Teen Page - Reading Public Library

Teens Write Now!

2008-01-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

Offered through the Reading Public Library, Teens – Write Now!, is an 8-week intensive writing program which examines aspects of the craft of fiction writing, both in student-written and professional works. The course includes in-class writing activities, personal manuscript consultation and discussion of contemporary short works of published fiction.

Course Dates:
Classes will be held at the Reading Public Library on Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Students are expected to attend all eight (8) classes.
February 26, 2008
March 4, 2008
March 11, 2008
March 18, 2008
March 25, 2008
April 1, 2008
April 8, 2008
April 15, 2008

Instructor:
Marya Labarthe is a published writer of literary fiction and criticism, as well as a former librarian. She lives in Hamilton, MA with her two children and is currently at work on a novel about the 19th century ice harvesting industry on Wenham Lake.

To Apply:
Applications are available at the Reading Public Library, your school library or downloaded from here. Applications must be submitted to the Reading Public Library by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2008.

If you liked "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer

2007-11-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Twilight / Stephanie Meyer Fans -
Have you finished "Twilight", "New Moon" and "Eclipse"? If you did and you're looking for more, give the following titles a try...

Ideas for middle school readers:

Thirsty (M.T. Anderson)
Midnight Predator (Amelia Atwater-Rhodes)
Jinx (Meg Cabot)
Stardust(Neil Gaiman)
Keturah and Lord Death(Martine Leavitt)
Vampire Kisses (Ellen Schreiber)
Companions of the Night (Vivian Vande Velde)
Poison (Chris Wooding)

Ideas for high school readers:

Valiant (Holly Black)
Great and Terrible Beauty (Libba Bray)
Blue Bloods (Melissa de la Cruz)
Sweetblood (Pete Hautman)
Blood and Cholcoate (Annette Curtis Klause)
Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice)
Peeps (Scott Westerfeld)
Certain Slant of Light (Laura Whitcomb)

What's New in November!

2007-11-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

You'll never believe all the new things we've got in the Teen Spot this month! New books on CD, graphic novels, and cool non-fiction. PLUS, some hot new titles like:

Nick & Norah's infinite playlist (Cohn, Rachel)
High school student Nick O'Leary, member of a rock band, meets college- bound Norah Silverberg and asks her to be his girlfriend for five minutes in order to avoid his ex-sweetheart.

The killing (Muchamore, Robert)
CHERUB agents are all seventeen and under. They wear skate tees and hemp, and look like regular kids. But they're not. They are trained professionals who are sent out on missions to spy on terrorists and international drug dealers. CHERUB agents hack into computers, bug entire houses, and download crucial documents. It is a highly dangerous job. For their safety, these agents DO NOT EXIST. James is the latest CHERUB recruit. He and his sister were recently orphaned, and James has been in a lot of trouble. But he is brilliant in math. And CHERUB needs him. After one hundred days, the grueling training period is over. But the adventure has just begun.

Hex education (Gould, Emily)
When fourteen-year-old Sophie Stone moves from Los Angeles to her parents' dreary hometown of Mythic, Massachusetts, she discovers that she, like many of the town's earlier inhabitants, is a witch, and that she and her coven must identify the evil-doer in their midst before serious damage is done.

COMPLETE LIST AVAILABLE HERE

Hot off the press!

2007-09-28T10:22:00.000-05:00

We have lots of new titles in the Teen Spot this month. Just click to see the full list of new titles. To find out if the book is on still on the shelf, just click on the title link and look at the STATUS. If the book is already checked out, then use your library card & PIN to reserve the next available copy.

Teen Meetings @ the Library

2007-09-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone - we are trying to get our teen advisory groups started. WE WANT YOU! The start-up meetings for BOTH groups (NOTICE: one is for MS and the other for HS) are on Saturday, October 13 at different times. If you are interested and can't make it on that date/time, please send us an email to let us know what time is best for you to meet in the future (finding a regularly scheduled time to meet will be one of the agenda items).

