FOUND
By
Margaret Peterson Haddix

Book Discussion for

Wyckoff teens 7^th- 10^th grade

Thursday 4 November 2010,
6:00 – 7:00 pm

Monroe Room,

Wyckoff Public Library

BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!!

REFRESHMENTS , as always!

RSVP: Barbara, Teen Librarian

201-891-4866 or wyckteen@bccls.org

TEEN

WRITING

GROUP

Thursday 28 October 2010

6-7:30 pm in the

Monroe Room

RSVP: Barbara the Teen Librarian wyckteen@bccls.org or 201-891-4866

Five brave souls met last week on Thursday as the Wyckoff Library Teen Writers Group met for the first time this season.

The creativity, as ever, was rampant, and everyone had a great time. If you weren't in attendance, remember that we meet on the last Thursday of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Monroe Room of the Library.

Looking to see you there next month!

PS: Next week on the 6th of October it's book discussion time. The book is PURPLE HEART and if you don't have a copy of this compelling and oh-so-timely novel but still wish to attend, come to the library--I have lots of copies left!

YESTERDAY MARKED THE BIRTHDAY OF T.S. ELIOT (Thomas Stearns Eliot, to his mommy), AND YOU WOULD BE WELL SERVED BY READING THE POEM LINKED BELOW:

http://www.poetry-online.org/eliot_the_love_song_j_alfred_prufrock.htm

A tortured soul (heck, he was a poet), read about his works, his life, then read more of his wonderful poetry (hey, we got it at the library).

http://kirjasto.sci.fi/tseliot.htm

Today is the first FULL day of fall, the Autumnal Equinox, and if you are interested in what that really means, here's a great link: http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/astronomy/AutumnalEquinox.html

Speaking only for myself, I've been awaiting this change of season since the very first day the temperature rose past 85, but that's just me.

Enjoy this most magnificent time of year! (I always do...)

Book Discussion for

Wyckoff teens

7^th- 10^th grades

"PURPLE HEART"

Thursday 7 October 2010, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Monroe Room, Wyckoff Public Library

BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!!

REFRESHMENTS , as always!

RSVP: Barbara, Teen Librarian

201-891-4866 or wyckteen@bccls.org

ONGOING PROGRAMS

FOR WYCKOFF TEENS

AT THE WYCKOFF LIBRARY

Teen Writers Group (12-16) meets every last Thursday of the month (unless a holiday interferes), from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the Monroe Room of the Library. Teens are suggested to bring their own writings to share with peers.

Teen Book Discussion (12–16) is held on the first Thursday of every month (unless a holiday interferes), from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Monroe Room of the Library. Books will be available at the library in the weeks prior to the meeting.

All interested teens should contact

Barbara the Teen Librarian

201-891-4866 or wyckteen@bccls.org

Refreshments always!

Feeling a little blue today as Summer 2010 is just about over at the Wyckoff Library... : (

Last night was our last book discussions for TALK IT UP and SPEAK OUT, and to close out the six weeks, we read and discussed two fabulous short stories!

On Tuesday, many of you were part of the program called GET ME RE-WRITE (THE SEQUEL), and the Patch.com journalist who covered it for the Library was kind enough to send me a link to the story that ran today in Patch.com:

http://wyckoff.patch.com/articles/teens-choose-own-adventure-at-library-program

Click on it, read the article, and enjoy the pics, too. If you were there, you'll relive the fun; if you weren't, you'll regret you didn't attend. But either way, you should be amused, intrigued, and looking forward to the next time I host another GET ME RE-WRITE!

Finally, check this site again and you will soon be able to read the great stories that were written that evening. Did I say great? I meant wild, wacky, wonderful, and totally creative!

Wyckoff teens rock!!

And, in case you were wondering, the name of the fear-of-13 is called:

triskaidekaphobia

'nuff said!

More than half way through the summer of 2010, let me update for those of you who weren't here, or re-cap for those of you who were:

We started off the summer with the fabulous Sharon Gross program, stencil printing on canvas carry-all bags. (Great press in the Suburban on this--August 5, 2010, p. 3!)

Next stop, Origami with Linda Bogen tested our folding fingers and generated fun figures, too. As ever, Linda had plenty of surprises for us!

The playwright (and really nice person) Meredith Levy taught us all the basics of playwriting, and teens had an opportunity to write their own playlets, or start their own Tony Award winning epic.

Of course, throughout the summer, TALK IT UP and SPEAK OUT reigned supreme on Wednesday evenings, and there are just two weeks left for teens to engage in book discussion (lots of cool books were read and discussed this summer, not to mention the inhalation (there can be no other word) of lots of junk food, too!).

