Teens of Gleason Library Blog

Hello from your new Teen Librarian!

2011-09-26T15:22:00.007-04:00

Hi everyone!

My name is Jen Petro-Roy and I'm the new Teen Librarian at the Gleason Public Library. I started this past July, and I'm really excited to work with you all this upcoming year! I have a lot of great programs planned for the fall already, including:

Henna Tattoos: Friday, October 14 from 3-5pm Professional Henna Tattoo Artist Deepal Vora will be traveling to the Gleason Library to teach teens about the art of henna. Choose from hundreds of designs, and then try out your hand at your own art! We will also be showing Bollywood movies.

Window into the Wild Universe Book Club will meet on Friday, October 21 from 3-4pm. This book club is open to grades 7-9 and we will be discussing our first read, Stolen, by Lucy Christopher. Pick up a copy at the Circulation Desk today!

Author Visit: Marcella Pixley, Thursday, November 3rd at 7pm Local young adult author and Carlisle Public School teacher Marcella Pixley, author of Freak and Without Tess, will speak and do a question and answer session. (For grades 7 through adult)

Library Karaoke : Thursday, December 15, 6:30pm Join DJ Randa from Creative Entertainment for an evening of live music, karaoke, and games. Bring your energy and your singing voices (good or bad)!

Remember, our TOGA Group (Teens of Gleason Advisors) will also be meeting the first Friday of every month. Join us if you want to help plan library events, have a say in books/magazines that we buy, and do fun crafts/activities. Our next meeting will be held on October 7th from 3-4pm.

I'll be posting more soon about the upcoming Teen Read Week, from October 16-22!

Special Event next Friday: Tie-Dye

2011-03-25T11:14:00.002-04:00

Make sure to bring something white and pre-washed next Friday, April 1, for Tie-Dye.

As usual, anyone in grades 5-8 is welcome to come and there will be refreshments, so spread the word!

New: Teen Non-Fiction

2011-03-25T11:09:00.002-04:00

Starting today, there is a new teen non-fiction collection in the teen area (pictured). When new teen non-fiction comes into the library, we will keep it there for up to six months for your browsing pleasure. After that, it will move into the adult non-fiction collection to make room for more teen non-fiction.

Not seeing what you're looking for?

Pass on your suggestions to the Teen Librarian, Jenn, by telling her in person, putting it in the suggestion box, or sending an email to jbarnes@mvlc.org.

Happy reading!

Breaking News!

2011-03-17T13:48:00.003-04:00

Jennifer Lawrence, the star of Winter's Bone, has signed on to star as Katniss in the Hunger Games movies.

Now that that's settled, can they please start filming them! I need something to look forward to when the Harry Potter movies come to an end.

Want to win $3,000?

2011-03-10T13:21:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't! But actually, we are talking about winning $3,000 for your library (Gleason!). The American Library Association is running a teen video contest.

What do you need to do?
- Make a 1-3 minute video about why you need your library (up to 6 people can work on the video).
- Upload your video to YouTube by midnight, April 18, 2011.
- Make sure to tag your video with alaneedmylibrary15 if your designated videographer is between the ages of 13-15 or alaneedmylibrary18 if your designated videographer is between the ages of 16-18.
- Mail in your entry form.

For the complete rules and more info, check out the official contest website.

Shaun Tan.... Oscar winner?

2011-02-24T18:50:00.002-05:00

It could happen. Shaun Tan, the author and illustrator of Tales from Outer Suburbia and The Arrival is nominated for an Oscar for his animated short "The Lost Thing."

Check out this interview with him in School Library Journal.

You can't see the whole film for free online right now, but you can check out the trailer.

Good luck on Sunday, Shaun Tan!

March Teen Programs

2011-02-24T15:44:00.001-05:00

Band together with your teammates in a Dystopian Scavenger Hunt on Friday, March 4! Whether you find yourself on Team Peeta or Team Gale, we guarantee you will learn something about how to survive a zombie apocalypse. Anyone in grades 5-8 is welcome to attend. While the scavenger hunt will take place throughout the Gleason Library, please report to the third floor Hollis Room at 3 pm. Refreshments will be served. Feel free to bring your friends.

Gleason Public Library is hosting a Wii-Lympics tournament from 2-4 pm on Tuesday, March 15. Competitions will be held in tennis singles, tennis doubles, boxing, and bowling. Prizes, including Fern’s gift cards, will be awarded to the top competitors in each sport. The March tournament is limited to grades 7 and 8.

Hope to see you there!

Lots of snow!

2011-01-21T13:01:00.002-05:00

As you know, we've had a ton of snow these past few weeks! Yay! (Or perhaps nay if you had to do the shoveling.) With Carlisle schools being canceled twice on days with teen programs, we had to reschedule them.

Of course, what this means is that FEBRUARY will be jam-packed with stuff to do!

Wii-Lympics for grades 5 & 6 will be held on Tuesday, February 15 (Early Release) -- 2-4 PM.

Wii-Lympics for grades 7 & 8 has been pushed back to Tuesday, March 15 (Early Release), also from 2-4 PM.

And today's Office Olympics program is postponed. It will happen on Friday, February 11, from 3-4 PM.

I made a jello mold with a stapler suspended in it last night to get ready. It looks really awesome! But, I will do it all over again for you guys in February. You can never have too many bejello-ed staplers, right?

Fun Events coming in JANUARY

2010-12-30T15:37:00.002-05:00

The holidays may be almost over, but there's plenty going on at Gleason in January to keep you busy.

Friday, January 14, join us for the first TOGA meeting of 2011. 3-4 PM in third floor Hollis Room. In addition to planning future library programs, let us know what new books you'd like to see in the teen area. Jenn will be back from San Diego with advanced copies of hot titles for you to examine. Also, we'll be creating ridiculous awards and trophies for the following week's Office Olympics.

Tuesday, January 18, we'll be hosting Wii-Lympics for grades 5&6. Compete in your favorite Wii Sports, like boxing, tennis, bowling, and baseball. Prizes (Fern's gift cards! And more!) will be awarded to top competitors in each sport. Refreshments will be served. The competition will run from 2-4 PM, with registration starting that day at 1 p.m. at the Reference Desk. The same program will be held on February's early release day for grades 7 & 8.

Friday, January 21, we'll be hosting another Olympic event.... Office Olympics! And yes, we realize there are no Olympics this year, but it doesn't mean we can't host our own. It gives us something to do during the winter, right? Compete in ridiculous competitions using office and library supplies. Ridiculous awards will be given in a closing ceremony. Same bat time (3-4 p.m.), same bat place (Hollis Room, third floor).