AS ALWAYS - REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED

For Students Grades 6-8
Saturday, October 13 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lamda Alpha Gamma stands for Library Advisory Group. Why join? Fun programs, free food and, best of all, YOU (yes, you!) run the show. Students in grades 6-8 are invited to become part of this new and exciting group at the Reading Public Library. Time spent working with Lamda Alpha Gamma is a terrific way to earn community service and volunteer hours!

For Students Grades 9-12
Saturday, October 13 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Sigma Lamda Alpha stands for Senior Library Advisors. We need your creativity, we need your connections, we need YOU! You will help us build a better place to hang out at the library, come up with fun programs that YOU want to do, and make a difference in your community. Time spent working with Sigman Lamda Alph is a terrific way to earn community service and volunteer hours!

Upcoming Teen Events - Don't Miss Out!

2007-07-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

Isn't Otaku a Kind of Sushi? Comics, Manga and More
Saturday, August 4, 2007 @2:00 PM

Are comic books actually good for you? Who was the most popular superhero of the 20th century? What are the newest hot manga titles coming from Japan? Learn the answers to these questions and more with graphic novel guru, Robin Brenner.

Originally from Reading, Robin Brenner is now a Young Adult Librarian from Brookline, MA. Ms. Brenner will be discussing the history and value of graphic novels. Following her talk, we will be making candy sushi!

Please join us for this fun, FREE event. No registration required.

Color Guard Demonstration (Gr. 7 and up)
Monday, July 30, 2007
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Did you know 7th and 8th graders can join the RMHS Color Guard? You don't need any special skills to join. Anyone can learn how to spin a flag! You can try it before you make a commitment?

Join members of the RMHS championship color guard at the Reading Public Library from 2:00-3:30 p.m. for a free clinic to see what it's all about! (Rain date July 31)

“Create Your Own Character” Contest
Deadline: Saturday, August 4 (5:00 p.m.)

The “Create Your Own Character” contest is a chance for teens to explore the exciting world of graphic novels. Students will have the opportunity to fully create a character, including both an artistic representation and a written description of the character.

Rules and entry form will be available in print at the library and online.

Due Date: Saturday, August 4 @ 5:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony: Thursday, August 16 @ 7:00 p.m.

1st Prize = $25 gift certificate to A.C. Moore (one in each category)
Runner-up = "Making Comics" by Scott McCloud (one in each category)

Categories: Super Hero / Heroine ~ Evil Villain ~ Classic Comic ~ Manga

Annual Teen Bowling Event
Tuesday, August 7 (1-2 p.m.)

If you can find your way to the Woburn Bowladrome on Tuesday, August 7, then you can join us for a FREE hour of bowling. Teens entering grades 6-12 can join us for a fun (cool!) afternoon. Bring a friend and your enthusiasm.

While this is a FREE event, we do ask that you sign up at the Information Desk at the Reading Public Library. Space is limited, so call, e-mail or stop by today! (781-944-0840 or rdgteen@noblenet.org)

Have you signed up?

2007-07-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Program!

Please note that the library will be closed on Wednesday, July 4!

GET GRAPHIC: 2007 Teen Summer Reading Program

2007-06-19T12:18:00.000-05:00

We have got an exciting summer planned for all students entering grades 6-12. With a focus on the exciting world of graphic novels, students are invited to read any book of their choice to earn prizes. The more you read, the more you earn.

PRIZES ~ PRIZES ~ PRIZES
2 Books = Bookmark & Candy pack
5 Books = Certificate for a FREE Pizza
8 Books = $10 Certificate to Barnes and Noble bookstores

PLUS!!
Each completed book review enters you into a weekly drawing for all sorts of cool prizes! Click here for a full list of raffle prizes.

...and don't forget to attend one of our fun teen events!

REGISTER STARTING MONDAY, JUNE 25!!!!!

“Create Your Own Character” Contest

2007-06-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

Super Hero / Heroine
Evil Villain
Classic Comic
Manga

Summer Events! Mark your calendars....

