stories protagonist. This is a effect that makes reading the book seem like watching a movie.

In fact, film is an important aspect of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which makes the film like quality of his illustrations that much more poignant. Selznick draws upon real life movies and people in this novel to tell his work of fiction. He even uses the famous filmmaker Georges Melies as a major character and incorporates his films as part of the plot.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret was awarded the 2008 Caldecot Medal which is an award for illustrations in children's literature. While this was awarded a medal for children's literature, this book is perfect for use in high school classrooms to teach many important aspects of literature and film, as well as reinforce skills in reading images.

Reviewed by Mike

Book Review: Robot Dreams by Sara Varnon

2009-05-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Reading Comics
"No wonder grownups don't read comics: they don't know how." -Hollis Rudiger

The quote above comes from an article I read while working on a project for an English course. A common misconception about comic books is that they are for children because they use pictures as a primary method to tell the story. Unfortunately once we are taught how to read words, reading pictures is often times a skill that is thrown away. When reading comics do not focus solely on the words, but also read the pictures.

Book Review: Robot Dreams
Robot Dreams is a perfect comic to start for readers who are new to the genre, however it is filled with such detail that it is a treat for experienced comic readers. Sara Varnon tells a bittersweet story of a dog and a robot who become best friends, but unfortunately a trip to the beach separates the two (as robots and water do not mix). Through the use of pictures alone, Varnon tells the story of the year the robot and the dog are separated(the reader is given words only through the different months, sound effects, and other subtle details). The dog tries to make new friends with a family of ducks, anteaters, a snowman, and a penguin. All of these friendships do not last for one reason or another (usually humorous). All the while the robot who is trapped in his rust covered body at the beach dreams of his old friend and making new friends.

This is a wonderful book filled with great pictures, a well thought out story, and valuable lessons in friendship that is appropriate for all ages. It is often times happy and silly, but there is a nostalgic or melancholic tone to the tale. Varnon incorporates into her story several books, movies, and comics from real life as set dressing (many of which can be found in Lake County Public Libraries).

Works to Look For in Robot Dreams

Castle in the Sky* (film)

Charlie Brown* (Peanuts comics and films)

Rotten Ralph* by Jack Gantos (children's book)

Project Telstar (comics anthology)

Doctor Desoto* by William Steig (Newberry Award winning children's book)

Spaniel Rage by Vanessa Davis (comics anthology)

The Rabbi's Cat* by Joann Sfar (graphic novel)

The Clouds Above (graphic novel)

*Can be found at the Library

-Written by Mike Dodaro

New @ the Library

2009-05-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

New @ the Library
Check out The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman--you know him from Sandman and other graphic novels--and Coraline. The Graveyard Book just won the coveted Newbery Award for best children's book of 2008. But don't let the word 'children' fool you. This one is for teens, too. A toddler wanders out of the house just as the mysterious and lethal man we only know as Jack is methodically going through the house and murdering the entire family. Jack knows he has missed the baby and follows him into the graveyard. But the baby has already been awarded the protection of the graveyard and Jack can't find him. The baby is 'adapted' by Mr. & Mrs. Owens, who never had children while they were living. He also has a guardian--the only one in the graveyard who can come and go and can bring the baby food. He is not a ghost--but he certainly isn't human, either. And so the baby, called Nobody, or Bod, Owens grows up in the graveyard amid ghosts from ancient to not so ancient times as well as ghouls and other creatures of the night. But Jack and members of his order are determined to kill the child--they must before he reaches adulthood. And when Jack discovers where Bod is living....

In Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley, Charlotte is determined to not let being dead keep her going to the senior dance with the boy of her dreams. In life she was invisible to almost everybody--death isn't much different. She has to cooperate with the other dead kids so they can all 'move on', but she can't let go of life until she fulfills her dream. She had a plan for her senior year and, until death came along, it was working--sort of. Whoever thought that a gummy bear could change things--well, choking on one....reviewed by Linda Johnsen

2009-05-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

In Gone by Michael Grant students are sitting in class at school when it seems that all the teachers suddenly disappear. Slowly they begin to realize that it's not just the teachers that are gone. Everyone over the age of 14 has vanished. Now the town is up for grabs as some kids try to run things, others try to steal all they can, and still others really want to help. Sadly almost no one wants to take care of the babies and toddlers left behind, but one does. Then a gang of 'enforcers' kills one of the kids and the others realize that no one is safe. Where are the adults and older kids? Are they all dead? What is happening and why? And even worse, as these kids age--and they all will turn 14 some day--they will vanish too.Reviewed by Linda Johnsen

2009-05-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

Wondering about a future world where you may never really die? Or at least parts of you may never die. You might want to try Unwind by Neal Schusterman. Connor is 15 and gets into trouble a lot. Risa is an orphan in an orphanage that wants to cut costs. Lev's family is very religious and has been planning his fate since his birth. They are all scheduled to be 'unwound'. They won't technically die--they will live on because all of their body parts and organs will be harvested for use in other bodies. This is their story of their rebellion against what the adults in their lives have decided for them. It's not easy to escape, and some of them don't. The law, the government and their own families are against them. And, be warned, there is a grisly scene that details the actual unwinding process, step by step. You won't be able to put this one down.