Tuesday next (August 10th), teens will be learning watercolor technique from Wyckoff's own Rosemary Crabtree. It should be a great experience (and those attending may discover what little artistic talent their Teen Librarian possesses!)

Our final program, "Get Me Rewrite, the sequel," is a redux (look it up: possible SAT word) of last year's sleeper of the season, "Get Me Rewrite!" This year's picture book to be re-written by creative teens should be as much a fun challenge as last year's FRIENDS, the gentle book about bunny rabbits. Get your quills sharpened and your sense of humor honed for this one, Wyckoff teens! It's will be a hoot, the sequel.

Seeya when I seeya!

HAPPY 600 TO A-ROD!

Today is the birthday of Emily Bronte who wrote the extremely romantic WUTHERING HEIGHTS, and yet Emily herself never had a lover nor did she ever get married. Go figure, and furthermore, go read the book!

ORIGAMI was a splendid success, with nine eager folders (plus a crazed teen librarian with two left thumbs) creating magic with Linda Bogen. If you were there, you know what I'm bloggin' about, and if you weren't, come to the Library and see the kinds of things we created in the Display Case, just to the left of the front door.

The Playwriting Seminar, presented once again by Meredith Levy, will be held Tuesday, August 3rd, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Monroe Room.

All my ragingly eager writers (and even those of you who simply dabble in the written word) should (did I say should? I meant must!) attend. Just as it was last year, it's going to be great and you all ought to be there (if only just to say you were, and reference the Library and Meredith when you stand on stage to receive your Tony Award for best play in 2021--hey, it could happen!)

Summer is moving along as fast as possible in this dreadful heat/humidity. Keep the AC and the fans on full blast and we'll all get through it.

Think of it: one day in the brevity of time we will again be kicking up the leaves of autumn. Ah, that that day would come soon! I am so desirous of 68 degree weather I could weep!

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...ah, did someone say brothers? I meant sisters, of course, the three intrepids of SPEAK OUT who discussed with me, speaking of sisterhood, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES.

Rock on, my SPEAK OUT teens, and next week we will discuss HANDMAID'S TALE (copies are still available for those wishing to get in on the literary fun.

Did someone say "wow"?

Well, heck, I'll say it again: WOW!!

Last night's turnout for TALK IT UP was unprecedented in number of teens in attendance (not to mention the amount of junk food consumed by them!).

I was delighted by the turnout, and delighted additionally by the assistance I received from my colleague, Meredith Levy, in set up and discussion assistance, too. Many thanks, Meredith.



Next week's book, for those of you who were not there and wish to get in on the action, is LEMONADE MOUTH, soon to be a major motion picture from Disney Studios.

I have copies available for all who wish to join us.

All I can say is WOW! The creativity of Wyckoff teens is clearly without bounds, as was evidenced by the gorgeous tote bags decorated most cleverly with stencil prints tonight at the Library.

Watch this space, 'cause pics are coming. You will be amazed! If you were there, you will be simply amused.

Keep pace with all the fun happening at the Wyckoff Library this summer.

Summer 2010 for teens at the Library really starts this week!

Tomorrow evening, for all of you lucky ones who have signed up for it,

the Library is offering Sharon Gross's stencil print program.

On Wednesday starts TALK IT UP and SPEAK OUT,

the summer's first of six book discussion weeks.

Finally, I hope that, while I've been cavorting about

in the unusually overwhelming heat in the Adirondacks last week,

Wyckoff teens have been reading, recording their pages,

and getting prized as appropriate.

Summer's really here now!

Hey, today is the day to MAKE WAVES at the Wyckoff Library by signing up for the summer book club.

Read all you want, report back often with your pages, and get cool prizes.

Hope to see you all today! (or tomorrow, or next week (when I won't be here, but the sign up sheet will be!))

My plan is to have no prize items left by summer's end; help my dream come true!

Today we celebrate the birthday of William Strunk, Jr., better known to some of you as half of the brilliant team of folks who wrote ELEMENTS OF STYLE, a bible for anyone who writes or has aspirations to do so.

Strunk, who taught English at Cornell University for 46 years, wrote this famous "little book" for his students. One of them was the yet-to-be famous writer E.B. White, who revised it in 1935 when his name was added to the authorship. (You may know White better as the author of CHARLOTTE'S WEB, among other titles.)

So, when someone says to you, 'you'd better check with Strunk and White on that', they are suggesting that you should revise your writing style.

If Mr. Strunk were living today, he would without doubt be able to edit this blogpost within an inch of its life; your humble blogger has never been known for sparcity of text.

Keep on writing (if that applies to you, that is!)