2007-06-07T14:24:00.001-05:00

June 23, Saturday (2:00 pm)
Dance, Dance Revolution for Teens

July 12, Thursday (3:00 pm)
Teen Crafternoon: Duct Tape Craft

July 12, Thursday (6:30 pm)
Dance, Dance Revolution for Teens

July 14, Saturday (1:00-4:00 pm)
Cartoon Workshop

July 19, Thursday (3:00 pm)
Teen Crafternoon: Marble Magnets

July 26, Thursday (3:00 pm)
Teen Crafternoon: Hemp & Bead Bracelets

August 2, Thursday (3:00 pm)
Teen Crafternoon: Felt Cell Phone Caddy

August 4, Saturday (2:00 pm)
Isn't Otaku a Kind of Sushi? Comics,
Manga and More (by Robin Brenner)

August 4, Saturday (5:00 pm)
CREATE YOUR OWN CHARACTER CONTEST
ENTRY DEADLINE!

August 9, Thursday (3:00 pm)
Teen Crafternoon: T-Shirt Art

August 9, Thursday (6:30 pm)
Dance, Dance Revolution for Teens

August 16, Thursday (6:30 pm)
Ice Cream Party,
“Create Your Own Comic” awards
Final Raffles

2007 Summer Reading Program

2007-06-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

READ ~ READ ~ READ
We have another terrific summer reading program for you! To participate, you must:

1) be entering Grade 6 or above;

2) visit the library one time to register;

3) complete a brief book review for each book** you read (forms available online or at the library);

4) collect your prizes at the library!

** Unabridged audio books (CD or cassette) and graphic novels are acceptable. NO magazines or picture books.

PRIZES ~ PRIZES ~ PRIZES
After finishing each book, students will complete our brief book review. The more you read, the more prizes you earn:
2 Books = Bookmark & Candy pack
5 Books = Certificate for a FREE Pizza
8 Books = $10 Certificate to Barnes and Noble bookstores
PLUS WEEKLY RAFFLES!!
For every book review you submit, your name will entered into a variety of weekly raffles.
NEW! Every student gets one raffle ticket just for signing up!
Prizes will include YMCA membership, sports tickets, Reading Rockets gear and more!

Volunteen Applications: April 30-May 12

2007-04-19T17:17:00.000-05:00

Volunteens are students who assist the library with the summer reading programs in the Teen Spot and the Children's Room. A minimum commitment of 10 hours during the summer is required. Students may choose which area they would like to work (Teen or Children's). Duties include assisting students with the summer reading program (teens), decorating, photocopying, word-processing, filing, shelving books and assisting with programs. All Volunteens are invited to an Appreciation Pizza Party and will receive certificates of participation.

Applications will be available at the Library (Information Desk and Children's Room Desk) and online starting Monday, April 30th at 9am.

*The deadline for submitting applications is Saturday, May 12th by 5pm.*

Contact the Library for more information, 781-944-0840 or
via e-mail,rdgteen@noblenet.org or rdgchild@noblenet.org.
Reading Public Library

NEW BOOKS FOR APRIL

2007-04-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

NON-FICTION
*Own your space : keep yourself and your stuff safe online (McCarthy, Linda)
*Rock the SAT : trick your brain into learning new vocab while listening to slamming music! (Mendelsohn, David)

FICTION
*Anything but ordinary (Hobbs, Valerie)
*Open ice (Hughes, Pat)
*Ophelia : a novel (Klein, Lisa M.)
*Dreamquake : book two of the Dreamhunter duet (Knox, Elizabeth)
*The two loves of Will Shakespeare : a novel (Lawlor, Laurie)
*In the belly of the bloodhound : being an account of a particularly peculiar adventure in the life of Jacky Faber (Meyer, L. A.)
*Operation typhoon shore (Mowll, Joshua)
*Shanghai shadows (Ruby, Lois)
*The opposite of music (Young, Janet Ruth)

GRAPHIC NOVELS
*Crisis on multiple earths (vol. 1-3)
*Death note (Ohba, Tsugumi)
*Fullmetal alchemist (Arakawa, Hiromu)
*House of M (Bendis, Brian Michael)
*Tsubasa (Clamp)
*Wolverine: origins and endings (Way, Daniel)
*Ultimate X-Men : return to weapon X (Millar, Mark)
*Zero hour : crisis in time (Jurgens, Dan)

