Teens Blog

Volunteer emergency in Suisun

2012-05-11T14:54:00Z

The Suisun City Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District is putting on their annual Mother’s Day fair on Sunday, May 13^th. We are in need of volunteers to help set up a few popup tents and help the vendors find their locations. We also need volunteers to take down the tents and clean up after the event.

We need 6-8 high school age or older volunteers from 7am to 10am.
We need 6-8 high school age or older volunteers from 3pm to 430pm

A New Poem From Suisun

2012-05-10T14:54:00Z

the life of a teenage girl

briawnna wagoner

Just Tell Me!

People,

They can’t tell you anything

For some reason people just

Don’t tell you what you want to know

Instead they go behind your back

They have some one else tell

You something either

Important, stupid, rude,

Or they just don’t care about

Your feelings

You’ve had a hard time with something

And people just don’t

Say it to your face

Just tell me, what you

Want to say to me

I can take it,

If it’s bad, sad, stupid,

Important, or just plain rude

Just tell me what you want to say

I just want to not be lied to or

Feel like I don’t mean anything to anyone

Just tell me,

Just say it to my face

-BW

School: green valley middle school

Branch: Suisun

More Quizzes! We like quizzes

2012-05-09T14:54:00Z

If you are one of those people who just have to beat your intellectual score it can be kind of addicting.

Anyways here is the site that was suggested http://www.jetpunk.com/educational-quizzes.php.

If you are feeling playful try this quiz out called How Many Countries Can you Name: http://www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/how-many-countries-can-you-name.php

Ever thought of an online bachelor's degree?

2012-05-04T14:54:00Z

Would this resource be something you would like to talk about in your blog?

Getting the Most From Your Bachelor's Degree in an Uncertain Climate

Why yes, yes we would I think.

Have you ever considered getting a degree online?

Check out the link and tell me what you want to do with your bachelor's degree. (For myself, I want to be a professional soccer player when I grow up.)

Turning 18?

2012-04-24T14:54:00Z

There is no denying it; turning 18 is a milestone. On your 18th birthday you become responsible for yourself. No more asking mom or dad to sign your permission slips! Tattoos, piercings, lotto tickets, cigarettes… it’s your decision now (choose wisely). There is one more decision you get to make as well, and it’s a decision that will affect more people than just yourself. It’s deciding how to vote.

The next election will be on June 5th, and all voters in Solano County will be asked to decide whether or not to continue funding the library with Measure L. If haven’t registered to vote yet, make sure to get your voter registration form turned in before May 21st (that’s 15 days before the election). If you’re turning 18 between May 21st and June 5th, you still have to turn in the form before the 21st for this election. Getting your form in early is important because the Registrar of Voters will be sending out the vote by mail ballots on May 7th!

While deciding on how to vote for Measure L is important for our libraries this June, there are many more things you will get to vote on that are important too – you just have to register first. For more info about voting check out http://www.rockthevote.com/ and watch the video of John Legend, Perez Hilton, Darren Criss, and Bridget Kelly! You can even find music, interviews with bands and artist, and much more from rockthevote.com. Have fun!

Meet Miranda of Rio Vista.

2012-04-17T14:54:00Z

By Susan Reeve

Seventh grader Miranda has lived in Rio Vista all her life with her large extended family. One great thing about her Mexican heritage is being bilingual. Another is her family’s Mexican restaurant that is popular with Rio Vista locals. Miranda greatly respects her mother for running the restaurant and raising such good kids.

Miranda loves being part of the family business. But right now this comes second to doing homework. Her parents often say “Do your homework first.” She tries to, all of it, no skimping or delaying. She would like to be a leader in high school, such as class president.

Saying “A sport is a good activity to put on your college application,” Miranda plays AYSO soccer. She has traveled to Concord and Tracy for away games. She also plays basketball for fun. Miranda loves music and dance and having waist length hair.

Miranda’s message is: Set goals, stay in school and avoid drugs.

Want to learn how to publish your book?

2012-04-03T14:54:00Z

Todd Borg, author of the mystery / suspense series set in South Lake Tahoe, featuring Detective Owen McKenna, will be at the Vacaville Public Library, Town Square on April 17, 2012. There are two opportunities to hear and speak with this entertaining and informative author. Both of these will be held in the Vacaville Town Square Library meeting room. They are open to the public and free of charge.

At 2:00 p.m. Todd Borg will be speaking on self publishing and book promotion, providing opportunity to writers who hope to be published to ask questions and learn about the process.

Hunger games trivia: Part 2

2012-03-20T14:54:00Z

11. When Katniss blows up the Careers’ food supply, what does she lose?
12. What is an Avox unable to do?
13. What does Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee have on his watch?
14. What is District 12’s special wedding ritual called?
15. How was Katniss’s father killed?
16. Katniss notes that President Snow smells like what two things?
17. In Catching Fire, what does the new Head Peacekeeper do to the Hob?
18. In The Hunger Games, whom does Katniss look at during her first interview with Caesar Flickerman?
19. What is the nickname of Katniss’s part of District 12?
20. Victors are supposed to have a talent. In Catching Fire, what does Katniss claim hers is?
21. What did Katniss find out about on the Mayor’s television?
22. Who saves Peeta’s life after he hits a force field?
23. Who from District 12 is turned into an Avox?
24. What’s the former name of the mountain range where the Capitol is now located

Part 1 Hunger Games Trivia Challenge

2012-03-16T14:54:00Z

1. How many Hunger Games victors did District 12 have before Katniss and Peeta?
2. What’s the benefit t of signing up for a tessera?
3. How many times would an 18-yearold’s same be entered into the reaping if he or she didn’t have any tesserae?
4. What is Gale’s nickname for Katniss?
5. Who gave Katniss her mockingjay pin?
6. The mockingjay was created by the mating of which two birds?
7. Every 25 years, there’s a special Hunger Games. What’s it called?
8. When Katniss got back from her first Hunger Games, she had to pretend that Gale was her what?
9. Which Gamemaker was executed for letting both Katniss and Peeta win?
10. Where do the Hunger Games winners get to live?

Part II will be posted at a later date…

Teens and Taxes

2012-03-09T14:54:00Z

The first time I ever had to worry about taxes, I was 16 and had been working at Pizza Hut. With all the hype about taxes, I was very proud to be able to do my taxes all on my own that year. Little did I know it would only get more frustrating once I was no longer a “dependent.” There are so many things to keep track of, and a due date that just keeps getting closer. Talk about stress!!! So I was very grateful for the distraction when a 5th grade student from Solano County shared a funny story with me – about taxes! Thanks for the laugh! Check out this link to see some of the crazy things that people pay taxes on:

http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/General-Tax-Tips/7-Crazy-Taxes-from-the-US-and-Abroad/INF12163.html

Teen Tech Week: Geek Out @ Your Library

2012-03-01T14:54:00Z

Teen Tech Week is March 4-March 10

Here are a few ways to celebrate Teen Tech Week:

Read e-books

Listen to e-audiobooks

Check out movies

Check out music cds

Check out books on cd or Playaways

Get online homework help

Search our databases for magazines, homework resources, health information, and more

Add a comment to our blog

Check out our new visual catalog and write your own review

Use our free Wi-Fi

Go to the library and use our computers

Enjoy a free Wii program

Create a book trailer

Check out these technology-inspired books:

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Feed by M.T. Anderson (ebook and book on cd also available)

The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashijan

How do you plan on celebrating Teen Tech Week?

Challenge accepted

2012-02-02T14:54:00Z

Have you heard of the 30 Day Book Challenge? It’s easy -- every day for thirty days make a post to Facebook, Twitter, or your social network of choice, and talk about a book you’ve read. It’s a great way to get your friends talking about what they’ve read, too.

Day 1: Favorite book

Day 2: Least favorite book

Day 3: Book that makes you laugh out loud

And so on… more above at the link.
For me, I’d have to say…

Day 1: Ender’s Game – There were a lot of books that could have been here, but this was the first book I read, many years ago, that got me interested in the idea of reading for fun.

Day 2: Pride and Prejudice – apologies to romantics! Truthfully, any 18th or 19th century British novel would fit the bill. The only thing worse than attending a Ball is reading about people attending a Ball!

Day 3: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – one of the few books I’ve reread multiple times. I still laugh at most of the jokes, even when I know they’re coming.

So give it a shot! What books will make your 30 day list?

Mike @ Vacaville

Look, flashing lights

2012-02-01T14:54:00Z

Did you know that some of your favorite books have been made into movies? In fact, many of them are up for either an Oscar or Golden Globe Award…
For instance, has anyone read or seen any of the following movies?

Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Snow Flower and the Secret by Lisa See
One Day by David Nicholls
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Money Ball by Michael Lewis
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
The Invention by Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Come and check them out almost any time of the day (checking them out online makes them available 24/7). If they are out, you can always place a hold and wait for your title to come in.

What’s your resolution?

2012-01-09T14:54:00Z

With each ringing in of the New Year, many take the opportunity to reflect on the year past, and set goals they’d like to achieve in the 366 days ahead. Losing weight, quitting smoking, or learning a new skill are common goals. But what about the library? Does the library set New Years Resolutions? I like to think so!

In 1998 Solano County voters passed a sales tax measure which provides a 1/8th of a penny to libraries all over Solano County. Because it went into effect in January of 1999, each year in January we like to celebrate the wonderful things we have been able to do in our libraries. We call this celebration Promises Made, Promises Kept. I like to think of Promises Made, Promises Kept as our New Years resolution to you. In June voters will have the opportunity to extend this funding.

My resolution is to increase programming for teens. So while I was super excited to host Humans vs. Zombies in the library last year, this year is going to be even better. I already have ideas for a Valentines Day party, a teen book club, and teen gaming nights. That’s just the new stuff! We’re also going to have more Humans vs. Zombies, Kaplan SAT/ACT practice classes and workshops, and CHP Start Smart programs too. What’s your favorite thing to get from Solano Library - books, DVDs, or maybe Live Homework Help online? What other things should I add to my New Years resolution list?

- Jennifer @ Cordelia

Solano Teen Book Club is Moving!

2011-12-30T14:54:00Z

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Solano Library Teen Book Club (formerly at solanoteens.4rumer.net) is moving. Starting in January, discussions will be at Goodreads.

The direct link is bit.ly/solanoteens. If you already have a Goodreads account, you can just join the group from that link. If not, you'll have to set up a (free! quick!) Goodreads account, then join the group.

In January, we're reading books about the winter. You can choose any or all of:

The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
Call of the Wild by Jack London

Hope to see you all over at Goodreads.

- Mark @ JFK

Thinking of going to college? Part 3

2011-12-23T14:54:00Z

Are you struggling with a subject in school? Homework Help is at SolanoLibrary.com as a resource right from you home or library computer! Get help from live tutors.

LearningExpressLibrary is another Solanolibrary.com database is a student or life long learner’s best resource. Test your self on math skills or language (these are just two topics you can find here). Or would you like college credit without taking the class? With life learned experiences, see if a CLEP Test book can help you take a challenge test for college credit. There are a number of classes you can challenge for life experiences. Topics you might consider are: Mathematics, Music, History, Foreign Languages, and Sciences. The CLEP test books can be found on library shelves or at SolanoLibrary.com under Research tab click on Careers and Jobs then click on LearningExpressLibrary – providing CLEP preparation to help you advance.

Solano County Library and the staff are here to help. Come on in to find copious wealth of resources ready to help you continue on to college, career or life learning.

Thinking of going to college? Part 2

2011-12-21T14:54:00Z

Volunteer! As a Teen Library Volunteer, you can use this as community extra curricular activity for your college applications. Find out how to volunteer, learn more about libraries and help your community all at the same time!

Books like Peterson's College Guide help find college majors and what college to attend to earn the degree. This book shows you careers you may be hired for once receiving the degree of choice.

How to Pay for College – Have you thought about money to fund college? Here are some book titles you can check out from the library to help you: How to Pay for College : a Library How-to Handbook, Paying for College : Practical, Creative Strategies, How to Pay for College: a Practical Guide for Families, The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2012 : Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants, and Prizes.

Thinking of going to college? Part 1

2011-12-16T14:54:00Z

Whether you have just started high school or are already a senior start now to look at all options open to making it into the college of your choice. Here are some ways Solano County Library can help you.

College catalogs are available online for checking class requirements, campus directories or registration.

SAT, ACT testing is being offered by many area libraries and sponsored through KAPLAN. Check for the dates on bookmarks in the library or ask at the service desk.

Essay writing how to books are another way to help you succeed on your college application or with your classes. Here are a few titles to help you along: College Essays that Made a Difference, Write Your Way into College: College Admissions, Essays & Term Papers, and many more!

Christmas is coming

2011-12-13T14:54:00Z

(You can tell because there are fat geese waddling around all over the place.)

I was listening to the Bing Crosby station on Pandora and realized, as the music ranged through the years from the 1930's through the 1960's, that the essence of Christmas, it's raison d'être, changed over that time. And that change is recorded in the music. Something happened, something like Madison Avenue twisting the season into a wanna wanna wanna kinda' time. This is cliché, of course, you can see the realization in the Charlie Brown's Christmas special. But to hear the transition in music was a fascinating experience.

So, since we've lost the purpose of the season and replaced it with crude capitalism, tell me. What do you want?

a. Nothing, just the time together with family
b. Nothing my goat's furry legs! I want stuff and I have a list!
c. In my family, Christmas giving is important
d. Um… we don't do all that. Still, it's cool to think about stuff
e. Other ____________________________

The Life of a Bestseller

2011-12-07T14:54:00Z

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a bestselling book? Hunger Games has been through two lives, and it’s been a rollercoaster ride! When first released in 2008, the book was popular, was checked out a lot, and had many people put it on hold. But then the demand died off – that is, until they announced it would be made into a movie. Then its second life took off, and libraries across the country have had difficulty keeping up with demand.

Before the movie announcement, the 15 or so copies our library system had were enough to fulfill the initial demand. But after the announcement…? Well, we now have 48 copies and yet there are still over 120 people on hold! Some of our copies are still very new, and have only been checked out once or twice—they were ordered recently to meet the demand. Think about all the different homes those original, workhorse copies from 2008 have seen: each of them has been checked out over 40 times! Have you been in forty different houses in your lifetime? I’m not sure I have.

If we add up the total number of times our copies of Hunger Games have gone out, we come to a grand total of 799 times (as of 12/6/2011, of course!). Hopefully all those new copies that have only arrived in the last month or so will help those 120+ people on hold for it get it faster. But I guess the biggest question of all is this: will the number of times our copies have been checked out reach 1,000 before the movie comes out on March 23rd?

Manga-maniac

2011-12-06T14:54:00Z

Things change at your library in ways not obvious.

For instance, we changed how we deal with our material collections. Gone is the day when each branch of the library has its “own” books, movies, etc. Now it’s one collection and things “float” from branch-to-branch. We want you to know that what you see on the shelves at one place is not all you can get, but just the tip of the iceberg.

Manga is super-popular and checks out faster and more often than anything else we have printed on paper.

So we’re working to get a clearer picture of what we have, what series are history, where the holes are and all that.

If you’re a Manga-maniac, you could help us.

Slyly smile and knowingly wink (if you want) as you hand a note to any librarian saying what you think of our Manga collection – sucks-to-awesome – based on what you see on the shelf or in our catalog.

In your opinion, what Manga series is everyone over?

What don’t you see that you’d like to read?

And how would you display it if you ran the show?

And by the way, we’re always looking for folks for write reviews for our site. Say so if you’re game.

Thanksgiving is over now

2011-11-26T14:54:00Z

Thanksgiving is gone and the year turned cold and misty. For a few days we had a touch of winter. This time of year is all about eating with family. So, just wondering what you all think about family.

For those who had family over, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents -- did you have to let them use your room to sleep in? Do you like them, or are you just supposed to like them?

For those who didn't have family over, do you want family? Did you go to visit family? How'd that go?

We had family at our place. I like them. We'll go visit them at Christmas. They are always good company, though the house is crowded and someone slept in the living room.

Holidays at the Library

2011-11-23T14:54:00Z

What’s On the Calendar for DIY Holidaze @ Solano County Libraries?

During the Thanksgiving holiday break, we will be closed two days: November 24th and November 25th. The rest of the week, we are open!

Are you thinking about what to do during the Winter Break? We have a few workshops on the calendar so far!

@ Cordelia Library on Dec. 7th at 2:30 p.m. you can make a Snowstorm! See how by looking at this link: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/28838/how-to-make-a-snowstorm. Jennifer Lariviere, will be using some earth smart alternatives.

@ Cordelia Library on Dec 8th at 6 p.m., the CHP Start Smart program for new drivers.

Other programs will be occurring so please check back!

Have a wonderful and safe holiday from the Solano County Young Adult Librarians!

So last week on Halloween I...

2011-11-10T14:54:00Z

It's been a week since Halloween. So, Quick Quiz:

A. I got sick from too much candy
B. I was being [embarrassed / mature / lonely] so I decided not to go trick-or-treating this year
C. [We / I] made the best [haunted house / costume] ever!
D. Halloween? Are you still talking about that? Who cares! Thanksgiving's coming.

Guess the Name of this Poem

2011-11-10T14:54:00Z

Can you guess what poem these lines come from?

"One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back."

Driving smart with the CHP

2011-11-09T14:54:00Z

Wet roads. The sun in your eyes. Road work. Some days, the odds seem stacked against us, especially this time of year. Fall and winter can bring on some driving conditions that will challenge even the more experienced among us. So if the experienced drivers have trouble, what does that mean for a new driver?

Luckily for teens in Solano County, the CHP has agreed to present their Start Smart driving program in our libraries. Start Smart is a great way to understand the challenges that are bound to appear as you navigate the roads. Come to one of our libraries to learn the facts, tips and techniques that will keep you, and your passengers, safe on the road.

Vacaville Town Square: Tuesday, November 22 at 6:00
Cordelia Library: Thursdays Dec 8^th, Jan. 12^th, and Jan 26^th at 6:00

Check out the CHP website for more info http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/startsmart.html

Review from Fairfield(2)

2011-10-26T14:54:00Z

Review of Beastly by Alex Flinn
By Thomas D

This is a great book about how personalities are more important than appearances. Kyle Kingsbury is the most popular kid in school and the best looking. He picks and makes fun of people are ugly and not wealthy. The night of dance he picks on a unusual girl named Kendra. That night when Kyle comes homes Kendra puts a spell on him. The only way the spell can be broken is with true love. Kendra gives him two years to find the love of his life. This is a great tale about how powerful true love is.

