In just two and a half weeks, the Wyckoff Library Teen Writers Group will be meeting again (remember: the first Thursday of each month!).

BUT this time it will be a completely different writing experience.

We are delighted to have back with us the wonderful folks from YOUTHSTAGE, a really cool group of writers/performers from Princeton, NJ.

This time, YOUTHSTAGE will be offering Wyckoff Teens (12-18) a program called

ACT IT/WRITE IT!

I'm sure my writers are all up to this fun, and even if you think you aren't, just give it a try!

I can't imagine anyone of you will be either disappointed or undelighted (word?? or did I just make that one up?).

Anyway, for those with interest, and I hope that's all of you, it starts at 5:00PM and lasts until 6:30PM.

Contact me please!

Yo yo here we go! We be marbilizin',

and if you don't know what that is

come check it out and learn a new artform.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_marbling

Thursday 16 November 2011, 5:30 PM in the Wyckoff Library.

All Wyckoff teens are welcome, so register soon.

Hey, that's next week, already!

So. . .we have suffered through a dire week, filled with power outages, downed wires, tree branches falling freely, and other such horrors, but we have come through!

The highlight for me?  Last night's TEEN WRITERS GROUP meeting, attended by five of my loyal legion of writers, and we shared lots of new writing.

BUT, the coolest thing of all was that at least two of my writers is endeavoring to accomplish the NaNoWriMo feat of writing a book in the thirty days of November.   Check it our for your darn selves:  
http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/ywp
As if that was not enough, another of my stalwarts is writing a story to submit to an online competition!

Ah, the Wyckoff Teen Writers continue to accomplish great things!

Okay, the TEEN WRITERS GROUP writes again tomorrow. Get out your Schaefer cartridge pens* and start penning something to bring tomorrow to read to your peers.

See you in the library at 5:00 PM, and get ready to have to good time for about an hour and a half.

B

*Schaefer cartridge pens were what I had to write with when I was in grade school. Messy things, but they did encourage great penmanship! (You don't have to write with them, but there is a decided coolness to doing so, for me at least.)

My middle finger that rested just below the nib was perpetually blue, the required ink color!

Jack o' lanterns covered in snow. How lame is this!

Blizzard conditions here and the Library closes at 3:00 today!

Okay, it's been a while, but things have been busy 'round here. Plus, I'm putting my all (or at least some of it) into making the TEEN ROOM of the newly renovated Wyckoff Library the best TEEN ROOM of all!

Trust me, you will be as delighted as I when this is completed, and you will be spending a lot of your free time in that new teen space!

But onto other more pressing matters, Thursday the 3rd of November will be another TEEN WRITERS GROUP meeting at 5:00 - 6:30 PM in the Library, so hone your pencils and get ready to write once more.

Later that same month there is a book discussion of a pretty cool book with a pretty lame name, THE SECRET OF ROVER. There is no dog, btw, in this book and you have to read it to discover the secret. I have books available now for those that wish to attend the Thursday 11/17 meeting from 5:00 - 6:00 here in the library, replete with snacks, o'course.

Okay, I'm making up a word to describe last night's TEEN WRITERS GROUP. 

The new word is wonderfullity.  Yes, that's the word indeed.  Wonderfullity!

Well, I enjoyed it, and I hope my stalwart six attending writers did, too.

Did I mention fabulousity? Oh, yeah, it was that, too.

Today is the first of this season's TEEN WRITERS GROUP.

At 5:00 PM this evening, a select number of you fine writers out there will assemble, share your work, share some fun, and in general share a memorable hour and half.

If you are not yet registered for this meeting, please know you will be missed if you are not there, and it's not too late to contact me.

Did I mention snacks?

Did I mention hilarity?

Did I mention . . .ah, just come and find out for yourself!

Continue to watch this space for more news for TEENS at the Wyckoff Library!

IT'S BANNED BOOK WEEK!

