• Wednesday, September 24th from 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday, October 22nd from 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday, November 19th from 5pm-8pm

BUT I found this website which is pretty neat. You should bookmark it for down-the-road, when you might really WANT to look for a summertime job. It's a job search website that was created just for teens. MyFirstPaycheck.com is a national website, but it even has some positions in and around Columbus. It was even created by a teen and her brother! Pretty cool.

But since you're probably just buying school supplies, staying up late and taking advantage of the last FEW DAYS of summer before school starts, I thought I'd address the "Homework Thing".

If you don't know already, Worthington Park Library (the new branch that opened in April) has a special Homework Help Center. From Monday through Thursday during the school year, from 3pm to 6pm, computers in the HHC are reserved for Kids and Teens working on homework.  We also have dedicated staff (a Homework Help Center Coordinator as well as volunteers) who are there specifically to help you with your homework assignments. Homework help is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There's also FREE PRINTING for homework assignments during HHC hours!

So if you need face-to-face help on homework this fall, come on over to Worthington Park Library!

And also, don't forget about our online tutoring and HomeworkNow sites for help on homework! You can access these tools through the Teen Section of the Worthington Libraries website, or even from the Teen blog! (Look to the left of this post, in the green section under Library Sites)

So bookmark these websites and keep checking back to the blog for more information on upcoming fun-stuff at the Library!

Thanks to the 225 volunteens that staffed the summer reading registatration and signed up 6,434 children, 1,222 teens and 1,394 adults for all three Worthington Libraries!

Thanks to the teens who posted 100's of comments on the teen blog this summer. PLEASE keep your comments coming! We blog all year long, not just in the summer.

Thanks to all the teens who came to our teen events this summer. I loved the Breaking Dawn Party, but I also really loved learning how to Belly Dance.

We had some great events this summer and I want to make sure you all know what's coming up this Fall:

September 1: We'll kick off our first Book Chat online book discussion. We will be discussing Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer, what else? In October we will discuss Airman by Eoin Colfer. Worthingteens Blog

September 8th: A Night of Awesome with John Green. Nerdfighters unite! John Green, award winning author of Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines , is coming to Northwest Library on September 8th! Join us for a night of awesome as John Green talks about his books, nerdfighting and more. 7pm Northwest Library

September 13: Savvy Travelors: The Bristish Isles. It is time to head to the lands of Prince William, kilts, Riverdance, Big Ben and haggis. 4pm Old Worthington Library

September 20: Anime Teen Screen. Watch and rate newly-released and upcoming anime titles in the new Teen area of the Northwest Library.  Other Anime Teen Screen events will be held on Oct 11 & Nov 22. 3-6pm Northwest Library

September 26: TGIF: Game Night. Go head to head with your friends and challenge the librarians to some DDR, Wii, or Guitar Hero! The library will be closed, but the teens can stay 'til nine to show off your gaming skillz! 6-9pm Worthington Park Library

October 12-October 18: Teen Read Week. Celebrate Teen Read Week with Books with Bite! Activities and fun for teens happening Monday through Thursday each night! There will be lots more about Teen Read Week posted on this blog in the very near future! Events will be held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays at all three libraries!

October 24: TGIF: Hats Off to Broadway. If you are a fan of broadway musicals, this program is for you! It's your turn to be the star. During this after hours event for teens, we will have a Broadway Musical trivia challenge, Name that Broadway show tune, acting games and more! The ability to act and sing is not required, just the love of Broadway. 6-9pm Northwest Library

November 7: TGIF:Smash Brothers Tournament. Whether you are old school Super Smash Brothers Melee or new school Super Smash Brothers Brawl we got them both. Two tournaments two winners but you can only enter one so your fate is in your hands. 6-9pm Old Worthington Library

There are also Drop In nights at all three libraries. DIY Drop In, Gaming Drop In and  Teen Tech Fun Nights too!

 

Here are a few WOW books for me:

	After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson		Wake by Lisa McMann
	The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner		Airman by Eoin Colfer
	Sweethearts by Sara Zarr		Ringside, 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial by Jennifer Bryant

If you want to look at the official nomination list for the BBYA committee, head to the ALA/YALSA site.

Breaking Dawn comes out tonight at midnight!!

• Drive Like a Cullen (using RC cars)
• Twilight Jeopardy
• Emmit's Arm Wrestling contest
• Bella's Grace Competition
• Twilight Monopoly
• Cullen Body Glitter
• And much more!!!

I started to re-create the list, putting my own opinions/votes in there- example: "Best Greek Food- Jimmy V's in Grandview" (that would be MY choice). They have listings for the best-everything!  After I started creating my own "Best of" list, I realized that part of the reason I was enjoying it so much was that it was similar to those online surveys/emails that you answer by copying and pasting, then replacing the answers with your own.

I LOVE THOSE TYPES OF SURVEYS! They're so fun, even if the questions are silly, and it's a time-waster, I still like reading other people answers and of course filling in my own.

