"T'was the night before Christmas..."

Ok, well not really, but close enough, so...Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, & Jolly Kwanza!

Just wanted to let you guys know that I had a good time at the last Teen Group meeting (hope you did too!). I'm thinking that we'll have to pester poor Ronda to teach us more cool crafts and continue to decorate the YA space with our wares--I trust you've no objections? :)

At the moment, visions of books are dancing in my head, and I aim to get reading as soon as all the holiday hoopla wraps up. A few titles on my hit list: Thirteen Reasons Why, Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You, Feed, Godless, Safe, Bad Girls Club, The Four Dorothys, and any other notables that cross my path &/or you recommend (HINT, HINT!). Oh, and while I'm hitting you up for ideas, I have a long car ride comin' up in January & I'd like to listen to my first audiobook. Would prefer a good story and non-annoying narration. Got suggestions?

New Moon (seriously, tonight @ 12:40 PM)

** "As marvelous as the stars is the mind of the person who studies them." **

-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I know at least one librarian who back in the day, wanted to be an astronaut. Alas, a fear of heights kept her grounded; so, too, did a desire to become a veterinarian, an oncologist, a photographer, a ballerina...oh, yeah, and a flamenco dancer (don't ask). My point is (1) reflection can be fun, (2) the sky's the limit, and (3) lists are fun. ("What?" you ask? Just go with the flow...)

** Teen Librarian's Top Ten YA Reads (Besides Twilight!) **

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

Incantation by Alice Hoffman

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

Dairy Queen: A Novel by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

Totally Joe by James Howe

Peak by Roland Smith

The Land by Mildred D. Taylor

Please note, top ten lists are no easy feat--the trick is to limit to the favorites that come to mind, not necessarily the favorites of/for all time. So, what are some of yours'? Inquiring minds want to know. :)

Please note 2--the next time all head's are accounted for, we're going to have a group tutorial on this here blog. Perpetually being a party of one is no fun. :(

TAG Agenda & More

"Reading is a discount ticket to anywhere." -- Mary Schmich

I just have to ask, where are you guys? Are you still experiencing problems? Hmm...It seems that we may have to tinker around with this a bit. In any event, I thought I'd let you know that I've selected two titles for our next book circle discussion. A little library bird told me that The New Policeman by Kate Thompson is a pretty primo read (for fantasy lovers) so that's option nbr. 1. The second, The Blooding, by Patricia Windsor has more of a gothic/horror twist. There are several copies on their way in from other libraries, and starting later this week, you can stop by the reference desk to check out your pick. Oh, and FYI--you'll have to stop by circulation to do an in person check out with staff (just tell 'em it's for book club & they'll know what to do!).

Also, I've tagged a few dates for upcoming TAG meetings (get it? he, he). Here's the tentative plan: 12/19 at 3:45; 1/16 at 4:30; 1/30 at 4:30, 2/13 at 4:30. and 2/27 at 4:30. Let me know if there's any conflict.

And, last, but not least, let's really start thinking about teen programming events. 'Tis better to brainstorm together than to leave we librarians to our own devices, no? :)

Have a great day, stay warm, and stay HOME if you can. Weather's looking mighty ugly out there. How does that old saying go, "In like a lion, out like a lamb?" Whatever the case, winter has most definitely arrived. Great time to curl up with a good book or catch a flick.

Check this out: http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/ (movie opens 12/7/07)