"Love Bytes" Bits (& more!)

Greetings All!

Just wanted to say thanks for coming to our (anti) Valentine's Day blow-out @ the library--and I hope that you had as grand of a time as I did. Never having dabbled much in the gaming world, I must confess--I could really get used to Wii bowling--the sheer bliss of one's own shoes!

(I wonder if I can convince my brother to buy one to go with his snazzy new big TV? Too fun!)But back to the program...It's just one of many upcoming fiestas for you gals & guys at the library, so keep me posted on what you'd like to do. (Don't suppose you'd be interested in more teen only game days???)

If you haven't yet picked up this month's book club picks, feel free to stop by the reference desk for a visit. You know we like to chat & we've got a few (lonely) yet-to-be-claimed copies.

Speaking of which, thanks to Lauren, we already have great upcoming read for March, which got me thinking...we should all take turns. It'd be a great way to learn about more wonderful books--not to make sure everything is fair and square.

Final word (for now): Remind me to pick your brains about the Kashmira Sheth author visit (& to show off her books). We librarian gals have a few ideas we'd like to run by the experts.

P.S. I finally visited Stephenie Meyer's website, and still, I can hardly believe it's true--looks like number 4 should be arriving in stores (and libraries!!!!) just in time for a certain librarian's birthday. Talk about a nicely timed present.

"Love Bytes" Bash

Hi All,

I'm going to take a wild guess here, and predict that the majority of you are likewise snowed in. Strikes me as a good time then, to remind everyone that we'll be throwing a much deserved fiesta at the library next week in honor of our Anti-Valentine's Day stance.

We've got the Wii, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution rearin' to go & plenty of junk food comin' right up, so don't be shy--dress the part (or, at least wear comfy shoes!).

And, remember, the more the merrier. All (teen) friends & neighbors are cordially invited!

Wed. February 13th

4:30-6:00 PM

Suggested Bordem Busters

Ahh, what lovely weather we're having. Seems to be the case an awful lot this year. One could almost succumb to those winter blahs...

Almost, but not quite because we're smart & know to keep busy! Today's Recommendations?

1. Check out http://kashmirasheth.typepad.com/ & you'll understand why I'm so stoked about Kashmira Sheth's (fingers crossed) potential visit.
2. Now, since you're surfing, visit: http://www.teenreads.com/. One of my favorites, and since I'm feeling generous, thought I'd share. :) Also, I get a lot of ideas for new books here, so if you happen upon titles that intrigue you, don't keep those thoughts to yourself!
3. Stop by the library and peruse the shelves. Maybe you'll find something that'll inspire a new hobby.
4. Spend a little quality time with your sibling (board games can be fun!) Any personal faves? I wouldn't mind a few suggestions. :)
5. Last, but not least, swing by the reference desk starting later next week & pick up a copy of our February pick for teen book club. Since we've got all month to read, I opted for 2. Read one, or read 'em both...

Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier

Spelldown: The Big-Time Dreams of a Small-Town Word Whiz by Karon Luddy

"Better late than never..."

Umm, yeah, librarian come lately hasn't posted in a while. Sorry about that! Been a little side-tracked ording books & the like. I know, I know, poor me! In any event, feel free to keep an eye on those shelves for in-incoming, crisp new titles to read.

And, speaking of...

Last night, I hunkered down & devoured Sherman Alexie's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian..."

If you're not on the hold list for this one already, put yourself on it, like, yesterday!

Yes, it's really that good! :)

On an unrelated note...

When it comes to country music, I readily admit to being a complete illiterate. Seems to me, however, that I've heard at least some of you confess to being a fan. So, help me out here, please?! Which artists &/or bands should I be ordering in order to best beef up our CD selection? In other words, who's hot, and who's not? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Last, but not least, looking forward to a wow-zer book discussion this Wed (that'd be Jan. 30) same time, same place--and hopefully, tuning in for some sage advice on the subject of summer reading.

"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)