School: Armijo
Branch: Fairfield

New Poems from Cordelia

2011-10-25T14:54:00Z

Poem 1
By Matthew G

There once was a boy named
Sebastian
Who thought he was a good
Magician.
He thought he could fly,
All the way to the sky,
But then he had to see a

Physician.

Friends
A poem by Matthew G

People may say you have no friends.
You may feel sad about this
But think about one thing
You friends may leave someday
But you will have your family forever.

Branch: Cordelia

Book Review from Suisun

2011-10-21T14:54:00Z

CONFESSIONS OF A SECRET KISSER

By Vereniz O.

This book is about a teenage girl who discovers a love novel under her newly divorced mother’s bed. When she reads it, she gets upset over finding her “crimson kiss,” even kisses the cutest guy in school but soon gets disappointed. In her desperate search for a perfect kiss she losses her life-long friend and now has to find a way to get her back but not without learning to forgive herself.

This is a very interesting book. It is like a rollercoaster of emotions, just keeps you reading, unlike other books it has no boring points and its very descriptive. You can’t help but to fall in love with the characters.

Artwork from the libraries

2011-10-21T14:54:00Z

Check these out. Click through to see them

Kitty by Monica M

Mallard by Miquel C

Castle by Jasmine

Sunflowers by Annabelle

Clubs to the Library

2011-10-12T14:54:00Z

Librarians are more like teens than you think; especially teen librarians. We always want to make new friends at the middle and high schools and sometimes we feel insecure about it.

Back in the day, librarians showed up at school then went from classroom-to-classroom giving book talks or pep talks for programs at the library. I always felt awkward doing that, kind of like a salesman.

I prefer a different approach, inviting school clubs to come to the library, then turning that into a special event and sometimes it turns into a packed house, jammed with school families, some of which haven’t been to the library in a long time. Let me explain.

Does your school have a poetry club? If yes, let’s talk about the club doing readings here. A librarian could set up a showcase of poetry books featuring teens or women or writers around the world or wherever you request for people to borrow. Like it? Let’s talk.

Debate club? Debates to me are like boxing matches but with words instead of fists and slower and less bloody. The library would be a fun place to stage a debate? Take up a provocative topic like, “Should the library provide porn for kids?” That’d be sure to draw a juicy debate and an interested crowd.

Is your theater department working on a show that they’d like to promote? Call the library. Maybe we could host characters in costume or character sketches in rehearsal.

For 3 years, Suisun City Library hosted a “World Dance Night” event performed by the Armijo International Club.

Maybe a student art showcase? Or the JROTC could present arms one Saturday morning.

My point is that there are many outside-the-box ways the library can partner with your school. Contact us if you have an idea about this.

Thanks.

New review from Cordelia

2011-10-11T14:54:00Z

Book Review: Fatal Alliance
By Derek W

I recommend the book Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams to teenagers, because it is an action packed science fiction novel. First, I recommend Fatal Alliance, because it is about two enemy empires/republics that fight for control of a galaxy and then are forced to become allies when a group of fighting robots and highly skilled warriors that could beat them both arise. Secondly, Fatal Alliance is also full of mystery and cliff hangers, because chapters are told by four different people in different places with different problems that seem to appear once the chapter is about to end making you read three chapters before you can figure out how they solve their problems. Finally, Fatal Alliance is slow to build up to the action, but once you are 2/3rds through it gets exciting and the ending is really good, but you will have to read to find out what happens.

Branch: Cordelia

New Review from Fairfield

2011-10-11T14:54:00Z

Review of Modern Day Beauty and the Beast
By Daniel L

Do you enjoy reading books no matter what the genre? here's a book you should try reading, Beastly. The book is about a highschooler named Kyle who is spoiled and has everything in the world, till one night he was transformed into a monster. Now he must change his personality and find true love before its too late. In my opinion this book is excellent. Not only does it have an excellent plot but it was also the perfect combination of Beauty and the Beast and modern day life. Give the book a try you might just be surprised how excellent the book is.

School: Armijo High School
Branch: Fairfield

Teen Read Week(2)

2011-10-06T14:54:00Z

Solano County Library will celebrate Teen Read Week™ (October 16-22, 2011) with special events and programs aimed at encouraging area teens to read for the fun of it. Thousands of libraries, schools and bookstore across the country will hold similar events centered on this year’s theme, Picture It! @ your library®, which encourages teens to read a variety of materials, including graphic novels, movies, books about photography, and more. Come check it out! It’s all happening at your local Solano County Library!

New poem from Vacaville(2)

2011-10-04T14:54:00Z

Identity of a Dreamer
by Allie K

Sometimes I loose myself
Momentarily forget
Who I am
Momentarily forget
That I am that person
Who knows nothing is impossible
That I am that person
Who stops at nothing to reach her goals
That I am that person
Who truly believes she can make a difference That I am that person Who can change the world for good That I am that person Momentarily forgotten Who dreams

School: Vacaville Christian High School
Branch: Vacaville Town Square

Hey fellow zombie lovers -

2011-09-30T14:54:00Z

October is going to be a great month for us! Not only does season 2 of the AMC show The Walking Dead begin on Oct. 16^th, but we’re also having TWO zombie events for teens at the Cordelia Library! No, we’re not going to eat each other’s brains. Instead you can team up with your friends and pick each others brains for a Jeopardy style trivia game, where we will test you on your knowledge of zombies in pop culture.

Even better than a trivia game, is the game Zombies vs. Humans, a game of tag that is catching on all across the country, and which has been featured on The Colbert Report. College students are literally running around school trying to “infect” their friends. Because the game was originally for college campuses (and the library is just not that big) we had to adjust the rules. The teen volunteers decided on the new rules, and then acted them out in a short movie. You’re sure to enjoy this short film, and then playing the game. So come by the Cordelia Library this month and live out your zombie dreams! Just don’t bite anyone. - Jennifer

Isac H and Madison G as zombies!

Free SAT practice exam

2011-09-20T14:54:00Z

In partnership with Kaplan, the Town Square library is hosting a free SAT/ACT practice exam and follow-up workshop. Tests will be returned, graded at the workshop. To register call 1-800-KAP-TEST or visit http://www.kaptest.com/College/SAT/index.html and enter Vacaville's zip code in the box marked Attend a Free Event.

Free SAT Exam: Saturday, September 24, 12:00

Results of exam: Thursday, September 29 6:00

Two reviews

2011-09-20T14:54:00Z

Book Review of No Flying in the House
by Jasmine T

No Flying in the House is a fiction book by Betty Brock. When a tiny dog named Gloria arrives at Mrs. Vancourt’s house with a 7 year-old girl named Annabel, Mrs. Vancourt keeps them. Then one day, an evil cat named Belinda tells Annabel that she is a half fairy! Belinda also tells her Annabel’s fairy mother married a mortal man, and they were banished from the fairy kingdom. But if Annabel chooses to be mortal, then her parents can come back. Between her newly found powers and the freedom of her parents, which one will she choose? Read this book to find out!
My favorite part is when Annabel finds out that she is a fairy and flies for the first time. I like this book a lot, and I recommend it for all people that love fairies and magic.

Book Review: Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
By: Jasmine T

Travis’s dad goes out on a cattle drive to make money. While he is gone, Travis has to take care of the family and farm. One day, Travis spies a big yellow dog who he names Old Yeller. The two of them go through many adventures, such as fighting a wild mother bear and taming their hard to train cow. Read to find out what is in store for this pair!
I enjoyed this book because it combines two of my favorite things: adventure and dogs. For dog lovers and adventure seekers, this is the perfect book for them! I would definitely recommend this book!

School: Visions in Education
Branch: Cordelia

The banned books blog

2011-09-16T14:54:00Z

Harry Potter…Captain Underpants…The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn…To Kill a Mockingbird…I am the Cheese…Uncle Tom’s Cabin…The Bluest Eye…Forever…Forever Amber…Rabbit, Run…Catch-22…The Catcher in the Rye…Cujo…Go Ask Alice…Leaves of Grass…Of Mice and Men…Madame Bovary…

What do all of these books have in common?

All have been on the Banned Books Lists. Every year there are hundreds of attempts to remove books from schools and libraries. Remember to celebrate YOUR Freedom to read and right to choose your book during Banned Books Week, September 24 through October 1, 2011.
For more information, visit http://www.ala.org/bbooks.

This message brought to you by Debbie Wiley, FCC Young Adult librarian

A new poem from the summer

2011-09-16T14:54:00Z

Haiti
by Allie K

Wandering roads
Forgotten places
Destroyed homes
Mourning faces
Memories gone
Abandoned love
Silent songs
Never enough
A bird without wings
A mouth without a voice
A kingdom without a king
A path without a choice
Hope is crumbled
Hearts are humbled
It no longer matters
If we make it or not
Hope, faith, even love
Everything lost
To the point no one remembers
Anymore

School: Vacaville Christian High School
Branch: Vacaville Town Square

Back-to-(Middle)-School Reads

2011-09-12T14:54:00Z

The Springstowne Library would like to welcome all the new students at Vallejo’s new Hogan Middle School!

Check out these back to school reads for middle schoolers.

Agnes Parker…Keeping Cool in Middle School by Kathleen O’Dell

Amelia’s 6^th Grade Notebook by Marissa Moss

Big Nate in a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce

Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm

These suggestions can also be found in the Springstowne Library’s Events Calendar.

If I . . . . .

2011-09-12T14:54:00Z

If I.......

by Nayana H.

If there are earphones in my ears, i want to be left alone.
If i dont respond when you ask me a question, im upset with you.
If i am reading a book that i havent put down since school ended, Im ignoring everything.
If i look at you and say nothing, i want you to go away.
If i laugh when nothing is funny, Im in a good mood. :)

Nayana H
Armijo High School
Fairfield

A new Poem

2011-09-06T14:54:00Z

Haiti
by Allie K

Suisun on Volunteering

2011-09-06T14:54:00Z

Honestly, I’ve treated the volunteer program at the Suisun like I care for my garden. Any volunteer or plant that makes it on its own is welcome to stay. That’s not very nice of me.

A lot of students want to volunteer at the library - and that’s a good thing. So let’s talk about helping that succeed.

We definitely need better communication. Some basic interview questions might clear up everybody’s needs and expectations. Like, some students need 10 volunteer hours to graduate. That’s fine. We need people to know you can’t do 10 hours in a day or two.

It’s true that volunteering builds job skills. Woody Allen said; “90% of life is just showing up.” Volunteers need to know that. They also need to know that volunteers can get “fired.” Don’t worry, though, “The Teen Volunteer” isn’t a reality TV show; not yet.

Being happy in high school is often about friends. Volunteering is a great way to make new friends. But volunteering with old friends is the best.

Making it fun is a challenge. Crafts are fun but a lot of volunteer jobs are grunt work.

So what about “outside the box volunteer opportunities?

OK. If you think there’s anything remotely cool about the library, you could be an awesome volunteer by tooting our horn? Tweeting us or banging our social drum. Talk to us, first..

Be a spy for the library at your school. Are there any clubs or organizations we might partner with? Think of us as a venue as well as a resource. One library hosted a world dance night, showcasing International Club talent. They also had a fashion show put on by a club.

Hummm.

If you get any ideas, talk to your Young Adult Librarian.

Hunger Games Movie Trailer

2011-08-31T14:54:00Z

Have you seen the teaser trailer for the Hunger Games movie (due out in March)?

Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAWODq_dMFI&feature=player_embedded

Too early to know for sure, but looks pretty good to me.

One more Poem from Vacaville

2011-08-24T14:54:00Z

a random poem
by Brooke C

I love you as a fat man love pie and as a dove flies swiftly through the sky but all i have to say is i love you or i will die some people say roses are red and violets are blue so i tried to put it in words for you to and here it goes i love you more than anything so please don't go like you did before!

School: Jepson Middle School
Branch: Vacaville Town Square

Poem from Vacaville(2)

2011-08-24T14:54:00Z

Volleyball
By Katie Belisle

Volleyball is my favorite game
Hitting and setting are my positions
It is definitely not lame
To win every game is my team’s mission
Games once a month are always fun
Practice tonight at Rodriguez High School
My team plays well and my coach knows a ton
And all I can say is volleyball rules
But, sadly, club season will come to an end
And that’s when I’ll try out for varsity
Love from my heart to my team I will send
We have become a tight knit community
If you don’t think this, we’ll have a small talk
All I can say is volleyball rocks!

Branch: Vacaville Cultural Center

Book review from Vacaville

2011-08-22T14:54:00Z

Review of the book: Sucks To Be Me
By Brandon R (Teen Vampire)

With such a title one may think that "Sucks To Be Me" by Kimberly Pauly may in fact suck but this thought could not be any more wrong! It is a very nice book about a girl , Mina, who on top of being a teen also has to make one of the biggest decision of her life she has to choose whether or not she would want to be a vampire ,and keep all her friends, or not and lose her family!!!! and on top of all that pick who to go to prom with the new and oo so hot Aubrey or the crush she has had since like forever Nate. This is a book that will give you thrills, chills, and have you hanging on the edge of your seat. I give it 5 stars out of 5. I really think you should read let me know how you like it. if you have any other Vampire books you would like me to review please let me know "Thank You " : )

School: Jepson Middle School
Branch: Vacaville Town Square
Submission Type: review

Back to School(2)

2011-08-17T14:54:00Z

Hey Teens, summers over and now you’re back in school! Of course, it’s great to see your old friends and the possibility of making new friends is tantalizing.but reality breaks a spell when your teacher announces, “it’s drop everything and read time!” What is a good kid in Solano County going to do? Go to the library and choose a fantastic book! We have so many great and compelling “must read” books to choose from to get your parents and your teachers off of your back! Try a few of these:

Withering Tights

By Rennison, Louise

My Favorite Band Does Not Exist
By Jeschonek, Robert T.

Sister Mischief
By Goode, Laura

Texas Gothic
By Clement-Moore, Rosemary

Imaginary Girls
By Suma, Nova Ren

Good luck with school everyone!

Debbie @ FCC Library

Review of Safe at Home from Fairfield

2011-08-16T14:54:00Z

Review of the book: Safe at Home

I decided to read this book because I like baseball. The main characters are Nick Crandall, Gracie Wright, Jack Elmore, and Coach Williams. Gracie is Nick's best friend she lives right across the street from Nick. Jack Elemore and Coach Williams came into Nick's life when he transferred from JV baseball to varsity baseball. This book is about Nick's transferring from JV to varsity baseball.

Nick had just moved in with a new foster family. At first nick didn't like the new family because they didn't know anything about baseball and that was his favorite sport. Nick was a catcher for JV. His new foster parents tried to learn the sport but didn't know a thing about sports so Nick tried to teach them.

At first Nick was on JV baseball then the coach from varsity saw Nick play and brought Nick to varsity because his catcher broke his wrist. At first all the teammates did not like Nick because he was only a 7th grader. But when he won the game for them they got used to him.

This book was about Nick's life. At first they didn't know a thing about baseball. But at the end they knew almost everything about it and so Nick was able to be happy in his new foster home.

Derriak S

School: B. Gale Wilson

Branch: Fairfield

Rule #32 Enjoy the Little Things

2011-08-16T14:54:00Z

Life can be complicated sometimes. With one week left before going back to school, there are still a lot of things left to do, like go shopping for new clothes, get school supplies, and maybe even read that AP summer assignment. In between all those busy and stressful things, don’t forget to take a minute and follow Zombieland Rule #32: Enjoy the Little Things. None of your teachers or classmates are zombies (yet) and Twinkies are widely available in supermarkets around the country. So in this week before school starts, I am going to grab a copy of Zombieland, a box of Twinkies, and a good friend that will let me rewind and watch the best parts over and over (Tallahassee’s Twinkie-face at the end totally owns!). The AP assignment has already waited six weeks, what are a couple more hours? Relax and enjoy the little things.

Jennifer

Fairfield Cordelia Library

A poem from Fairfield

2011-08-05T14:54:00Z

More than a kiss
By Miguel El Iu C

The day has come so this has just begun
     The hour is here you better be here
The day is very clear so don't be gone
Don't be very far cause I need you near
Answer me now or I will leave for now
Talk to me because I need you to speak
When I see you I will pleasurably bow
So romantic it will be by the creek
     Hand you a very delicate antique
And expect nothing in return of thee
You might like it because unique
     And how you imagine it, it will be

So for your birthday I will give you this
Which is a lot more than a simple kiss

School: Armijo High school
Branch: Fairfield

Movie review from Vacaville

2011-08-04T14:54:00Z

Movie Review of Scream 4

By Michael B

Scream 4 is a re-vamp of the 1990/early 2000's horror trilogy. It's 10 years later, and Sidney Prescott, after writing a self-help book, returns to Woodsboro to face her fears. But while there, the infamous killer, ghostface, returns to wreak havoc.

While Scream 4 is not as good as the original scream, it's a close second. Wes Craven does himself justice not just with modernizing but coming up with new and creative ways to kill people. Another thing that I greatly appreciated was the comedic side of the film.

This movie shined in many ways, but of course there were a few downsides, like how predictable the killer is. Other than a few disappointments and things that just bothered me, this was a pretty good movie overall, yet another success for Wes Craven. I would recommend this to a friend and am definitely buying this when it comes out.

School: Vacaville High School

Branch: Vacaville Town Square Library

Or, try this one

2011-08-03T14:54:00Z

Review of the book: Sucks To Be Me
By Brandon R (Teen Vampire)

With such a title one may think that "Sucks To Be Me" by Kimberly Pauly may in fact suck but this thought could not be any more wrong! It is a very nice book about a girl , Mina, who on top of being a teen also has to make one of the biggest decision of her life she has to choose whether or not she would want to be a vampire ,and keep all her friends, or not and lose her family!!!! and on top of all that pick who to go to prom with the new and oo so hot Aubrey or the crush she has had since like forever Nate. This is a book that will give you thrills, chills, and have you hanging on the edge of your seat. I give it 5 stars out of 5. I really think you should read let me know how you like it. if you have any other Vampire books you would like me to review please let me know "Thank You " : )

School: Jepson Middle School
Branch: Vacaville Town Square
Submission Type: review

Check out this book

2011-08-03T14:54:00Z

Book Review
The book i am going to review about is called Mallory on the Move.