On Tuesday, July 13th, Wyckoff artist Sharon Gross will be offering a wonderful seminar to Wyckoff teens on the joy of printmaking with stencils. In this course, teens will have the opportunity to cut stencils, use a stencil paint brush, and print with fabric and acrylic paints to decorate a canvas bag, a tote you may use this summer as you "make waves" at the beach.

It's a great introduction to printmaking, and Wyckoff teens aged 12-16 may register with Barbara the Teen Librarian, either in person at the Library, by e-mail (wyckteen@bccls.org) or by phone (201-891-4866).

As this seminar is limited to 12, please sign up soon.

LAST DAY OF JUNE!
...and now the fun begins.

Tomorrow is the first sign up day for MAKE WAVES, the read-all-you-want-and-get-prizes-along-the-way summer reading program, and I am hoping all of you will be joining us for this (and not just for the groovy prizes, either).

I will be away next week, seeing fireworks and other such splendors in the Adirondacks, but there are others present at the Wyckoff Library who will be able to assist my teens in their reading endeavors.

Looking forward to seeing all of you on the

Soooo....if today is Summer Solstice, can Wyckoff Library programs for teens be far behind?

The answer is a resounding NO!

On this Wednesday, 6/23rd, Wyckoff teens are encouraged to sign up for either TALK IT UP! (aimed at those entering 7th through 9th grade) and SPEAK OUT! (aimed at those entering 10th through 12th grade)

For those of you unfamiliar with these programs, teens will read a pre-chosen book per week for six weeks and discuss it with the Teen Librarian (that's me, o'course) and your peers the following week.

This year, the programs will be back-to-back on Wednesday nights, and the first discussion is scheduled for July 14th, with TIU at 5:00 to 6:00 pm, and SO at 6:30 to 7:30 pm, refreshments as usual will be available.

Happy Summer Solstice!

HAPPY BLOOMSDAY!

(Google this and know its meaning; celebrate it if you wish)

Was auch immer, she uttered in German, but she could easily have said it in several other languages. What did she say?

B

HEY, ALL YOU ANONYMOUSES (internet slang...there is no plural for anonymous!)!

COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK AND SIGN YOUR COMMENTS!

IT'D BE NICE TO KNOW WHO'S READING THIS STUFF. . .

On this day in 1949, George Orwell's novel NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR was published.

If you have not yet read this ground-breaking novel, more relevant today than ever before, you should.

The first line of the novel reads: "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."

Now, if that doesn't suck you in to the plot, nothing will!

Tonight ROCKED! Great writing, great fun!

And tonight was the re-introduction of something many of you may recall from book discussions/writing groups past: The Pillbox.

It was used tonight with great effect, and our writers did honor those who held it, and quietude was the order of the day when a holder of the Pillbox was speaking. (Generally...)

Heck, we'll see how long this lasts, eh?

TODAY MAY BE THE LAST WRITING GROUP OF THE SPRING, SO PLEASE MAKE A BRAVE ATTEMPT TO ATTEND!

Please bring whatever you have recently written and I'll provide the snacks (and a challenging but fun writing exercise at the outset (also known as the 7-Minute Creative Writing Burst!).

RSVP if its in you to do so; it's always nice to know who is coming to these shindigs.

See you there!

Barbara the Brave

Hey, it's another birthday! (Well, truth be told, every day is somebody's, right?) But today we celebrate an author a lot of us have read a lot of, in many cases. In fact, we just discussed one recently in Book Discussion. IF THE WITNESS LIED was the most recent offering from the very prolific CAROLINE B. COONEY, so wish that lady a happy birthday today, at least in your thoughts.

Read more about her right here:

Teenreads.com -- Author Profile: Caroline B. Cooney

Now, I will hawk some great new books now sitting idly on my New Teen Fiction shelves.

First off, let me highly recommend a new work from the Printz award winning Australian author Melina Marchetta. FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK is an epic fantasy of ancient magic, feudal itnrigue, ropmance, and bloodshed that, according the book flap, will rivet you from the first page. Well-reviewed, this rocking fantasy will definitely meet the needs of a lot of fans of the genre, without doubt.

Second, Catherine Jinks (of EVIL GENIUS fame) has penned another teen fic, LIVING HELL, and this time she's crafted a sci-fi/fantasy/adventure featuring a seventeen year old boy who leads humanity in a fight for survival while machines that had formerly run their world turn upon them, treating all humans as parasites. It is as good as it sounds.

Finally, David Klass, author of YOU DON'T KNOW ME, has written STUCK ON EARTH, a sci-fic novel which offers that intriguing tale of a space alien sent to earth to judge whether the human race should be destroyed, who winds up inhabiting the body of a bullied fourteen-year-old boy. Wry and wickedly amusing as Klass can be, this is a worthy read.

