Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Eclipse!

The movie is finally out! Who's seen it already? Is it the best one yet?

Don't forget to read the new Eclipse novella, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. You can put a hold on it here. While you're waiting for the latest book, if you want to start re-reading the series, I just saw 3 copies of Twilight on the shelf in the Teen Zone. Get them quick before they disappear again!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Upcoming Teen Programs

The month of June is already flying by, but there are still lots of great programs coming up just for teens! All teens entering 7th grade and up in the fall are invited to these programs. Bring your friends! Some of the programs require registration.

To register:
Online: Go to http://calendar.webrary.org

By phone: Call 847-929-5101

In person: Stop by the Reference Services Desk or Youth Services Desk


Teen Book Scavenger Hunt
June 14-July 3rd
Pick up a colored list of questions about YA books in the Teen Zone, fill out your answers, and turn it in by 5 pm, July 3. If you get at least 7 out of 10 questions right, you'll win a prize! Everyone can count the Teen Book Scavenger Hunt for the Summer Library Challenge.

Teen Drawing/Writing Club
Wed. June 16th, 5-6 pm
Do you like to write or draw? Come to the library for an informal club meeting where you can share ideas and tips, or just talk to other writers or artists.

Film: The Blind Side
Thurs., June 17th, 2 pm or 7 pm




Create Your Own Comic Book
Sat., June 19th, 2 pm
Learn from real comic book artists and writers about how to make and self publish a comic book!


Teen Tech Workshop: Online Music
Wed. June 23rd, 7-8 pm
Want to know where you can listen to your favorite summer songs online? Learn which free, legal websites are the best for streaming music on the Internet. Registration is limited to six and open NOW.

Gettin' Saucy Teen Cooking Class
Wed. June 30th, 6-7 pm
Learn to prepare delicious food! Supplies and instructions provided. Registration required. Teens only. Registration is limited to 8 and opens June 16th!

CSI Effect: Crime Scene Processing
Wed., June 30th, 7-8 pm
Ever wonder how much of what you see on television is true? Mystery authors and police officers Lieutenant Dave Case and Sergeant Michael Black have seen their share of actual crime scenes. In this exciting interactive program, they will give you the inside scoop on what a crime scene actually looks and smells like, as well as the step-by-step process of what really happens when a crime is discovered.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Facts About Maureen Johnson

Check out these fun facts about Maureen Johnson you may be interested to know before Skyping with her TONIGHT!

First book: The Key to the Golden Firebird
Latest book: Scarlett Fever (sequel to Suite Scarlett)
Other well-known books: 13 Little Blue Envelopes, The Bermudez Triangle, Devilish, Girl at Sea
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current town: New York City
Major in college & grad school: Writing and theatrical dramaturgy (want to know what dramaturgy is? Let's ask her tonight!)
Nickname: MJ
Author friends: Libba Bray, John Green, Hank Green, Scott Westerfeld, Justine Larbalestier, and so many more!

MJ is a big fan of the Internet. You can find her at these places...
Email: maureen@maureenjohnsonbooks.com
Ning (online community): http://maureenjohnson.ning.com/
Blog: http://maureenjohnson.blogspot.com/ (Keep your eye on her blog in August - she's promised to participate in BEDA aka Blog Every Day August!)
Twitter: http://twitter.com/maureenjohnson (She recently won an award for "Most Interesting Twitter User to Follow"!)

A final fun fact about Maureen Johnson:
Once she lost a bet. Here's what happened.


Want to know more about Maureen Johnson? Ask her questions TONIGHT when we Skype (video chat) with her at the Library!! The fun begins in the Baxter Room at 6:30 pm. Bring your friends!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Book Review: Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Suite Scarlett is one of Maureen Johnson's newest books. Scarlett Martin lives in a hotel. Unfortunately, this is not as glamorous as it sounds. Her parents own it, and they rarely have guests. When an eccentric, rich woman checks into the hotel on Scarlett's 15th birthday, Scarlett becomes her personal assistant. Throughout a summer that involves Hamlet, an actor friend of Scarlett's older brother, her older sister's rich boyfriend, and unicycles (though not necessarily in that order), Scarlett finds herself having a more interesting summer than she expected.

Read more about this book on Maureen Johnson's website and be sure to check out the reviews at the bottom by some other authors you may know: John Green, Libba Bray, Meg Cabot, and more!

OR check out this video about Suite Scarlett featuring Maureen Johnson herself!