The book is about a girl named Mallory. She is best friends with a girl 't want to left her named Mary Ann. Mallory stared fighting with mom that she didn't ant to leave her best friend Mallory Ann then she has to leave .Her friend held up a moving away party they both had allot of fun .The both girls parents made a promise to them they will go to each other home .When Mallory moved to a new neighborhood, Mallory met a new boy named Joey .She and her parents became really good friends .

Name: Simran B
School: Green Valley Middle school
Branch: Fairfield

Teen Book Club - this time its in-person(al)

2011-08-01T14:54:00Z

Hi all,

This month for The Teen Book Group, we'll be meeting in person on Thursday, August 11 at 4pm at the JFK Library.

We'll be discussing Uglies by Scott Westerfeld—a really fabulous book about a future in which everyone is given plastic surgery to look beautiful on their 16^th birthday. Creepy and thought-provoking.

If you can't make the in-person meeting, we'll still have a forum up on the website, so you can contribute there - and keep your eyes on this blog for info about next month's book group meeting.

Want some 'Things to Do'? Try this

2011-07-29T14:54:00Z

Create a board on Pinterest: It’s kind of a good way to gather your favorite images from the web. It’s like an online presentation board or poster. Here’s one with ideas for painting your nails: http://pinterest.com/sydney_clair/nails/

Learn to make a Prezi: Learn how to make visually exciting multimedia online presentations. Go to http://www.prezi.com . There’s a sample prezi with book ideas: http://prezi.com/3ukgarbuxb_b/just-genius/

SYNC: get free downloads of audiobooks for Young Adults. Go to http://audiobooksync.com/ to learn more about the program. You’ll need to download the Overdrive media console to get your books. Once you’ve downloaded the program you’ll also be able to borrow audiobooks from the Overdrive database on this website.

Enter a poetry contest: There is a list of suggestions for contests and places to get your work published online on this website:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2003/resources.cfm#contests. You could also submit a poem to the Solano Teen Magazine – it’s not too late to finish your summer goals and earn a book.

Learn to make beaded jewelry at the Vacaville Town Square library on August 6th at 2 p.m. Call 1-866-572-7587 or stop by the library to register.

-Sabine

Review from Fairfield

2011-07-27T14:54:00Z

Modern Day Beauty and the Beast
Review of Beastly by Alexandra Finn
by Daniel L

Do you enjoy reading books no matter what the genre? here's a book you should try reading, Beastly. The book is about a highschooler named Kyle who is spoiled and has everything in the world, till one night he was transformed into a monster. Now he must change his personalty and find true love before its too late. In my opinon this book is excellent. Not only does it have an excellent plot ,but it was also the perfect combination of Beauty and the Beast and modern day life. Give the book a try you might just be surprised how excellent the book is.

School: Armijo High School
Branch: Fairfield
Submission Type: review

New Poem from Fairfield(3)

2011-07-23T14:54:00Z

Friendship

A friend is someone who cares about you. He or she is always there for you. Even though sometimes your not there for them. When they get really mad at you, they don't want to talk to you but, you want to talk to them to make them fell better. Then when you both are mad at each other then you realized was wrong i shouldn't have done that

Name: Simran B
School: Green Valley Middle school
Branch: Fairfield

Book Review from Fairfield

2011-07-22T14:54:00Z

Review of Mallory on the Move by Laurie B. Friedman

The book is about a girl named Mallory.She is best friends with a girl 't want to left her named Mary Ann.Mallory stared fighting with mom that she didn't ant to leave her best friend Mallory Ann then she has to leave .Her friend held up a moving away party they both had allot of fun .The both girls parents made a promise to them they will go to each other home .When Mallory moved to a new neighborhood,Mallory met a new boy named joey .She and her parents became really good friends .

Simran Balhotra
School: Green Valley Middle school
Branch: Fairfield

Another poem from Fairfield

2011-07-22T14:54:00Z

Friendship

by Simran Balhotra

A friend is someone who cares about you.He or she is always their for you.Even though sometimes your not their for them.When they get really mad at you ,they don't want to talk to you but, you want to talk to them to make them fell better.Then when you both are mad at each other then you realized was wrong i shouldn't have done that.

School: Green Valley Middle school
Branch: Fairfield

New poem from Vacaville

2011-07-21T14:54:00Z

Volleyball
by Katie Belisle

Vacaville Public Library Cultural Center

New poem from Cordelia

2011-07-15T14:54:00Z

Pride

by Madison Gonzales
Cordelia Library

When we slip and fall,
And cannot move on,
We give ourselves some pride.

When we slip and turn,
And we cannot learn,
We teach ourselves some pride.

When things aren’t right,
And we put up a fight,
We all are full of pride.

There will be days,
When things don’t go our way,
And that’s when we wear our pride.

The positive side,
To having some pride,
Is the sinful ego that gets built inside.

The ego we feel,
Will soon turn to evil,
That’s the downfall of pride.

The selfish decisions,
Will start a division,
That’s the downfall of pride.

Put down your gun,
Go see a nun,
Learn the Godly way of pride.

New Poem from Kaleah

2011-07-15T14:54:00Z

Kaleah's Acrostic Poem

K ool (Yes, i spelled it with a K it's because my name doesn't start with a C)

A pples (because i like apples and that was my first word)

L eah (it's my nickname and also my best friend's name)

E nergy ( i have a lot of it it's like i never run out)

A ppreciation ( i have appreciation for everything people do for me)

H appy ( I'm always happy)

**These are something you now know about me

Online Book Club: It's Kind of a Funny Story

2011-06-08T14:54:00Z

This month on the Online Teen Book Club, we're reading It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzinni

Come by http://solanoteens.4rumer.net to talk about the book. If you saw the movie, feel free to come by and comment, but you should read the book too!

Also, remember that the Summer Reading Program is starting on Monday - you can set one of your goals as reading the book or contributing to the Book Club, and get a free book in the process!

What’s it all about, Alfie?

2011-06-02T14:54:00Z

I’m having a strange experience launching a new program at Suisun City Library.

It’s “Beauty Day,” an occasional event for making your hair, skin and nails healthier and more beautiful. It’s mainly for teen-folk, but always fun when all ages show up.

Nice idea? Easy program? Sound good so far?

Here’s the funny part. It sounds like fun and a great chance for a cosmetology student to get some practice - or a school to promote enrollments - or a beautician to introduce herself to the community. Right?

I can’t get people to call me back! I don’t understand it. Is it something I say? But the police haven’t asked me if I’ve been making strange phone calls to beauty schools recently. I have not and that’s not it.

I don’t know what the problem is but I might know a solution. I’m asking for your help…

Do you know someone who’d like to volunteer for “Beauty Day: Hair Braiding” at Suisun City Library on Thursday July 28^th. It starts at 3:00 pm and ends just before Latin Dancing for kids at 4:40 pm.

Ask them to call the Suisun City Library and talk with Jim.

So you and your friends are invited to show up and see what it’s all about.

Calling all Teen Graphic Novel Fans!!!

2011-05-31T14:54:00Z

Rosario+ Vampire: Season II was the #1 graphic novel title in bookstores in April.

BookScan Top 10 Graphic Novels in April 2011
Rank	Title	Author	Publisher
1	ROSARIO + VAMPIRE: SEASON II VOL. 4	AKISHISA IKEDA	VIZ MEDIA
2	FABLES VOL 15: ROSE RED	BILL WILLINGHAM	VERTIGO
3	MAXIMUM RIDE: THE MANGA VOL. 4	JAMES PATTERSON	YEN PRESS
4	NARUTO VOL. 50	MASASHI KISHIMOTO	VIZ MEDIA
5	BLACK BUTLER VOL. 5	YANA TOBOSO	YEN PRESS
6	BLUE EXORCIST VOL. 1	KATO KAZUE	VIZ MEDIA
7	SCOTT PILGRIM VOL. 1	BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY	ONI PRESS
8	BLACK BUTLER VOL. 4	YANA TOBOSO	YEN PRESS
9	YU-GI-OH! GX VOL. 6	NAOYUKI KAGEYAMA	VIZ MEDIA
10	SKIP BEAT! VOL. 23	YOSHIKI NAKAMURA	VIZ MEDIA

Which graphic novel do you think will make it to #1 in May?

What are your favorites?

Data compiled by Nielsen BookScan:

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/19995.html

New poem from Fairfield(2)

2011-05-31T14:54:00Z

Laughing Friends :)

You make me laugh until i cry
friends forever until we die
people doubt us, but thats ok
they dont know us anyways
i have your back and you have mine
stick together and we'll be fine
you make me laugh until i cry
friends forever until we die
:)

Name: Nayana H.
School: Fairfield High
Branch: Fairfield

Hello Earth

2011-05-19T14:54:00Z

New survey,

Who is reading this? Leave a comment!

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

2011-05-10T14:54:00Z

Hey all you Ellen Hopkins fans out there:

Come over to the Online Book Club and talk to us about Crank. http://solanoteens.4rumer.net/f7-may-crank-by-ellen-hopkins

I just finished reading it and thought it was amazing. Tell us what you think!

Mark @ JFK

Mother's Day!

2011-05-06T14:54:00Z

Have you made plans to honor your mother this Sunday yet? Well, here’s some interesting websites which will catch your eye. Test your knowledge with a Mother’s Day quiz or two. First, there’s the Mother’s Day Quiz which test your knowledge about the history of this very important holiday. Then, try out the Mother’s Day Gift Quiz to plan your purchase for the big day. Finally, check out Mother’s Day Central for crafty gifts, activities, & recipe ideas for the big day.

Mother’s Day Quiz

http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/quizcentral/l/blquizholmother.htm

Mother’s Day Gift Quiz

http://holidays.quiz.kaboose.com/62-what-should-you-give-your-mom-for-mother-s-day

Mother’s Day Central

http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/

Nefertari @ COR

Eck! What am I going to wear to the Prom?

2011-05-02T14:54:00Z

Spring is in the air and prom night is coming! Not sure what to wear? Not sure how to style your hair? Not sure of some of the do’s and don’t when going out before the big night? We have some ideas about how to get ready for prom night. You can look in the 646.726 section of the library to get some ideas about how to do your make up or your hair. Not sure what to wear? We have the What Not to Wear book by Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine. For ideas about makeup, consider Bobby Brown Teenage Beauty, 646.7046 Brown. For you crafty teens, consider making a dress or a purse to match your dress! For all of you Project Runway wannabes, you could take a look at Design It Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch, call number 646.4072 Patch. We have many fashion magazines, too, such as Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Celebrity Hairstyles and Glamour. Soon you will be humming “The Way You Look Tonight” with a smile on your face.

Have fun, everyone!

Found another cool website

2011-04-28T14:54:00Z

Story of my life

Found another really cool website -- http://www.gesher.org/gwtest/gwtest.html with a real psychology temperament test on it and wanted to share. There are 70 questions, the results are only considered between 33 and 50 % accurate, and it's difficult to interpret the results as you have to click around a bit to find out what the four digit codes mean, but it’s still fun. I’m a INTJ which is pretty cool, only 1% of the population. This makes me absurdly happy.

Here's some help with interpreting the results. While I was poking around on the site, I came across a listing of all the codes and what they mean. http://www.gesher.org/Myers-Briggs/4%20Groupings%20of%20Type%20Background.html

Also, here is a link to a summary of the different personality temperaments on a different website: http://www.personalitytest.net/types/descriptions/index.htm (This is easy, but not as cool as the full summary. If you take the time to read the results in the first link, it is very worth it.

What did we ever do before online tests? How did we know anything about ourselves?

Cheers, K

Read Graphic Novels with the Vacaville Comix Club

2011-04-20T14:54:00Z

The Vacaville Comix Club will be participating in a graphic novel book club for the next few months. We’ll have copies of 10 different books available to us courtesy of the California Center for the Book.

Here’s a list of what we’ll be reading together:

FullMetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa

Simpsorama by Matt Groening

Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Pedro & Me by Judd Winick

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Runaways, Pride & Joy by Brian K. Vaughan

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan

Death: The High Cost of Living by Neil Gaiman

Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

If you’d like to join us please come to a Comix Club meeting at the Vacaville Public Library Cultural Center. We meet every Friday from 3:30 to 4:45.

Sabine

New poem from Fairfield(1)

2011-04-15T14:54:00Z

The girl and the mirror

By Milelani Manaoat

There once was a thirteen year old girl named lani........

Everyday lani would wake up and smell the morning air She would have breakfeast and then get dressed then she would comb her hair when she was all done she would see how she looked thats when her day turned gloom she wasn't satisfied with what she saw for all she thought she saw was ugliness and no beauty for the rest of the day she would feel depressed but thankfully homeschooled so no one could see how she dressed or looked ,how she longed to be beautiful but she already was for the mirror made her who she thought she would be everyday she looked in that mirror and everyday she felt more ugly then ever before she thought she would never change, never be different, never be beautiful so one day after school she made sure her parents weren't home then she spoke these words "Oh how terrible is vanity for it has ruined me to my last breathe for no man will love me, no man will look at me beware people of the mirror" when her parents came home they saw her attempt to do what they wish she hadn't but they stopped her in time before she did they cried all night tryin to plead her to not do it again but she was to depressed..........Many years later when she turned eighteen she turned on her radio and listened to it eagerly for there was a message of hope that said God loves you no matter what you look like what you wear, how big or how small. That night she said a prayer sayin "God thank you for saving me for that mirror nearly destroyed me come into my heart please and take away my vanity"

School: Buckingham
Branch: Fairfield

National Poetry Month

2011-04-13T14:54:00Z

April is National Poetry Month

Check out these teen books in celebration of Poetry Month:

You don't even know me : stories and poems about boys by Sharon G. Lake
Dizzy in your eyes : poems about love by Pat Mora.
Poetry speaks who I am edited by Elise Paschen.
Softer side of hip-hop : poetic reflections on love, family, and relationships by Laura Haskins-Bookser; illustrations by Jami Moffett.
Falling hard : 100 love poems by teenagers edited by Betsy Franco

Also, share your poems in the Solano Teen Magazine.

The Wolves of Mercy Falls

2011-04-08T14:54:00Z

Who's excited about the last book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy coming out in July?

If you need to remind yourself what happened in Shiver, or just want to gush over how great it is, come over to the Online Teen Blog, where we'll be talking about it this month.

Library Rap

2011-03-31T14:54:00Z

No promises with this one, but check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiUQb5xg7A

"Library Rap"

Written by Tracy Tormé

Yo homes, what up?
What up with you?
What we gonna say?
What we gonna do?
Where we gonna go?
What we gonna see?

We're goin' to
The Library.

I'm moving down the aisle with my homeys in tow
We're groovin' in the home of the librarian (yo!)
She checks us out from behind thick glasses
We walk right past and we wiggle our asses.

Hemingway, Lawrence, Chekhov and Miller
Fitzgerald was a freak, Mailer is a killer

Quiet please!
Quiet please!

The silence is golden
To books I am beholden
I know I'm bad,
'Cuz of the knowledge that I'm holdin'!

And I give you one warnin'
There will be no repeats:
Get out of my face
While I'm readin' my Keats.

Summer Reading Program

2011-03-23T14:54:00Z

Well, teens, it’s just about time for our annual summer reading program. This year’s theme is “You Are Here”! The young adult librarians are making plans for many interesting and fun programs starting on June 15^th! Check out the calendar for our various programs such as rock climbing wall, make a smoothie, celebrate Vallejo pride, tea tasting and wii and others! We’ll offer the same opportunity for you to set your own three goals and either take a book from the cart or we will order a book of your choice (up to $9.99 or combine your three goals for one book that is less than or equal to $30). We’ll be here and hopefully, you will be here, too!

The Real Saint Patrick

2011-03-18T14:54:00Z

Glouchester Cathedral stained glass image of St. Patrick created 1881

Come and join the Town Square library's annual evening discussion with a scholar. This year we will be discussing who the iconic figure of St. Patrick really was with Dr. Daniel Melia, Celtic Studies Program, University of California Berkeley. Teasing out the myth from the man, Dr. Melia is currently working on a book that, among other things, places St. Patrick's birth a generation earlier than commonly thought.
Friday, April 15 6:00

Cathach, a very old book

2011-03-09T14:54:00Z

(image from University of Georgetown Faculty page of James O'Donnell)

To anyone interested in old books, The Cathach is the earliest example of Irish writing. (Follow the link for more of this book's history)

Written at a time when people really cared about books, this book has an interesting history. Traditionally, it was copied (books weren't written at the time, just copied out by hand) by a bishop named St Columba, or rather was made at night by a miraculous light, according to the legend. The book was a copy of a Psalter lent to Columba by St. Finnian. Finnian didn't want the copy made and complained.

King Diarmait Mac Cerbhaill gave the famous judgment ‘To every cow belongs her calf, therefore to every book belongs its copy’. Meaning that Columba could keep the copy. This didn't work and St Columba got all his relatives together to wage a war so he could keep the book that culminated in the battle of Cul Dremhne in A.D. 561. Columba lost and went to Iona in A.D. 563.

Across the Universe

2011-03-04T14:54:00Z

Across the Universe

Sci fi fans: I’m listening to the CD version of a great book called “Across the Universe” by Beth Revis. I’m so glad I can still find a good science fiction book once in a while and this one is fun. It features a dystopian society aboard a spaceship called the Godspeed that is traveling through space on a 300 year journey to colonize a newly discovered planet. They are led by a totalitarian evil ruler named Eldest who somehow controls the passengers’ minds and micro-manages every aspect of life. The only people who can change things are Elder, the teenaged designated future leader and Amy, a formerly cryogenically frozen passenger who is living proof of how human beings on Earth used to behave. Someday it will be Elder’s turn to lead but Eldest has kept so much from him. When someone starts murdering the other cryo-passengers on the ship Amy and Elder struggle to solve the mystery, save Amy’s still-frozen parents, find out the truth about the ship’s past and mission, and figure out how to fix what’s wrong with their shipboard society. Place holds on “Across the Universe” – we’re ordering more copies!

My interest in science fiction probably started with the original “Star Trek” series and “Star Wars” films. I still feel a gaping hole in my heart after seeing what happened to Vulcan in the latest “Star Trek” movie. My interest was renewed when I discovered the Ender and Shadow series by Orson Scott Card. I like the way that sci fi books can allow people to dream about the future, while at the same time holding up a mirror to human nature and revealing our recurring mistakes. The films “District 9” and “Avatar” and the “Uglies” series by Scott Westerfeld were riveting for the same reason.