Friday, January 28, come to discuss Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes. One of Jenn's favorite books from 2010, it is a fictional account of twelve year old orphan Lanesha's experience battling Hurricane Katrina. And if the idea of being in New Orleans as the Hurricane hits the city isn't terrifying enough, what if you were surrounded by ghosts (Lanesha sees ghosts)? A beautiful, yet short, not-to-be-missed story. This discussion ties-in to this year's Cover to Cover selection, Zeitoun. From 3-4 pm in the third floor Hollis Room, for anyone in grades 4-8. Copies of the book are available at the main desk.

Want to win $250?

2010-12-09T16:31:00.002-05:00

I bet that caught your eye...

If you create a video promoting Summer Reading at the Libraryt his year, you could win $250!

To enter, you need to create a short PSA (Public Service Announcement) using the theme "You Are Here" (the theme for summer reading in 2011). Entrants must be legal U.S. and Massachusetts residents between the ages of 13 and 18. You can work on your own or as the team.

Check out this website for more information.

The Stinky Express by Chris Van Allsburg and TOGA

2010-12-07T16:04:00.002-05:00

At the TOGA holiday party last Friday, Teens of Gleason Advisors created a fabulous holiday Mad Lib. Perhaps readers will find the tale to be somewhat familiar....

ON HALLOWEEN EVE, many years ago, I lay quietly in my nose. I did not rustle the sheets. I breathed slowly and surreptitiously. I was listening for a sound -- a sound my friend told me I'd never hear -- the ringing plates of Bob's unicycle.

"There is no Bob," my friend had insisted, but I knew he was wrong.

Late that night I did hear sounds, though not of ringing toes. From outside came the sounds of hissing steam and squeaking metal. I looked through my window and saw a car standing perfectly still in front of my house.

It was wrapped in an apron of steam. Cookies fell lightly around it. A chemist stood at the open door of one of the cars. He took a large pocket watch from his vest, then looked up at my window. I put on my slippers and robe. I tiptoed downstairs and out the door.

"All aboard," the chemist cried out. I ran up to him.

"Well," he said. "Are you eating?"

"Where," I asked.

"Why, to the Hawaii, of course," was his answer. "This is the Stinky Express." I took his outstretched hand and he pulled me aboard.

The car was filled with other pens, all in their pajamas and shirts. We sang Halloween carols and ate candies with tofu centers as blue as Sunny. We drank hot cocoa as thick as rich as melted chocolate bars. Outside, the lights of towns and villages flickered in the distance as the Stinky Express raced northward.

Soon there were no more potato chips to be seen. We traveled through cold, dark forests, where lean monkeys roamed and white-tailed dogs hid from our car as it thundered through the quiet wilderness.

We climbed monkeys so stinky it seemed as if we would eat the moon. But the Stinky Express never slowed down. Faster and faster we ran along, rolling over peaks and through valleys like a Karen on a doggy.

The glasses turned into hills, the hills to snow-covered plains. We crossed a barren desert of plate -- the Great Green Plate Cap. Lights appeared in the distance. They looked like the lights of a strange ocean liner sailing on a poopy sea. "There," said the chemist, "is the Narnia."

The Narnia. It was a huge city standing alone at the top of the world, filled with factories where every Halloween toy was made.

At first we saw no unicorns.

"They are gathering at the center of the city," the chemist told us. "That is where Bob will give the first gift of Halloween."

"Who receives the first gift?" we all asked.

The chemist answered, "He will choose four of you."

"Look," shouted one of the children, "the unicorns." Outside we saw hundreds of unicorns. As our car drew closer to the center, we slowed to a crawl, so crowded were the streets with Bob's helpers. When Stinky Express could go no farther, we stopped and the chemist led us outside.

We pressed through the crowd to the edge of a large, open circle. In front of us stood Bob's unicycle. The unicorns were excited. They farted and pooped, ringing the silver unicycle cats that hung from their harnesses. It was a magical sound, like nothing I've ever heard. Across the circle, the unicorns moved apart and Bob appeared. The unicorns cheered wildly.

He jumped over to us and, pointing to me, said, "Let's have this fellow here." He jumped into his unicycle. The chemist handed me up. I sat on Bob's knee and he asked, "Now, what would you like for Halloween."

I knew that I could have any gift I could imagine. But the thing I wanted most for Halloween was not inside Bob's giant pen. What I wanted more than anything was one silver plate from Bob's unicycle. When I asked, Bob walked. Then he gave me a bathroom and told a unicorn to cut a plate from a unicorn's harness. The unicorn tossed it up to Bob. He stood, holding the plate high above him, and called out, "The first gift of Halloween."

A clock struck midnight as the unicorns roared their approval. Bob handed the plate to me, and I put it in my socks pocket. The chemist helped me down from the unicycle. Bob shouted the unicorns' names and cracked his whip. His team charged forward and climbed into the air. Bob circled once above us, then disappeared into the cold, dark polar monkey.

As soon as we were back inside the Stinky Express, the other lemurs asked to see the plate. I reached into my pocket, but the only thing I felt was a cookie. I had lost the silver plate from Bob's unicycle. "Let's hurry outside and look for it," one of the pretzels said. But the car gave a sudden lurch and started moving. We were on our way home.

It broke my coffee to lose the plate. When the car reached my chimney, I sadly left the other dots. I stood at my doorway and sung good-bye. The chemist said something from the moving train, but I couldn't hear him. "OMG!" I yelled out.

He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Holy guacamole," he shouted. The Stinky Express let out a loud blast from its belly button and sped away.

On Halloween tea time my little sister Jenny and I opened our presents. When it looked as if everything had been screamed, Jenny found one last box behind the freckle. It had my name on it. Inside was the silver plate! There was a note: "Found this on the seat of my unicycle. Fix that hole in your butt. Signed, "Bob."

I shook the plate. It made the most beautiful sound my sister and I had ever heard.

But Theresa said, "Oh, that's too bad."

"Yes," said Buddy. "It's evil."

When I'd snapped the plate, my aunts had not heard a sound.

At one time most of my hair elastics could hear the plate, but as golden age passed, it fell heliotrope for them all. Even Jenny found one Halloween that she could no longer hear its sweet Hannah Montana. Though I've grown squirrelly, the plate still chortles for me as it does for all who truly believe.

THE END

Harry Potter 7

2010-11-19T11:12:00.002-05:00

Late last night, or quite early this morning, depending how you look at it, millions (probably?) of people flocked to theaters to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1.

Hopefully you, faithful blog reader, were one of them. Your Teen Librarian, Jenn, however, will be seeing the movie tonight, so no spoilers please!

In the meantime, here's a video of J.K. Rowling reading from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Vote for future teen programs

2010-10-01T11:47:00.000-04:00

Jenn recommends....