And don't forget, you can talk to Maureen Johnson TOMORROW, Thursday, May 27th when we Skype with her at the Library. The program begins at 6:30 in the Baxter Room. For more information, go to calendar.webrary.org, call 847-929-5101, or stop by the Youth Services or Reference Services Desk.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

STAR Volunteers

Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Volunteer at the Library! You can become a STAR volunteer and help during the Youth Services' Summer Library Challenge. You'll sit at a desk and talk to little kids when they come in. You might also play a quick game with them when they stop by the desk.

The program is from June 7-August 1. On the application, you can fill out the times and days you're available and we'll use it to create your schedule each week. If you're out of town or busy during that time, that's ok - just write down the dates. You can also write down any friends you may want to work with and we try to arrange that.

At the end of the summer, not only will you have something you can list on a resume or college applications, but you'll also be invited to the Teen Volunteer Pool Party!

You can download an application here or pick one up at the Library in the Teen Zone. But hurry! You'll need to attend a training session. The first one was tonight at 6 pm, but don't worry, there's another one next Tuesday at 7 pm. Register for one at http://calendar.webrary.org/, stop by the Library, or call 847-929-5101.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Book Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

In 13 Little Blue Envelopes, one of Maureen Johnson's most popular books, 17-year-old Ginny heads to Europe on an adventure. Her favorite aunt, who has recently died, left Ginny 13 envelopes to be opened and read as Ginny completes the assignments listed in the letters. Ginny wants to know more about her aunt's life in Europe before she died, but the rules and instructions her aunt left her will force Ginny to break out of her shy comfort level.

This book has it all - adventure, romance, surprising twists, and a fabulous setting as Ginny travels all over Europe. It may not be too realistic with Ginny's adventures in Europe, traveling all over by herself or relying on people she hardly knows, but if you can get past that, it's a fun read. For everyone who reads and loves this books, keep your eye out next spring for the sequel - The Last Little Blue Envelope!

And don't forgot, you can talk to Maureen Johnson on Thursday, May 27th when we Skype with her at the Library! Register at calendar.webrary.org, call 847-929-5101, or stop by the Reference Services or Youth Services Desk.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

May Programs

It's a new month! There are a ton of fun events going on at the Library in May. Check them out!

To register:
Online: Go to http://calendar.webrary.org

By phone: Call 847-929-5101

In person: Stop by the Reference Services Desk or Youth Services Desk


Origami with Jean Mishima
Fri. May 7th, 4-5 pm
Jean Mishima will introduce teens to this ancient art of paper folding in celebration of Asian Pacific American month. Registration is required.

Teen Volunteer Interviews
Sat. May 8th, 12-1 pm
Do you need a few more service hours but haven't volunteered at the Library before? Stop by the Activity Room to learn more, fill out an application, and interview.

DIY Crafts: Duct Tape
Sat. May 8th, 1-2 pm
Bring your friends to the Library and learn how to make cool flowers and wallets using duct tape! Instructions and supplies are provided. Registration is required. For teens 7th grade and up. Registration is open NOW!

Teen Tech Workshop: Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter
Mon. May 10th, 7-8 pm
Do you use Facebook, Flickr, or Twitter to keep in touch with friends or to post pictures? Check out these fun websites at this Teen Tech Workshop and learn how to create free accounts, change privacy settings, connect with friends, and get the most from each social network. Registration is limited to six. Teens only; Morton Grove residents have priority. Registration is open NOW!

Teen Drawing/Writing Club
Wed. May. 12th, 5-6 pm
Do you like to write or draw? Come to the library for an informal club meeting where you can share ideas and tips, or just talk to other writers or artists.

Gettin' Saucy Teen Cooking Class
Wed. May. 19th, 6-7 pm
Learn to prepare delicious food! Supplies and instructions provided. Registration required. Teens only. Registration is open NOW!

Tech Fest
Sat. May 22th, 11-2 pm
Explore technologies of the past, present and future at Morton Grove Public Library’s Tech Fest! Learn how to download audio and electronic books, use Skype, get help with homework and LOTS more. You can also play Wii Bowling or Rock Band and see a live demo of the Apple iPad! Visit our Gigabyte CafĂ© for snacks and play our technology bingo game to win awesome prizes!

Skype with Young Adult Author Maureen Johnson

Thurs. May 27th, 6:30-8:00 pm
Bestselling young adult author Maureen Johnson will "visit" the Library and video chat with us on Skype! Whether you've read her novels (including The Key to the Golden Firebird, Girl at Sea, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, Suite Scarlett, or her latest Scarlett Fever), follow her on twitter, or read her blog, join us and talk to this fun author. Registration is required and is open NOW!

See you there!