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Horror Writers Association
It's never too early in the year to start thinking about spooky things. YASD held a meeting with authors Charles Day and Tonya Hurley on January 9th focusing on what it means to be a horror writer and how to run workshops at our libraries. Mr. Day spoke fondly about the Teen Writers Workshop that he ran at Riverhead Free Library back in November. The fact that he did it for free was also a great point that he mentioned! Ms. Hurley expressed her main focus when working with teens saying, "The encouragement is the most important part." If you would like to have a local member of the HWA come speak or run a workshop at your library you can visit their Facebook page.
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You could win a Blessed book mark signed by author Tonya Hurley as well as a poster and the original hardcover of the first installment of the series! (seen above) Write about your favorite scary read on the SCLSYS Teen Services Facebook page by Feb. 28th to enter!
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If you are interested in marching up to Albany (Well, taking a bus. I think it's too far) on Wednesday February 26th to share your thoughts on the importance of libraries with your legislators contact Samantha Alberts @ SCLS
by email: samantha@suffolknet.org or phone: 631-286-1600 x1352 by February 13th. (I just checked Google Maps... it is
too far to march)
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Awards Season The Golden Globes. The Grammys. The Oscars. Most importantly: The Printz. On January 17th librarians from both Suffolk and Nassau Counties gathered at the Sayville library to discuss titles for our Mock Printz. After two hours of discussions and voting Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park walked away with Long Island's top honor for Young Adult literature. Far, Far Away by Tom McNeal and Reality Boy by A.S. King were named as Honor Books. On January 27th in Philadelphia YALSA's winner of the Printz was announced. Unfortunately, the love struck teenagers of Eleanor & Park weren't named ALA's official selection. They were, however, given the Printz honor along with the Kingdom of Little Wounds by Susanne Cokal, Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner and Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool. The 2014 Michael L. Printz award was given to Midwinter Blood by Marcus Sedgwick. This title was on our Mock Printz final nominee list. One of my fellow discussion leaders said, "It felt like he was writing this book so he would win the Printz." Now there's a premonition for ya!
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My Quick Pick ALA
My trip to ALA consisted of meeting after meeting after meeting... after meeting. Four straight days of meetings to narrow down a list of over 200 titles to our final list of 77 titles and 3 series. As chair of the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers selection committee it was my job to keep discussions on point and on time. With a strict three minutes per title we were scheduled down to the last second. Not only is it important to have read the titles, but teen feedback is major part of being on the Quick Picks committee. Another important part is snack choice. On Sunday we had a working lunch where we ordered pizza. Let's be honest in saying we are spoiled New Yorkers when it comes to pizza! It was lackluster, but gave me the energy I needed to keep on truckin'. We ended on Monday January 27th with our Top 10 chosen and our annotations finished! To check out the 2014 Quick Picks list click here! And just a tip: when eating in Philly always opt for the cheese steak.
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Just a reminder that Teen Tech Week will be taking place on March 9 - 15. This year's theme is "DIY @ your library" highlighting maker spaces, coding, web design, gaming etc. If you're tweeting about your programs be sure to use #TTW14. Don't forget to come to the SCLS Performer's Showcase on Wednesday February 12th to see our own maker space stars, the 3D Printers!
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The "I matter" Project
"I make sure no one feels left out."
"I love to make people laugh."
"I always make it a point to be nice."
These are just a few of the phrases being broadcast to the community of Northport Library. Their teens, with the help of photographer and educator Rob Goldman, photographed powerful portraits of themselves paired with why they matter statements. These large photographs and phrases are hung throughout the library's windows for the population to see. Mr. Goldman "believes that empowerment and self-worth are the building blocks for creating socially and emotionally healthy children." Be sure to take a look at the final product of this amazing project - it is truly amazing. To hear more about it register for our April 23rd training to hear Rob Goldman speak about the project and community involvement.
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Fool me once...
Here are two titles that I'm looking forward to this month by authors that I am giving another chance!
Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
According to Goodreads, "Sixteen-year-old Austin Szerba interweaves the story of his Polish legacy with the story of how he and his best friend , Robby, brought about the end of humanity and the rise of an army of unstoppable, six-foot tall praying mantises in small-town Iowa." Smith is a fantastic writer. After being devastated by his last novel Winger I am looking forward to a story that is being described by many as "weird" and not heartbreaking. Also, it's so green!
White Space by Ilsa J. Bick
According to Goodreads, "Seventeen-year-old Emma Lindsay has problems: a head full of metal, no parents, a crazy artist for a guardian whom a stroke has turned into a vegetable, and all those times when she blinks away, dropping into other lives so ghostly and surreal it's as if the story of her life bleeds into theirs. But one thing Emma has never doubted is that she's real." Bick's Ashes trilogy lost me at book one so I am hoping that this next series will be grab my attention and keep it!
Both titles will be released on February 11th.
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Upcoming Trainings @ SCLS
Pop-up Programming: Summer Spark Edition
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
If you're bogged down with teens that are looking for something to do this
summer, then join us for this interactive and hands-on training to learn simple &
easy ways to entertain this crazy lot with science themed programs.
Register at: http://alpha1.suffolk.lib.ny.us:2081/record=g1044355~S22
Making Community Contact: Getting Service Hours for Your Teens
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
As part of their school curriculum, more and more teens are finding themselves in need of community service. As a result - who do they turn to? The library! Hear from the EOC and other Long Island based organizations about opportunities to help your patrons increase their service hours.
Register at: http://alpha1.suffolk.lib.ny.us:2081/record=g1044356~S22
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