NEW ON THE TEEN FIC SHELVES THIS WEEK!

Don't you want a peek at what's new on my TEEN FICTION SHELVES THIS WEEK?

Take a gander at this tempting list, then come to the Library and get them from my "New Teen Books" shelf.  There's plenty more than just this little list, too!

GODS AND WARRIORS, Michelle Paver:
High adventure with a twelve year old in the Bronze Age.  When did you last read a book set in the Bronze Age?

THE PALADIN PROPHECY, Mark Frost:
Good and evil at a prep school impacts a 15-year old boy.  The book is way more than that sounds. 

SERAPHINA, Rachel Hartman
Let's just say that no less than Mr. Christopher Paolini said this book is "beautifully written. . .some of the most interesting dragons I've read in fantasy."  (Hello, sir, where else does one read about dragons?)

WHAT CAME FROM THE STARS, Gary D. Schmidt
Hmm, how to summarize.  Let's just say a Plymouth, Massachusets 12 year old has no idea how the thing he finds in his lunch box will impact him and the world, as well as another world far, far away!

PALACE OF STONE (A Princess Academy book), Shannon Hale
It's a sequel!  Be the first on your block. . .

A WORLD AWAY, Nancy Grossman
A coming-of-age novel (bildungsroman--SAT word, maybe) about an Amish teen girl becoming a nanny in Chicago. . .consider the possibilities!

SEEYA AT THE LIBRARY AND READ THE NEXT POST--IT'S IMPORTANT!!!

CHANGELING New Date!

Mark your calendars and get thee hence to the

Wyckoff Library to get your copy of this book!

.

Barbara has changed the date for Book Discussion

from today to next month.

That said, we will be discussing CHANGELING: ORDER OF DARKNESS, Book One by Philippa Gregory on February 6th, a Wednesday evening, from 5:30 - 6:30 PM in the Monroe Room.

When you come to get a book, don't forget your Library Card 'cause Babs has changed the rules a trifle. 

You must not only register for the discussion,

but check the book out too!  (Keeping us all honest!)

If you want to know more about this book, here's a link for you:

http://www.orderofdarkness.com/

BOOK DISCUSSION COMING UP FAST!!

CHANGELING by Philippa Gregory, a great historical/adventure/supernatural kinda fiction that will appeal to a whole lot of you, I'm predicting, 

boys and girls (trust me on this!).

The discussion is scheduled for next Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 in the Monroe Room, but at this writing I have very few (count one (1)) registered for this really good fiction.

Contact me with your interest because at  this point I'm considering moving the date, 

it's that good a read. 

 Copies are available at the Library 

RIGHT NOW!

In case anyone notice my lack of presence in the Library for the past couple weeks, I was totally and annoyingly sick.  Just a cold, mind you, but what a cold!

And if you were to hear my voice at this moment in time, you would hear that the wicked thing hangs on. 

It ruined Christmas Week, my birthday (New Years Eve), and the week following, forcing us to return a day early from our Berkshires getaway extravaganza, and it was in general a garbage-y way to ring in a New Year. 

(Lucky '13 be danged!)

And anyone who knows me will appreciate the fact that the worst of it all was that I totally lost my voice for about six days.  Try to imagine me with but a whisper as a means of communication. 

(First time ever for me, too!)

Anyway, I'm back, looking forward to more fun

with teens in the Library.

Don't forget:  Magic Show on the 15th! 

Please sign up soon!

MAGIC SHOW THIS JANUARY!!

Regarding my last post, consider it an invitation to come to the Library anytime and create your own snowflake to put on my bulletin board.  This is an open-ended invitation and it will most likely last all season.

DECEMBER!

We are all as the snowflake:  magnificently unique and wondrous!

THE LASTEST AND GREATEST FROM ME!

Well, so okay, it's been a while, but it's not like I haven't been thinking of everyone.  As a matter of fact,  in the interim, I read THE MAZE RUNNER, the next book we will be discussing (on December 19th, 5:00 - 6:00 PM).

It's a good read, and will make for good discussion, too.

Additonally, next Wednesday (12/5/2012), I'll be hosting a TEEN WRITERS GROUP in the library from 5:00 - 6:30 PM.   Don't forget your latest epic prose/poetry/etc. to read to the Group.

If you are reading this, I hope you will be able to attend at least one of these year end teen meetings.

Let me know if you will be here for either (or both, ideally).

MOVIE NIGHT IS COMING!

THE PRINCESS BRIDE  is coming, and you would be foolhardy to miss our very first ever teen movie/book discussion.

Due to the craziness of a natural disaster called Sandy, this event has been postponed until THIS THURSDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, at 4:30 in the Monroe Room.

Therefore, even if you haven't read the book (which is fabulous, btw), you are more than welcome to attend the film, an event I have been waiting to host in this Library for many years, and now that we have the cool equipment to show it, I CAN!  (YIPPEE!)

Did I mention POPCORN?  Yes, popcorn will be available at this event, along with other snacks of which you all may be aware.