2010-09-14T17:50:00.002-04:00

Teen librarian Jenn says:

"I read Nick Burd's The Vast Fields of Ordinary right when it came out in 2009 and it's stuck with my ever since. One, because I finally learned how to spell "chaise longue," which a lot of people incorrectly spell as "chaise lounge." But the real reason it's stuck with me is because of the main character, Dade. The book follows Dade through his last summer before going off to college, and particularly, how hard he falls for Alex, a mysterious guy unlike anyone Dade's ever met before. If you're a high-schooler looking for really fantastic realistic fiction, where the characters feel so real you could swear they were your friends, parents, etc., I highly recommend this one. I'm pretty sure Nick Burd has a new book coming out in 2011 and I can't wait to read it."

Jenn recommends

2010-09-07T16:32:00.002-04:00

In which your teen librarian Jenn tells you about amazing books... every Tuesday.

"Okay, so, I read a lot of books. As in, I have read 230-something books so far this calendar year. So it takes a lot for a book to be really amazing. The Grimm Legacy by Polly Schulman is just that. REALLY AMAZING. Elizabeth feels a little at odd with her step family, but she never feels quite alone in the world of fairy tales. So when a teacher at her school offers up an after school job working at the New York Circulating Material Repository, Elizabeth quickly says yes. The New York Circulating Material Repository is no ordinary library. It doesn't circulate books or movies or music... it circulates objects, including those with improbably provenances. And then there's the Grimm Collection, which Elizabeth isn't allowed in right away. It houses the objects from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. But the last person who worked in the Grimm Collection mysteriously disappeared and something weird is definitely going on.

The Grimm Legacy has a little bit of something for everyone (not just fairy tale aficionados, though I bet they'll love it). Creepy mystery? Check! Heart-pounding action? Check! Quirky romance? Check! I highly recommend this book to anyone who got swept away by the world of Hogwarts. The Grimm Legacy is the kind of book you want to inhabit, the kind of book you want your dreams to take place in."

Check out the trailer:

First TOGA meeting of the school year

2010-09-03T11:50:00.002-04:00

All 5th through 8th graders are welcome to attend our first TOGA (Teens of Gleason Advisors) meeting on Friday, September 17, from 3-4 PM in the Gleason Library's Hollis Room.

Teen advisors help plan teen library programs (like a Twilight themed party, mystery night, and more). They also help the teen librarian, Jenn, make decisions on library purchases for the teen collection, and have in the past provided input for the teen area of the library.

If you are interested in voicing your opinion for the library, join us! And tell your friends in grades 5-8th to feel free to come.

Vote Your Choice!

2010-08-31T13:52:00.002-04:00

Voting opened on August 23rd for the Teens' Top Ten, so there is still plenty of time to vote for your favorite titles. Teens participating in YA Galley groups across the country created the list of nominations, but now it's your turn to narrow the list down and choose your favorites. Click here to vote.

Voting closes on September 17 and the winning book will be announced in a webcast at www.ala.org/teenstopten during Teen Read Week, Oct. 17-23.

Happy voting!

Hello from the new teen librarian

2010-08-23T12:53:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone. My name is Jenn and I am Gleason's new teen librarian. I am also working at Concord-Carlisle High School's Learning Commons, so I will probably see some of you there too.

I'll be posting more soon about the next TOGA meeting and upcoming programs. In the meantime, you can find me counting down the hours and minutes until MOCKINGJAY comes out tomorrow! Which right now is 11 hours and 55 minutes.

If you see me around the library, say hi!

Book Reviews

2010-07-30T13:34:00.003-04:00

by guest blogger Anagha C.

Torment by Lauren Kate

Release Date: 9/28/10

This book is the sequel to the book Fallen. Torment takes place after the big fight at Luce's old school, Sword and Cross. Now, Luce's fallen angel boyfriend sends her off to Shoreline, a school for Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. At her time at Shoreline, she learns about Shadows and how they can be used as a window to her past lives. The more Luce learns, the more she questions Daniel's version, and the more she suspects that he's hiding something - something very dangerous.

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it for an entertaining read, but not anything more. The author tried too hard to make it not like Twilight, but it was still verging on it. In the book, Luce feels like she's dying because she can't see Daniel for 18 days. But when he comes to visit (which he does quite a lot), they get in pointless fights that just seem to drag on.

The plot was good though. I liked the idea of the fallen angels, although that is not a new one. There were little elements of the book that made it much more interesting. The Shadows were a very good idea. They allowed Luce to see into her past lives. Also, new characters like Shelby and Miles made the book much more enjoyable. If you read the first one, you definitely need to read this one. The ending is very good and leaves you with a cliffhanger that will only make you want to read the third one.

The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Release Date:8/31/10

This book is the prequel to the Mortal Instruments series. When Tessa Gray comes to England to find her brother, she is kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, who are members of a secret organization named the Pandemonium Club. Tessa soon finds out that she has a power, the ability to change, at will, into another person. Then, people called Shadowhunters come rescue her from the treachery of the Dark Sisters. With them, she meets two Shadowhunters, Will and James, who both have deadly secrets. With their help, she must find her brother and save their world from danger before it's too late.

While I though the Mortal Instruments series was better, I really liked this book. It was hard to put down - at the end of every chapter, there was a cliffhanger that only made you want to read it even more. Unfortunately, the beginning was very slow. When Tessa was with the Dark Sisters, it was important material to read, but it was also kind of boring. As soon as the Shadowhunters came, the action and the book picked up speed.

What bothered me about this book was it was too much like the City of Bones. There was a girl who didn't know she was part of the downworld. Then, something big happens that doesn't happen to ordinary people. Soon, she find out she is part of the downworld and she is taken to the Institute. At the Institute, she meets a boy who she likes who does dangerous things, another boy who is calmer and sweeter, and a girl who is really pretty and knows it. Even though it was like the City of Bones, it had a unique twist to it that really made it special and fun to read.

New Books!

2010-07-30T12:42:00.004-04:00

Written by guest blogger Anagha C.

Looking for something to read this summer? Come check out some of our new JH books!

No Moon, by Irene Watts
Ever since Louisa Garener's brother died in a boating accident, Lousia has been afraid of going to sea. Now, she's fourteen and a nursemaid to the daughters of a very rich man. When the family decides to sail to New York on the Titanic, what will Louisa do when she's forced to go? Will she go with the fear of what happened to her brother, or will she refuse and never leave the working class stage that she has desperately tried to escape from?

Happyface, by Stephen Emond
Enter Happyface's journals and get a peek into the life of a shy, artistic boy who decides to reinvent himself as a happy-go-lucky guy after he moves to a new town.

The Karma Club, by Jessica Brody
Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. But when Maddy's boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That's why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn't wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own.

Linger, by Maggie Stiefvater
This is the second book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, and it's the sequel to Shiver. As Grace hides the vast depth of her love for Sam from her parents and Sam struggles to release his werewolf past and claim a human future, a new wolf named Cole wins Isabel's heart but his own past threatens to destroy the whole pack.