DO SOMETHING NAUGHTY AND READ A BANNED BOOK.

SEVERAL ARE ON DISPLAY IN THE TEEN SECTION OF THE LIBRARY AND NOT ONE OF THEM IS ANYTHING LESS THAN CLASSIC LITERATURE.

A small selection of really good books on my NEW BOOKS shelf that have not gone out yet:

ENCHANTED QUEST by Frewin Jones (Book Five of THE FAERIE PATH)
WATCH FOR ME BY MOONLIGHT by Jacquelyn Mitchard (A "Midnight Twins" novel)
ADDIE ON THE INSIDE by James Howe (a novel in verse, "The Purgatory of the Middle School Years")
BLANK CONFESSION by Pete Hautman (realistic fiction, gripping mystery)
BELLADONNA by Mary Finn (Historical fiction with romance, horses and acrobats!)
PICK-UP GAME: A FULL DAY OF FULL COURT (Ten teen fic writers pen stores and poems about "round ball on hard wood")
SUMMER I LEARNED TO FLY by Dana Reinhardt (realistic fiction from a master of the genre)
HOW I STOLE JOHNNY DEPP'S ALIEN GIRLFRIEND by Gary Ghislain (now someone please tell me why this book did not fly off the shelf as soon as it arrived)

Leah Cypess, whose wonderful book MISTWOOD was the subject of a teen book discussion in the Spring, is back again with another wonder, NIGHTSPELL, which has recieved some great reviews and will no doubt be a terrific read.

It's available right now, so be the first to check it out, if you can!

Autumn is upon us, and once again the Wyckoff Library

goes into high gear for Wyckoff Teens!

Check this space regularly for my schedule.

Right now, I'm offering the following reality:

I will be hosting our ever-popular TEEN WRITING GROUP on the first Thursday of every month, starting October 6th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Bring a recent opus (or whatever creation you wish to read) and be ready to read it to your peers.

Additionally, I will be hosting a book discussion group that will meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Books are on their way, even as I write, so sign up soon as I am limiting this to 15 teens, also.

RSVP (and not just because I like to hear from you, but because it makes my life a little easier (and I like to hear from you, too).

The first Wyckoff Library Teen Coffee House, 23 August 2011!

Hey, is this a Teen Coffee House or what?

Kaitlyn sings to a rapt audience.

Are those maracas I see on that table or am I dreaming?

Some avid listeners give thought to picking up the bongo drums, but quickly reconsider.

A few final notes from Kaitlyn (and thanks so much for the vibes)!

PICS FROM THE COFFEE HOUSE CONTINUE!

HOW COOL IS THIS EARRING! (AND HOW COOL IS MY CAMERA FOR CAPTURING IT SO NICELY)

What? Dunkin's Coffee at the Library Teen Coffee House? A novel idea!

Happy to be here!

Just two guys shootin' the breeze at the Coffee House. . .

More pics from ORIGAMI, as promised:

Did I hear someone say "ARF?"

WYCKOFF TEENS HARD AT PLAY!

HAPPY FOLDERS DISPLAY THEIR WORK!

SOME PICTURES FROM ORIGAMI!
(MORE TO COME!)

Well, our fingers may be tired from folding and creasing, but Wyckoff's budding teen origamists acquited themselves quite well indeed yesterday evening, thanks to the most effective teaching by our favorite Master Origamist, Linda Bogan.

All of us have great origami pieces to treasure, including a lovely picture frame, an adorable dog, tulips in a basket with a handle and, last but not least, a cleverly fashioned paper top that spins like the dickens.

If you weren't there, you missed some great fun, accompanied by a fine sense of accomplishment. Of course, there is ever the chance we will invite Ms. Bogan back, at the very latest next summer.

PS: No, we did not make paper cranes. . .maybe next time?!?

PPS: Yes, watch this space for pics from the program itself. . .Wyckoff teens in action, again!

Ah, summer comes to its enexorable finis.