Contact me with questions and please RSVP!

My Post-Sandy Post

Okay, nothing fancy this time.

I'm writing this from the WESTWOOD LIBRARY, my town and its open for bizness.

As you all know, the Wyckoff Library is closed UFN, and so are all the programs we had planned.

I am still planning on my book/movie discussion on November 8th.

The book is THE PRINCESS BRIDE, and copies are available in that library that is not open at present.

I have no electricity at home, but I do have generous neighbors who do, so we are accepting power from their houses via a weird construct of wires both outside and inside our house.

Cold does still rule, but we have a fridge (to keep things cold!).

Hope you are all doing well.  Respond to this if you choose.  Love to hear from you all when I get back to the Westwood Library to check my e-mail.

If you have seen any of the devastation, you know we are generally a lucky bunch of idiots.

Babs

Magic Show Sandy-cancelled!

Due to circumstances  waaay beyond my control, I am forced to cancel tomorrow evening's Magic Show for teens.  It will be rescheduled, I'm a-hopin'.

Watch this space for more news, and everyone please stay safe!

B

POE-TASTIC PARTY COMMENTARY FROM ME!

Continue to watch this space as pics will be coming soon of the merriment enjoyed at the POE-TASTIC PARTY of October 18th.

It was fabulous, the costumes were amazing, and everyone lucky enough to attend had a great time (me included!).

TEEN WRITERS GROUP

Okay, so I had a TEEN WRITERS GROUP meeting scheduled for this Thursday, but I have to reschedule for this Wednesday instead.  I hope this doesn't mess anyone's schedule up too terribly much, and I'm so looking forward to seeing you there.

Let me know whether you are able to attend.  It will be held upstairs in the luxurious

HISTORY ROOM of the Library from 5:00 - 6:30.

Don't forget to bring not only something to read (a recent composition of your own),

and please bring a pen/pencil, too.  I'll provide the paper if needed.

See you then, I'm hoping!

B

PS:  Snacks, of course!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER PROGRAMS

Poe-tastic Party

Autumn in the 'Dacks

Autumn in the 'Dacks (The noble Adirondack mountains, to you!). . .nothing more magnificent on a ceruleanishly blue-sky day, which we have had the honor to enjoy for all of this weekend, and now today as well.  Lucky us!

And we have enjoyed great jazz music for the past two days at the Lake George's "Jazz on the Lake" festival, and all for free! 

But now it is time for us to clean up the house on the lake, close up the house on the lake, pack up our belongings and return to our NJ lives, where once again I shall assume the mantle of Wyckoff Library's Teen Librarian and move forthwith into a . . .(wait for it!). . .
.

POE-TASTIC FALL SEASON!

FALL TEEN PROGRAMS (Oct - Nov)

OCTOBER TEEN BOOK DISCUSSION

I was at Barnes and Noble this morning and espied a poster that some of you may find interesting.

Maggie Stiefvater ( http://maggiestiefvater.com/ )will be appearing there on September 19th.

Check it out, and if you haven't read any of her fantastic fiction, come to the Library and check it out!

Just the facts. . .

Summer is over, but don't be blue!

Great things will be happening at the Library

FOR YOU!

Check this space early and often for what's on tap at the Wyckoff Library for TEENS!

(And if someone does not comment on how totally corny this blogpost is,

there is definitely something wrong out there!)

    

I'm Ba-a-a-ck!

Okay, so I had some trouble with Blogspot/Blogger, etc., but I think I'm back !

TALK IT UP/SPEAK OUT TOMORROW!

Tomorrow is the first of my summer book discussions called TALK IT UP and SPEAK OUT.

If you have already registered for this summer book experience, see you tomorrow.  If you haven't, well, it's not too late!  Four more weeks beckon!

Tawk to me!

Where I am now

Golly, it's been a while. Okay, next week I will be away cavorting (read bicycling, kayaking, golfing, hiking, canoeing, among other fun-nesses) in the gorgeous Adirondacks, known familiarly as The 'Dacks, but when I return it's summer in full for teens at the Wyckoff Library, so get ready for mayhem (with candy). Happy 4th to one and all and see you soon!

Book Expo 2012

Today Denise Marchetti (our wonderful Chuldren's Librarian) and I had the distinct pleasure to attend the 2012 Book Expo event in New York City at the cavernous Jacob Javits Conference Center. Sadly, I did not get an opportunity to see John Green, one of my most fave teen authors, but I will admit to shaking the hand of the estimable Walter Dean Myers. What a thrill! And you may see some interesting posters in your Teen Room, too. I netted some cool books you may want to read, as well. Next time you see me, ask me about this great day. I'm still giddy about it (and pretty darn tired, too). Those of you attending tomorrow's Teen Writers Group will probably hear me vent about it!

Library Redux Fait Accompli

Okay, I'm here at my desk in the Reference Office, my lovely new desk, typing on my trusty old laptop, listening to the sounds of the Library coming back to life!