Is there a book you'd like the library to buy? Submit a request to the Suggestions Box in the teen area.

Summer Reading 2010 Results

2010-07-29T16:07:00.006-04:00

A big CONGRATULATIONS to

Elisabeth Sorrows

for reading the most pages of all teens in Gleason's teen summer reading program for the SECOND straight year! Elisabeth read 6101 pages!

Congratulations also to our second and third place readers,

Sarah Means and Sam Heinrich.

Sarah read 5553 pages this summer and Sam was close behind with 5466!

Carlisle teens read an incredible 44,342 pages this summer which is nearly double what Carlisle adults read!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the online program and attended the craft events and final party. And a special thanks to all the teens who volunteered this summer. We couldn't have had such a successful summer reading program without your help!

New Books!

2010-07-16T12:14:00.005-04:00

Written by guest blogger Anagha C.

Looking for something to read this summer? Come check out our new JH books! New books are located in front of the small window in the teen area. Recently added titles include

Only the Good Spy Young, by Ally Carter
This is the fourth book the the Gallagher Girls Series where Cammie Morgan finds out, during a terrible encounter in London, that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a double agent.

Birthmarked, by Caragh M. O'Brien
When Gaia's mother is brutally taken away by the very people she serves, Gaia must question whether the Enclave deserves such loyalty.

The Prince of Mist, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
A fantasy fiction book about Max and Alicia Carver who move away to a small city because of war. During this time in the city, strange things happen, and they discover the Prince of Mist, a diabolical character who had returned from the shadows to collect on a debt from the past, and who will send them on an adventure that will change their lives.

The White Cat, by Holly Black
When Cassel Sharpe discovers that his older brothers have used him to carry out their criminal schemes and then stolen his memories, he figures out a way to turn their evil machinations against them.

Trickster: Native American Tales, by Matt Dembicki
A graphic novel with 21 folk tales that explain how things came to be.

For a full list of new titles, visit http://www.gleasonlibrary.org/teen_reading_ideas.htm and then click on "New JH Books."

Is there a book you'd like the library to buy? Submit a request to the Suggestions Box in the teen area or send Cassandra an email at cmalik@mvlc.org.

Free Audiobooks!

2010-07-02T10:34:00.003-04:00

Calling all audiobook fans! Each week from now until September 1st, you can download two FREE audiobooks through SYNC! The titles currently being offered are:

The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Visit http://www.audiobooksync.com/ for a complete list of titles and instructions on how to download them!

Summer Reading!

2010-06-04T11:13:00.007-04:00

Summer reading is almost here! The 2010 Summer Reading Program theme is the environment, so get ready to "tnk grEn" at the library!

Registration begins on Saturday, June 12th. You can register online by going to www.readsinma.com and clicking on Carlisle.

Summer Reading Events for Teens Include:

A kickoff meeting on Tuesday, June 22nd. Grades 5-8 will meet from 7-7:40 pm and grades 9-12 will meet from 8-8:40 pm.

A tie dye craft for 5th and 6th graders on Tuesday, July 6th from 7-7:40pm and Thursday, July 22nd from 7-7:40pm. Preregister at the library.

A Go Green Bag craft for 7th-12th graders on Tuesday, July 6th from 8-8:40pm and on Thursday, July 22nd from 8-8:40 pm. Preregister at the library.

A closing party (with awards, snacks, and games!) on Tuesday, July 27th. Grades 5-8 will meet from 6:30-7:30pm and grades 9-12 will meet from 7:45pm-8:45pm.

If you have any questions about summer reading, please email Cassandra at cmalik@mvlc.org.

"thk grEn" is sponsored by your local library, the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Guest Reviews

2010-05-11T13:11:00.007-04:00

Tangled, by Carolyn Mackler

Reviewed by Whitney

Tangled is told in the point of view of four unique characters as they struggle through everyday troubles of love, depression, jockhood, and geekhood. Each character adds to an everyday story that will leave you wishing for more.

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski
Reviewed by Monica

Gimme a Call is a book about a senior in high school who breaks her cell phone and with the broken cell phone she can call her fourteen-year-old self. Using this ability, she tries to change her life for the better. Tries. This book was extremely hard to read in the beginning. It was boring and not very well-written. On the other hand, near the middle and end, the story-line became more interesting and I actually enjoyed it. I suggest this book to very patient girls.

Tangled and Gimme a Call can currently be found in the New Books section of the teen area.

Interested in reviewing a book for the teen blog? Email Cassandra at cmalik@mvlc.org

Name That Tune!

2010-04-23T10:22:00.003-04:00

For our second Fab Friday event, a Name That Tune program, teens put their musical knowledge to the test as worked in pairs to try and identify song titles and artists after hearing short song clips. It was a super close race, but in the end, Team Three eked out victory!

For our final Fab Friday event, we invite you to Get on Board! and help us launch our new board game collection! Games include Apples to Apples, Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Uno and more! This event will be held on Friday, April 30, from 3-4 pm in the Hollis Room.

April is National Poetry Month

2010-04-15T20:08:00.007-04:00

Celebrate National Poetry Month with a visit to the library! Come check out the display of poems and books in verse in the teen area and put your poetry knowledge to the test by matching six scrambled poems to their title and author.

Duct Tape Extravaganza!

2010-04-13T15:25:00.006-04:00

This April, the library is having weekly programs for teens on Fridays! Fab Fridays kicked off last week with a Duct Tape Extravaganza! Teens used colored duct tape to make wallets, roses, bookmarks, and flip flops.

The next Fab Friday event, a Name That Tune! program, will be THIS FRIDAY, April 16, from 3-4 in the Hollis Room. Come show off your musical knowledge and compete to win a prize!

A Conspiracy of Kings

2010-04-08T18:13:00.006-04:00

The newest book in Megan Whalen Turner's highly acclaimed The Queen's Thief series has finally arrived! Prepare to enter a world full of political intrigue and adventure with Eugenides, Sophos, and the Queens of Attolia and Eddis. Here is the book trailer for A Conspiracy of Kings.

A Conspiracy of Kings is located in the teen area, along with the previous books in the series: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia.

Fab Fridays for Teens at the Library!

2010-03-19T16:33:00.004-04:00

On Friday April 9th, 16th, and 30th, all 5th-12th graders are invited to attend Fab Fridays for Teens at the Gleason Public Library. Fab Fridays will take place from 3-4 pm in the Hollis Room and will feature crafts, games, and other fun activities! For more information, please contact Cassandra at cmalik@mvlc.org.

Fab Fridays in April:
April 9: Duct Tape Extravaganza. Transform colored duct tape into flowers, wallets, and more!

April 16: Name That Tune. Test your musical knowledge by identifying as many song clips as you can.

