VDL Teen Blog

Tech 4 Teens: Tell Your Tale

2011-07-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the story files that we recorded at our program a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy!

Allie's Story

Kaitlyn's Story

Levi's Story

Nate's Story

Nick's Story

Nick's Second Story

Teen Read Week Special Event

2010-09-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

As mentioned previously the theme this year for Teen Read Week is "Books with Beat". To celebrate there will be a "We've Got the Beat" Teen Open Mic on Tuesday October 19 from 3-5. What is your talent? Whatever it is, we want to see it! For example you could (and this is just a small list of suggestions):

Read Poetry
Share an Original Story
Sing a Song
Play an Instrument (Please no Armpits)
Tell a Joke
Do Something Dramatic
Mime
Pack a Suitcase

Do Not be Afraid to Think Outside the Box! Open Mic Royalty will be dubbed based on popular vote, so get cracking!

To sign up to Perform please call the Library at 649-1648, Come in personally, or send me a quick email at vdlashley@yahoo.com

Please Note: Flaming Batons and other Fire Implements are Prohibited! (Sorry Daredevils, no swallowing fire!)

Fall Programming Begins Tomorrow

2010-09-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hello All! The school year is back in session and so are Teen Programs at the Library. Take a look below to see what is happening during the month of September. Remember all programs are open to Teens in grades 6-12 and are free! Also remember it is important to register (by coming in, calling, or emailing me @ vdlashley@yahoo.com) so that enough snacks are ready!

Tomorrow (Tuesday) September 14th we will kick things off with Wii Gamers! Come down to the lower level between 3 and 5 and play with others using the library's Wii System. We have Mario Cart (2 wheels, bring extra so 4 can play), Mario Galaxy, Guitar Hero (Only 1 Guitar, so bring yours if you have one!), and Dance Dance Revolution 3. If you have other games you would like to play bring them in to share! Lots of fun to be had. Don't particularly like video games, bring a board game or some cards and come hang out anyways!

J-Pop is returning on Tuesday September 21st from 3-4:30. The pocky will be waiting and some anime will be chosen for the opening festivities! Also with this being the first meeting of the fall we will discuss what you would like to watch (I will have a list of what we have) and also if their are other things you would like to do at our meetings bring your ideas!

On Tuesday September 28th from 3-4:30 an interest meeting will be held for anyone who thinks they may like to participate in a Book Club or in working on and performing some skits for a children's program at the Library. As always there will be snacks! If there is enough interest the book club group will choose the assignment for the next month and the Drama group (you can do both!) will start generating ideas! A note to all: Even if you don't want to act you can participate with drama! There is always lots to do behind the scenes such as creating sets, thinking up and creating costumes, etc. Put your talents to use!

That is all for the month of September! Teen Read Week is coming up in October and the theme is Books with Beat! I will be on later this week with more information on the exciting events coming up in October and with more information on a Special TRW event and information on the Halloween Bash (Actual Name TBD)!

See You @ The Library!

After a Long Pause...

2010-06-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

We are back in Action. Sorry about taking so long between posts, things have been a little Crazy here at the Library. For those who don't know already Summer Reading is now in full swing! If you haven't already make a trip into the library to sign up for summer reading, win some fun prizes, earn read bucks for the end of summer prize auction, come participate in some fantastic programs, and read lots and lots of books to help reach the challenge goal of 3000. If 3000 books are read you guys get to duct tape me to the wall in the basement!

After just a week and a half of summer reading there are already 101 Teens signed up and 147 books have been read so far! I am impressed at this fantastic start. We have already had two programs come and go (Sand Candle Making and Water Games in the Park) but there are plenty left including, Dessert Sushi Takeout (June 29), Larger than Life Battleship (July 6), the Shipwreck Picnic & Movie Sink-In (July 13), Create your own Beach Tote (July 20), and the Make Waves Tiki Luau (July 27). All the programs are on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4pm. You can sign up for all you like when you sign up for Summer Reading!

The end of Summer Prize auction will be held on Tuesday, August 4 from 2-4. This will also be the time where if the challenge has been conquered there will be a pile of duct tape waiting to be used!

Come on in and Join the Fun! Also today a large stack of new books came into the library. They should be hitting the new YA Shelves early next week! They have already been added to our Shelfari bookshelf so browse through it and see what looks interesting to you. I hope to see everyone at the Library soon!

New Books and Programs for April

2010-04-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Vicksburg Area Teens! Just because the school year is starting to wind down doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do here at the Library! Last week we got a ton of new books in. As previously mentioned those have been added to the virtual bookshelf here on the blog for you to browse through. Stop in and check out one of the great new reads today!