Teen Reviews

2009-05-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Teen Reviews...
I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
Ava and boyfriend Jackson were meant to be; they are perfect for each other. One day Jasckson dies. Ava is heart broken. One day Ava thinks she hears Jackson so she stays home and shuts herself out from the world so she can talk to Jackson's ghost. She tells her mom but her mom thinks she’s crazy. Jackson starts dong stuff so Ava knows he's there--like slammimg cabinets and playing music. Finally her mom starts realizing that Jackson is there because she smells his cologne. Finally Ava goes out in the world and she meets a nice guy. She still can't get over Jackson though, and Jackson won't let go.I loved this book. It’s about love and letting go. This book was very fast paced and sad also. This is a book that touched me and I love to read so I recommend it for anyone who loves to read!
Reviewed by Karina

Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowen Brothers by Kate BrianMegan Meade has to live with the horrible McGowan boys when her parents decide to go to Korea and they give her a choice to go with them and change schools or stay with the evil McGowan boys. So Megan decides to stay with the seven McGowan boys. She thinks how bad can they be? Well she has a surprise ahead of her. Megan has never been kissed or even talked to a boy so it was going to be pretty bad. Soon she will find out that the McGowan boys aren't that bad unless you get on their bad side.So will Megan Meade go crazy or will she handle it fairly well? Read the book and find out what will happen to Megan Meade and the McGowan boys.I really liked this book. It's sort of a comedy and a romance in the teenager type but still very thrilling and has a good plot. I recommend it to anybody that loves to read!!!
Reviewed by Karina

Want to write a review?
Just see Linda at the Cedar Lake Library. Then start reading and writing! You can earn volunteer time for helping!

Poetry Madness

2009-05-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

During National Poetry Month in April teens wrote lots of poems. Many were created with words and pictures from magazines. Others were written during our Twilight program. And then there were the My Space Found poems. Check them out!

My Space poems--just use several of your last updates and compose! Here are some from our T.A.B. meeting:

At a baseball game with weenie
At the library & eating cheetos
LOL
Trying to type my paper…not going so well
So what if I’m crazy
So lost in this world, even get lost in this song
At my best friend’s house

Wants to go to the Auto Show
Went to the Auto Show
Wants to be a Red Neck
Got accepted to IUPUI
9 weeks left
I’m on a boat
8 weeks left
6 weeks left
Hurt myself lighting a fire with gas
Lost a lot of hair.

BBQ
HC won Varsity Tennis Match;
School;
Have a nice Easter.
Today was wondrous
I had a nice time today
Playing varsity doubles tomorrow
Today was incredible.
In Highland
Likes meself some cereal
Walmart’s a fun time.

Or how about these Cinquains from the Twilight program:

Edward
Cute, mysterious
Inviting, loving, caring
An incredibly hot vampire
Robert Pattinson

Emmet
Big, strong
Caring, loving, living
A very funny vampire
Yummy.

Vampire
Cold, sparkly
Hunting, protecting, bloodsucking
Very cold, beautiful, sparkly
Leech.

Cinquains are fun to write. You just follow these rules:

1. One word that is a place, a person, an emotion, or an event from the book or movie:

2. Two words that describe that one word:

3. Three ‘ing’ words that describe that one word

4. a four word statement, phrase or sentence that describes that one word.

5. One word synonym of that one word from #1.

Here’s the poem:
#1 is the title of the poem.
2,3,4, & 5 are the 4 sentences of the poem.

Have fun with these. Submit a poem and we will post it on the blog and in our library display case.

Teens @ the Library: Upcoming Programs

2009-05-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

CHESS
May 11, Mon. at 5:30pm
Earn volunteer time playing and helping younger kids learn the basics of chess, practice their new skills, & learn effective strategies.

CLAY MANIA
Mon. & Tues. May 11 & 12 @ 3:00
Make & create with a variety of clay. All materials & refreshments will be supplied.

VOLUNTEER MEETING
May 27, Wed. at 4:30
Teens, 11-17 years of age interested in volunteering this summer must attend this informational meeting. Learn the duties of volunteer and sign up for times & programs.

GAMEFEST
May 28, Thursday @ 3:00
Play a wide variety of PlayStation & Wii games. Food and pop will be provided. Join the fun!