And I would be remiss if I did not mention the next in the ever-so-very-popular CLIQUE series by Lisi Harrison. THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR STALKING. For personal reasons, I will not critique this book (as if you need me to anyway!).

On this day in 1948, the modern-day explorer Thor Heyerdahl arrived in Polynesia having sailed on this balsa wood raft, the Kon-Tiki, all the way across the Pacific from Peru in an effort to prove his point that prehistoric native people in South America could have settled in Polynesia, bringing their culture with them.

His book, KON-TIKI, tells his amazing story. Check it out sometime.

THE YANKEES ARE ON A ROLL!!

(a seeded whole grain roll, of course!)

Okay, yesterday e'en's discussion of THE LOOKING GLASS WARS was, if not exactly fully attended, fully enjoyed by all who did (at least it looked that way, imho).

I have not yet chosen next month's book, but you can bet it will be just as good (if not better, ideally better for any of you who did not enjoy Beddor's LOOKING GLASS.)

Anyway, keep checking this site, and the Library, to see what next month's (that'd be MAY 27th!) book discussion book will be. . .

. . .AND, for all of you in my TEEN WRITERS GROUP, we will meet on May the 6th, at 6:00 until 7:30. Sharpen your quill pens and start scratching out some fine creativity to share with your peers.

It's Will Shakespeare's birthday!

('nuff said)

Today is another important day for all you budding playwrights to remember. On this day in 1787 the first ever play written by an American was produced. Check out this website and honor Mr. Royall Tyler.

http://www.metropolitanplayhouse.org/contrastessay

On this day in 1802, William Wordsworth was walking home with his sister, Dorothy, and they saw a patch of daffodils that became the inspiration for one of his most famous poems. No one is sure when he wrote the poem, "I Wander'd Lonely as a Cloud", but it was published in 1807. Dorothy had written extensively in her journal that day, words that doubtless influenced his writing, but his wife, Mary, came up with two lines: "They flash upon that inward eye / Which is the bliss of solitude." William said they were the best lines in the poem.

Talk about true romance, eh?

Maybe that's why they call him one of the Romantics!

Check out the poem yourself:

http://www.bartleby.com/101/530.html

Barbara E. Weber
invites you
to attend
a fantastic opportunity
which could also be called
BOOK DISCUSSION!!

This event will take place
on the 22nd of April
6:00-7:00 PM
and the fantastic book we are reading is
THE LOOKING GLASS WARS!

THIS THURSDAY, 1 APRIL 2010 (aka April Fool's Day) IS OUR NEXT TEEN WRITING GROUP (and this is NOT an April Fool's Joke, trust me!)

6:00 - 7:30 PM in the Monroe Room of the Library.

BE THERE, AND BRING YOUR LATEST OPUS, PLEASE!

THE NEXT BOOK DISCUSSION WILL BE HELD ON THE 22ND OF APRIL 2010 AT 6:00 - 7:00 PM IN THE MONROE ROOM OF THE LIBRARY. BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW.

THE BOOK TO BE DISCUSSED IS:

(No, I am not jumping on the ALICE IN WONDERLAND movie bandwagon, it just looks that way!)

Today is the birthday of the great Irish playwright, Sean O'Casey who paraphrased Mr. Shakespeare in the following quote:

"All the world's a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed."

http://www.irish-society.org/Hedgemaster%20Archives/sean_o'casey.htm

(you may have to copy and paste this link!!)

...AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/1406308870/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=266239&s=books

Chosen as one of the top 10 graphic novels for teens in 2009 by the Amerian Library Association!


PS: Yes, it's our next book discussion book...whaddya think about that?

Sometimes it's hard to recall their beauty as you are hoisting a shovelful of them, so here's a little reminder.
So, see you all next week (after a visit to my chiropractor!).

Laura Ingalls Wilder - Welcome

It's another birthday, and this time a most favorite author of many of you, I'm thinking!
Re-visit that LITTLE HOUSE we know so well . . .


Laura Ingalls Wilder - Welcome

Sad news to report:

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/28/us/AP-US-Obit-Salinger.html?_r=1

JD Salinger is dead. If you have not yet read his work, speed your way to the Wyckoff Library and check out some of his wonderful fiction.

It may change your life, or it may just change your vocabulary, as it most certainly changed mine for at least a year after reading his work.

Did somebody say 'suspense'? IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE.

IF YOU HAVE READ IT, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT IT!

Yes, it's Book Discussion time again, January 28th 2010 in the Monroe Room from 6:00 - 7:00 PM.

Feel free to expect refreshments, as usual.

Well, DID somebody say 'suspense'?

IT'S A NEW YEAR, 2K10, SO GET READY TO RUMBLE!