Author: Mitali Perkins

2007-03-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

Don't miss a chance to meet author Mitali Perkins! After visiting the Reading Middle Schools, Ms. Perkins will be giving an evening discussion at the Reading Public Library on Thursday, April 26 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Born in Kolkata, India, Ms. Perkins immigrated to America with her family and is devoted to the use of stories to help young people balance more than one cultural background. Parents of, or children from other cultures, adults and students alike, will enjoy this lively presentation about perspectives on growing up between cultures.

Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

2007-03-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

Join us on Thursday, April 12 from 7:30-8:00 p.m. and meet Newbery Honor Award winning author Susan Campbell Bartoletti. Ms. Bartoletti writes picture books, novels and nonfiction for students. Her presentation will offer an in-depth look at the facts and anecdotes of writing here 2006 Newbery Honor book "Hitler Youth".

*This program is being federally funded with LSTA funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Eaudiobook* Review: Gideon the Cutpurse

2007-01-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

(by Linda Buckley-Archer / read by Gerard Doyle)
Part science fiction and part historical fiction, “Gideon the Cutpurse” is the tale of Peter and Kate, two 21^st century kids accidentally thrown back in time to England 1763. Lost and alone, the two befriend Gideon Seymour, a kind man with a shady past. As Gideon guides them on their journey to find a way home, they encounter many historical figures, as well as fictional lords, ladies, highwaymen and scoundrels. The story flashes between 1763 and the present, where the children’s parents, the police and baffled scientists search for clues to their sudden disappearance. To complicate matters in both times, Peter and Kate keep “blurring” to the present from past, seemingly ghosts or hallucinations to those who see them appear, and witches or demons to those who see them disappear.

The story is peppered with fascinating historical details, and Gerard Doyle’s narration brings to life the many characters of past and present. Listeners will be caught up in adventure and suspense as the characters race to find a way to get Peter and Kate back to their own time.

*The Library now has access to downloadable audiobooks - just perfect for your MP3 player. Visit http://www.readingpl.org/listenup.html for more information.

Eaudiobook* Review: "The Edge on the Sword"

2007-01-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

(by Rebecca Tingle / read by Emily Gray)
Who would have thought the life of girl in 900’s could be so exciting? “The Edge on the Sword” is the story of Aethelflaed, the oldest daughter of the English King Alfred, who at 15 learns she is betrothed the Mercian Aldermen Ethelred. Shortly after the engagement is announced, there is an attempted kidnapping and Aethelfaed’s is forced to face the realities of being the King’s daughter. Guarded by Red, a Mercian envoy, Aethelflaed struggles with her thirst for knowledge and independence against her duty and love for her family. As she makes her way to her new home, Aethelflaed’s party is attacked and she must use all her skill and cunning to lead her men safely to Ethelred.

Tingle’s details and Gray’s narration recreate the feel and pace of life in medieval England. What makes this story more interesting is the fact that Aethelflaed and many others in the book are real historical figures. Aethelflaed, sometimes known as the Lady of Mercia, went on to become ruler of Mercia after her husbands death and was famous for her political and military strategies.

*The Library now has access to downloadable audiobooks - just perfect for your MP3 player. Visit http://www.readingpl.org/listenup.html for more information.

Reading Scholarship info...

2007-01-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

For those of you heading off to college next fall, don't forget to apply for the Reading Scholarship!

http://www.ci.reading.ma.us/rsform.pdf

Deadline to mail March 11, 2007. It never hurts to try!!!

WELCOME 2007!

2006-12-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of some resolutions to make this an awesome New Year!
1. Read at least one book for fun, not for school. You might enjoy it!
2. Make a new friend this year.
3. Say hello to someone at school that you don't usually talk to.
4. Be kind to your siblings! (Oh, just give it a try…)
5. Watch less T.V. or play less video games!
6. Volunteer in your community. How can you help?
7. Try a new hobby (Knitting? Cooking? Horseback riding?).
8. Get active! Go for walk, a swim, a jog – just get out and move.
10. Perform one Random Act of Kindness (RAK). Pay it forward – a little goes a long way.