Next on my list is “I Am Number Four,” by Pittacus Lore, which has already spawned a movie of the same name. Who reads science fiction out there? What else should I read?

Sabine @VCC

Short Poem from Fairfield

2011-03-03T14:54:00Z

Chocolate Friends :)

friends are like a chocolate bar.
your happy to have one.
but when its gone,
you get sad.
:)

Name: Nayana H.
School: Sullivan Middle
Branch: Fairfield

Online Book Club: Mysteries

2011-03-01T14:54:00Z

This month we're trying a couple new things with the Online Book Group. 1) No registration required (I think). You should be able to make comments without creating an ID. If you have problems, post a comment here. 2) There are three available books to discuss, all mysteries. Join us at http://solanoteens.4rumer.net

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer:

Enola Holmes, much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, must travel to London in disguise to unravel the disappearance of her missing mother.

Something Rotten by Alan Gratz:

In a contemporary story based on Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, Horatio Wilkes seeks to solve the murder of his friend Hamilton Prince's father in Denmark, Tennessee. Something is rotten in Denmark, Tennessee, and it is not just the polluted Copenhagen River. Hamilton Prince's father has been murdered, according to a hidden video message. Horatio Wilkes, Hamilton's best friend, is visiting the Prince mansion when the video turns up. The guys need to find the killer before he strikes again. But it won't be easy.

Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe:

While vacationing with her family in Las Vegas, seventeen-year-old Jasmine stumbles upon a murder mystery that she attempts to solve with the help of her friends, recently arrived from California.

New poem from Fairfield

2011-02-18T14:54:00Z

Hmmm?

Yellow purple red and green.

things aren't always what they seem.

blue black orange and pink .

sometimes you have to think.

Name: Nayana H.
School: Sullivan Middle School
Branch: Fairfield

New Poem from Fairfield Student

2011-02-17T14:54:00Z

Hmmm?
by Nayana H.

Yellow purple red and green.
things aren't always what they seem.
blue black orange and pink .
sometimes you have to think.

School: Sullivan Middle School
Branch: Fairfield

Growing Up Asian in America Contest

2011-02-16T14:54:00Z

Growing Up Asian in America is an art and essay contest for Bay Area youth (K-12). The contest theme this year is Lost and Found. All backgrounds including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, other Asian or Pacific Islander ethnic groups, or mixed heritage are encouraged to submit entries.

For more information go to www.asianpacificfund.org

You can find guidelines and the official entry form at any of the Solano County Libraries or an electronic copy at www.asianpacificfund.org/genral-information/about-the-theme.

The contest deadline is Thursday, March 10, 2011. The winners will be announced in April.

Teen Reviews

2011-02-10T14:54:00Z

Here's some assorted news about book reviews written by and for teens:

1) There's a great site put on by the Concord Carlisle High School in Massachusetts, here. The teens at the high school get freebie copies of soon-to-be released books, and review them. Check it out.

2) Want to write your own reviews (book, movie, music, etc.)? Submit them to our Solano Teen Magazine, here

3) Or, if you're not into writing reviews, and you want to discuss books you're reading more informally, come meet us at the Online Teen Book Group, here. Next month we're trying something new: the theme is mystery, and there are three book choices: Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe, The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer, or Something Rotten by Alan Gratz (check out an awesome book trailer for Something Rotten here). Read one or more of those books and come by the club in March to talk about them.

Mark @ JFK

Hear ye! Hear Ye!

2011-02-03T14:54:00Z

Is anyone out there channeling the great Martin Luther King, Junior? Here’s a chance to test your chops! All teens are invited to submit an application for the 3^rd Annual Black History Month Contest: “Let Your Voice Be Heard” Oratorical Competition. It is open to all high school students. The competition is sponsored by the One World Agenda Organization in partnership with the Suisun City Library. It will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Suisun City Library. Prizes and Certificates of Participation will be given out for three grade categories: 9^th-10^th, 11^th, 12th. You must register in order to compete. For registration packets, please visit either the Suisun City Library or the Fairfield Civic Center Library for information and/or registration packets.

Get your teachers and parents off your backs and participate in this great event!

Short Story from Vacaville

2011-02-02T14:54:00Z

Good morning and Congradulations to Tara S for being the first short story of the new year! Here's a teaser, see the rest after the jump

Morning Routine

You listen to your alarm clocks incessant chirping. It desperately attempts to pull you from your slumber, but you don't want to wake up. You wriggle your arm out from the tangle of blankets and you reach up and glide your hand through the air until you feel the familiar, cold plastic. Your fingers press down hard onto the snooze button and you hear silence. But it is too late. Your dream has slipped from your memory, and you can only recollect bits of pieces. It's lost forever. Or maybe only for now.

Name: Tara S
School: Vaca Pena

A poem to think about

2011-01-29T14:54:00Z

October

OCTOBER is the treasurer of the year,
And all the months pay bounty to her store:
The fields and orchards still their tribute bear,
And fill her brimming coffers more and more.
But she, with youthful lavishness,
Spends all her wealth in gaudy dress,
And decks herself in garments bold
Of scarlet, purple, red, and gold.
She heedeth not how swift the hours fly,
But smiles and sings her happy life along;
She only sees above a shining sky;
She only hears the breezes' voice in song.
Her garments trail the woodland through,
And gather pearls of early dew
That sparkle till the roguish Sun
Creeps up and steals them every one.
But what cares she that jewels should be lost,
When all of Nature's bounteous wealth is hers?
Though princely fortunes may have been their cost,
Not one regret her calm demeanor stirs.
Whole-hearted, happy, careless, free,
She lives her life out joyously,
Nor cares when Frost stalks o'er her way
And turns her auburn locks to gray.

Paul Laurence Dunbar

New Poem From JFK

2011-01-24T14:54:00Z

silent cries
by Hannah

The knives dig deep, ones of hatred and greed they cut the flesh of the hope that is left these wounds were left to fester and to bleed it crept from behind so cunning and deft.

What right is there to take and to slaughter those who were never given a say in their lives, which end in pools of rose water taken before it could even begin?

Their breath, taken without any regret
and their murder leaves a permanent stain on the hands of those who denied their debt.
one loss, one gain, free without feeling pain

The precious love in that delicate heart stolen future, life broken from the start.

Name: Hannah
School: Vallejo High School
Branch: JFK

Teens and Tax Time

2011-01-19T14:54:00Z

'Tis the season for all the grown ups to groan about money and taxes and spend/waste time with budgets they won't follow anyway. And as this is a teen-blog, I thought I'd wonder about teens. So, being a reference type, I went and found data. According to the "2010 Teens and Personal Finance Study" conducted by Junior Achievement and the Allstate Foundation, teens are pretty much bad with money. The study's conclusions:

Teens struggling to reconcile spending and saving
Many teens lack an understanding of budgeting’s importance
Financial naïveté contributes to false sense of security

“Teens are admitting that they don’t have knowledge of some of the basic money management skills around investing, budgeting and using credit. Despite the alarming numbers, teens overwhelmingly have high hopes for future financial stability. The poll shows we need to do a better job of ensuring our youth are financially literate.”

Seems like they're saying that teens are clueless, know they're clueless, but have high hopes for the future anyway. So, is this fair, accurate, what?

Gaming and Games at the Library

2011-01-12T14:54:00Z

I have to admit I spend a little too much time playing games online. My latest obsession: QWOP. Sometimes it’s better to go out and meet new people and try new games. There are regular gaming programs at many branches of the Solano County Library. We have Wii games like Smash Bros. and Rock Band, and board games too. The next teen gaming day at Vacaville Cultural Center Library is Thursday, January 20^th at 3:30. The guys from Olde World Games in Vacaville will bring some interesting board games with them to round out our collection. Have you ever tried Dominion or Apples to Apples? Come over next Thursday, make new friends and try something new.

Sabine @VCC

Printz Award Announced!

2011-01-10T14:54:00Z

The Printz Award, for best Young Adult literature was just announced by the American Library Association. The winner is:

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Honor Books were:

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick

Nothing by Janne Teller

Teen Book Group January

2011-01-05T14:54:00Z

Jumping off Kevin's post on all the things you can do with a library card online, don't forget that we also have an online teen book group.

This month we'll be discussing the book Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner. If you want to join the group, go to http://solanoteens.4rumer.net/ and click register. It takes a little while to get an email back confirming your registration, but once you do, you can comment and chat to your heart's content.

Haven't read the book? Put a hold on one of our copies here and get reading. Feel free to chime in any time during the month.

- Mark @ JFK

Silenced Twittering

2011-01-04T14:54:00Z

Silenced twittering. The thousands of dead birds that fell from the Ohio sky last week made me consider the curious application of nature terms to the virtual universe. There was a time, of course, when a mouse always had legs and a web was a spider’s domain. Does J.J. Abrams have anything to do with this construct?

Libraries aren’t exclusively the world of words on paper they were, either. I visited the Library of Congress recently. The scholar I met asked how many researchers would I guess visited their reading room - as glorious a reading room as exists anywhere - that day? The answer: 7. Why? Because the Library of Congress has digitized vast portions of its holdings, so a dwindling number of researchers need to actually visit.

In ways, Solano County Library is part of that same virtual services trend. The value of a library card is not merely to borrow books and movies and other tangible stuff. For those who can’t get to any of the 8 Solano County branches, going to our homepage for virtual services is what it’s about; to take advantage of free homework tutoring, to download e-books or to tap into the databases that offer help with everything from auto repair [Auto Repair Reference Center] to SAT test prep [Learning Express].

Humm. This New Year starts a new decade. I wonder what lies ahead?

More Cupcakes!

2010-12-28T14:54:00Z

Team Santa

2010-12-22T14:54:00Z

Debbie, Santa, and Nefertari at school

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T14:54:00Z

Merry Christmas!

Thanks to all of the participants of the Springstowne’s Teen Cupcake program on December 15^th. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

- Juenita @ Springstowne

New Poems from Kaleah

2010-12-20T14:54:00Z

Poems by Kaleah

Mirror

Mirror, Mirror on the wall i see myself with him and sometimes not even at all he knows i like him, hell even love him But he has that think called a girlfriend i want to be that girl but he's out of my world

See You

I see you with her i know you see me i hope you that im looking forward to being with you the way you want me to be but i hate the fact that everytime i see you with her i want to kill her because i know that you know that i want to be with you but hate the fact that i could never have you

Yhu

Yhu are my knight in shining armor when we first met and talked it was as if we knew each other in another life. I love the way yhu love life and the people in it, I love yhu ill be forever in love with yhu

Innocent

Yhu think they are innocent but when yhu see the true side yhu see the true side isn't that innocent its just like relationships

I hate you Father

i hate you father, why do you think i hate you its because you dont have a sensitive side it’s like your made of ice cold stone

Guyz

Guys they want yhu they say they love yhu but in reality they just want whats inside of yhu and when they get whats inside of yhu thy just leave yhu and those are the facts of they guys yhu see

Rage

The rage i feel for yhu doesnt compare to how much im missing yhu i love yhu ii hate that your not here i love the rage ii feel because ino that iim thiinkiing of all the good times we shared

But a Nightmare

Life without yhu is not life but a nightmare A nightmare that eats my skin little by little A nightmare that pricks my soul until i feel no more life iis not life without you

Wanting Yhu

Yhu are so amazing when i look into your eyes i feel nothing but cravings you make me feel so estaic chills rush down my spine My heart beats fast i feel warmth throughout my body All i hope for is just one kiss your sweet lips against mine My arms around you hold you until the end of time

Healing Heart

Shattered heart forced to heal as greatness veils thine soul Hope whispered in the distance to recover thine lost love 'Tis night biiiring tender passing healing thiine soul with glorious blunder. caus not one or two but the dissipated nights of dreams. sadness come to end happiness conquered hate love sprouting -- sadness shrinking hope has come again

Name: Kaleah
School: Jesse Bethel
Branch: JFK

Books Books Books

2010-12-16T14:54:00Z

Well, it looks like it's the end of the year, and (to me) that means best of the year lists. I've read a lot of books this year, especially in the last couple of months, and wanted to share a few of my favorites with you all:

1) The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork.

Sancho has just lost his whole family, and is positive that his sister was murdered. D.Q. is a brilliant kid dying of brain cancer. The two meet in an orphanage and strike up an unusual friendship. Throw in Marisol, D.Q.'s beautiful caretaker and you have three incredible characters, and a great book about some tough questions, including Pancho's decision about whether or not to avenge his sister, and D.Q.'s need to face his illness.

2) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Not many books start with the main character dying on the first page, but this one does, with a twist: Sam dies in a drunken car crash, but wakes up to find that she is reliving her last day (a la Groundhog Day). Sam is one of the four most popular girls in school, but as she keeps reliving her final day, she comes to realize how much more there is to her life than popularity, boys, and drinks. Despite all the heavy topics, this books is surprisingly funny and easy to read.

3) The Curse of the Wendigo by Richard Yancey

The sequel to last year's The Monstrumologist, but you don't have to have read that one to get this one. This is a good old fashioned horror story, about monster hunting Dr. Walthrop and his teenaged assistant Will Henry, as they try to discover the truth about the mysterious Wendigo, a mythical creature from American Indian folklore which feeds on humans, but can never satisfy its hunger. The first third in particular is very scary, and the whole book is gripping.

4) Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

After her best friend (and longtime crush) Charlie dies under mysterious circumstances, Vera Dietz has to try to pull herself together and figure out what happened to Charlie. Vera is smart, funny, and very sassy--probably my favorite character of the year.

5) Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

Lucy's mother is a compulsive hoarder: she hoards newspapers, clothes, garbage--anything and everything and keeps it in her house. Lucy knows her mother is seriously troubled but just wants to try to live a normal life without anyone knowing her dirty little secret.

OK - so what about you all. What were your favorite books of the year?

- Mark @ JFK

Teen Pop Culture Quiz (Part 4)

2010-12-07T14:54:00Z

Teen Pop-Culture Quiz December 2010

Digital Drama

10. According to recent social networking research, teens are managing their online lives in new ways and new concerns are being identified. Match the new term with the activity it describes:

1. User de-activates their Facebook account each time they log off.
2. A teen who sends more than 120 texts a day
3. Deleting Facebook status updates, likes and wallposts immediately after posting them

a. Whitewalling
b. Super-Loggoff
c. Hypertexting

Celeb Drama

11. It’s impossible to keep up these days! Match the couple with their current status! Engaged? Divorced? Separated? Married?

1. Engaged
2. Divorced
3. Separated
4. Married

a. Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson
b. Nick Lachey & Vanessa Manillo
c. David Arquette & Courtney Cox
d. Leann Rimes & Dean Sheremet
e. Prince William & Kate Middleton
f. Katy Perry & Russell Brand

Scoring

Give yourself five points for each correct answer. Each component of a multiple choice counts as one point. A perfect score is 54.

45-54 You get to sing your first Glee solo!

35-44 Will likes your style but he’s not sure if you’re star material.

25-34 When Gwyneth sang “F**k You” she might have been singing to you . . .

0-24 Sue Sylvester wants your out!

Answer Key

1a(real)c(show in show); 2d; 3b; 4a; 5e; 6:a3, b4, c5, d1, e2; 7c; 8d; 9 Tiger Eyes; 10: a3, b1, c2; 11: a1, b1, c3, d2, e1, f4

(For the full quiz, click here)

Teen Pop Culture Quiz (Part 3)

2010-12-07T14:54:00Z

Teen Pop-Culture Quiz December 2010

Movie Moments

7. At the ripe age of 16, Justin Bieber has a 3D Biopic coming out! What’s the name of this hotly anticipated Valentine’s Day 2011 release?

a. It’s Not All About the Hair
b. My Way
c. Never Say Never
d. My World 16.0

8. If you blinked you probably missed this movie based on the book of the same title by Nick Vizzini:

a. I Hadn’t Meant to Tell You This
b. Be More Chill
c. Life is Funny
d. It’s Kind of a Funny Story

9. This intense and moving teen classic by Judy Blume is the first book adapted by Blume for the screen and is being filmed on location in New Mexico. Blume’s son is directing the movie. Which Judy Blume book is it?

____________________________________________

(For the full quiz, click here)

Teen Pop Culture Quiz (Part 2)

2010-12-07T14:54:00Z

Teen Pop-Culture Quiz December 2010

CHA-CHING

4. Taking the idea of the Red Bull and vodka drink to a whole new level, “Alco-Speed” drinks have been causing major safety concerns after a rash of recent hospitalizations of college students. Which brand is pulling the blend off the market just as the Food and Drug Administration is poised to ban it?

a. Four Loko
b. Axis
c. Core
d. Sparks
e. Joose

5. In an attempt to bring the young people back into the hockey fold whose comic creations will be used in a new partnership with the NHL?

a. Neil Gaiman
b. Frank Miller
c. Alex Ross
d. Will Eisner
e. Stan Lee

We Got the Beat

6. Match the singer with their new single!

1. Taylor Swift/ Cee Lo Green
2. Pink/ Bruno Mars
3. Cee Lo Green/Rihanna
4. Bruno Mars/ Taylor Swift
5. Rihanna/ Pink

a. F**k You (Forget You)
b. Just the Way You Are
c. Only Girl in the World
d. Mine
e. Raise Your Glass

(For the full quiz, click here)

Teen Pop Culture Quiz (Part 1)

2010-12-07T14:54:00Z

Teen Pop-Culture Quiz December 2010

Incredibly Disappearing TV on TV Viewing

1. To accommodate the “emotional and physical issues” that Demi Lovato is struggling with, her Disney TV show is going to be adjusted to focus on the show within the show. Which is the name of the REAL show on Disney, and which is the “show within the show?”

a. Sonny With a Chance
b. Shake It Up
c. So Random!
d. Wizards of Waverly Place
e. Recess

2. The new cable station “The Hub” is bringing back many TV favorites destined to bring parents and children together in nostalgia heaven. Which show isn’t part of their nightly re-run lineup?

a. Family Ties
b. Laverne & Shirley
c. The Wonder Years
d. Square Pegs
e. Doogie Howser M.D.

3. Potentially leading to major spoilers about the plot, the Glee Christmas Album drops three weeks before the Christmas episode airs on December 7. Which guest star will be featured on a Christmas song?

a. Britney Spears
b. k.d. lang
c. John Stamos
d. Gwyneth Paltrow

(For the full quiz, click here)

Online Teen Book Group (cont.)

