Text and Java

Now, I can't take credit for this as it was already in play before I started working at my new library but this is a really great program that has been a hit for two years in a row. And it's super easy on the librarian running it. I feature these as family events because 1. we don't have enough family events and 2. it helps to have more adults who can wield a glue gun in the room. I called up Payless Shoes about two weeks before the program and asked them to put some boxes aside for me. I also asked the staff (and gave them about 6 months of warning).  I ended up having almost 50 shoe boxes, 99% with lids. Not too shabby! Then, before Easter, I panicked and ran to the store to buy Peeps at about 1.07 a package. After the holiday, I saw my panic was for naught as the box store had hundreds of them left at .57 a package. You never can tell, though. I also grabbed jelly beans, Easter grass, and these marshmallow things that looked like cupcakes (and I found some Darth ...

My library(ies) recently hosted a Lock In for teens ages 12-18. I love after hours things. If they had done stuff like this when I was a kid......anyway. I thought I would break it down and share it in case anyone is thinking about hosting a lock in and wants to see one that is themed Science Fiction and Fantasy. Note: this was our 3rd LI, the other two were also crazy successful (we did Humans V Zombies, and Hunger Games). Also note: The age range will be returning to the 13-18 year olds. Nuff said. One more note: I am very lucky to have a ton of adult volunteers who come in and help, and this year some of my original members of Teen Book Club are 19 (!) so I brought them in as chaperones too.  So, the basic schedule was as such: 6pm-7pm Food, games in room, and opening remarks (with two corny icebreakers) In the room we had a post it note Tetris Wall, similar to this . It garnered what I would call...medium amount of attention. I do food right away because they come i...

Hi! I know I said I was going to lay off the reviews for a bit (I still review, just on Goodreads) but I issued myself a little challenge this week and the result left me with a bunch of great reads I just want to share! So, I have a new branch to explore in addition to the library branch I already work in. I am making an effort to really inspect the shelves and get to know the new collection. As a result, I found myself with a pile of Middle Grade reads that just look like goodies. Hence the Middle Grade Book Week Challenge. I read only mg books for a week and tried to get as many done as I could. The result? I found some really great reads. Here was my list (links go to Goodreads): Edgar and Ellen The Tourist Trap by Charles Odgen The Witch's Guide to Cooking With Children by Keith McGowan See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker The Amulet graphic novel series I managed to g...

  New directions, my friends! Here is the what: I have had a transitional period in which I was promoted (officially a librarian, yay!) and have been given a new branch to cover-in addition to the programs I am already doing at my original branch. Hoo-Ah! As of now, this blog will be less about book reviews and more about programming (which was always really the point around here anyway, just look through the archives for anything tagged crafts or programs). The new reality? The budget that  was always kind of thin is now crazy skinny so the focus will be on entertaining up to 30 kids for very little money. The goal: to make kids love the library more than they did before! I present to you my "Lights Out Craft"! Of course, I forgot to grab an SD Card on my way out the door, so I have very few photos, but here goes. I had a big group: about 24 showed with an average age of 9. Some little bros and sis's from the crowd rounded out the group. I gave each child a ...

Story of a Girl By Sara Zarr Borrowed from my library as an ebook for the Kindle Fire. This is a little gem of realistic fiction!  This book took me right back to high school! We all remember the school "slut" who supposedly did whatever with whomever. Honestly, I really like Deanna and I wanted to see her pull herself out of this situation. On top of a reputation that was destroyed, she is dealing with a troubled home life, and a confusing relationship as a third partner in a best friend relationship. What really kept me reading was the voice. I thought the story moved along at a good clip and there was a balance there of some good tossed in with all of the bad (like the salad bar at the pizza place). I liked Michael and Stacy. I am not sure I understood the dad, I think he came off as a "man's man"- one who was afraid to express any emotion but anger. Overall, I look forward to reading more by Zarr!

This month's Lego League theme was "bridge and tunnel". The challenge was to build one or the other, but the kids really rose to the challenge. Some built both!!!! Here are some amazing shots of the cool creations!!