So . . .I hosted a fantastic Teen Writers Group last night and we happy five who were in attendance were delighted with some really cool literary output, to name a few, a fabulous new play and a great piece of prose, and each delivered interesting characters and told intriguing stories.

For those of you not in attendance last night and wishing you had been, please be aware that our next meeting will be held on Thursday, the 4th of February 2010 in the Monroe Room of the Library from 6:00 to 7:30. (Of course, those that had been in attendance are encouraged to attend again, too!)

The Teen Writers Group of the Wyckoff Library typically meets on the first Thursday evening of every month during the school year.

HAPPY HAPPY! SEEYA NEXT YEAR!

DON'T FORGET WRITING ON THE

7TH OF JANUARY (6:00 - 7:30 pm)!!

It is a truth universally acknowledged that. . . *

anyone reading a Jane Austen novel is changed for ever!

Today is Jane's birthday. If you have not yet graced your life with her fiction, maybe today is the day to promise yourself that kind of joy, for reading her novels is a joy for sure.

www.jasna.org

*if you do not recognize this seven word string, you have not yet read the first line of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!

Hey, it's Tamora Pierce's birthday. Read all about her on her website, and then go to the Wyckoff Library and check out one of her great books! Talk about 'girl power'! She's got it all in her fantasy novels.

www.tamorapierce.com

It's Emily's birthday!

Celebrate!

Write a poem!

Read a poem!

Read one of her poems!

Or you may just read about her: http://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/

On this day in 1972, the above picture was taken by Apollo 17 astronauts, and for the first time the earth, the Big Blue Marble, as the astronauts called her, was photographed in space in all its magnificence.

Enjoy her, respect her, protect her, and love her!

TURKEY DAY . . .TOFURKEY DAY . . .EAT 'TIL YA DROP DAY . . .WHATEVER IT IS TO YOU, HAVE A GOOD TIME AND DON'T SKIP ON DESSERT NO MATTER HOW FULL YOU ARE!

(. . .just be grateful the turkey you ate was not a farmyard pet!)

NEW MOON!!

Who saw it and whadya think of it?

Submit your review and I'll post it here!

I will edit, so don't get too sassy!

Pssst: Some of us haven't seen it, so don't give away any secrets!!

Hey, it's dragon-boy's birthday!

http://www.alagaesia.com/christopherpaolini.htm

Expecting to see many of you tonight at the Teen Writing Group at 6:00 in the Monroe Room.
I'm toying with the idea of New York Yankee haiku . . .just toying with the idea at present.

THE YANKEES ARE BACK ON TOP, WHERE THEY BELONG!

YIPEEEE!

AND A GREAT AND NOBLE WIN IT WAS!

THANKS, HIDEKI, FOR YOUR MVP-ISHNESS!

THANKS TO THE YANKS FOR GIVING US SO MUCH EXCITEMENT THIS YEAR!

OKAY, SO IT'S NOT 'WIN-OR-GO-HOME' YET, BUT TONIGHT IS A CRITICAL GAME FOR THE BRONX BOMBERS !

ROOT ROOT ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM!!!

Things to look forward to (now that the party is over (but is the party really over?)):

TEEN WRITING GROUP: Thursday 11/5 6:00 - 7:30 PM

BOOK DISCUSSION (THE LAST KNIGHT): Thursday 11/19 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Both will be held in the Monroe Room and both will offer refreshments (when do I not offer refreshments!).

As they used to say (well before my time, in truth),

"BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!"

Get ready, party pics are comin'!

GO YANKEES!

NOW. . . ON TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!

If you weren't there, well , what can I say? You missed a great party! Clearly, Wyckoff teens know how to party down, and let's just say that I haven't enjoyed "Musical Chairs" as much as I did tonight (even remembering my early childood!). You guys rocked the house, that was beyond true!



Watch this space for some cool pics, and then you can either remember what you experienced or see what you missed!

This is Babs, all tuckered out from a night of partying with Wyckoff teens! (And . . .I have to be a Librarian tomorrow, too!)

Wow, the jury is in and the verdict is final! Hilari Bell beat out Stephenie Meyer by a mile and a half, literarily speaking that is!



In tonight's book discussion of JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE, the book by Ms. Bell was judged (and fairly, I might add most gently to all TWILIGHT fans out there!) to have far more merit, both in content and conceit, than the hallowed Meyer fiction.



If you haven't read this novel yet, get a copy and check out our jury's findings. Frankly, both the hero and the heroine of JESSICA'S GUIDE are far superior to the much vaunted Edward and Bella. There was a 'realness' to them that is soooo missing in the TWILIGHT series (all of which I read and loved, by the way).



I am open to all comment on this topic, but don't get too snippy about it until you've read the competition. I'm telling you, you will like it, and if you don't, well you missed your chance to hate it verbally at tonight's book discussion.