Tomorrow evening marks our final TALK IT UP/SPEAK OUT book discussions.

Thursday we will be engaging in the ancient Japanese art of Origami.

Next Tuesday we will 'kick out the jams' at a TEEN COFFEE HOUSE,

or you can just think of it as an 'end of Summer Programs party.'

(That works, too.)

JEAN ROSOLINO OF YOUTHSTAGES OF PRINCETON, NJ "DIRECTS" WYCKOFF TEENS!

YouthStage, interactive theater, today's teen program . . .

What can I say? You guys are born actors, or at least those of you who attended.

It was fantastic, with Wyckoff teens once again proving their mettle, and this time on the stage. Okay, it wasn't a real stage, just the Library Program Room, but believe me when I say it was some pretty great theatrics happening at the library.

You teens perpetually astound me with your abilities. More, more, gimme more.

Bravo!

PS: Look for pics on this space, and very soon.

WATERCOLOR FOR TEENS AT THE LIBRARY!

Watercolor last night was fantastic! The pictures shown above are just a sample of the creativity and artistic talent that was in evidence. I'd like to thank everyone who attended, and most especially Mrs. Crabtree for a very successful library program for Wyckoff teens.

I PROMISED SOME PICS FROM DRUM CIRCLE:

Well, once again Wyckoff teens have proven their creative mettle, re-writing a children's picture book with results bordering on the bizarre, but utterly hilarious. Lots of laughter with a touch of crazy, another great time at the Library.

If you weren't there, you missed a log of fun, but watch this space 'cause I will be posting the results, that is if I can read the handwriting.

Tonight is a sell-out: Watercolor with Rosemarie Crabtree! Lucky those who signed up early for this one. Watch this space for pics! I will be posting them here.

It was all about the RHYTHM tonight as Rich Reiter introduced a lucky number

of Wyckoff teens to the beauty of pounding out some groove riffs on African drums.

If you were there, you felt the vibe.

If you weren't, you should have been.

Watch this space for pics to come very soon.

Oh joy, oh rapture!

Barbara goes a-travelin' and won't be seen in these here parts 'til 11 July 2011.

And when I return I hope to find that lots and lots of my Library teens have registered for my Summer Programs.

Although the schedule is posted on our website (wyckofflibrary.org) in the TEEN section, I will mention here that our first program is

DRUM CIRCLE -- CELEBRATE RHYTHM with Rich Reiter

July 19th at 7:30 until around 8:30 PM in the Library's Activity Room.

Register soon as I am limiting to 15 only.

SUMMER IS HERE!

If you have not yet registered for any of

my programs at the Wyckoff Library,

WHY THE HECK NOT??

Looking forward to seeing you here.

Someone named "Anonymous" left me a message attached to my last blog. She/he was interested in what was happening for teens this summer at the Wyckoff Library.

Well, let me tell you . . .lots is happening around here.

The book discussions (TALK IT UP for those entering 7-9th grades and SPEAK OUT for thos entering 10-12th grades) will be held back to back on Tuesday evening starting on July 12th at 4:30. Registration for this program begins on July 20 when I will be distributing copies of the book that will be discussed.

For further information on the 2011 summer teen antics at the library, check the Library's website www.wyckofflibrary.org and click on the "Teen" tab at the top of the main page (okay, due to craziness, it will take two further clicks of an index finger to get to an html printable page of the Summer Schedule...it's worth the finger exercise).

In case you have been residing under a rock, HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, the first of a great series, has been made into a movie that is soon to be released.

My suggestion (being a librarian, of course) is that if you have not read the novel yet, READ IT FIRST, the better to judge how good Hollywood has rendered what I'm sure will be a favorite book.

Enjoy enjoy!

PS: This all sounded snarkier than I had planned, but my intent still stands.

I'm in the Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania, enjoying this great corner of the universe and, as always, learning a whole heckuva lot (life is a forever learning experience, my friends).