Also I wanted to make a note on here so everyone knows, if there has been a book you have just been itching to read, but we don't have it just ask. Even if we don't have it in our collection we can get it for you through interlibrary loan! Just talk to me at the reference desk or ask any of the other staff members. We are all more than happy to help get that book here for you! Also you yourself can request a book through interlibrary loan and all you need is your name (which you already know by heart) and your library card number. Stop by the reference desk if you have any questions I will show you just how easy it is to use interlibrary loan!

Our monthly programs will continue through the end of the school year, so there will be plenty to do before Summer Reading gets here. It is really easy to sign-up for programs. You can call us at the library, email me at vdlashley@yahoo.com, or click the links below to sign up for your favorites. If you forget, thats ok, stop in anyways, the more the merrier! I do suggest signing up though, as it gives me an idea of how many people to expect and then I can plan for enough food to go around! The sign ups for April Programs are below, don't hesitate, sign up now!

J-Pop April 20 from 3-4:30

Movie Vs. Book "The Count of Monte Cristo" April 22 from 3-5:15ish

Wii Gamers April 27 from 3-5

See you @ the Library!

Programs Galore!

2010-03-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Alright we have a lot going on in the library in the coming month, including lots of awesome teen programs for you! First I will give you the quick run down and then a few more details on some of the special events! Find the links to sign up for programs online down at the bottom of the post!

Tuesday, March 9 - Teen Tech Party from 3-5
Tuesday, March 16 - J-Pop from 3-4:30
Tuesday, March 23 - Wii Gamers from 3-5
Tuesday, March 30 and Thursday, April 1 - Papier Mache Flowerpots from 2-4 each day.

Teen Tech Party - The week of March 7-13 is Teen Tech Week. You may think you are technologically savvy but can you pass the test in Teen Tech Jeopardy? How much do you know about technology? Come join our Game show and find out! Also during the party we will be learning how to make Book Trailers! What is a book trailer exactly? Well it is a lot like a Movie trailer, You find pictures or video clips, choose your music, do some editing and promote a favorite book of yours! Be there to learn the basics and take it to another level by making your own! (Hint-A Book Trailer Contest will be coming your way soon!)

Papier Mache Flowerpots - During Spring break we will meet twice to make our own papier mache flowerpots! Be creative and start thinking of your design for how you want it to look! On tuesday we will be forming our flowerpots (come prepared to get a little bit messy!) and will let them dry until Thursday when we will decorate them! It is very important that you sign up for this program so enough materials are available!

As always, snacks will be provided at all programs, so come join us for some fun this month and keep posted for what will be happening in April! National Library Week is coming up! Can you dance away your fines?

Wii Gamers Sign Up Here

J-Pop Sign Up Here

Papier Mache Flowerpots Sign Up Here

Teen Tech Party Sign Up Here

Groundhog Prediction...What Do You Think?

2010-02-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am a bit behind but I am finally getting this posted. On Groundhog Day we had a party to celebrate the event where we watched the great movie "Groundhog Day" (I know such a creative title) and voted in a quick poll. We wanted to place bets on whether Punxsutawney Phil would make a correct prediction this year. For those who do not know, Phil did indeed see his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. While our poll was small (only 7 bets) we did come to the conclusion that most of us thought Phil would be correct in his prediction, but there were a few (2 to be exact) who think Phil will be wrong. Its been about 2 weeks now and so far winter is hanging in there, but there are still 4 weeks to go. Will winter end soon? Will spring get here before March 21st? Post a comment to let us know what you think!

More New Books!

2010-01-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

A friendly reminder to check the Shelfari widget on the blog for the latest books that have set foot into the library! More books arrived for the Teen Section wednesday so they should be ready and making it onto the shelves next week! Give them a look now right here on the blog by browsing through our virtual shelf. If you see something you just have to read email me or call the library to put it on hold under your name!

As always keep giving me suggestions on books you would like to have available here. I will be making a list for march over the next month.

A Look at February Programs

2010-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

I absolutely can not believe that February is just about here. How did January sneak by so quickly? With that in mind here is a quick, semi-detailed look at programs going on this next month.

To start us out we will have a "Groundhog Party" on Tuesday February 2nd (yes that is Groundhog Day!) from 3-5. Come hang out with us as we take a poll on whether Punxsutawney Phil will make a correct prediction this year, test your brain (not to hard please) with some groundhog trivia, and of course watch the Movie Groundhog Day featuring Bill Murray.

The following week on Thursday February 11th we will be crafting down in the Lair. At this event we will be making Love Bugs. If you want to see a picture of a love bug come into the library and ask Ashley, she will be able to show you!

On Tuesday February 16th J-Pop will meet and continue to watch the amazingly hilarious antics of the Ouran High School Host Club. For those at the last meeting, Please make sure to remind me what episode we left off on. I know we are still in part 1, but can not remember whether we have moved on to the second disc or whether we still have 1 to go on the first. Such a dilemma, but we will figure it out.