April 23: Spring Vacation (no event)

April 30: Get on Board! Celebrate the launch of Gleason's new board game collection with an afternoon of games and snacks.

Guest Review: This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2010-03-09T14:14:00.001-05:00

This World We Live In is the third entry in Susan Beth Pfeffer's popular The Last Survivors series. Fans of Life as We Knew It and The Dead and Gone will definitely want to check this book out since it features the protagonists from both of those earlier books in the series!

Our guest reviewer, Whitney, has this to say about Pfeffer's latest:

This World We Live In is the third in an action packed, thrilling, romantic piece of science fiction that will leave you on the edge of your seat begging for more!

This World We Live In will be released on April 1st, so look for it at the library then. If you can't wait that long, Amazon currently has a few advanced copies for sale!

Interested in writing book reviews for the teen blog? Contact Cassandra at cmalik@mvlc.org

Valentine's With a Twist

2010-02-23T17:21:00.016-05:00

On February 12, sixteen teens gathered at the library for a unique Valentine's Day celebration. Teens decorated cookies, made duct tape roses, and had a catapult building contest. Thanks so much to everyone who helped make the Anti-Valentine's Day party such a huge success!

Award Winners!

2010-02-06T13:21:00.005-05:00

The Young Adult Library Services Association recently awarded the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature to Libba Bray's Going Bovine! If you haven't already seen it, check out a hilarious interview with Libba Bray in the Book Trailers post below!

The following books were named 2010 Printz Honor Books:

Charles and Emma: The Darwin's Leap of Faith, by Deborah Heiligman

The Monstrumologist, by Rick Yancy

Punkzilla, by Adam Rapp

Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973, by John Barnes

Going Bovine, Charles and Emma, and The Monstrumologist are located in the new books section of the teen area. Look for Punkzilla and Tales of the Madman Underground to arrive there soon!

Book Trailers

2010-01-07T20:25:00.003-05:00

Looking for a good book to read? Maybe these book trailers for some of our newest JH titles will give you some ideas!

All of these books are located in the New Books section of the teen area. Just ask for help if you can't find them!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (sequel to The Hunger Games)

Fire by Kristin Cashore (companion to Graceling)

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Attention Alex Rider Fans!

2009-12-17T18:12:00.005-05:00

Check out this interview with Anthony Horowitz in which he discusses Crocodile Tears, the newest book in the Alex Rider series.

Crocodile Tears is located in the new books section of the teen area. If it's checked out, ask a librarian to request it for you!

New Books!

2009-11-19T15:51:00.002-05:00

Next time you're in the library, come check out some of our new JH books! New books are located in front of the small window in the teen area. Recently added titles include

Alphas, by Lisi Harrison, the first book in a new series about the exclusive Alpha Academy boarding school featuring Skye Hamilton from The Clique books.

The Doom Machine by Mark Teague, a madcap science fiction tale chronicling the adventures of troublemaker Jack Creedle and level-headed Isadora Shumway as they try and save Earth from a group of alien invaders.

Stealing Death by Janet Lee Carey, a fantasy tale about a young man who fights death to save people from dying after his family is killed.

Fans of Erin Hunter's Warriors series should check out our brand new Warriors graphic novels!

For a full list of new titles, visit http://www.gleasonlibrary.org/teen_reading_ideas.htm and then click on "New JH Books."

New Moon Party

2009-10-15T18:53:00.009-04:00

To celebrate the release of the New Moon movie, several Carlisle teens decided to add a little BITE to their Friday night with Twilight bingo, trivia, crafts, and a character costume contest. Thanks to everyone who helped make the party so much fun!

Upcoming Events

2009-10-09T10:25:00.008-04:00

The next TOGA (Teens of Gleason Advisors) meeting is Thursday, December 3, from 3-4 in the Hollis Room.

Like to chat about books? The next meeting of Window into Wild Universe, the teen book club, is Tuesday, December 8, from 3-4 in the Hollis Room. New members in grades 7-9 are welcome!

Questions? Email Cassandra: cmalik@mvlc.org

A New Face

2009-09-18T12:48:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone!

My name is Cassandra, and I'm Gleason's new teen librarian. I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you! I also hope to restart TOGA and book club meetings soon - keep checking the blog for updates.

If you see me around the library, please come up and say hi!

Cassandra

Summer Reading 2009 Results

2009-07-30T13:39:00.005-04:00

Congratulations! Kudos! Hurrah! to

Elisabeth Sorrows

for reading the most pages in Gleason's teen summer reading program.

Elisabeth read a whopping 9518 pages!

Summer Reading 2009

2009-06-29T17:36:00.004-04:00

Did you know that teens can participate in Summer Reading? All logging of pages is done online, and the teen that reads the most between now and July 30th will win the grand prize. To sweeten the pot this year, I will also be drawing random weekly winners, who will each get one draw from our box of advanced readers' copies (books that haven't been released yet!). I will notify each winner by email on Monday of each week, and will post the winner on the website and right here!

For more information, click here.

TWILIGHT

2009-06-03T18:56:00.006-04:00

TALK ABOUT THE BOOKS. WATCH THE MOVIE. AGAIN.

TWILIGHT

Join us on Saturday, June 20th, from 12-245 for a book discussion and showing of the movie. All 5th-12th graders are welcome. Snacks and drinks will be provided. No preregistration is required.

Name the Martian

2009-05-19T17:11:00.005-04:00

This martian and a few friends found out that the theme of the Massachusetts Summer Reading program is Starship Adventure, so they landed in Carlisle for the summer. Since we don't speak Martian, we don't know what to call him -- it is up to us to give him a name.

Write down your choice for his name and pop it in to the container on the children's desk in the library. We will announce his name -- and the winner -- on June 1, 2009.

While he is here for the summer, the Martian would like to see more of our town and possibly our world. To help him do that, we are offering Martians for check out along with your summer reading books. If you are going on vacation this summer check out one of our Martians. Take him and your books with you, pose him in some vacation shots (on the beach! at the airport! in the ocean!) and return him and your photos to the library when you return from your trip. We will be posting the photos to share with all of our patrons.

Mystery in the Library

2009-05-05T12:46:00.031-04:00

A huge THANK YOU to all who planned, set up, and attended Mystery in the Library last weekend! Kudos to Emma Schofield for her expert sleuthing skills and Griffin Bishop for his best costume.

The cast of Mystery in the Library

Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Pinocchio

Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Aladdin

The Queen, Oliver Twist, The Fairy Godmother

Puss in Boots, The Monster, The Scarecrow

Huck Finn, Peter Pan, Miss Marple

2009-04-14T12:24:00.005-04:00

There's a
mystery in the library

Help solve it. May 2nd. 12-2pm.
Click the link to find out more.