Did you know Henry Francis Du Pont, one of the DuPont heirs, donated his family estate, a 175 room mansion, to the public while he and his wife moved (or as we say in today's parlance downsized) to a 50 room mansion on the same property so we could enjoy the beauty he created and collected? It's worth a visit.

The grounds are spectacular and as Henry himself would say, it's all about the color, and when you walk through his gardens, color is what you see. Beautiful!

I will tell you more when I return, if you wish to know.

B

PS: Yeah, I have tons of digi-photos!

This Thursday, 28 APRIL, is the postponement date for the book discussion of AIRBORN.

I am fully expecting those who have signed up for this to attend,

but if you will be unable to attend please let me know.

Thanks!

Okay, c'mon. . .

we all know that

EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY!

(but Happy Earth Day anyway!)

I am forced to cancel tonight's book discussion; it is now postponed until next Thursday,

same time, same place.

Do good work and stay in touch.

(And stay away from the cloud cats!)

Thursday's book discussion fast approaches. If any of you wish to participate in our discussion of Oppel's AIRBORN and would like a copy to speed read before Thursday, I do have a few copies still available. Alternately, if you have already read the book and wish to participate, please let me know...there is still room for interested readers who have something to say about this really good book.

As our space is tight (though some may say cozy), I do need to know how many will be attending, so either respond by e-mail (wyckteen@bccls.org) or by phone (201-891-4866).

Woohah! The Wyckoff Library Teen Writers Group meeting last night was beyond fabulous, and the creativity of Wyckoff teens remains par excellence, IMHO, as reflected by last night's readings. As ever, I do look forward to our next gathering which is slated to be held again here at the Library's temp location on the 5th of May, BUT as I will be away that week, I have rescheduled it for the following Thursday, May 12th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Please mark your calendars and be prepared to have some more fun at the Library.

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

If those words of Maya Angelou strike a resonant chord in your soul,

you should be attending the the Wyckoff Library Teen Writers Group

this Thursday, 7th of April, at 6:00 - 7:30 PM in the Library.

Please let me know that you will be attending.

Whoever you are, we will miss you if you are not there.

So, after two days the dust has settled at our new long-term temporary locale, and I consider myself settled in enough to plan my teen programs.

On Thursday, April 7th, I will be hosting again the Wyckoff Teen Writers Group, and I pray that some of you out there in blog-land will be able to attend. I am limiting the group to ten (10) only (grades 7 - 10) as we will be meeting in the new (La Petite Biblioteque) Wyckoff Library at 637 Wyckoff Avenue, right next to Three Chicas Mexican, and space is at a premium here.

Additionally, on 21st of April, also a Thursday, I will be hosting a book discussion of Oppel's AIRBORN. Okay, I know it's a bit of an oldie, but it truly is a goodie, too.
Books will shortly be available at the library, and again I am limiting to only ten (10).

Sign up for one or for both, but I hope to see you soon at our new location!

Cheerio!

TODAY IS THE DAY THE WYCKOFF LIBRARY REOPENS AT IT'S

NEW AND TEMPORARY LOCATION ON WYCKOFF AVE.

I WILL BE THERE FROM 1:00 - 8:00 PM TONIGHT AND I'M HOPING TO SEE YOU!

(you won't believe how we were able to fit so much into so small a space. . .a mystery!)

Writing this cyber-missive from the new library space, our temporary location not open to the public until 14th of March, and finding it quite the cozy spot, La Petite Biblioteque, as one of you clever teens deemed it (props to Cheyenne!).

Yes, La Petite Biblioteque will do just fine as 200 Woodland Avenue undergoes its redo, and when it's all done, Wyckoff Teens will have a very cool spot all their own in the 200 Woodland Avenue Wyckoff Library. Just keep your eyes on the prize, kids, and soon it will be so.

Hoping to see you all soon at La Petite Biblioteque!