Have a great year!

NEW BOOKS FOR JANUARY 2007

2006-12-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

NON-FICTION
-Cooking up a storm (Stern, Sam)
-John Brown: militant abolitionist (Potter, Robert)

GRAPHIC NOVELS
-4 First family (Casey, Joe)
-Maus II : a survivor's tale (Spiegelman, Art)
-Naruto 12 (Kishimoto, Masashi)
-Simpsons comics spectacular
-Ultimate X-Men (Kirkman, Robert)
-xxxHolic 8 (Clamp)
-The worm (Dahl, Michael)

FICTION
-Defining Dulcie (Acampora, Paul)
-The Pox party - Octavian Nothing (Anderson, M. T.)
-Forging the sword (Bell, Hilari)
-I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you (Carter, Ally)
-The telling pool (Clement-Davies, David)
-Just listen : a novel (Dessen, Sarah)
-Returnable girl (Lowell, Pamela)
-Miracle on 49th Street (Lupica, Mike) -
-Not the only one: lesbian and gay fiction for teens
-A small white scar (Nuzum, K. A.)
-Montmorency and the assassins (Updale, Eleanor)
-The troll treasure (Vornholt, John)

EAudiobooks Now Available

2006-12-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

Listen Up Reading!
Downloadable Audiobooks are digital versions of audiobooks that are available through the Internet. With eAudiobooks from NetLibrary and Recorded Books, many book club favorites and award-winning authors are now only a mouse click away. You'll also find easy-to-understand language lessons on everything from Arabic to Ojibway plus a collection of award-winning titles for children and young adults. Simply connect, click, and listen. It's that easy.

You must be a Reading resident and have a valid Reading Public Library card to access these eAudiobooks.

This program currently does not work with iPods. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Visit www.readingpl.org/listenup.html or www.netlibrary.com for more information.

Booklist - "Shorties"

2006-12-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

Let’s face it, you’re all busy! School, sports, music, friends … they don’t leave a lot of time to just hang out and read. So, for those of you who can’t commit to a long novel, we recommend trying “Shorties” – short stories, collections and anthologies. In other words, quick reads for those short of time!

Ideas for Middle School Readers:

· Girls got game: Sports stories and poems

· I believe in water: 12 Brushes with religion

· My Dad is Punk: 12 Stories about boys and their fathers

· Period Pieces: Stories for girls

· Shattered: Stories of children and war

· Stay True: Short stories for strong girls

· Unexpected magic: Collected stories by Diana Wynne Jones

Ideas for High School Readers:

· Firebirds: An anthology of original fantasy and science fiction

· First crossing: Stories about teen immigrants

· Necessary noise: Stories about our families as they really are

· Twice told: Original stories inspired by original art.

· Ultimate Sports: Short stories by outstanding writers for young adults

· Young warriors: Stories of strength

Lord of the Rings - Movie Event!

2006-11-30T19:26:00.000-05:00

The Reading Public Library will be showing the complete “Lord of the Rings” trilogy during the school vacation week. Although this is a Teen Services sponsored event, we welcome everyone to join us on our trip to Middle Earth (please note these are all rated PG-13).

Fellowship of the Ring—Tuesday, December 26 @ 2-5:30 p.m.
Two Towers—Wednesday, December 27 @ 2-6 p.m.
Return of the King—Thursday, December 28 @ 2-6 p.m.

Teen Craft Night - Holiday Fun!

2006-11-30T19:25:00.001-05:00

Thursday, December 14 is Teen Craft night. Projects include several different “Make & Take” holiday decorations. Painting might be involved, so wear appropriate clothes!

DDR is Back!

2006-11-30T19:25:00.000-05:00

Join us on Saturday, December 9 (2-4 p.m.) and Saturday December 30 (2-4 p.m.) and put on your dancin’ socks! Both events are open play which means everyone can participate. This is a free event, no registration required.