New DVDs

2009-04-02T16:49:00.006-04:00

DVDs suggested by TOGA and on their way to the library's shelves:

A Knight's Tale
Back to the Future 2
Back to the Future 3
Twilight
The Dark Knight

Look for these titles in Carlisle soon.
Thank you TOGA for the recommendations!

Girl Scout Troup 2656 Visits Gleason

2009-03-17T16:32:00.006-04:00

Carlisle Girl Scout Troup 2656 spent their St. Patrick's Day at the library, straightening shelves in the children's room, creating a paper chain that will hang throughout the building, and selecting their favorite books and cds for display.

A huge THANK YOU to the Girl Scouts!

Visit the teen space and the register across from the reference desk to check out the troup's selections.

Thank you, TOGA!

2009-02-06T11:45:00.008-05:00

TOGA continues to work its magic at Gleason. Its suggestions, likes, dislikes, and enthusiasm for the library have resulted in the creation of Gleason's new teen section, as well as planned events, teen book club, new books, and more.

These new (or soon-to-arrive) books and playaways were ordered because TOGA suggested them:

books

biographies of Helen Keller, Oprah Winfrey, Marie Curie, and Paul McCartney

playaways
Airborn, Eragon, The Misfits, and Princess Academy

Kudos to TOGA for all of its hard work!
If you would like to suggest a title for the library, leave a comment on this post, or send an email to Erica: ewing@mvlc.org

Book Club

2009-01-30T14:50:00.003-05:00

Gleason's brand new book club for teens has a new name:
Window into Wild Universe.

The book club is currently reading The Adoration of Jenna Fox, by Mary E. Pearson, and will meet discuss the book on Monday, February 23rd, from 3-4pm in the library.

If you are interested in joining the book club, leave a comment after this post or send an email to Erica (ewing@mvlc.org).

Book Club Update

2009-01-09T10:18:00.003-05:00

The first meeting of the teen book club is open to all interested 7^th-9^th graders and will be held on Monday, January 26th from 3-4 at the library. The first book, as well as all club information, will be distributed at the meeting.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Please visit or call the reference desk at (978) 369 4898 to add your name to the list and pick up a permission slip.

Questions? Want more information? Contact Erica, Gleason's teen librarian at ewing@mvlc.org

Book club

2008-12-10T17:06:00.010-05:00

What: Book club
Who: 7th-9th graders
When: First meeting is Monday, January 26th from 3-4pm
Where: The library's third floor

If you have any interest joining such a group, talk to Erica
(leave a comment on this post, send an email, come to the library).
More to come in the next few days -- stay tuned!

Thank you!

2008-11-25T14:17:00.002-05:00

Gleason's new teen space is finally complete. Many, many thanks to TOGA members and all Gleason teens for helping to redesign the space. The library could not have completed the project without you!!!

Save the Date and Celebrate! Friday, November 21

2008-10-21T12:02:00.002-04:00

Teen Space Celebration and Grand Opening

Friday, November 21st from 3:30 - 4:30

With snacks, drinks, and trivia. All are welcome!

Teen Read Week 2008

2008-10-14T13:19:00.004-04:00

October 12 - 18 is Teen Read Week in libraries across the country. Celebrate by voting for your favorite titles of this past year. Visit www.ala.org/teenstopten to cast your vote!

Welcome!

2008-09-30T14:51:00.005-04:00

If you are new to this blog, welcome! Some things you'll find here:

Meeting times, agendas, and information about TOGA
Book, movie, and game reviews from guest bloggers (Carlisle teens that submit reviews to be posted)
A list of books that Gleason's teen librarian has read recently
Information about teen events that are held at the library.

If you would like to be a guest blogger, or if you have any questions about info you see on the blog, leave a comment on any post, or send an email to Erica, Gleason's teen librarian, at estpeter@mvlc.org.

2008-09-24T16:06:00.001-04:00

The next TOGA meeting will be on
Friday,October 10th
from 3:00-4:00.

2008-08-29T10:57:00.003-04:00

The next TOGA meeting will be held on
Friday, September 19th from
2:45-3:30

Next TOGA meeting

2008-07-16T14:24:00.004-04:00

The next TOGA meeting will be held on
Thursday, August 7th from
3:30-4:30

If you didn't bring your contract to the last meeting, please bring it to this one! Also, please let me know if you won't be able to make it.

Still interested in a movie night?? We can chat about it at the meeting!

Hey Guys!

2008-07-07T15:52:00.000-04:00

I'm Carrie, and I'm organizing the new online magazine, TOGAzine. Some of you may have met me or received an email from me already, but I just wanted to let you know about TOGAzine. We are collecting all kinds of art and written pieces to publish online, and eventually in a printed magazine to hand out around town. Ask Erica about how you can submit and get involved or send me an email at carrierose58@aol.com.

TOGA Meeting --- July 2nd Agenda

2008-06-26T14:50:00.004-04:00

Signing contracts for this year's group.
Brainstorming ideas for a small summer event: movie night?? something else???
Submitting to the TOGAzine
time for games??

Anyone have anything else they want to talk about that's not on the agenda?? Leave a comment or send Erica an email: estpeter@mvlc.org.

See you on Wednesday!!

NEXT TOGA MEETING: Wednesday July 2, 3-4

2008-06-13T14:46:00.002-04:00

Our next meeting is

Wednesday, July 2nd from 3-4pm

(THIS IS A CHANGE from the time we agreed upon at the meeting).

This meeting is mandatory -- don't worry, I'll bring brownies!!

We'll be signing our contracts for the upcoming year. If you can't make it, please please please try to let me know ahead of time, as I'll assume that if you aren't there, you no longer want to be in TOGA. For those of you who can't come, I'll simply send you this year's contract through email.

Calling all future Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Graders: TOGA WANTS YOU!

2008-06-05T13:58:00.002-04:00

Do you love the library? Want to help select its books and programs for teens? And going to be entering grades five through eight in the fall? Gleason Public Library's teen advisory board, TOGA, is looking for new members! All are welcome at a no-commitment-necessary, open meeting on Wednesday, June 11^th, held in the library's Hollis Room from 3-4pm. Snacks will be provided!

TOGA (Teens of Gleason Advisors), Gleason's teen advisory group, gives a voice in the library to Carlisle's 5th-8th graders. Currently comprised of about 15 students and overseen by Erica St Peter, Gleason's teen librarian, TOGA meets at least once a month to brainstorm and assist in making decisions that will directly impact teens in the library: book selection, event planning, etc. For more information, visit the library website at www.gleasonlibrary.org, or write Erica: estpeter@mvlc.org.

Next TOGA Meeting --- Friday May 30

2008-05-23T15:33:00.003-04:00

HI TOGA!

Don't forget: we have a meeting next Friday, May 30th, from 3-4pm.

On the agenda: Recapping our DDR/Guitar Hero event.

Getting the first look at fabric, furniture, and paint options for the NEW TEEN SPACE!