2010-12-02T14:54:00Z

Don't forget, Solano's Online Teen Book Club discussion begins today!

We’re discussing Graceling by Kristen Cashore.

If you want to discuss it with us, sign up at solanoteens.4rumer.net and click “register.” You’ll create a username and password and then be sent an email to confirm your registration (apparently this takes a few hours, so be patient).

Check in on all the different forums, but especially the one labeled “December: Graceling”: ask questions, answer other people’s questions, talk about why you liked or didn’t like the book.

See you all online!

Two New Poems

2010-12-01T14:54:00Z

I love You
By Kaleah

i love you
but i dont think i am in love with you
i want you as bad as you want me but we can not be together anymore and it hurts me to say this but i hate that i am in love with all the horrid things that you do to me so why cant we just be friends that all in love with each other but can not be with each other the way we want to be

Name: Kaleah
School: M.I.T Academy
Branch: JFK

Best Friend
By Nayana H.

Best Friend. You understand me.
Best Friend. Your always there for me.
Best Friend. Your Stories are like Books to me.
Best Friend. Your Perfect just the way you are.
Best Friend. I want you to be happy.
Best Friend. You make me laugh.
Best Friend. Your smile is undescribable.
Best Friend. I Love You.

My Best Friend: Mariana R. (I LOVE YOU MODDIE!♥)

Who is your Best Friend? ♥♥♥

Name: Nayana H
School: Sullivan Middle
Branch: Fairfield

Cordelia sent us something to think about

2010-12-01T14:54:00Z

Story
With November coming to a close, many high school seniors can sigh with relief and probably take in a good breath of the autumn air. Yes, with many college applications due at the end of the month, one can’t help but feel a bit free. Perhaps there is a little more time to finally enjoy yourself, you deserved it, right? After all, through days of fine tuning those countless drafts of your personal statements, pleading to your teachers for letters of recommendation, and the occasional tears, it’s about time you went out your little “cave”- er, home. Call a couple friends, drive to the nearest movie theater and watch the new Harry Potter flick you’ve been dying to see. Do something! The biggest regret you can make as you’re planning the next chapter in your life in not living in the moment. Sure, college seems so close in your grasp, but the coveted title of being a high school senior is what many freshmen dream of. Make time for leisure and create the long lasting memories you’ll carry with you into college and beyond, because it might leave you sooner than you know.

Written by Christian
Library: Cordelia

A short neurological test

2010-11-16T14:54:00Z

Good luck! ( I passed, though it took a few minues with the last one)

1- Find the C below.. Please do not use any cursor help.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

2- If you already found the C, now find the 6 below.

99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
69999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999

3 - Now find the N below. It's a little more difficult.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I have no idea if these are real. But they are fun. Supposedly, if you were able to pass these 3 tests, you can cancel your annual visit to your neurologist. Your brain is great and you're far from having a close relationship with Alzheimer.

Music and SLAM

2010-11-15T14:54:00Z

Whoever said it’s all about relationships was telling the truth. The Suisun City community keeps giving it up for the library. I’m talking about music and SLAM and more great music coming up in December. Thursday December 2nd at 6:30 is “Family Music” with the East Bay Anointed Voices. Awesome singers. Then Saturday, December 4th is “Hawaiian Holiday” - music and dance from 10 am to 4 pm.

Want to know more about this? Email jasilverman@solanocounty.com

Library closed

2010-11-08T14:54:00Z

This is your reminder that the library will be closed this week on the 11th. So don't come expecting to get in. Come instead on Wednesday or on Friday when everything will be normal.

--Your friendly library building

Denim Diaries series by Darrien Lee

2010-11-05T14:54:00Z

16 going on 21

Denim Mitchell is a good girl. Her parents are strict and don’t want her hanging out with the wrong crowd. Especially someone like Andre Patterson, also known as Dre; although he is a star basketball player and a great artist, his family has been known to be associated with illegal activity. One night Denim sneaks out the house with Dre to go to his birthday party and one bullet changes everything.

Read the rest of the Denim Diaries series:

Grown in 60 seconds
Queen of the yard
Broken promises

Also if you liked 16 going on 21, try reading:

Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson
Street Love by Walter Dean Myers
Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper

New Online Teen Book Club

2010-11-02T14:54:00Z

Announcing Solano County Library’s new online-only Teen Book Club. We’ll be reading books selected by teens and discussing them on an online forum. The first book we’re reading is Graceling by Kristen Cashore, available at all Solano County libraries. We’ll start discussing Graceling in the month of December, so pick up a copy now and get to reading, then join us online.

To Sign Up

Go to: solanoteens.4rumer.net and click “register.” You’ll create a username and password and then be sent an email to confirm your registration.

To Participate in the Club

There are six different forums, including a one for questions about the club, but the main one for discussions is the one labeled “December: Graceling.” Once you’ve finished the book, go to that forum and start talking—ask questions, answer other people’s questions, talk about why you liked or didn’t like the book.

Feel free to start posting (especially in the “Questions” forum) before December, but December is when we’ll start in earnest. See you all online!

For those of you dying to know . . .

2010-10-26T14:54:00Z

Here it is! The winners of the Teens' Top Ten for 2010

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

These books were voted on by teens across the country as their favorites of the last year. How many have you read?

For more info see: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm

Vote Smart -- political quiz

2010-10-20T14:54:00Z

So, Halloween is coming and you are so absorbed with the coming election that you didn't notice. No worries. I understand. Just don't forget to find a costume.

I can't help much with that, but here's something to feed your growing political obsession. http://www.votesmart.org/voteeasy/. It's a political quiz

The votesmart guide helps you see which candidate is most like your views. And it's kind of fun. Who do you most resemble? I resemble Duane Roberts, Green party member.

Favorite Book

2010-10-14T14:54:00Z

Mine's hard to figure. Right now, I'd have to say it is a bit geeky. I like the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

What's yours?

Teen Read Week 2010

2010-10-07T14:54:00Z

October 17-23 is Teen Read Week! Come to the Solano County Libraries to see which books made it into the Teen Top Ten! The results will be posted at the Teens’ Top Ten site at www.ala.org/teenstopten.

The Solano County Librarians have planned some special events to celebrate the Teen Read Week! Here’s the lineup:

Fairfield Civic Center Library: Make a Halloween Card and play with the wii, Tues., October 19 from 3:30-5 p.m. Free bookmarks and pencils while supplies last! There will be a display of past and present winners of the Teens’ Top Ten in the library.

Suisun: Poetry Slam with Go & Company, October 21 at 7 p.m.

Springstowne: During the week of October 17-23^rd, there will be a display of Teen Read Week books.

Illustrated Haiku from Cordelia

2010-09-28T14:54:00Z

You just have to check this one out!

Interesting article from Vacaville

2010-09-28T14:54:00Z

Title: Pin-a-go-go

If you like playing on pinball machines or just want to help out a good charity, then this event is the place for you! Pin-a-go-go is a non-profit event where all money made goes to the Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento. This event is based at the Dixon Fairgrounds, and occurs every weekend after Mother’s Day, this year taking place Friday May 14th through Sunday May 16th. On Friday Pin-a-go-go opened at 2pm and closed at 10pm, on Saturday it was open from 10am to 10pm, and on Sunday it was open from 10am to 4pm. There are about 40 pinball machines running each day, and all are set on free play so you can play as many games as you want without worrying about the cost. They even have games from as far back as the 1950’s!

Continued on page 7...

Poem from Fairfield(2)

2010-09-20T14:54:00Z

My world
By Nayana H

I look at the sky and feel the wind run across my cheeks.
I look at the ground and see grass while ants crawl across my feet.
I look in the street as a car passes by me.
I look at myself and see a beautiful girl.
I look at my room and see a box full of nothing.
I listen to music and i close my eyes.
I open them to find myself in a world, a world like no other A world where everything i
say is transformed into dreams A world where things i want come to me A world where i
dance and sing and have fun A world where I am NOT bored.
My world.

Name: Nayana H
School: Sullivan Middle School
Branch: Fairfield
Submission Type: poem

Poem from Cordelia

2010-09-16T14:54:00Z

Poem
by Alana E and Nelda M

I am the Ice Cream in your mouth.

I am the new bird in its nest.

I am the warm breeze at the pool.

I am the laughter of children.

I am the amazing sunset in the sky.

I am the rabbit in its narrow.

Branch: Cordelia Library

Answers to the Hunger Games Crossword

2010-09-16T14:54:00Z

“IN THE ARENA”
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
How well do you remember Katniss’s time in the Hunger Games arena?
Find out by taking this crossword challenge!

DOWN
1. Killer wasps bred by the Capitol (2 words) TRACKERJACKERS
2. Katniss thinks she hears Prim screaming, but it’s a JABBERJAY
3. The most useful supplies are closest to the CORNUCOPIA
4. Picks up the bodies of the tributes HOVERCRAFT
5. Helps Katniss see in the dark SUNGLASSES
6. Delivers gifts from sponsors PARACHUTE
7. One of the things Katniss grabs from the supply
pile in The Hunger Games. BACKPACK
8. In Th e Hunger Games, Katniss’s enemies
protect their supplies with LANDMINES
(2 words)
9. Name of the poisonous berries Katniss
and Peeta threaten to eat NIGHTLOCK
ACROSS
10. This tribute died by eating the answer to 9 down FOXFACE
11. The two tributes from District 11 are Rue
and THRESH
12. The arena in Catching Fire is actually
a CLOCK
13. Following Rue’s death, District 11 sends
Katniss BREAD
14. The Hunger Games announcer (2 words) CLAUDIUSTEMPLESMITH
15. Tributes who have been trained before they reach
the Capitol CAREERS
16. Waiting area beneath the arena (2 words) LAUNCHROOM
17. This tribute’s weapon of choice is a wire BEETEE
18. Announces a tribute’s death CANNON

Pictures from Fairfield

2010-09-07T14:54:00Z

A Night to Remember by Ruth S

Roads by Ruth S

Jump over and see these in their whole real selves

Two new poems from Vallejo

2010-09-03T14:54:00Z

Good morning,
Here are two new poems from Vallejo. Normally, I'd post them in their entirety, but they are longish and this seems better.

Searching for an Answer
By Tayonia H

A kiss to the cheek was all he left,nothing else;
Unless you count the heartache.
Faded pictures scattered on her bedroom floor,
remnants of once was.

... Read on...

Somewhere in the Middle
By Jennifer P

You were always so sweet
I was so bitter
Can't we just meet
Somewhere in the middle?

...Read on...

Free Cartooning Workshops at JFK

2010-09-02T14:54:00Z

Hi all,
We're having a FREE series of Cartooning Workshops all this month at the JFK Library.

The workshops are taught by local artist and author, Age Scott (check him out on myspace at www.myspace.com/age_scott). Age has self-published and illustrated over 50 comic and children’s books and has taught art in the bay area and New York.

Participants will learn cartooning from Age, get a chance to meet other local cartoonists, and will create their own comic book by the end of the class.

The workshops will take place on Saturdays throughout September: September 4, 11, and 25, and October 2 (with a break on September 18). All workshops from 2:30-4:00pm in the Joseph Room at the JFK Library.

Check the crossword

2010-08-27T14:54:00Z

Well, summer is over and most of you have returned to school! Many of us are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the latest book from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The new book is Mockingjay. Here's a chance to test your knowledge.

Poem from Fairfield(1)

2010-08-24T14:54:00Z

I AM A HUMAN BEING
By Noelle C

I am a human being...
                     I am not a possession
I am a human being...
                     I am not a prisoner
I am a human being...
                     I have a right to have friends
I am a human being...
                     I have a right to be HAPPY
I am a human being...
                     I have a right to say NO to abuse
I am a human being...
                     I don't want to live with fear and threats
I am a human being...
                     I don't want to hide to be safe
I am a human being...
                     I have a right to have my feelings heard
I am a human being...
                     I don't want to have my dreams crushed
I am a human being...
                     I have a right for my parakeets to be respected
I am a human being....
                     I don't want to be mistreated when I have done nothing wrong
I am a human being...
                     I don't want to be neglected
I am a human being...
                     I WILL FOLLOW MY DREAMS!!!!!!
I am a human being...
                     I will help and respect others
I am a human being...
                     I will be FREE
I AM HUMAN BEING

School: FAME IS
Branch: Fairfield
Submission Type: poem

Springstown Art!

2010-08-21T14:54:00Z

Artwork from Springstown, click to see the whole picture

Mary F Lizette C

Tzanielle

Two stories from your favorite Library Teen Magazine

2010-08-21T14:54:00Z

Follow the links to read the rest of the stories

The Perfect Shot
By Madison V.
Town Square
     “Hey Marcee! Can I help ya? Please?” my little sister jumped up and down, tugging my elbow.
     “No Michaela, this is big girl stuff.” I sighed, gently pushing her away. Her round eyes continued to gaze at me pleadingly, but she backed off.
     “Can I watch?” Michaela asked sweetly.
     “Fine, but only if you stay out of my way.” I grumbled. I grabbed my camera and went outside, Michaela at my heels.
     My first photo op landed right in front of me, pecking at some crumbs. I held the cameras up, and positioned it just right. My finger reached for the ‘capture’ button…..

The Black Rubber Boots Murder
By: Breanne P
Rio Vista
Chapter 1: The Murderer

I run into my room and sneak into my closet behind clothes in the darkness. I hear him walk into my room. He killed my parents and now he is after me. He looks under my bed, then glances at the closet. I see his black rubber boots standing in the doorway of my closet. I feel like I am going to scream so I put my hands over my mouth. Tears are gushing out of my eyes.

Poem from Rio Vista

2010-08-18T14:54:00Z

Always and forever
By Breanne P.

you can be mine
my always and forever
treat me well, protect me always,
show me off to your friends,
hold me and never let go,
cheer me up,
be the one I can tell everything to,
trust me,
be faithful,
these are all the things you do to me,
thats why you are my always and forever.

Branch: Rio Vista

Book review from Cordelia

2010-08-18T14:54:00Z

Read the rest of the review here

THE SONG OF THE LIONESS

I am doing a report on the song of the lioness series. There are four books in the series in the first book Alanna is being forced by her father to go to sorcery school but she wants to go to knight school. Alanna’s twin brother Thom is being forced to go to knight school but he wants to go to sorcery school. So, Alanna switches places with her brother, She sets off with Coram her companion to knight school.

Sophia O.
Green Valley Middle School
Grade 8

Comics from Vacaville, these are very cool

2010-08-12T14:54:00Z

Workday Comic

Drawing by Heather H.

On July 15^th fifteen teens came together at the Workday Comic program at the Vacaville Cultural Center library. They had 8 hours to write and illustrate a complete comic book. Not everyone wanted to share their work, and not all were able to finish that day, but we all had fun trying. I was impressed with their dedication and talent. These are the completed comic books that were submitted.

Alyssa F
Austin B
Eileen F
Heather H
Kevin G
Nick D

Sabine @ VCC

We're back, this time from Vacaville

2010-08-12T14:54:00Z

Seen the movie Knight and Day? Let us know if you liked it too.
As always, follow the jump to read the review in it's original glory

Title: Knight and Day
Review: Knight and Day
Rating: *** out 4 stars.

In the film “Knight and Day”, the first thing we see in it is: June Havens(played by Cameron Diaz) being questioned by airport security about the contents of her suitcase. It contains old spare parts from several old cars, to help put back together another old car(she fixes cars). Strangely enough, security lets her in. In real life, she’d never make it past, as these parts would be considered bludgeon weapons. But this isn’t real life. This is a movie, so who cares?

Two stories from Cordelia

2010-08-03T14:54:00Z

Both by Nekayah H

The Rabbit and the Hat

Connections

Check them out after the links. Connections might surprise you.

Poem from Vacaville

2010-07-30T14:54:00Z

Nightmares

Every night I lay awake.

Waiting for the dawn to break.

Because I fear,

These evil creatures will come near.

And try to kill while I'm in my snooze.

But one day they will lose.

Against my superior brain.

I will leave them crying in pain.

They should never mess with me.

I had to make them see.

That there is more than meets the eye.

They know that now because they died.

Name: Victoria
School: Vacaville High School
Branch: Vacaville Cultural Center

Photographs from the Summer Reading Program

2010-07-29T14:54:00Z

Civic Center Library

A Road in Hawaii by Elaine N

Vacaville Town Square Library

Flowers by Morgan V

Vacaville Poem

2010-07-27T14:54:00Z

The Higher Self

Coming Silently Through The Clearing.
I Faced A Split Empty Trail.
Cocking My Head To The Left.
The Trail Lingered Into A Shaded Overgrown Tunnel.
A Single Bead Of Sweat Rolled Swiftly Down My Face.
Turn Right.
The Sun Peered Over The Shoulder Of The Vertical Hill.
Energizing The Life That Resides Hidden In The Golden Brush.
The Sounds Of The Rustling Oak Trees.
And.
Blue Jay’s Squawking to the Passerby That Disturbed Its Resting Hour.
I Climbed The Vertigo Hill.
Slowly A Rhythm Picked Up In My Feet.
Looking Up
The Rhythm Stopped.
My Body Stood Still.
I Gazed In Astonishment.
Intertwined With The Cool Gusting Wind.
The Graffiti Flourished The Tower To My Left.
The Signs Of Peace And Love Covered The Stone Cold Wall.
Smiling At The Positivity.
I Turned.
My Head To The East.
Below The Evading Hill.
Laid A Pond.
On Top Of The Shimmering Water
A Sprinkling Of Ducks And Geese Gliding Together.
Accomplished.
I Felt Pride.
Thoughts.
Can I Do This Again?
Feel The Sweat Soak My Shirt?
Feel My Knees Begin To Buckle Under The Pressure Of An Exhausted Human Being?
Provoking My Mind.
I Screamed At The Top Of My Out Of Oxygen Lunges.
Hell Yeah!

By: ashlyn w
Branch: Vacaville Cultural Center

Story from Vacaville

2010-07-23T14:54:00Z

These three stories make a bigger story, so I stuck them together.

Check it out after the jump.

Story from Fairfield

2010-07-22T14:54:00Z

Hello all

Here is a story from your favorite city named Fairfield
Sisters by H Doria

Artwork from Summer Reading

2010-07-22T14:54:00Z

There are four new artists in town. Which do you like most?