SNACK & PLAN
June 1, Mon. at 5pm Teen Advisory Board
Members of T.A.B., Teen Advisory Board, and those wishing to join (12 to 17 years of age) will eat, play games, and plan programs for teens and younger kids. Participants will earn volunteer hours.

Crafting Mania: Veggie Prints

2009-03-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Check it out! Vegetables aren't just for eating anymore. On March 19 over 35 teens used vegetables, brushes, & paint to create t-shirts & other works of art.

Crafting Mania @ the Library

2009-01-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

Teens created wallets, belts, hats, purses & more with duct tape of many colors!!

They used socks to create snowmen for the library display case. And a few used ties to make snakes! Fun!

Bubbles at Minus 10 Degrees!

2009-01-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

What do librarians and teens do when the temperature gets below minus 10? Blow bubbles outside, of course. Check out the pictures! Most bubbles didn't pop until they were well out of sight--and when they did, they shattered! It was quite amazing!

Our Heroes Tree @ the Library

2008-11-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Check out Our Heroes Tree here at the library. It's up, lighted, and decorated by grateful teens & adults. Many ornaments have been made for a specific sevice person, serving in the military now or in the past. Others of the ornaments were made by grateful patrons for all servicemen and women.

Our Heroes Tree is a national program that recognizes the sacrifices of current & past military service members. Check out Cedar Lake Library's Virtual Heroes Tree, also. The virtual tree features ornaments that were made for specific military personel. The tree will be up through Veteran's Day, so you still have time to make an ornament to say thanks to a servicman or woman that you know.

Top Teen Books for 2008..and the Winners Are...

2008-10-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

You voted and the votes have been counted! The top 10 teen books for 2008:

1. Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

5. Maximum RideS Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

6. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

7. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

8. Extras by Scott Westerfeld

9. Before I Die by Jenny Downham

10. Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Check them out @ the library!!

Your Vote Counts @ the Library!

2008-10-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

It's Teen Read Week and time to cast your vote for your favorite book of 2008! Just go to the Teen Top Ten Site to vote for your favorites. You may also vote for next year's theme at the Teen Read Week Site.

So, Happy Teen Read Week--check out some 'Books with Bite'--this year's theme & one of our teen displays this week. Play 'Check Out a Winner' this week. Just check out a book from one of the teen displays and if it's a winner, you'll win a prize!

Teens @ the Library

2008-09-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

School's started and now it's teens, teens, teens @ the library! At 2:40 each week day the rush begins as teens walk over from the school next door. And we have lots for them here @ the library!

Teen Advisory Board--T.A.B. We usually meet on the 1st Monday of each month--except for months like this one when we are closed on the 1st Monday. 23 teens. 12 & older, met Mon Sept. 8, to eat, play games, plan programs, and earn volunteer time. We meet again on Oct. 8--again not the first Monday--to finish plans for the Fall Festival on Sat. Oct. 18.
Over 30 teens enjoyed Craft Mania last week. They made tie dye t-shirts and duct tape creations! Check out the pictures on this blog and on the Teen board in the library.
Our next monthly gaming program will be on Wed. Oct. 29 at 3:30. Enjoy a variety PlayStation & Wii games along with snacks & pop! Tournaments with prizes for all who want to participate! You may enjoy open gaming before that, since there is only 1/2 day of school.
Our annual Fall Festival is coming on Oct. 18, Sat, 1-3. Three years ago the T.A.B. decided to have a this fest for the community in celebration of Teen Read Week. The theme that year was Get Active @ Your Library. That year and every year since we have had games, crafts, movies, and more to celebrate. Last year more than 250 people joined the fun @ their library! Earn lots of volunteer time having fun and helping at this important T.A.B. event!

Best Teen Books of 2008

2008-09-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Each year the American Library Association publishes a list of the ten best teen books for that year. This year teens will vote for the best.

During Teen Read Week, Oct. 12-18, teens may celebrate by reading and voting for "Books With Bite." Just click on a title you want, have your library card # and pin # ready, and reserve your copy today!

The nominees for Best Teen Book of 2008 are:

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Betrayed by P.C. and Kristin Cast

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Daemon Hall by Andrew Nance and ColinPolhemus, illus.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks

Genesis Alpha by Rune Michaels

Glass by Ellen Hopkins

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Ironside: A Modern Faery’s Tale by Holly Black

Jango by William Nicholson

Jinx by Meg Cabot

The Luxe by Anna Godberson

Maximum Ride: Saving theWorld and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

Penelope by Marilyn Kaye

Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Tamar by Mal Peet

Twisted by Laurie HalseAnderson

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Check out the display at the Cedar Lake Library.

Then vote for your favorites at http://www.ala.org/teenstopten
during Teen Read Week, Oct. 12-18.

If you liked Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, check out Cedar Lake Library's display of similar books with a blood thirsty theme.