So, I decided to create my own mini-survey regarding the library and books. Feel free to make one of your own, or post your answers in the comments!

• What's the best book you've read this summer? This summer so far I would say Home: a Memoir of my Early Years by Julie Andrews. It was a memoir about her early years growing up during WWII in London, which was just fascinating to me. It was also really cool to learn about her growing up as a child actress in the theatre in England.
• What's the best book you've read EVER? That's SO HARD! I would have to say Beach Music by Pat Conroy—a really sad story but very good.
• Where's your favorite spot to read? Definitely on my front porch when it's warm out, and on my couch wrapped up in my favorite fuzzy blanket when it's cold. If I read in bed I always fall asleep.
• What's your LEAST favorite thing to read? I don't really mind reading anything, but sometimes reading about sports is a little boring to me. I'd rather watch or play.
• Which library do you go to most often? I USED to go to Northwest most, but now I (obviously) go to Worthington Park Library since I work here now. But I'm a semi-regular patron at Grandview Heights Library, because it's super close to my house. I love it there!
• What's the last book you bought? I bought The Winners Manual by Jim Tressel. And he signed it for me!!! I also bought a book for a friend's birthday, about grizzly bear attacks called Night of the Grizzlies by Jack Olsen. It looks really creepy but (for some weird reason) my friend loves that kind of thing. He watches Animal Planet nonstop.
• What's the last book you checked out from the library? I just checked out The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler. I started reading on my lunch break and it's pretty funny so far!
• What's the best snack to eat while reading? Anything that can be dipped in peanut butter. (i.e. celery, pretzels, apple slices, etc.)
• If you've ever listened to an audiobook, which was your favorite? I don't listen to audiobooks much, but I wish that I did! I need to start doing that again in my car.
• What's the best book-turned-movie you've ever seen? I have yet to find a book-turned-movie that is as good as the book. Maybe some upcoming movies will change my mind????
• What's the best program you've ever attended at a library (or: which one was the most fun you've had)? Last year at Northwest we had a Haunted House/Cirque Du Freak party and it was a blast! I also had a lot of fun at a Pirate party we had last year at Northwest.

Can't wait to see your answers!

Hi all!

We have American Teen movie passes (each is good for 2 people) available at all three Worthington Libraries locations: Northwest Library, Old Worthington Library, and Worthington Park Library.

If you are interested in a movie pass, ask a librarian at your branch library before they run out! The movie is PG-13. If you're interested in seeing a preview, you can check it out here.

There is a free showing of the movie.

• Wednesday August 6, 2008 at 7:30pm at the AMC Easton (275 Easton Town Center, I-270 and Morse Rd. in the Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219)

When: Monday, September 8th, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Northwest Library, outdoor area (in back of the library)

The teen rooms at both Old Worthington and Northwest Library are now officially open! Stop by the library and check out your new rooms! I am soooooooo excited about the new teen areas. I think they look awesome and I hope you enjoy hanging out in them. Please let us know what you think. What do you think of the furniture and the colors? and at Northwest, how cool is that garage door!!

Save the Date for the Breaking Dawn Release Party on August 2nd at 6pm at the Northwest Library! We will be celebrating the 4th book in the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. I have buttons, stickers, books, shirts and a bag to give away! We will be hosting lots of fun activities like Twilight Jeopardy, Drive Like a Cullen Contest and more. Remember to decorate a t-shirt before the event so you can enter our Twilight t-shirt contest.

This Thursday, July 24th, the Body Check series will be getting sporty with Wii Sports. The event starts at 4pm and we will meet in the teen area! This will be the first program in the Northwest Teen are! YAHOO!! If you can't make it to Northwest, challenge Ann P. to a game of Wii Tennis at Old Worthington Library during Just Wii on Thursday, July 24th at 7pm. Beware, Ann is VERY competitive!

 

July is National Ice Cream Month!

According to the International Dairy Foods Association, July is the time to celebrate ice cream. Specifically, the third Sunday of each July is National Ice Cream Day. That makes this Sunday July 20th 2008 the day to especially celebrate Ice Cream. Yum!

I love ice cream. (Who doesnt!?) Getting ice cream is always tough for methough, because I can't ever decide on the right flavor. There are too many to choose from. Almost always I decide on one delicious kind, and then ten minutes into the treat I'm wishing I would've gotten another.

The last time I got ice cream was at this great little shop just outside my hometown in Northeastern Ohio called Handel's Ice Cream (I just checked, and it looks like there are two locations in Columbus, too. I had no idea!). I had a scoop of chocolate peanut butter and a scoop of praline cashew. De-Lic-ious. I grew up BEGGING my mom and dad to stop at Handel's whenever we would pass it on the road, so I'm glad to find out I can still get some here in Columbus, too!

So in honor of National Ice Cream month, I thought I'd share some links that I found recently on the scrumptious subject...and I may have to hit the Dairy Queen Drive thru on my way home from work tonight after posting this...or maybe walk to Graeters???