Last but certainly not least on Tuesday February 23rd Wii Gamers will meet. If you want to have a guitar hero battle please bring an extra guitar as the Library only has one!

For all events you still have 3 options available to sign up! Either come into the library and sign up in the program binder at the desk, call the library and have one of it's friendly staff members sign you up, or three, click on the links below to sign up online for the programs you are interested in. As a note, please remember that signing up for programs is important as it gives me an idea of how many people will be in attendance so I can make sure enough food and especially enough craft supplies are available. Links for Online Sign Ups are Below! Just click on the programs you are interested in!

Groundhog Party

Love Bugs

J-Pop

Wii Gamers

New Books are Coming!

2010-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone, just wanted to give you a heads up that more NEW BOOKS will be coming in soon. All the new books have been added to Shelfari for you to browse. Remember Shelfari will show you the cover, a short description of the book and more. Look now and call or visit to get hold of your next great read today!

The Movie Scoop

2009-12-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Ok Here is the Big Scoop for two movies. Over the Holidays I and my family members saw some of the movies in theaters. I went and saw Sherlock Holmes while both of my siblings went to see Avatar.

First I will start with Sherlock Holmes as I know more about that particular movie. In the main cast the performances by Robert Downey Jr. , Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams were all well done. For those who enjoy a good mystery, and know Sherlock through his literary adventures this film is a MUST SEE.

Robert Downey Jr. does a fabulous job of playing meticulous and yet quirky Sherlock Holmes. The writing of his part is fabulous and I particularly like the insight into his thoughts as he works through certain situations to find a pleasing conclusion, for him at least. While he may at times be a bit self-centered, he is a very charming and lovable character. Most certainly someone you want to have on your side and not against it.

His partner, Dr. Watson is played by Jude Law who is magnificient in portraying the general annoyance Sherlock causes Dr. Watson from day to day and yet his unfailing friendship comes through in the end. A very cunning and charming character who helps to balance Holmes and his eccentricities.

Rachel McAdams plays, believe it or not, a Villain who in turn helps both Sherlock and Watson. A fun character who would as soon kick you in the butt and help you out. A good piece to fit into the puzzle that is the cast of characters.

The film itself was both visually intriguing as well as food for thought. The plot keeps you on your toes and trying to see if you can figure out the mystery before the characters. I dare you to watch this film and see if you are as quick-witted as the well-written and fabulously portrayed Sherlock Holmes. Watch out for a sequel to this Film!

As for Avatar, I am told it is the Best Movie Ever. Both my siblings were flabbergasted, and well the tale is this is one I must see for Myself! If Avatar is not already on your list of movies to see, it should be.

Fab or Flop: The Blind Side Review with a Side Note about Avatar

2009-12-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

And we are back again for another exciting edition of FAB or FLOP. Our review today is about the film, "The Blind Side" featuring Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.

First a little bit of background on the film. This movie is about a true story. The people presented in the film actually exist and the events really happened. For those who may not recall the plot of this movie here are the basics. A prominent white family living in Memphis end up taking in a larger than life black teenage boy into their home and have him become a part of their family. This boy goes on to be a star player in the NFL. Like I said the bare-bones basics.

Anyways the movie was excellent. Everyone and I mean everyone from your 5-yr-old sister to your ancient grand-dad should see this movie. All the actors were phenominal in their parts, but the story itself is what makes this film truly great. One of the very cool things about this movie is at the end in the credits it shows photos of the actual family. I will not say anymore other than if you have not seen this movie yet, put it at the top of your list.

SIDE NOTE

While I have not seen the movie Avatar myself yet (and the previews looked amazing) I am beginning to wonder if this movie will be as good as it has been built up to be. A friend's status last night stated, "Thought Avatar was ok, but the guy behind me was snoring." What do you think? If you have seen the movie already it is time to sound-off and let us know your opinion. Was it FAB or was it a big FLOP!

More Programs Coming After the New Year...Make Sure to Sign Up!

2009-12-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

After the first of the year is passed we will be back full swing with a whole gammit of programs to keep you entertained. Our old favorites, J-Pop and Wii Gamers will continue on as usual, and two new monthly programs will begin.

For all my crafty creative teens we will begin Crafty Creations. Each month will bring a new project. In January we will be creating Blank Books (or what some may call Journals or even Diaries). Think of cover ideas and come to the Library to create your very own!

Something I am very excited about is our new program Movie vs. Book. Each month we will get together at the library to watch a movie. Each of the movies we watch will be based of a book. You are all encouraged to read the book version either before or after seeing the movie.

Many of us have had discussion about how the Harry Potter series has been transformed into film. Most will agree that while the movies follow the books they are missing many of the details from Author J.K. Rowlings writing. I like many others am enthused about the last book being split into two movies. Finally more details for the movies!