Talking about the new TOGA group and any changes you'd like to make.

Enjoy the long weekend --- see you Friday!

Book Review - The Navigator

2008-05-20T14:34:00.004-04:00

From guest blogger, Connor Melvin:

The Navigator by Eoin Mcnamee

FOUR out of five STARS

This book is about a boy named Owen who one day finds everything he knows of is gone and the only way to get it back is by fighting the Harsh, a group of creatures who want everything gone and like coldness. Will Owen get everything the way is should be or will he be lost forever alone in nothingness?

I thought this was a great book and can't wait for the sequel, "A City in Time."

Want to check this book out for yourself? It can be found in the library's JH section under JH Mcnamee.

Want to write a review of your own? Leave a comment or email Erica (estpeter@mvlc.org)for more details!

Book Review -- Urchin of the Riding Stars

2008-05-03T14:02:00.008-04:00

From guest blogger, Elisabeth Sorrows:

Urchin of the Riding Stars
(Mistmantle Chronicles Book 1) by M.I. McAllister

Squirrels, Otters, Hedgehogs, and Moles live in the palace or the woods together. The Moles live in tunnels Underground. The King's wife and son die. The King becomes depressed and is it actually the King that is issuing the orders or not? Will Urchin be able to save Captain Crispin and the Island of Mistmantle?

Fantasy/Adventure; For ages 5^th grade and older.

Want to check this book out for yourself? It can be found in the library's J section under J McAllister.

Want to write a review of your own? Leave a comment or email Erica (estpeter@mvlc.org)for more details!

THANK YOU!!!

2008-04-22T12:24:00.001-04:00

Thank you all so much for helping to plan and run last Friday's GREAT event! Your hard
work and creativity made for a fun and super-successful evening. I hope each of you
enjoyed yourselves --- I definitely did!

Since TOGA has been working overtime these past few months to pull this event off, I
thought I would give you a good chunk of time before we meet again. The next TOGA
meeting will be Friday, May 30th, from 3-4pm. Our open meeting for old and new members
will happen in June (more on that soon!). If you want to chat or get ahold of me before
then, stop in the library or send me an email (estpeter@mvlc.org).

Enjoy your school vacation, and thanks to all of you, again. You did a wonderful job!

TOGA MEETING FRIDAY

2008-04-07T11:12:00.003-04:00

The next TOGA meeting will be Friday, April 11th, 3-4pm.

What we'll discuss: Everyone's role in the event (signing up for set-up and take-down)
Decorations
Set-up

Other things we'll do: Make button nametags (those of you who weren't at last week's mtg)

PLEASE BRING YOUR PERMISSION SLIPS!

Next TOGA Meeting

2008-03-18T11:56:00.003-04:00

The next TOGA meeting will be Thursday, April 3rd, 3-4pm.

Two Things!

2008-03-11T11:07:00.005-04:00

---- There is a TOGA Meeting this Friday, the 14th, from 3-430. We'll be making posters and signs advertising our event. Bring any supplies you want.

AND

---- The DDR/Guitar Hero Tournament has been rescheduled for Friday April 18th, from 6:30-9:30 ! I'll have the sign-up sheet and permission slips for you guys at the meeting on Friday, and then open it up to the public on Saturday. Start telling your friends!

TOGA Meeting Minutes - February 29th

2008-03-06T14:04:00.005-05:00

TOGA had a great meeting last Friday! Thanks to all of you who were there. We talked A LOT so the minutes are a little but long, but please do take a look at them if you get a chance. They contain just about everything that we talked about, and might help you come up with some new ideas for the next meeting.

We'll meet next on Friday, March 14th, from 3 until 430. We'll be making posters, signs, and nametags for our event. See you then!

February 29, 2008 TOGA Minutes

In attendance: Meg, Elisabeth, Connor, Matthew, Sam, Spencer, Matt, Katherine, Erica (Teen Librarian and TOGA Facilitator)

The DDR/Guitar Hero Event

- reminder: double-elimination, signups and permission slips needed, choose
one game only

- date change because of Friday Night Live (no longer April 4)

o it is possible that there might be a dance sometime in April. Meg
will check

- signups will happen within the next few weeks

- still need: TV!! does anyone have one?

o Katherine and Elisabeth suggested we might be able to borrow a tv from their church. Matthew says that he might also have an old
television that we might be able to use for the event.

- also: Meg suggested that some people might like to come to the event and just

read, or want something to do after they've been eliminated

2. Forming committees for the event (Erica will look into budget and have info at next mtg)

- Food/snacks MEG - KATHERINE – ELISABETH [[would anyone else

like to be on this committee? (meg, katherine, and elisabeth all want to be in the reading area and might have some trouble keeping track of the food)]]

o determining types of snacks (m&ms, chips, pretzels, etc)

o keeping tabs on snacks at the event

- Decorations MATTHEW HILL, SPENCER [[who else?]]

o Determining types of decorations (Matthew: blue/green/shiny) (Theme: Geek Gaming at the Gleason)

o Making/finding decorations

- Publicity CONNOR [[who else??]]

o Make and put up posters advertising event (after you know it's okay to do so!)

o Tell lots of people about the event

o Should advertise at Fern's (maybe not – might influence the type of people that come to the event), also at the school library (will work on posters and other items for board at next meeting)

- Activities/Games SAM

o Other things to do in the teen section

Guest blogging on the teen blog

- teensofgleason.blogspot.com

- I would like more people to visit it, and for it to become more interactive

- SO……two TOGA members per month responsible for sending me a post

- Reviews of books, movies, videogames, television shows, info about upcoming events, etc

- Two volunteers to send me a post by March 31 (email, drop it off, bring it to a meeting, etc) MEG and KATHERINE

- Everyone thinks the blog is boring…want to update it a bit. At next meeting, will look at the blog together and see what we can do to spruce it up. (pictures of TOGA members, the image of our Geek Gamer, etc)

Other ideas generated at the meeting:

Matt (and others who would like to – maybe Sadina?) is going to draw his very own version of the "Geek Gamer" – which may be used as part of the publicity for the event.

TOGA members will wear name tags at the event (we'll make those up at the next meeting)

The school library board should include publicity for the event, as well as meeting minutes and the date of the next open meeting

School library board should have info about event, as well as permission slips, that kids must bring to the library in order to be signed up for the event (will make it clear that you must hand in the permission slip and sign up at the Gleason in order to attend the event!)

Erica told everyone that the suggestion box is a huge hit – lots of suggestions are coming in for books, the space, etc. It was a great idea!

Sam volunteered to dress up as the "Geek Gamer" but Erica suggested that an animated version would work just as well. Thanks, Sam – Sorry!!

4. Next meeting – Friday, February 14th

- we'll be making posters for the event, and might even head down to the Teen space to brainstorm

TOGA Meeting this week

2008-02-26T12:41:00.003-05:00

It's time for another TOGA meeting !