Yesterday I had a passel of intrepid teens aiding me in getting my teen collection in good stead on their shelves in the new TEEN ROOM!

I also gave them a tour of our new digs.  The Library is decidedly different and, of course, the same, in that we provide the same great service to our patrons, but now our ambiance is way cooler.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on OPENING DAY on May 19th.  It's going to be fun and I will be hosting a TEEN COFFEE HOUSE from 3:30 to 5:00 PM in the newly refurbished Monroe Room, so bring your music, poetry, sense of imagination and humor and we will have a great time.

See you there!

It's happening!

We are beginning the MOVE BACK!

200 Woodland Avenue Library, is what I'm talking 'bout, and this week as I lay moaning in my sick bed, books from deep storage, books from the teen collection, were being shelved on the spanking new shelves in the Teen Room in the newly reconstructed Wyckoff Library.  (Many thanks to Mary Witherell, our intrepid Director, for seeing the storaged part of my (your) collection safely to its new home.)

And what a great new home it is!  One I'm hoping you will all find much to your liking, that is, you will want to spend as many hours as possible in its fabulous confines. 

And don't forget:  Opening day is MAY 19TH, so clear your calendar and have some fun at the new Wyckoff Library. 

(Be prepared:  it might just knock your socks off!)

 

HUNGER GAMES PARTY!

The party was epic, as promised, and I've just fully recovered enough to blog about it.

Twenty-two brave Tributes battled each other in mad games of trivia, darts, charades, and musical mats, all to the music of the movie itself, and accompanied by great food as might be eaten by those in the Districts as well as the Capital.

Watch this space for photographic evidence of the controlled mayhem that was. . .

HUNGER GAMES, THE PARTY!

The Harvesting is over. The chosen tributes will approach their destinies this Thursday. Watch this space for evidence of their bravery, their matchless aptitude, and The Games themselves. The Games will be blogged!

NATIONAL PROCRASTINATION WEEK

March 4 - 10 is NATIONAL PROCRASTINATION WEEK

(Just sayin'. . .)

Furthermore, I'm wondering if anybody out there even reads this Blog. 

Respond if you do, please.  One likes to know one is noticed.

Hunger Games, the Book

     Hunger Games, the Movie

          Hunger Games, the Wyckoff Library Party!

 Tributes, you are invited to attend

this festive triumph,

the HUNGER GAMES PARTY.

On 22 March 2012 at 6:00 - 8:00, twenty lucky teens 12 - 18 years of age will be enjoying the festivities so contact your Teen Librarian, Barbara, ASAP to secure a spot.

It will be EPIC !

A stellar turnout last night for the first 2012 TEEN ADVISORY GROUP meeting, as nine Wyckoff teens (and one Lorax!) and I enjoyed each others company, as well as great snacks and maybe even a cup of Joe (through the generosity of our local Dunkin' Donuts!)

We're planning a party (among other things), so watch this space as events unfold.

Thanks to everybody who attended!  I hope you all enjoyed it as much as your Teen Librarian did.

 So back to that party:  hold the date March 22 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM here at the Library!  (Just sayin'. . .)

Today's birthday boy!

STEVE JOBS!

http://www.allaboutstevejobs.com/


Not ashamed to say this is posted from my iPad.. Thanks, Steve, for all your genius.

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP CAFE

Ah, regarding FAULT IN OUR STARS,

did I mention tissues? 

Oh, yes! 

Tissues will be needed!

(An aside:  the book has been optioned for the cinema. . .yay!)

FAULT IN OUR STARS

A new book from the award winning (and popular favorite) John Green!

We followed him as he went LOOKING FOR ALASKA,  watched him deal with AN ABUNDANCE OF CATHERINES, but now he takes on a brand new challenge.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS is a tenderly constructed novel about one of life's most brutal challenges.  The book's heroine, Hazel, is battling cancer with a fierce sense of humor, as only John Green could imagine.  A fine mixture of comedic pathos, this novel touches every nerve, and serves up a deliciously improbable romance in the telling.  

Today is the birthday of Peter Mark Roget, and while you may think you do not know his name, you should thank him for the wonderful resource he has given to all people who engage in writing of any sort.  Mr. Roget is responsible for the THESAURUS, a word which translates literally from the Greek into "treasury", and a treasury it is indeed!

But since that's not all he did, check out his bio in the attached link: 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/roget_peter_mark.shtml

IT'S A NEW YEAR!

And I have been remiss at blogging. That is to say, I haven't had anything to say on this spot since November. Not that there has not been anything to say but the Silly Season, as some have called it, tends to drag us kicking and screaming into the New Year, with very little time to do that which we so enjoy doing, except having fun, celebrating with friends and family, and eating great food, etc. Did someone mention gifts?

Hey, wait a minute . . .I think I kinda enjoyed doing that, too. Ah, the Silly Season has taken its toll, and we are all now living in a New Year.

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.