Read on, oh teens of Wyckoff (and anyone else who may be reading this post)!

So here's my current effort to keep all my blogging fans up-to date on what's happening at the library!

First of all, I was away last week visiting Williamsburg, VA, and if you have not been there yet, mention it casually to your parents. It is a fabulous place to visit, AND learn about American History. You can't help but absorb Colonial history and the American Revolution just by walking along the lovely byways and paths. It's a sort of 'living history' kind of place with many folks dressed and acting their parts, quite well, in fact. We saw lots of great playacting, music, and just good stuff in general.


Feel free to ask me more when we meet again. Mayhap I shall post pics on this particular blog, too, once my pics are secure in Photoshop-Land!



But as I began, what's new for teens at the Library? Funny you should ask!



This coming Tuesday, one week from today, on the 20th of October from 6:00 to 7:00 PM I shall be discussing a great book with teens, JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE, a darkly funny vampire novel that I think is head and shoulders above Ms Meyer's work (need I say which that is?), from a purely literary standpoint. I still have books if you want to do a quick read of this eminently readable book!



Secondly, it's PA-A-A-ARTY TIME! Yes, on Thursday the 22th of October I will be hosting a party to celebrate Teen Read Week, and to recall the great summer teens enjoyed here at the Wyckoff Library! That is from 6:30 to 8:30 in the Monroe Room and there will be games, music, laughter, fun, and food (of course!). Caveat: Only those signed up in advance will be admitted!!!!



Contact me with any questions you may have about any of the above, either via a post here, an e-mail there (wyckya@bccls.org) or a simple ringy-ding-ding on the phone (201-891-4866).

Wyckoff Teen Writers WRITE ON!!

As last night's first Teen Writers Group meeting evidenced, the teen writers of Wyckoff are back and better than ever (IMHO)!!

So yesterday I was composing a post, outlining what was on my agenda for Wyckoff teens ongoingly. I was trying to do this at a very busy Reference Desk, and that comes under the heading of "ain't gonna happen!". The upshot is I did not post yesterday (INSTEAD I AM POSTING IT TODAY!), but I did go home last night, checked my own e-mail and discovered that one of you anonymous folks had left me a message, attached to my last blog entry.



Ya know, if you're going to maintain a blog, MAINTAIN IT! That was an order to myself, as I have been verrrrry remiss for the past many weeks in updating this weblog (for that is what 'blog' actually stands for, dontcha know).



The message left to me yesterday was a query: When is writing????? :)
The answer to that message is: OCTOBER 1ST, THURSDAY, FROM 6:00 - 7:30 PM.

'nuff said!

Okay, the blog is BACK (after a brief hiatus (SAT word...look it up!))!

I have not been idle these past several weeks. In fact, I'm planning a great season for Wyckoff teens. So far, here's where we stand:

10/1/2009 Thursday 6:00 - 7:30 WYCKOFF TEEN WRITERS GROUP MEETS, Monroe Room, for Wyckoff teens from 12-16. Bring a recent piece of writing (or, if small, a couple of pieces will do, too). Be prepared to read them aloud to your peers--it's a WRITERS GROUP after all.

10/20/2009 Tuesday 6:00 - 7:00 PM, BOOK DISCUSSION! This month we will be celebrating TEEN READ WEEK by reading and discussion JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARKSIDE by Cheaney. Books are available NOW! If you haven't guessed yet, it's a vampire novel, and it most certainly is as entertaining as TWILIGHT, if I may dare say that.

10/22/2009 Thursday 6:00 - 8:00 PM, PARTY!! This is a party in celebration of our Summer 2009 activities, as well as Teen Read Week. Lots of entertainment, lots of fun, lots of food! Plus, prizes for all!

Keep checking this spot, and never hesitate to contact me at the library, via e-mail (wyckya@bccls.org) or at this very blogspot!

We are midway through the summer of teen programs.

Yesterday was the third of the TALK IT UP/SPEAK OUT book discussions, and we all had a great time! The coolness, though, was when the lights went out as we were in the middle of the TALK IT UP discussion of SHAKESPEARE'S SECRET.

An unexpected blackout in the Library!!

(Of course, when is a blackout ever really expected anyway!) We all left the Monroe Room and wended our way about to the front of the Library to find that the lights had come on...so we just continued our discussion and the mass consumption of chocolate!

http://simply-simpy.com/wp-content/themes/simply/images/lb_images/blackout1.gif

Yes, it's BASTILLE DAY!

TODAY IS THE BIRTHDAY OF HAROLD BLOOM!