I encourage you all to write down your thoughts about the differences you see from books to the movies created based on them.

For January's Movie vs. Book we will be watching "10 Things I Hate About You" which is based on William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew".

Make sure to Call, Come in, or Sign Up online for All Programs. Links are Listed Below for January Sign-Ups.

Movie vs. Book meets January 7 from 3-5. Sign Up for Movie vs. Book Here

J-Pop meets January 12 from 3-4:30. Sign Up for J-Pop Here

Wii Gamers meets January 14 from 3-5. Sign Up for Wii Gamers Here

Crafty Creations meets January 26 from 3-5. Sign Up for Craft Creations Here

Fab or Flop Review: New Moon (The Movie)

2009-11-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

As a fan of the Twilight series I was excited to go and see the second installment in the films by watching New Moon at the theater on friday evening. In preparation for the film I reread the first two books in the series and quickly reminded myself not to expect the movie to be exactly like the book.

As I sat in the theater and waited for the film to begin I was excited. The theater was packed, sold out, and the anticipation was mounting. I watched in wonder as the film played out on the screen. The scenery was fabulous and there were those moments where a one-line zinger or awkward moment between characters would have the audience laughing.

My vote on the newest Twilight movie is that it is fab, and yes much better than the first (even though this is to be expected as the budget and hype for this movie was much larger). For fans this is a must-see! You won't be disappointed. What do you think? Leave a Comment to let us know whether you agree or not!

Introduction to Fab or Flop

2009-11-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

One of the new features which will be posted in the next day or so is something I like to call "Fab or Flop." This will have two separate appearances.

The first being in the form of a poll. Each week a link to an upcoming movie trailer, a song, or a synopsis for a book will be posted. You decide whether it is fab (absolutely great, you love it or maybe even just like it) or a flop (not great, weird, uninteresting). In this area you get to be the judge!

The second form fab or flop will take is reviews. Where myself, others, and maybe even you will share what we thought about books, movies, and music we have enjoyed (or not). Keep an eye out and start your engines. If you would like to send in a review just email me at vdlashley@yahoo.com . Remember to keep reviews (especially movies and books) from spoiling the story for others! Need some advice for writing a review, just ask!

A Note About Shelfari

2009-11-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

See that bookshelf on the sidebar. That has all the new books ordered for the YA section since September. There are currently 55 titles on the shelf, and as new books come in it will continue to grow and change. The plan is to have all the books from our new shelf listed on here for you to browse through. By hovering the mouse over a cover you will see the books title, author, a description of the book and tags (which are merely a quick way to let you know the basics about the book including themes and genre). Make sure to look at the shelf regularly to see what's new and to find a good read to take home!

Monthly Favorites

2009-11-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Come join us for our Monthly Meetings of J-Pop and Wii Gamers. J-Pop meets on Tuesday December 8th and Wiii Gamers on December 15th. As always please register so I know how many to expect. Come into the library, call, email or click the links below to sign up!

J-Pop Registration

Wii Gamers Registration

Christmas Crafting December 3rd

2009-11-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Come into the Library on December 3rd for some fabulous holiday crafting! To spruce up our teen area one of the crafts we will be doing is creating unique, awesome snowflakes to hang in the Teen area of the Library. Have a gift and want to make it extra special. Create your own custom wrapping paper using sponge stamps, paint, glitter, and more! Have someone you need to send a greeting card to (Like a Grandparent, Teacher, Or even that cute Guy or Gal you have had your eye on)? We'll have the supplies to make a custom card for that someone special along with ideas to help you on your way. But wait, that's not all. We'll also be creating our own custom Decorative Bulbs that you can hang on your Christmas Tree (or perhaps from the rear-view mirror in your car). Come join us and let your creative side shine! It is important to register for this event (and yes all others as well) to make sure we have enough supplies for everyone! However registration has never been easier! We still have the old Standbys of Coming into the library and signing up in the program binder. You can also call the library or email me at vdlashley@yahoo.com . Or better yet follow the link below to SurveyMonkey, fill out the two simple questions (Name and Grade) and click sumbit! Signing up has never been so easy! See you at the Library!

VDL Teen Blog Welcome

2009-11-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the New VDL Teen Blog! I am very excited to offer new ways to find out about programs, share your ideas, find great reads that are available at the Library, and more! Keep checking back for new posts. On our Blog I am hoping to offer online registration for programs, book reviews, polls about things you like, etc. If you have something you want shared or a book that you really liked and would recommend to others let me know. Have you seen a Great movie recently, give me the title and what you thought. Found a new favorite band or musical artist, give me the info and help me let others know about your fab finds. This blog is for you so your input, advice, and help are needed to make it the best it can be! Thanks for visiting and I look forward to hearing all your ideas.