Today is the last day the Wyckoff Library as you know it

will be open at 200 Woodland Avenue.

From the 1st of March through the 13th, we will be closed to the public as we pack up and make our move to our new, temporary (while construction happening) locale on Wyckoff Avenue, right next door to THREE CHICAS.

So come today and bid farewell to your old library and

make way for the new, 'cause it's gonna be great!

See you soon!

IT HAS BEEN DONE. . .
the final Wyckoff Library Teen Writers Group in the 200 Woodland Avenue location, that is, at least until the Grand Return when the old library is reconstructed.

(and btw it was truly terrific, plus I am honored that my attendees actually requested that we do the "7 Minute Creative Writing Burst" (patent pending) at the outset of the meeting--how cool is that!)

Watch this space for news about our next meeting, as well as the next book discussion. Both will be held in April, and you may consider that a 'pinky promise,' too!

Teen programs will be scheduled in our new locale (637 Wyckoff Avenue) on Thursdays at 6:00, so check our events calendar in the Wyckoff Library website (wyckofflibrary.org) and come back to this blog often for everything new for teens at the WYCKOFF LIBRARY!

WYCKOFF LIBRARY TEEN WRITING GROUP

WILL MEET AGAIN. . .

next Thursday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in the Monroe Room of the Library, so hone your quill pens once again, dear scribes,

and be prepared to share your work with your comrades.

RSVP is always polite, so please let me know you are coming

and be as polite as I know you to be.

Snackfood as ever!

FYI: The last Teen Writing Group meeting in the Monroe Room until the construction is complete, so come and make history!

The weather has been keeping me occupied and annoyed, and not necessarily in that order, so I have not been driven to remark upon anything in this blog.

Unless you are a skier or have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, or do not drive at all, which I'm presuming would be the bulk of you underage folks, this has not been a gentle winter for many of us.

Yet I have no plans to move to a warmer clime, although the south of France does hold a certain appeal, not all of which pertains to fields of lavender (ah, great appeal in that!). So I will weather the storms that come my way and be grateful I have the four seasons to enjoy.

Due to circumstances beyond all control, last week's book discussion has been RESCHEDULED!!

We will now be discussion UNWIND by the great Neal Shusterman on Wednesday, the 9th of February at 5:00 PM in the Monroe Room.

Books are still available, and I encourage everyone to read this really cool book . . .you will not regret it!

So, come to the library and sign up for this book discussion and get a copy of this strange, dystopic-reality kind of fiction that will sieze you instantly and hold you right until the end (when you will either be relieved that it's over, or disappointed, depending on your own character quirks!)

Okay, I know this is going to sound very librarian-ish of me, but here's your chance to. . .

READ THE BOOK BEFORE YOU SEE THE MOVIE!

I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore is now in the Wyckoff Library. Put in your reserve for this very hot new sci-fi pick as the movie is soon to be at your local cinema.



This book gives even more credence to the belief that there ARE aliens among us (but in this case they mean us well, if they themselves can survive!).

Yes, SAPPHIQUE, the sequel to INCARCERON, is in the Library. All you INCARCERON fans (and I know you are out there!) should put your reserve in now for what is without doubt going to be as exciting a read!

(And you can't help but note that the cover art is equally as fabulous as INCARCERON'S, too!)

The 2010 Printz Awards for Excellence in Young Adult Fiction have been awarded, and the winner is:

(drum roll please!!)

SHIP BREAKER by Paolo Bacigalupi

Check this one out at your earliest convenience and you will not, I promise you, not be disappointed in time well spent reading a great novel.

UNWIND

By Neal Shusterman

Book Discussion for

Wyckoff teens 7^th- 10^th grade

Tuesday 25 January 2011, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Monroe Room, Wyckoff Public Library

BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!! REFRESHMENTS as always!

RSVP: Barbara, Teen Librarian

201-891-4866 or wyckteen@bccls.org