Flower Photo by Ayla Springstown Library

Flower Art by Danica Cordelia Library

Sir Pasqual by L Doria Fairfield Civic Center Library

Stinky by H Doria Fairfield Civic Center Library

Greetings from the Fairfield Manga Dolls

2010-07-03T14:54:00Z

Summer reading

2010-06-30T14:54:00Z

The parade of entries continues!

Review of Life by Nayana H

Art from Rio Vista

Fish by Kylie

Fish by Patricia

Check them out after the jump

Thank you

2010-06-30T14:54:00Z

I want to thank all the teens that came out to the Teen Summer Reading Kick Off parties throughout the Solano County Libraries. There were root beer floats, smoothies, and lots of fun.

Now that you have signed up for summer reading, make sure you finish your goals on or before August 14th to endure you get your prize books!

And don't forget to check our calendar, because there are lots of programs just for teens at your library.

Photo from Springstowne Library’s Sidewalk Chalk and Root Beer Float Kickoff Party

Summer reviews are coming

2010-06-26T14:54:00Z

The summer reviews are beginning. Props to Alyssa and Rovi. Follow the jump to read them:

Suisuin Library

Yakuza Moon: Review by Alyssa A

A Walk to Remember: Review by Alyssa A

Vacaville Cultural Center Library

Review of The Spy Next Door: Review by Rovi K

Make Waves @ Your Library

2010-06-11T14:54:00Z

It’s that time of year again….summer reading time! Teen Summer Reading Program starts Monday June 14^th & commences August 14^th. Set your own reading, writing, or graphic goal. Complete your goal. Get a free prize book. That’s it! You can set up to 3 goals. Therefore, you can earn up to 3 books. Choose a book from the prize book cart or we can order a book for you as long as it costs less than $10. Better yet, complete all 3 goals & you can order a book that costs up to $30. Does this all make sense so far? Ok, cool. Drop by your local library to sign-up. While I’ve got your attention, don’t forget to check out some of the cool teen events happening at the libraries. We’ve got all kinds of SRP kickoff parties, root beer floats, smoothies, art displays & more next week so drop on by! You can search them through our Events Calendar or pick up a flyer at the branch library.

Hope to see you soon!

Nefertari @ COR

Poem from Fairfield

2010-06-04T14:54:00Z

LOVE AND HATE!

by NIA

What is love and what is hate?

Love isnt about reciving that white dove.

Love is about the person sent from above.

Love is tough, love can cause you to be "LOVE STRUCK".

Can love really be tough or sent from above.

What is hate, is it feeling pain.

Hate can make a person go insane.

Hate can sometimes make you feel ashamed.

Hate can make you taste a nasty taste.

Hate is hate ,it can make you feel a pain.

Love and hate can make you insane.

Love is true in a certian , important way.

Hate is a strong pain, love is a funny game.

Do you now understand people's insane pain.

Love is love , hate is hate its just insane.

School: sullivn middle school

Branch: Fairfield

May and the library

2010-05-18T14:54:00Z

May feels like an odd time of year to me, a transitional phase between spring and summer - between school and summer vacation. This year, honestly, I’m struggling to cross the bridge. Maybe I’ll blame it on the weather that doesn’t seem able to make up its mind about the season. Then there’s always the lingering question; “what are you going to do this summer?”

Between me and thee, hanging at the library is an excellent option. Consider what might be possible if you scheduled a few daily hours here. You could finally read all the vampire or Peach Girl books ever written. College research, anyone? Bring pencils and drawing paper, reserve a pile of books on learning to draw and see how good you can get in 3 months. Or study all the rock and roll history books in the system. You catch the drift? Become an authority on whatever interests you.

Got a car? How about library fieldtrips; bounce from branch to branch? Play Wii here and do yoga there. No two libraries are the same. If you’re a library-type-of-person, discover which branch is your favorite. Then write critical reviews of them all to let us know why you like us; or don’t. Heck, you could post your thoughts on our MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/solanolibrary.

Then there’s the teen Summer Reading Program. Reach some goals - earn some books. Ask us about it.

And while we’re talking, ask about being a volunteer.

Happy trails.

Title: 10 in ‘10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge

2010-05-10T14:54:00Z

Choose 10 Teen Chick Lit books to read in 2010 and share what you are reading for chance to win prizes. There will be giveaways for those that read 10+ teen chick lit books and participate in the monthly check-ins on the website. Here are ten books to get you started:

Meg Cabot

Forever Princess

Being Nikki

Ally Carter

Heist Society

Cross my Heart and Hope to Spy

Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride

Lock and Key

Elizabeth Scott

The Unwritten Rule

Something maybe

Love You, Hate You, Miss You

Suzanne Young

The Naughty List

They are all available at your Solano County Libraries.

The 10 in ’10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge ends on December 31, 2010. What books do you plan to read?

Photo Game Wrap Up

2010-05-04T14:54:00Z

Check out all of the awesome photos taken by JFK customers at the Photography scavenger hunt last Saturday. They're available on Youtube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6ecbEGwRs

Here's a sample:

Mark @JFK

Three new ones from Victoria A in Fairfield

2010-04-30T14:54:00Z

Here are two new stories and a poem by Victoria A. Click the links for the stories, but the poem is here for your perusal.

Two stories:

The gurl that wanted nothing....

Almost Unreal

and a poem

“Do You?”

DO YOU?
HAVE A PASSION
Stick with it
HAVE A DREAM
Believe in it
DON'T ALWAYS WORRY
Live in the moment
DON'T GIVE UP
You might be right
AND IF YOU NOT CORRECT
It's alright
HAVE A PASSION
Go for it
LIKE NIKE SAYS
“ JUST DO IT”

News Flash from Solano County Library

2010-04-28T14:54:00Z

If you want to know why most of the young adult librarians are looking distracted it’s not because we have Spring Fever, it’s because we are finalizing our plans for the library’s annual summer reading program, “Make Waves @ Your Library”. It starts on June 14 and ends on August 14.

We have some fabulous programs coming your way. It’s our way of helping the summer be more bearable. A sampling of programs might include some or all of the following:

Smoothie program
Make a Doll for Charity
Wii gaming with Guitar Hero
Origami Workshop
DIY Jewelry Workshop made from Hardwear: Jewelry from a Toolbox
Japanese Anime Festival
Make a Wave @ Your Library Movie Festival
Meet a cartoonist
Make a Baby Blanket for Linus Project

We will offer many simple and fun activities including our ever popular reading program. You can register for the reading program and decide on up to three reading and/or writing goals. Some suggested goals are: read a certain number of books; read a certain type of book (classics, etc.); and/or make a contribution online to the Solano Teen Magazine (http://solanolibrary.com/teens/litmag-sub.cfm).

After completing a goal, you can return to the library to choose a book. If you don’t like the ones we have on the book truck, we will order one for you if it costs no more than $10. Such a deal!

So, in short:

Set a goal (up to a total of 3 goals)
Complete a goal
Get a free book
Repeat steps 2-4

Stay tuned for more information soon!

Debbie @ FCC

Story by Victoria

2010-04-28T14:54:00Z

Story by Fabled Victoria A. in Fairfield. Follow the link to read the rest.

“Felicia and Kina the wonders”

By Victoria A

Once upon a time there was a beautiful brown haired, hazel eyed, slim body, finely dressed looking girl. She is 14. Everyone thought she was ordinary, but this guy

thought that she was extraordinary and had the most beautiful smile of any creature. It resembled pearls, as new as they get, just shined, and glowed like the sun or a flashlight

beaming on a object. She was shy and never spoke out in any crowd, only once did she ever talk and it was when no one was looking, (but me) she was talking to herself saying

how ugly she thought she was and how stupid she feels. To tell you the truth she was at the top of her class, everyone thought she was genius...

Continued...

Bullying by Julie, a teen from Cordelia

2010-04-23T14:54:00Z

Living in an advanced world, full of new technologies can be somewhat a negative aspect. For instance, it’s easier for people to be bullied. Bullying someone online is called cyber bullying. Cyber bullying has increased tremendously due to the vast amount of technologies out such as the Internet, texting, and so on. The Internet has created a whole new way to socially communicate through emails, instant messaging, and websites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc). By using these “newly advanced technologies”, teens have become more active in bullying. Nowadays, even the shy and quiet teens are actively involve in cyber bullying because computers and cell phones make it easier for them to bully someone without face-to-face bullying. According to Be Web Aware, cyber bullying is one of the most challenging problems that teens are facing right now. To learn or read more about cyber bullying refer to Be Web Aware (http://www.bewebaware.ca).

In my opinion, websites such as MySpace, Facebook, etc. have played a crucial role into getting teens and tweens involved in bullying. Parents need to be more aware on what websites their kids are signing up for. Teenagers who bully online are have probably been bullied before in face-to-face conversation. I thought that social networking websites are for people who want to keep in touch with other people who they might not see on a regular basis. Nowadays, social networking has corrupted teenagers to abuse the Internet. There should be a strict restriction on the Internet for teens in middle school and high school because that’s where all the drama starts. I think that bullying exists because most teenagers are so focused on fitting in with their fellow classmates that they are willing to do anything.

~Julie

Photography Scavenger Hunt

2010-04-23T14:54:00Z

For those of you in Vallejo (or willing to come to Vallejo), you should all come out next Saturday, May 1, for Photo-etry: a photography scavenger hunt. Teams of 4-5 will be given a list of common phrases and a digital camera - you have to creatively interpret the phrases in the form of photos. Then we all come back together and try to guess what phrase goes with what picture.

No photography experience required. We provide the cameras. Come on out and play with a digital camera for a few hours.

Joseph Room
JFK Library
505 Santa Clara St.

May 1, 1-5pm.

Medieval Fantasy Festival

2010-04-13T14:54:00Z

It's that time of year!

The annual Downtown Vacaville festival is coming this weekend! http://medievalfantasyfestival.com/
Come down, enjoy the show. Saturday and Sunday April 17th and 18th all day.

Also there will be a special event at the Town square library Friday the 16th at 5:00 about Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts

National STD Awareness month

2010-04-13T14:54:00Z

April is National STD Awareness month

1 in 2 sexually active Americans will get an STD by age 25. For more info check out gytnow.org

Poetry Slam Recap

2010-04-12T14:54:00Z

So, the Poetry Slam on Wednesday was amazing! 47 of you showed up to share and listen to poetry and have fun. We got written up in the Vallejo Times Herald (you can read it here) and three people won prizes provided by Brenda Brumfield from the Vallejo Adult School. Third prize was awarded to Alyson Cunnane (aka Aly Bee) for this poem:

Birds and the Bees

A friend he says, I am
these feelings I have, he wants
try, try, high, but never
eyes, open up your
cry, alone at night
i, want hold of your memories
does he know? let it grow, should we?
decision, persistion, so careful it's him
without a doubt, his words hurt,
now heal, but then no boundaries
we overstand, hold my hand
look in my eyes and fly
the birds and the bees
persistent like history, keeps repeating
me, holding and loving
i bleed, i am human and from
you i need a smile
while, stay.

(when I get the 1st and 2nd place poems in print form I'll post them too)

- Mark @ JFK

Take Charge of your FUTURE

2010-04-10T14:54:00Z

Do you know what you want to do after high school? Whether you have an idea or not, come to the career day event Take Charge of Your Future. It’s happening this Saturday, April 10^th, from 10-2 at the Ulatis Community Center in Vacaville. You will have a chance to take a career interest survey to find the type of career that fits your interests, visit a variety of booths to talk to people about their careers, and find out how to prepare yourself for your dream job. Visit the Take Charge website to find out more about it.

For those of you who can’t make it, explore different jobs at the Bureau of Labor Statistics site, or the Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center on this website [follow the Research link].

Sabine @VCC

More Volunteering

2010-04-07T14:54:00Z

Actually, you can call any of your libraries and ask about summer volunteer opportunities. The number is the same, 866-572-7587. Here's who to ask for:

Cordelia:                           Nefertari Guice
Fairfield:                               Debbie Wiley
Suisun:                                 Jim Silverman
Rio Vista:                             Susan Reeve
Vacaville (Cultural Center):   Sabine Salek
Vacaville (Town Square):     Kevin Tolley
Vallejo (Kennedy):               Mark Flowers
Vallejo (Springstown):          Juenita Lee

Summer Volunteering

2010-03-30T14:54:00Z

It’s no secret that summer’s nearly here. Just about everyone I know can’t wait to be free from homework and tests. Warm evenings when it stays light until 9 at night are just around the corner. Oh yeah.

But then there’s the downside of summer – the boredom factor. Ugh! “What am I going to do? Nobody’s hiring students and nobody has money.” Hey - if you’re in that overcrowded boat full of brilliant and talented people like yourself, how about becoming a volunteer this summer? It’s a great way to find meaningful things to do, meet interesting people and it looks good on your resume.

OK. Let’s say you want to volunteer. Who do you contact? I’ve got two suggestions.

Try Kelly Erlandson at the Solano County Volunteer Center. (207-9670) The center is a Solano County new clearinghouse for places looking for volunteers. It’s just opening, so keep trying.

Or go to Suisun City Library’s “Working Together: Earth Day and Volunteer Week” on April 22^nd from 6:30 to 8 PM. There you’ll meet people from Big Brothers-Big Sisters, The Community Garden, The Salvation Army Corps (which is opening soon) and other organizations that need your help.

Got questions about this? Call Jim at Suisun City Library at 1-866-572-7587.

Suggest-A-Book

2010-03-23T14:54:00Z

Have a book that you would like everyone to read? Well, at the John F. Kennedy, Fairfield Civic Center, and the Vacaville Cultural Center libraries you can Suggest-A-Book. Fill out a Suggest-A-Book form by writing a short review of your favorite book and placing it in the ballot box. Soon after, you will see your review under your favorite book for other teens to enjoy.

Another way to share your favorite book or movie is to share it in Solano Teen Magazine. This is also a great way to get your review published. You can add this to your resume, job application, or college application. Even ask your English teacher, if s/he will give you extra credit for submitting a review, poem, short story, or article.

What are some of your favorite books you would like other teens to read?

Where do you hear about fun activities?

2010-03-16T14:54:00Z

We at Solano County Library have all kinds of programs and activities that we put on for teens: Wii gaming, chess club, homework help, Practice SATs, book clubs, etc. etc. And we try to keep you all informed about when those events are coming up - posting flyers, ads in the newspaper. But it seems like a lot of times people don't even know that the programs are happening until the day of the event itself.

Sooo . . . we need your help! We want to know how you and your friends kinds out about local events and activities that you might want to go to - not just library programs: movies, concerts, anything that you go out of your way to attend. Do you look at local newspapers? Craigslist? Do your parents tell you about them? Do you see flyers at the library or other locations? Is there a great website that you go to?

Tell us in the comments below, and help us get the word out about our programs.

Video Game Quiz

2010-03-10T14:54:00Z

Hey Teens! Want to play Name that Video Game Character? Look at this page and test yourself! You can post your answers on the teen blog or use the old paper and pencil approach. Get Ready! Get Set! Go!

Check it out! A new poem from Fairfield

2010-03-04T14:54:00Z

Chords from the Heart

by Alex M.

Such a simple object

Made of wood, nut, nylon

Abandoned by my sister

Revealed by my eyes

A carefully hand made wonder

An old dusty guitar.

The first struck note

Brilliantly sounding to my ear

Even if a catastrophe to another

At first playing plain notes

Later turning into intricate songs

Always feeling the rhythm

My hands, becoming one with the instrument Forming a bond so unique Allowing my thoughts to roam about Saying more than words ever could An object held so close to my heart An old dusty guitar.

School: Rodriguez High School

Branch: Fairfield

Social Networking

2010-03-02T14:54:00Z

The advent of technology has been a great thing! Everyone wants to keep up with their friends! We want to see how they’re doing, what they’ve been up to, and possibly get together with them on occasion. Friends enrich your lives & are always there for you. Well, the library wants to offer you the rewards of friendship as well. Hang out with the library at one of its many events. You might enjoy murder mysteries, gaming, crafts, live music events, writing clubs, or dialoging over book club. We’re always there for you, to help you answer any question you may have. You can call us, drop-in in person, or ask online. We also like to let you know what we’re doing through words, pictures, & audio/video. The advent & constant progression of technology has been an amazing phenomenon over the years. Now, we can keep in touch with our family, friends, & colleagues through text, email, chat, & more. Back in the day you had to call someone on their land line & hope they were there. Yet, it seems like the most popular way to maintain all of these relationships nowadays is through the use of social networking sites. Did you know the library has Facebook, Twitter, flicker, & Myspace pages? What better way to stay in tune with us? It might be a good idea to become one of our online friends. You don’t want to miss out on the goings on & what’s on our minds?

http://www.facebook.com/Solanolibrary

http://twitter.com/solanolibrary

http://www.flickr.com/photos/solanolibrary/

http://www.myspace.com/solanolibrary

Nefertari @ COR

What to read ...

2010-02-17T14:54:00Z

Have you ever wondered what kind of book Twilight or Harry Potter is? Have you ever thought that werewolves and zombies aren't quite fantasy, but not quite horror? Well, the answer is Speculative fiction.

     Speculative fiction is a term, attributed to Robert Heinlein in 1941, that has come to be used to describe the collective works in the genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. But since 1941, it has become more than just a catch-all catagory for other genres. When you've come across a story or movie or game that both is and isn't science fiction, fantasy, and/or horror, then you've discovered speculative fiction.
     Speculative fiction is a term to embrace works that don't fit neatly into the separate genres. Twilight, and Harry are only two small examples. Others include tales that cross science fiction, fantasy, and horror boundaries -- stories like The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, Sherlock Holms by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Stranger in a Strange Land. The Twilight Zone. Most everything by by Edgar Allen Poe.
     So, next time your run across a tales that has been labelled simply as 'weird' or 'adventure' or 'amazing' because there was no proper place to put them -- stories on the fringe -- you might just be looking at a work of speculative fiction.

Make the jump to see a list of examples.

I love creative non-fiction, and here's the first from the new year!

2010-02-09T14:54:00Z

A Evening with Tom Hanks
By Morgan

I was sitting nervously in the red velvet chair, tugging at my dress. I felt like a bomb, ticking away until I exploded from excitement. My calm father and a lady who smelled like a lot of perfume sat next to me. They were acting like they were about to watch a movie, or simply order a cup of coffee. When the reality was so much better.

Find out how after the Jump

And look for the first works of 2010 over here!

Library programs for teens

2010-02-09T14:54:00Z

So I’m taking this online class on how to do great library programs for teens.