• Ever think about trying Lobster Ice Cream? Umm...I don't know if I'd be willing to try that one.
• How about trying to Make Ice Cream at Home? We did this at a Teen Event at Northwest Library last year and it was a lot of fun! Sarah C. has these cool balls that you fill with ingredients and then just toss the ball around to make ice cream. I wonder if she's gotten those out for any programs yet this summer????
• And check out Jeni's Ice Cream if you haven't already-- it's SO good, and the flavors are all really different.
• What's the best ice cream you've had? Or your favorite to get on a hot day?

And out of all those different crazy flavors-- which ones sound the nastiest? I'm still thinking Lobster Ice Cream sounds the grossest.... but that's just me!

I just found another great website with more info on ice cream and had to add it! Check it out.

 

The body of music librarian Melinda Carey was discovered in the meeting room of the local library, with no immediate cause of death evident.  Were natural causes to blame, or did she meet a more sinister demise?

We have the suspects, the detective, the victim and now we need you! Are you ready to investigate the crime? If so, head to the Old Worthington Library on Friday July 18th for the teen mystery night program.

• Old Worthington Library
• Friday, July 18th
• 6pm to 9pm (after the library is closed)
• Snacks will be provided
• Teens 12-18

 

• Old Worthington Library
• 3pm
• Children's bookingham forest
• teens 12-18

Ridiculous Balloon Hats?

Well, better late than never, right?

Ann P. and I got back from the American Library Association Annual Conference in Anaheim California on July 2nd. Boy, it was a crazy-busy (and fun experience). Librarians go to these conferences to find out what other libraries are doing-- see if they have any great ideas for programs, classes, activities, etc. Basically librarians go to these conferences so we can keep having fun stuff for you all to do in the library.

Check out the balloon hats that an entertainer made for Ann P. and me at a pizza place we went to for dinner one night. Incredibly dorky, but hilarious! Hahaha!

Another great part about conferences:
When you're not in sessions (which are a little like classes) librarians can walk through these huge exhibits of TONS and TONS of vendors. Vendors like publishers, people who make funky furniture and shelving for libraries, and this year they even had an entire portion of the exhibit hall for gaming. You could step in line to play a Wii, or try out some other cool video game consoles. Best part about the exhibit hall? BOOKS. FREE BOOKS. Free posters, bookmarks and often authors are even there SIGNING free books. All kinds of free stuff~ more than a person can carry really.

When librarians arrive at the ALA conference, they're each handed a big huge bag- in which to haul all of their free stuff. After the first day of trudging all over the place with two bags full of books, I finally figured out that the secret was to go to the exhibit halls and get stuff at the END of the day so I wouldn't have to haul all of them around all day long. Books are HEAVY! I got a few that I plan on giving out as prizes for upcoming programs at Worthington Park Library!

At any rate, I didn't get to make it to Disneyland (booooooo!) but I did manage to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time ever (woo hoooo!). The water was FREEZING! I saw lots of surfers though. Since the librarians were all staying in the Disney area, I was pretty Disney-ed out anyways. Next time I'll get there perhaps.

And if you're interested, Worthington Park Library is having a TGIF: Speed Board Game Tournament on Friday July 11th from 6pm to 9pm. Just make sure you sign up at 6 to get on the game board!
The winner gets a $25. Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!!

According to this article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, at the end of Sarah's last year in middle school, she watched as a friend of hers had to stay after school on the last day, forced to scrape away the sticky residue of the contact paper from her locker before she could leave for the year. Her father is the chief executive officer of a company called MagnaCard, which makes business card magnets, magnetic tape and more. Sarah asked her father if he could make some magnetic wallpaper for her. Now Target, Staples, Rite Aid and other major chain stores have all placed orders -- more than $1 million worth! Can you believe it!?!?!

The motto that the Savvy Travelers lives by,  "Try Everything at Least Once"

• Saturday, July 12th
• 3pm
• Old Worthington Library, children's department
• snacks provided           
• teen 12-18

                                                          

                                                                             

Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. In addition to the physical benefits, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress and improves mental clarity.To learn more about yoga, check out this informative article by the Nemours Foundation.

This is our third event in the Body Check series. Last time we learned Tae Kwon Do from Master Laura Clements. Everyone who participated got to break blocks with their hands and Master Laura broke three blocks by kicking them. It was AWESOME! If you are interested in learning Yoga this week, please call 807-2626 or email scofer@worthingtonlibraries.org to register today. Space is limited to 20 because of the size of the room and I have just a few more spots.

Save the date! Northwest Library is hosting a Breaking Dawn Release Party on August 2, 2008.

• Drive Like a Cullen (using RC cars)
• Twilight Jeopardy
• Emmit's Arm Wrestling contest
• Bella's Grace Competition
• Twilight Monopoly
• Cullen Body Glitter
• And much more!!!

NKOTB Then

NKOTB Now

If the New Kids can make a comeback, then surely almost anyone can! If N'Sync makes a comeback in 16 years, that would make Justin Timberlake in his forties! I wonder if he will look the same. The New Kids don't really look like they have aged 16 years.