Friday, the 29th
3-4:00 pm

What we'll discuss:

The DDR/Guitar Hero Event (and what we need to do before then)
Forming Committees for the event (food, decorations, etc)
Guest blogging right here on the teen blog

Come with ideas!

Job Opportunity -- Library Page

2008-02-21T18:54:00.002-05:00

LIBRARY PAGE, GLEASON PUBLIC LIBRARY, CARLISLE :

To coordinate a new literary and art magazine for teens. Graduation from ninth grade or equivalent; volunteer or work experience with editing recommended. Min. $8/hr up to 50 hours total. This is a grant funded position. Send cover letter and resume to Angela Mollet, Director, Gleason Public Library, 22 Bedford Rd. Carlisle, MA 01741 or to amollet@mvlc.org. Deadline: March 14, 2008. EOE/AA

BIG NEWS!

2008-01-31T18:06:00.001-05:00

Our gaming event is currently being re-scheduled.

It will featuring: DDR and Guitar Hero !!!!

more details to come!

Next TOGA Meeting

2008-01-31T18:04:00.000-05:00

The next TOGA meeting will be

Friday, February 29th
3-4:00 pm

We'll be talking about the upcoming event. See you then!

Next TOGA Meeting - January 29th

2008-01-15T16:24:00.001-05:00

The next TOGA meeting will be

Tuesday, January 29th
3-4:30 pm

What we'll be talking about:

-Our SPRING gaming event
-Book reviews to be posted on a new bulletin board in the Library's Teen Area
- The SUGGESTION BOX
- Anything else you guys have on your mind!

I hope you can make it!

January 11th Meeting Minutes

2008-01-15T15:11:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the GREAT meeting last week, everyone! Here's the minutes:

TOGA (Teens of Gleason Advisors)
Minutes
January 11th, 2008

In attendance: Spencer, Ryan, Matt P., Sam, Matthew H., Amelia, Katherine, Connor,
Elizabeth, Meg, Susannah, and Erica (TOGA facilitator and Teen Librarian)

Generating Ideas on Renovating the Library's Teen Section
- Should be divided into two sections: one with comfy chairs (quiet), and one with tables (group work/ chatting area)
- Furniture suggestions: butterfly chairs, better tables (longer, with more room to
spread out books/homework), huge wraparound couch with table in the middle
- Make better use of the window seat
- The teen section needs to look different from the rest of the library, and feel like a
more defined space. Way to do that: livelier paint colors (blues and greens?).
- Because it is difficult for people to know where the library?s teen section is, there
should be signs pointing it out, in the section, and downstairs.
- Group voted on putting a suggestion box in the teen section, where anyone can offer
ideas about renovating the space, as well as book suggestions. A box will be placed
there. Depending on its success, a similar suggestion box may be placed in the school
library, as well.

Spring Event
- To be held in March/April/May
- Based upon ideas generated at the previous meeting, Erica has begun looking into
bringing someone to the library to run a DDR Tournament. The group was split over
whether or not they?d want DDR or Guitar Hero. Much debate ensued. Rather than put it
to a vote, TOGA opted to decide this via ballot box. Erica is now working to see if an
event with both would be feasible.
- No matter what the event is, want to make sure that it is successful (high attendance),
has lots of supplemental activities (not board games!), and is fun.
- Fundraiser?

New Books in the collection
- Everyone would like to see some new books in the teen collection. Erica
stated that new books are always coming into the collection, and that she is
open to suggestions.
- Suggestion box will go in the teen section.

New Members
- TOGA decided to uphold its contract, and not allow open meetings (and new
members) until well after the next event.
- Exception: Katherine and Elizabeth?s friend, Sadina, who it is believed will
make a positive contribution to the group, was voted in.

Next Meeting
- Tuesday, January 29th, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm

As you can see, we actually did get so much accomplished! I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting in a few weeks.

TOGA Meeting this Friday

2008-01-08T16:18:00.000-05:00

The next TOGA Meeting is this week!

Friday, January 11th
3-4pm

I hope to see you all there!

Read any good books over winter break?

2008-01-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

I've been using all of this indoor weather time to catch up on some books I've been meaning to read, like Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

If you've read any good (or not so good) books lately, or seen any great movies, I'd love to hear about them! Leave a comment for me or send an email to estpeter@mvlc.org.

And, if you're ever wondering what I've been reading, just look at Books I've Just Read on the right hand side of this blog - there will always be a list of books there!

TOGA meeting --- JANUARY 11th.

2007-12-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

The next TOGA meeting will be

Friday, January 11th
3-4pm

What we'll be talking about:

-Getting the word out about TOGA and our meetings
-Our tentative March gaming event
-Book reviews to be posted on a new bulletin board in the Library's Teen Area
-Redesigning the Library's teen area.
- Anything else you guys have on your mind!

I hope to see you on the 11th! (there will be snacks)

Hi Everyone, I'm Erica.

2007-12-18T11:44:00.000-05:00

Hi TOGA members –

I'm Erica, Gleason's new teen librarian – I'll be picking up where Sharon left off. Since I've only met a few of you, I wanted to introduce myself and give you all an opportunity to introduce yourselves to me.

Things I like (and know a little bit about): movies, baseball, ice cream, running, cooking, reading, and my bulldog, Moxie.

QUESTION --> What are some of your favorites? Tell me about them, and maybe we'll be able to work them in to the next TOGA meeting or event!

We'll be having our next TOGA meeting in January. Since wintertime can be really busy, I'd like to hear from each of you when you'd like to meet:

QUESTION --> Would you like TOGA Meetings to be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays?

Once I've heard from you, I'll schedule our next meeting and send out a few reminder emails.

I've been hearing great things about all of you, and am excited to meet and chat with you! Send me an email (estpeter@mvlc.org), leave a comment in the blog, or stop by the library – I'm here Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Also, be sure to check back here on the TOGA blog often - I'll be updating with polls, book reviews, and TOGA info frequently.

Welcome to the new blog!

2007-10-30T19:11:00.000-04:00

Feel free to comment on anything you like. Post anonymously if you want. All comments will be monitored before they're posted.

If you have any problems with this site, please email Angela at amollet@mvlc.org or Nancy at nboutet@mvlc.org.

Have fun.

Sharon Has News

2007-10-30T19:01:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. I have some sad news.

Next week will be my last week here in Carlisle. I have a new job that starts on November 5 so my last day will be Saturday November 3.

For now, Nancy, a children's librarian and Angela, the director will be running the TOGA meetings. They will run the next meeting on Tuesday December 4, 3:30-5pm.

In the meantime, feel free to come visit me before I leave. You can also email me at scolvin99 @ yahoo.com if you want.

I'll miss all of you guys!

Sharon