It’s sort of interesting but these classes remind me of being in high school. My instinct is to sit in the back row and read a curious book tucked inside my textbook. Honestly. I know this class is online and that’s just my “old stuff.” Never-the-less.

It seems like the outstanding way to offer this class would be to pair the librarian-teacher with a group of teen co-teachers. We librarian students would sit virtually at your feet, some shooting virtual hands up in the air; “Oh. Oh. I know the answer. Call on me.” I never got along with those kids in elementary school.

But seriously. What’s missing from the instruction is teen voices. I feel like I’m having a conversation about someone who should be in the room. Maybe they’ll get to that. Don’t know.

So here’s my question. Send in an answer and I promise to take it to class. Maybe I could even send you a small Barnes & Noble gift card. We’ll see. Just tell me:

What’s the secret to successful library programming for teens?

Jim Silverman
Suisun City Library

Library Programming for Teens

2010-02-09T14:54:00Z

So I’m taking this online class on how to do great library programs for teens.

It’s sort of interesting but these classes remind me of being in high school. My instinct is to sit in the back row and read a curious book tucked inside my textbook. Honestly. I know this class is an online and that’s just my “old stuff.” Never-the-less.

But seriously. What’s missing from the instruction is teen voices. I feel like I’m having a conversation about someone who should be in the room. Maybe they’ll get to that. Don’t know.

So here’s my question. Send in an answer and I promise to take it to class. Maybe I could even send you a small Barnes & Noble gift card. We’ll see. Just tell me:

What’s the secret to successful library programming for teens?

Jim Silverman
Suisun City Library

Springstowne Library Teen Art Display: Manga Sketches/Drawings

2010-02-01T14:54:00Z

Dates: February 1, 2010-March 1, 2010

Teens, ages 12-18, are invited to submit sketches of their favorite manga or anime character or create their own to be displayed in the Springtowne Library.

Entries must be on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. Pen, marker, and/or pencil (including color pencil) can be used.

Please submit your drawings with your first name on the front and your full name, phone and/or e-mail on the back of the entry. If you would like your entry to be posted on Solano Teen Magazine online, please specify on the back of your entry. Participants can submit up to 3 drawings.

Entries will be displayed on a weekly basis between February 1, 2010-March 6, 2010.

Entries must be submitted by mail or hand delivered by 5PM, Monday, March 1, 2010.

Send to: Teen Art Display, Springtowne Library, 1003 Oakwood Ave, Vallejo, CA 94591

Congratulations to Casey for the first story of the new year

2010-01-29T14:54:00Z

Life Amungst the Dead
By Casey

    I sat on the cold stone ground. Looking down at my knees, nothing but my knees. Life is so sad when everything you love suddenly disapears before your very eyes,
before your very soul. Can things go back to how it was before now? Will my life ever be the same?
    All these questions flying around in my head. Many questions, but no answers.
    I looked up at a door. This place was so odd. Why was there a door on the ceiling? Well, if there's a door, there's a person.
    I took a deep breath. I opened my mouth, found my voice and screamed.

Finish the story, follow the jump...

Movie review from Vacaville, does anyone agree?

2010-01-26T14:54:00Z

Movie Review of Forrest Gump

by Nicole

Forrest Gump is a must-see movie for anybody who has a love for movies. Heck, even if you don't love movies, you should see this movie.

Forrest Gump is played by Tom hanks who gives an fabulous performance, showing us the life of somebody who isn't as smart as the average person. Forrest may be on the slow slide, but he lived many lifetimes. He was in the army, a ping-pong champion, captain of a shrimp boat, and a inspirational guy who ran across America three times. But even though he had an exciting life, he still can't stop thinking about the girl who has been in his life since he was a kid.

The ending will have most people in tears, and even if it doesn't, you will still be touched by the life of Forrest Gump. You will find yourself reciting lines from the movie, and begging others to watch it.

Ladies and gentlemen, Forrest Gump is the movie to see.

Jepson Middle School

Vacaville Cultural Center

Wii and Games at JFK

2010-01-26T14:54:00Z

Hi Vallejoans

It's time again for Wii and Games at JFK Library, tomorrow, January 27, from 3:30 to 5:30, in the Joseph Room.

Come show off your gaming skills or learn a new game.

Mark @ JFK

Printz Award Winners Announced!

2010-01-22T14:54:00Z

Hi Everyone,

For those of you who don't know, the American Library Association has an award for the best Young Adult books (similar to the Newbery Award for children's books) called the Printz Award, and the winners were just announced:

Printz Award Winner:

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Cameron Smith, a disaffected sixteen year-old who, after being diagnosed with Creutzfeld Jakob's (aka mad cow) disease, sets off on a road trip with a death-obsessed video gaming dwarf he meets in the hospital in an attempt to find a cure.

Printz Honor Books:

Charles and Emma: the Darwins' leap of faith by Deborah Heiligman.

An account of Charles Darwin's life and evolutionary theory, examining how his personal life affected his work and vice versa because of his wife's strong religious beliefs.

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

In 1888, twelve-year-old Will Henry chronicles his apprenticeship with Dr. Warthrop, a scientist who hunts and studies real-life monsters, as they discover and attempt to destroy a pod of Anthropophagi.

Punkzilla by Adam Rapp

A runaway boy nicknamed Punkzilla who sustains himself on the streets of Portland through petty crimes decides to try to kick his meth habit, turn his life around, and go on a journey to Tennessee to visit his dying older brother.

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

Solano Library doesn't own this one yet - but look for it in the next few months.

Wanted: Books for Sport Minded Girls (yes, it is possible)

2010-01-19T14:54:00Z

Are you looking for books that are the polar opposite of Twilight and Twilight read a likes? I have a few to recommend that are full of optimism and will make you feel warm and cozy as if you just had a one of mom’s homemade cookies (or maybe more than one) and a glass of warm milk. And, actually, they are written by the same author! It’s the Dairy Queen Trilogy written by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.

The first one is Dairy Queen - here's a brief description:

D.J., the central character is good at two things: milking cows and playing football. Follow her adventures when a close family friend (the coach of her school’s rival team) asks her to help his quarterback train. D.J. reluctantly agrees, thinking no one will ever find out. How was she supposed to know that (a) she’d end up falling for said hunky quarterback and (b) she’d end up loving the game so much she goes out for her own team, makes it, and plays the first game against her crush?!

The continuing story of D.J. follows in The Off Season:

Life is looking up for D.J. Schwenk. She’s made it to eleventh grade, finally. After a rocky summer, she’s reconnecting with her best friend, Amber. She’s got kind of a thing going with Brian Nelson, who is cute and popular (but clueless if you know what I mean) but seems to like her anyway. Plus there’s the fact that she’s playing for the Red Bend High School football team as probably the first girl linebacker in northern Wisconsin.

But then the season, which began so well, starts to go suddenly, horribly wrong. As autumn progresses, D.J. struggles to understand what’s happening with football, Brian, Amber and most of all her family. And as her life is turns completely upside down, she discovers she is a lot stronger than she -- or anyone ever—thought.

And the final one is Front and Center.:

After five months of sheer absolute craziness I was going back to being plain old background D.J. In photographs of course I'm always in the background . . . But it turns out other folks have big plans for D.J. Like her coach. College scouts. All the town hoops fans. A certain Red Bend High School junior who's keen for romance and karaoke. Not to mention Brian Nelson, who she should not be thinking about! Who she is done with, thank you very much. But who keeps showing up anyway . .

And for more books like The Dairy Queen Trilogy, here’s a short list:

Amazing Grace by Megan Shull

Playing with the Boys: A Pretty Tough Novel by Liz Tigelaar

Blessings in Disguise by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

From your YA librarian @ FCC, Debbie Wiley

Do you want to eat healthier or lose weight in 2010?

2010-01-13T14:54:00Z

Did you know that most people break their new year’s resolutions by Valentine’s Day? Wow! Well I for one am trying to beat those odds…this year. J I’ve been perusing this book we had on display called Eat This! Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide by David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding. Who knew I needed a supermarket survival guide? Recently, I was watching the Dr. Oz show & was surprised by some of the icky things found on grocery store food. Cringe!! The thought of it makes me grimace & I can’t bear to mention it here. Anyway, the survival guide goes even further by informing us of what we are putting in our bodies through every snack, food, or meal. It’s definitely made me think twice about what I’m eating. I was so surprised to learn that some of the foods which I thought were healthy, actually weren’t that good. These were products like Yoplait 99% Fat Free Cherry Orchard yogurt or I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Original Spray. According to the book, there were better alternatives since the yogurt had too much sugar & the butter spray was not a 0 calorie food as advertised but rounded down to 0. What I like most about this book is it gives you alternative product suggestions rather than just stating not to eat these items. I thought I was well informed about how to read labels, but this book has taught me way more. A lot of those scientific sounding ingredients we read like xanthan gum & partially hydrogenated vegetable oil are explained in the book’s glossary. It’s good to know what these chemicals do to the food product. Believe me, you’ll be amazed! Eat This Not That seems like the perfect food shopping guide to drop in your purse & take with you to the store next time you’re buying groceries. Check it out & see what you’ll learn from this book. You’re bound to find something that’s tasty, filling, & healthy at the same time!

Nefertari @ COR

Free SAT/ACT Practice Test at JFK

2010-01-09T14:54:00Z

Hi Everyone,

JFK library will be hosting a FREE practice SAT/ACT, put on by the folks at Kaplan. They usually charge some serious money for their test prep, so take advantage of this chance to improve your SAT or ACT score for FREE.

The test will be January 23, from 12pm to 4pm.

Results will be available at a follow-up analysis on Monday January 25, 6-7pm.

Both are in the Joseph Room. To register, go to http://www.kaptest.com/enroll/ACT/94590/events or call the library.

Short thought from Cordelia (sorry if this took a while to post)

2010-01-05T14:54:00Z

Morality Story

Have you ever realized; When you go somewhere for example to a restaurant you get really bad service because to them you are a child. This happens to most of teens today,

some times it also happens to adults. The way teens are treated is how they learn to treat others when they grow up. The moral is just because some-one is perceived to be a child if

they come into you restaurant, shop or what ever treat them as the way you would like to be treated if you where the costumer. So follow the saying treat others the way you wanna

be treated.

Name: Lydia
School: Rodriguez
Branch: Cordelia

Story from Suisun... (long one so click to keep reading)

2010-01-05T14:54:00Z

Ariel

I’ve watched her pass me by randomly. For some reason, I feel a connection; a sort of bond between us. I know nothing about her. Nothing, but her name. Ariel. It just rolls off the tongue like ice cream. Even though, at times, I’d like to wave or say, “hello,” it never comes out. What was it about her that always made me speechless? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the way she walks, or how her hair just flows with the wind, flawlessly. It could be the way she dresses, but lots of girls dress that way. Maybe it’s just her; her intriguing figure, her indescribable scent, her ever-glowing aura. I always laugh to myself when I say, “her indescribable scent,” because I’ve never been close enough to smell her. She has this magnetic pull on me. I try to control myself but this crush is too in depth. Sometimes, I wonder if she even thinks about me.

Please read the rest of this story after the jump

How to Find a Job

2009-12-31T14:54:00Z

Are you wondering how you can earn some money? It’s tough to get a job when you’re under 18, but it’s not impossible. Try reading about the process in one of these books:

1) First Job Smarts by Daniel E. Harmon

2) Teen guide job search : 10 easy steps to your future by Donald L. Wilkes & Viola Hamilton-Wilkes

3) Money : getting it, using it, and avoiding the traps : the ultimate teen guide by Robin F. Brancato

4) Quick ca$h for teens : be your own boss and make big bucks by Peter G. Bielagus

About.com has some good tips for finding your first part time job, including a link to Groovejob.com, which will help you search for a part time job in your area. You can also find applications on the websites of major retailers and restaurants.

Don’t forget to ask friends and family members if they’ve heard about any part time job openings. That’s usually the best way to get some leads. A little leg work could pay off too—go to the places where you’d like to work and ask if you can fill out a job application. Good luck with the search.

Who hires teens in this area? If you have any good ideas or leads, post them here.

Sabine @ Vacaville-Cultural Center

Poems from Vallejo

2009-12-23T14:54:00Z

Two poems
by Radiance H

The Rose

A delicate rose
Escapes from its deadly bush
And travels the wind.

What’s up?

A saying,
Simple small talk,
What is up?
I sit here,
Thinking what is up,
The ceiling,
The sky,
Outerspace,
Oblivion,
Then maybe,
With hope,
Heaven shining above.

JFK Branch Library Vallejo

Essay by April

2009-12-22T14:54:00Z

i just thought that so many people are given the privilege to speak out about things that i was going to take my chance and speak out too. i just wanted to share my experience at New Hope a church i have been going to since about last Christmas. I think any teen going through anything needs to head over to youth night every Tuesday at 7-9. We are located on Allison drive by brown valleys. This church is beyond amazing, i have seen many teenagers turn there lives around and leave different people then when they arrived many of my friends have began coming and since there first visit, to who they are now it's amazing what God has done in there lives, there happier, more respectful, more appreciative of life and what they have been given. After there first visit the next time they come they recruit there friends as well. It's just absolutely amazing what I've seen happen at this youth group. The pastors are my heroes, not only have they helped me get back on track with my relationship with God but have helped me get past my fear of singing. When i began going to this church i was shattered and hurt and had a lot of pain i was so negative about life and had so much animosity, but now i am so happy and whole again, and it's because of there help making me realize that i won't be happy or complete without Jesus Christ. When they met me they did not judge me but loved on me they did not look at my flaws and past and see filth they saw potential with purpose they saw a blank canvas ready to become a masterpiece, they saw past my scars, flaws and they saw me, the real me. I thank them with my life because not only have they changed me and my life but many lives around me. The change in my fellow friends, classmates and teenagers is something you have to see for your self and i know your first time going it will change your life in a way you will never forgeare all a family and we would love to have you as a new member of our growing family. I love New Hope youth and i know you will to.

School: Will C Wood

Branch: Vacaville Town Square

Is Santa Real: or more on presents and Christmas

2009-12-15T14:54:00Z

YA Blog

Suisun City Library

I find the “holidays” a tough time because of the darkness and the tensions and the lack

of money and the disappointments I feel all around. So I cope by looking for what’s positive to help me through this period.

Granted I work here, but public libraries are truly a refuge. Where else can you find an abundance of riches for free? You might even find something for everyone on your list. And imagine giving yourself the gift of reading thousands of books and watching thousands of movies and listening to thousands of audio discs in your collection.

So much of what costs a fortune in the “real” world is free here. I can almost hear the librarians saying, “No problem. That’s on the house. Your tax dollars paid for it already. Have a nice holiday.”

Where else could you walk up to a desk and ask any question you’d like answered. You might even ask, “Is Santa real?” And learn more than you’d expected possible.

Every Christmas, I give my wife a carefully selected book, checked out from the library, specially wrapped and carefully placed under the tree. When she finished with it, back it goes and we enjoy the extra gift of one less item in the house to deal with.

Our First Vallejo Story of '09

2009-12-11T14:54:00Z

Good on you, Brent.
And remember, follow the link to finish the story after the jump.

Elgaron

by Brent B.

In a world where love and peace have been lost and have been overcome by greed and sorrow. In the year 4532 AD on planet Earth where humans have become so advanced that they have figured out that each part of God’s power has been sent out onto this planet. The InKane king, Cojo, wanted this power for his own evil doings, but King Cojo was no ordinary king at all . . . he actually was the king of the dead.

With this God power, you can do almost anything: shape-shift, twist reality, see into the future, and even move back or forward through time, and more. There are only two reasons Cojo wanted the power: first because of his lust for power and second because he would receive permanent immortality. The two weaknesses of Cojo are himself and this power.

There was an old legend of a fourteen year old boy who had great power, named Elgaron. Elgaron’s old legend had died out; Elgaron thought his adventures had died out; but he was wrong.

….

To finish reading this story, please click here

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2009-12-10T14:54:00Z

In Thirteen Reasons Why, Clay Jensen receives a package with no return address. He opens it to find a map and seven cassette tapes inside a shoebox, marked with blue nail polish, numbered 1-13. When he plays them, he hears the voice of Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush, who committed suicide two weeks before. As he listens, Hannah reveals that each person receiving the package of cassette tapes are the thirteen reasons why she decided to commit suicide. Clay eagerly listens to each tape and travels to the different places on the map to find out why Hannah names him as one of the thirteen reasons. Secrets are revealed and Clay sees himself and others in a new way.

The narration alternates between Hannah’s recordings and Clay’s thoughts and reactions. The story is suspenseful and intriguing and you won’t want to put it down. It reminds us that we should be aware of how we treat others. Recommended for teens 14+

If you liked Thirteen Reasons Why, try reading:

Harmless by Dana Reinhardt

Shattering Glass by Gail Giles

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

A new Poem by a Vacaville Teen

2009-12-08T14:54:00Z

This one is long, so I will give you the first two stanzas and you can read the rest after the jump.
Cheers, K

The Cursed
by Brianna P.

On a moonless night,
Surrounded by the waving grass,
Standing with a single light,
A guide for all who pass.
This is the job of the cursed.

The flame does not flinch,
Nor does this eternal guide,
Move one inch.
Unless to guide to the denied.
This is the chore of the cursed.

...............

Please visit this linkto read the rest of The Cursed.

Christmas and presents

2009-12-01T14:54:00Z

Who here has trouble with Christmas? Just me? Such a depressing, angst-ridden holiday. What if you don't get the right present for whomever you should get it for. What if you don't even know what present to get? What if they hate it? What if they didn't want one from you in the first place and now they feel terrible for not getting you something?

And that's the up side.

The darker side of presents is the guilty feeling we get when we receive presents we don't really want. What do you do? Or worse, what if it's from someone you don't want to receive a present from?

Or worse yet, and this is the real kicker, what if everything's right except the present? That is, what if you don't get the 'right' present? You know that vague feeling of disappointment where you have to smile and gush. What kind of person gets a present and goes 'ew, why'd you choose that?' Like getting socks instead of an Xbox 360 or an impersonal gift card instead of a hand-carved rose made of redwood…

In my opinion, the whole present thing sours Christmas. If we could just have a party and eat and laugh, that would be great. But, the fact is that we can't. We have to give presents and odds are, the present will be wrong.