You may not know him yet, but if you ever chance to require literary criticism of any sort, you will doubtless encounter his work. We have many books, edited by Mr. Bloom, sitting pretty on the Library shelves awaiting your introduction. A great writer himself who has written criticism of his own work as well, Bloom's collection of critical reviews of literature and authors is legend!

"In the finest critics, one hears the full cry of the human. They tell one why it matters to read."

Yeah, I know, I haven't blogged in a good long while, but it's not for lack of intent. Nay, intent was certain, it's just that late June was way bizzy for me, including a wonderful family wedding (mayhap you will see pics, whenever!), and now I am in the Adirondacks on a long-awaited and well-earned vacation.

Sitting on the porch overlooking a lovely lake and gazing at Pharoah Mountain in the misty distance...yes, a vacation is just what I needed. (A rainy day in the Adirondacks is way better than a sunny day in NJ anytime!)

But I shall return, and next week I will see many of you at Book Discussion on Thursday, and maybe even at Literary Magazine on Tuesday! (Check my summer schedule at wyckoff-nj.com, if you please,)

Today is the anniversary of the steamboat disaster of 1904, featured in this historical fiction novel, THE UNRESOLVED by T. K. Welsh, which relates the tale of the tragedy that took the lives of more than 1,000 people who died when fire erupted aboard the steamboat General Slocum in New York City's East River.

It is told from the point of view of a girl who died in that fire. . .after her death. . .yes, she is a ghost!

At present, our copy is checked out, but feel free to ask at the Ref Desk for this book and we will attempt to get one asap-ishly for you!

If this little girl had been allowed to live out her life, she would now be 80 years old, and full of the wisdom that comes with such an age.

Instead, her life ended before she had any opportunity to show what she could have become.

Instead, we are left only with remembrances, such as this joyous photo taken in an innocent age, at an innocent age.

And her diary, her beloved Kitty.

Her memory is alive and she is honored each time someone reads her diary, into which she poured the wisdom she had accrued in a life cut short so cruelly.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of

ANNE FRANK.

GET READY FOR SUMMER!!
Our theme this year for Wyckoff teens is
EXPRESS YOURSELF
@ YOUR LIBRARY,
and our summer-long reading program with incentives will again be offered.
The Library will also be hosting book discussion groups:

TALK IT UP! for those entering 7th through 9th grade, and

SPEAK OUT! for those entering 10th through 12th grade.

Six books chosen by Barbara the Teen Librarian will be discussed

every Thursday evening for six weeks, from
July 17 through August 20,
6:00 to 7:00 PM and 7:30 to 8:30 PM.

BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

And we will be offering a number of other great arts programs

to get Wyckoff teens creative in a way cool way!
Check out the Library Summer Teen Schedule

and contact Barbara at the Library if you have questions

about these summer activities…
@The Library

Last night the Wyckoff Teen Writers Group met, maybe for the last time this season (but we shall see...).

Those who attended were Jen D, Jen K, Amy, Sally, Kaitlyn (the extreme softball player), and a new member of our group, Kevin (and we hope he returns to us when next we meet!).

Need I mention candy was consumed? Need I mention great writing was done, and more great writing was read aloud to the amazement and amusement of all present? Need I mention that if you weren't there, you should have been and you were missed? Well, all of the above is TRUE!

Keep watching this space for more news of more new to come for Wyckoff teens!

PS: Picture above represents no one in the Teen Writing Group . . .yet!

Another birthday !!

Name:
Walt Whitman
Birth Date:
May 31, 1819
Death Date:
March 26, 1892
Place of Birth:
West Hills, New York, United States
Place of Death:
Camden, New Jersey, United States

Read the and tell me Mr. Whitman was not years and years ahead of his time. Then read his biography sometime and learn the coolness of this poet! (btw, you may ask a librarian for such a biography, if you wish! I happen to know one!)

Song of Myself (excerpt)by (the birthday boy) Walt Whitman

This is the meal equally set, this the meat for natural hunger,It is for the wicked just the same as the righteous, I make appointments with all,I will not have a single person slighted or left away,The kept-woman, sponger, thief, are hereby invited,The heavy-lipp'd slave is invited, the venerealee is invited;There shall be no difference between them and the rest.
This is the press of a bashful hand, this the float and odor of hair,
This the touch of my lips to yours, this the murmur of yearning,This the far-off depth and height reflecting my own face,This the thoughtful merge of myself, and the outlet again.Do you guess I have some intricate purpose?Well I have, for the Fourth-month showers have, and the mica on the side of a rock has.
Do you take it I would astonish?Does the daylight astonish? does the early redstart twittering through the woods?Do I astonish more than they?
This hour I tell things in confidence,I might not tell everybody, but I will tell you.
20
Who goes there? hankering, gross, mystical, nude;How is it I extract strength from the beef I eat?
What is a man anyhow? what am I? what are you?
All I mark as my own you shall offset it with your own,Else it were time lost listening to me.
I do not snivel that snivel the world over,That months are vacuums and the ground but wallow and filth.
Whimpering and truckling fold with powders for invalids, conformity goes to the fourth-remov'd,I wear my hat as I please indoors or out.
Why should I pray? why should I venerate and be ceremonious?
Having pried through the strata, analyzed to a hair, counsel'd with doctors and calculated close,I find no sweeter fat than sticks to my own bones.
...
I exist as I am, that is enough,If no other in the world be aware I sit content,And if each and all be aware I sit content.
One world is aware and by far the largest to me, and that is myself,And whether I come to my own to-day or in ten thousand or ten million years,I can cheerfully take it now, or with equal cheerfulness I can wait.
Excerpts from "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman. Public domain.

Today is Robert Zimmerman's birthday. He is turning 68 years old on this day, the 24th of May 2009, and his life has been very meaningful to many people in the entire world.

Robert Zimmerman is his birth name.

Can you tell me by what name does the world know him?

(I give no point for this, nor do give hints!)

So, as it says on one of my lovely display boards, done by

our ever able and talented teen volunteers,

SUMMER APPROACHES ON HORSEBACK . . .

as indeed it does.

The theme for teens this summer is:

Express Yourself @ Your Library

so creativity of all sorts will be the order of the season!

Get ready for summer programs I will be offering, such as the very popular Summer Reading program (read as you wish, count your pages, and win prizes!!), the also very popular TALK IT UP (for grades 7-9) and (not as popular, but equally fun) SPEAK OUT (for grades 10-12), wherein we read a (great) book every week and discuss the following week, for six weeks in a row!

Additionally, in the spirit of CREATIVITY, we will be offering a wonderful art class, printmaking with the artist Sharon Gross. Also, another artist you may recall, the origamist Linda Bogan will be returning for some cool paper foldings.

A few other things are lurking (but only in my brain at present!).

Continue to watch this space,

and the library, to0, for the good stuff we'll be offering Wyckoff teens this summer. . .

at the Library!

CELEBRATE 'ODD DAY' TODAY,

AN ODDity NOT TO BE SEEN AGAIN FOR

A GOOD LONG WHILE!

http://www.oddday.net/

It's AUDREY HEPBURN's Birthday!

Check out her cool site!




http://www.audreyhepburn.com/

Okay, who's up for this? In honor of Master Will's Birthday, I'm starting a sonnet, in the Shakespearean fashion, and I will write the first line of this fourteen line sonnet.

Now the rules of the sonnet are thus:

Rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, with each letter representing a rhyme, so in each stanza, every other line rhymes.

Meter: As you may know, it is ALWAYS iambic pentameter. Here's first line from one of his sonnets: "When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes." Think of the 'red' words as being the ones emphasized.

Content: Usually love, this time its love of William Shakespeare's work.

Now, here's the first line:

WHEN OFT I READ WILL SHAKESPEARE'S WONDROUS WORK

Okay, now you guys send me your ideas for the next line, I'll pick the best, and we'll go line by line from there in this blog.

Any questions? Leave me a note. If you wish to see a copy of a sonnet, let me know that too!

http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/original/bill%20shakespeare.jpg

omg, it's another birthday!
Happy Birthday (and deathday, as he died on his b'day, too!), Sweet William!
Thanks for everything, gentle poet!

William Shakespeare Picture Gallery at Absolute Shakespeare

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

CHARLOTTE BRONTE!

(and thanks ever so much for JANE EYRE!)

FOURTH AND FINAL CLUE:

Today is her birthday!

CLUE THE THIRD:

Along with her two writer sisters,

whose pseudonyms were Ellis Bell and Acton Bell,

these noble women crafted literature still esteemed today.

My second clue:

She wrote at least

one book

that should be

on everyone's

'life reading list'!

Can you guess this lovely lady's name?
(My first hint: her pseudonym was CURRER BELL!)

If you were not there last night to hear the latest written creations by Wyckoff teens, boy, did you miss something great! We heard fantastic poetry and prose, some that made us laugh, some that made us want to cry, and some that made us scratch our heads and wonder why. We also heard the first chapter of a book, a novel, in progress. How cool is that! Lucky for you, this happens monthly, the first Thursday of the month, in the Monroe Room from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. A good time is always had by all (I think, at least!)

April Fools!

Now that's out of the way, check out Google's April Fools Joke for 2009...it is a splendid thing (there's that word again!)...

http://cadiesingularity.blogspot.com/

GOOGLE is very well known for their April Fools jokes, and they do take them to great extremes...Regarding this one, we've all been pwn'd, I'm thinkin'!