Movies

2009-12-01T14:54:00Z

I've been watching a ton of movies recently, but all on DVD (or Netflix Watch Instantly, or even on Youtube), cause I never get a chance to get out of the house, what with the baby and all. My wife did get a chance to see New Moon, though, and loved it.

In any case, I've been thinking about upcoming movies that I want to see, and I thought I'd take a little informal poll of what movies you all are waiting to see. Personally, the two movies I most want to see are both coming out on Christmas: The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (starring the late, great Heath Ledger), and Sherlock Holmes (with my current favorite, Robert Downey Jr.).

So, what are the movies that you can't wait to come out? Avatar? Transylmania? The Lovely Bones?

- Mark @ JFK

What’s On the Calendar for DIY Holidaze @ Solano County Libraries?

2009-11-25T14:54:00Z

Has the recession got you strapped for cash for the holidaze? We have some fun and free activities planned for December. Here’s the lineup:

Cordelia has a Scavenger Hunt planned for December. 2 starting at 4:00 PM. Solve the clues and find the prizes
Fairfield Civic Center has a DIY Holiday Workshop on December 1 at 3:30-4:45 PM. We’ll make wallets, purses, photo frames, cell phone covers, etc. with duct tape. Who knew that something so ordinary can be used to make truly extraordinary gifts?
Rio Vista has a Teen Café on December 9 at 2:30-3:30 PM. Come play video games and share other activities with your friends.
Springtowne has a Jewelry Making Workshop on December 16 at 3:30-5:00 PM. Create a necklace or bracelet with Bay Area jewelry designer Chelsee Robinson.
Suisun has a Holiday Beading Workshop on December at 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 PM. Come make fabulous earrings and bracelets from buttons!
Vacaville Cultural Center has a Cool Quilting Workshop on December 3 at 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Come learn how to make a simple patchwork quilt.
Vacaville Town Square has its Writer’s Club for Teens on December 2 and December 16 at 3:00-4:30 PM. Bring your work and share it with others.

Whatever you do, have a wonderful holiday! We wish you the best!

Brought to you by the Young Adult Librarians of Solano County Library.

Another poem by a Vacaville teen

2009-11-25T14:54:00Z

Call me not Remember

By Alyssa

Call me Reme

I don't want to remake our relationship

I know where your lips have been

Know you will never change

You left me high and dry now all I do is cry

You left me to the wolves.

Yeah call me not remember

Just Reme

Because I'm not remaking this relationship you left me high and dry to the wolves

I know what you have done where your mouth has been

I am Reme

Vacaville Cultural Center

Being Thankful

2009-11-20T14:54:00Z

Thanksgiving is next Thursday! What are you thankful for? Perhaps, consider volunteering at your local food bank or shelter to help others in need. Or, maybe you want something to do while you’re waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready? Well, check out some of these websites.

The History Channel’s website is always great for videos, facts, & figures. Find out the history of Turducken (which is delicious by the way). Correct your knowledge with the Mayflower Myths section. Check out the Thanksgiving Day quiz. And there’s more!!

http://www.history.com/content/thanksgiving

Do you know what it’s like to be a refugee? I discovered an interesting game called Against All Odds sponsored by the United Nations. It follows a young person trying to escape oppression in his/her country to go into exile into another country. According to the website: “The game is intended to increase students’ awareness and knowledge about refugees – where they come from, what situations they have faced and how they adapt to their new lives.”

http://www.playagainstallodds.com/

Did you know that public school is not free in many countries? Do you know what it takes to escape poverty? I have been playing a strategy game called Ayiti: The Cost of Life. It is up to you to determine the fate of this family of five! This game is sponsored by UNICEF.

http://www.unicef.org/voy/explore/rights/explore_3142.html

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nefertari @ COR

Mixed Up Letters

2009-11-12T14:54:00Z

This is weird, but interesting! Rather explains why Chinese characters are read so quickly.

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt

I've seen this demonstrated at linguistic lectures and conferences - very interesting! Personally, I can read the mixed up words no problem, not a great deal slower than correctly spelled ones - but then again, maybe I'm just weird.

Kevin

Making Mischief

2009-11-05T14:54:00Z

Have you ever seen an Improv Everywhere clip? The group’s mission is to cause “scenes of chaos and joy in public places.” Two of my favorites are the Romantic Comedy Cab and Frozen Grand Central. Follow the links to watch and read about how they put it together. You can also read about their missions in the book Causing a Scene by Charlie Todd and Alex Scordelis, the creators of Improv Everywhere.

If you like to pull pranks, check out:

Have you ever pulled a funny prank? Tell us about it here.

Sabine @ Vacaville Cultural Center

Poem by Suisun Teen

2009-11-02T14:54:00Z

I saw her standing way up high: a poem

Passed the valleys and the mountain sides I longed to have the knowledge of such beauty I had seen But the closer I got, the farther it seemed The sunset shadowed this beautiful figure Even from miles, I could still see her As I was close to retiring from my despair, I felt the wind sweep me into the air I flew by dust and leaves Only to land by this beauty and cleave Our eyes met and the passion grew We would never part, that I knew We whispered in the night, underneath the stars And we sang a song, just me and my guitar

Name: Krystina

Branch: Suisun

New Poem by Vacaville Teen!

2009-10-29T14:54:00Z

The Tomboy Argumentalist

by Aubrei D

Getting out hands dirty

no use in being flirty

who cares what I wear

whatever's clean is only fair

no need for the card of the credit

going to the mall, I suck at it

keep your fufu junk to yourself

you obviously need to get help

you got shopaholic anonymous on speed dial

your nails take hours to file

Tiny bikinis and dippin' in your toes

Me?

Cannonball please!

Low carb diet?

Never gonna try it

500 calorie only?

Wheres my brownie

Stick to health foods?

Ha! I gotta go shine my combat boots

Branch: Vacaville Cultural Center

Haunted Toy Shop

2009-10-27T14:54:00Z

“Halloween Visits Suisun City Library” happens this Thursday 10-29 from 6-8 PM.

Last year was an awesome mixed bag, highlighted by a haunted house, Polynesian dancers, reading aloud, crafts, photo booth and other activities. A lot of little kids left the haunted house crying then raced to get back in line, so it must have been pretty good. About 600 people attended dentists’ favorite holiday.

The 2009 event promises to be one for the books. About 50 teens have totally transformed the library’s meeting room into a Haunted Toy Shop. They’ve got killer bunny rabbit outfits, bloody bodies missing limbs and other frightening gear to reduce kids to blubbering blobs. And it should work.

We’re also binging in a dj and large speakers to rock the library for little kids. But don’t worry about that unless you never get enough of “The Monster Mash.” You want to go through the Haunted Toy Shop: again and again and again.

Call Jim at Suisun if you have any questions about this. 1-866-572-7587.

2009 Teens’ Top Ten

2009-10-20T14:54:00Z

Teens like you voted for their favorite books of 2009. They were announced this week for Teen Read Week, October 18-24, Read Beyond Reality.

1. Paper Townsby John Green

2. Breaking Dawnby Stephenie Meyer

3. The Hunger Gamesby Suzanne Collins

4. City of Ashesby Cassandra Clare

5. Identicalby Ellen Hopkins

6. The Graveyard Bookby Neil Gaiman

7. Wakeby Lisa McMann

8. Untamedby P.C. and Kristin Cast

9. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banksby E. Lockhart

10. Gracelingby Kristin Cashore

You can find these books at your local Solano County Library.

GuysRead

2009-10-13T14:54:00Z

Hey guys, dudes, bros,

Are you fed up with all the books your teachers make you read about girls, and relationships, and vampire romance? Looking for some action, maybe a little blood and guts, or possibly a monkey or two?

Jon Scieszka (of The Stinky Cheese Man fame) has just the site for you. He's just relaunched his website Guys Read, devoted just to helping guys find books that are fun for guys. And girls, don't worry - if you're interested in action and blood, you're welcome on the site too.

It's got lists of books on:

- How to build stuff
- War
- Outer space, but with aliens
- Sports
- Boxing and wrestling
- Monkeys and/or apes
- and more

And my favorite, if you go to this link, you can look at lists of favorite books by some great authors like Gordon Korman, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), and Bruce Hale.

So check it out. Find a book that looks fun (and remember to see if we've got it at the library - we probably do!)

- Mark @ JFK

Teen Read Week

2009-10-07T14:54:00Z

Read Beyond Reality @ your library®! October 18-24. Stop by any of the Solano County libraries during Teen Read Week to read beyond reality! Check out materials to change your world, take you somewhere unlike your world, or learn about other cultures. Stop by today and pick up a page turner that you can read or listen to, just for the fun of it!

Grave Hunting & the Paranormal quiz

2009-10-01T14:54:00Z

Do you watch shows like Paranormal State, Ghost Hunters, The Haunting, Medium, or Ghost Whisperer?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like being a psychic?
What is it like being a paranormal researcher?
What is a grave hunter?
Have you ever needed to find a grave?
Are you curious about celebrity graves?
Are you interested in genealogy?
What is grave rubbing?
What is the history of post mortem photos?

Find out the answers at our Grave Hunters Revealed & Paranormal Experts programs at the Fairfield Cordelia library this month! We’d love for you to come & check it out. It should be a thrilling experience.

Paranormal Experts

Psychic, Irma Slage Tuesday 10/6 7pm

Director of Ghost Trackers Paranormal Research Group,Gloria Young Tuesday 10/27 7pm

Grave Hunters Revealed

Grave Hunters Donna Hansen & Diane Holland Thursday 10/29 6pm

Cartooning Workshop at JFK

2009-09-29T14:54:00Z

Hey everyone,

Tomorrow we're having a cartooning workshop with local author-artist-extraordinaire Age Scott. He's gonna show us all the tricks of the cartooning trade, and talk about his cartoon Won and Phil:

So come on by -- it'll be in Group Study Room 2 at JFK Library, Wednesday September 30, at 3pm.

Banned Books

2009-09-24T14:54:00Z

Teen Blog for October 8, 2009

Catcher in the Rye…Harry Potter…Captain Underpants…The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn…To Kill a Mockingbird…I am the Cheese…Uncle Tom’s Cabin…The Bluest Eye…Forever…Forever Amber…Rabbit, Run…Catch-22…The Catcher in the Rye…Cujo…Go Ask Alice…Leaves of Grass…Of Mice and Men…Madame Bovary…

What do all of these books have in common?

All have been on the Banned Books Lists. Every year there are hundreds of attempts to remove books from schools and libraries. Remember to celebrate YOUR Freedom to read and right to choose your book during Banned Books Week, September 26 through October 3, 2009.

For more information, visit http://www.ala.org/bbooks.

LISTEN TO A GOOD BOOK

2009-09-17T14:54:00Z

It takes me almost an hour to drive to work every day and I don’t think I could stand it if I couldn’t listen to a book on CD. It’s especially nice to listen to the books I have to read for my book club. For some reason it’s easier to force myself to listen than to read, and sometimes I’m surprised by how much I like something that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own.

I also use my listening time in the car to find out about authors I’ve never read. I’ve discovered Tamora Pierce (the Circle of Magic series), S.F. Hinton (The Outsiders), and Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass). I’ve even listened to some of the books in the Harry Potter series – and the reader is great! I found all of the above at the library, and we also have things you might have to read for school, like Brave New World, The Great Gatsby, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Romeo and Juliet.

If you’d rather listen on your computer, iPod, or MP3 player, download audio books from our NetLibrary database. Try it sometime if you have a long drive to a soccer game, you can’t find the print version of a book, or you can’t stand to read another word after you’ve done your homework.

Sometimes it’s just nice to have someone read you a good story. Give it a try.

- Sabine at the Vacaville Library (Cultural Center)

Here’s what’s down at Suisun City Library.

2009-09-08T14:54:00Z

Tuesday Sept. 15^th from 7 – 8:30 PM

“Homeschool Gathering” for all “grades.” If you’ve been “un-schooling” for years and want to swap war stories, a new-comer or curious to check-out who else is involved – come. Cookies.

Thursday Oct. 22^nd from 7 – 8:30 PM

“Rats in the Alley,” a homegrown comedy group will get you rolling in the isles. So wear your favorite padded outfit. Be here early for a good seat.

Thursday Oct. 29^th from 6 - 8 PM

“Halloween 2009” with a haunted house and other activities for little kids. Teens can volunteer. Contact Jim at the library if you’re interested. You gotta attend some meetings.

Thursday Dec. 3rd from 5:30 – 7 PM

“College Essay Workshop” by Kaplan. Get help with one of the most important essays you’ll ever write.

Saturday Dec. 12^th from 2 – 3:30 PM

“Holiday Beading” to make earrings and bracelets. We’ll provide some supplies - or -your can bring your own stuff. Everyone’s invited.

Thursday Dec. 15^th from 6 – 7 PM

“Accepted; Getting into Your First Choice College” by Kaplan. Learn how to hedge your bets.

Homework Help Tutors Available

2009-09-02T14:54:00Z

Homework HelpTutors are available at JFK for middle school students.

Homework Help Live is available on the Teen page for homework questions on all subjects.

Click on Homework Help under Teen Links and we have information on how to:

Cite Sources

Prepare for College

Research a Term Paper

Speak in Public

Study Effectively

Write an Essay

Also, there are links for:

Almanacs

Biographies

Dictionaries and Thesaurus

Encyclopedias

Maps and Atlases

Your Teen Librarians are always here to help, too. Tell your teachers about us. Request a class visit to the library or ask your teacher to put in a homework alert, so we can help you. Have a great school year!

Also, Springstowne Library in Vallejo is looking for teen volunteers to tutor young children. Drop by or call 1-866-57ASKUS. Teens 12 -18 can volunteer at their local library. Check with your Teen Librarians to get the details.

Juenita @Springs

The Knife of Never Letting Go

2009-08-24T14:54:00Z

Last week, Kevin mentioned the Ten Top Teen survey (remember, you can vote for your favorites until September 18 at: http://tinyurl.com/mmwkpq). I certainly don’t mean to sway your vote, and I’m sure you don’t need me to recommend Breaking Dawn or City of Ashes, but I thought I might offer a review of one of the books:

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Todd Hewitt is the youngest resident of Prentisstown. He’s always been told that when his parents and other religious settlers came to New Earth, they were infected by a virus that made their thoughts heard by everyone else, and killed off all of the women. When comes across a living girl, he starts to realize that he may not have been told the truth about the virus. But how can he keep his dangerous thoughts hidden when everyone around him can hear everything he thinks?

Told entirely from Todd’s perspective, the reader is able to experience how fascinating and terrifying it is to have your thoughts open for anyone is hear. Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Adventure all rolled into one, The Knife of Never Letting Go is the first in a series called Chaos Walking (the second book, The Ask and the Answer, comes out in September and is even better).

Best books, surveys and votes

2009-08-18T14:54:00Z

Teenreads.com: http://www.teenreads.com/surveys/2009-reader-survey.asp

Teenreads.com is conducting a survey and we all like to take surveys. They want information about what teens read in order to share with publishers, authors, booksellers, librarians, ... congress, the Food and Drug administration, your local dog catcher (Okay, I made that last bit up, but, everyone wants to know about good books to read). Besides, there's some contest you can enter to win Advanced Reader copies of books.

Check it out; the survey will close on August 31, 2009 at 11:59 PM.

Also, the ALA Teen Top Ten voting starts on Monday:www.ala.org/teenstopten

So don't miss this one either. Vote for your favorite book/author because if you don't the world opens and we all fall in. In fact, vote many times. Stuff the ballot and make sure your favorite author/book wins. And remember, it's not about if you win or lose, it's about how you play the game...

Cheers, K

Back To School

2009-08-17T14:54:00Z

It’s back to school time & I bet you’ll start getting homework assignments soon! If you need help, we’ve got just the thing for you. Live Homework Help! You can interact online with a live tutor to help you with your homework assignments on a variety of subjects. It’s open every day from 1-10pm. Let’s say you’re struggling with that pesky math problem or you need to upload your essay for feedback. Log on, ask the tutor, & they’ll help you solve the problem. You can even print the info or replay the session afterward. LHH has a brand new Skills Resource Library available 24/7 so you’re also able to get help with learning the concepts when they’re closed. This service is available for K through 12, College Intro, & Adult Learners so your siblings & parents might find it useful as well! One of the things I love about this expanded service is that you can use it for Resume Help, Job Hunting, & to gain Financial Literacy as well. Happy 1^st day of school!

Nefertari @ COR

Free SAT Practice test

2009-08-10T14:54:00Z

The Town Square Library in Vacaville and the Fairfield Civic Center library will be hosting free practice exams and college bound workshops on the following dates. Please call 1-800 KAP-TEST to sign up as seating is limited. Or call your local library for more information, 1-866-572-7587.
Fairfield Civic Center:
FREE PSAT Practice Test - Fairfield Library
Free Practice Test
09/26
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

FREE ACT/SAT Combo Test- Fairfield Library
Free Practice Test
11/14
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
FREE ACT vs. SAT Workshop - Fairfield Library
Free Seminars
11/17
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
JFK Library Vallejo
FREE Writing essays for the SAT - JFK Library Vallejo
9/9
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Vacaville Public Library Town Square
FREE SAT Practice Test - Vacaville Library
Free Practice Test
09/12
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Free SAT Test Strategies 101 - Vacaville Town Square LIbrary
Free Seminars
09/22
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Accepted: Getting into Your First Choice School
Free Seminars
10/29
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The website for free events in the area can be found herehttp://www.kaptest.com/enroll/SAT/95688/events

TEEN EVENTS, CONTINUED

2009-07-30T14:54:00Z

Crafts

Calling all closet hippies! On August, 5^th you have a chance to express yourself at the Vacaville Public Library-Cultural Center. Come to our Hippie Crafts program. We’ll be making love beads, macramé bracelets, headbands and more. Unleash your inner hippie and groove to some sixties tunes August 5^th at 3 p.m.

Gaming

On July 28^th the Vacaville Public Library-Town Square is having a Wii game night from 6-8 p.m.

More…

To find a teen event at a library near you, just click on the teen events link.

Don’t forget to finish up your goals and claim your prizes for the Teen Summer Reading Program. You have until August 8^th.

Sabine @VCC

“By Teens, For Teens”

2009-07-22T14:54:00Z

There are two basic ways that teen programs get started at libraries.

One way is for librarians to talk among ourselves about “what teens like” and read what other librarians have done. We can come up with great ideas that sound to us like enormous fun. Then we figure out how to create the event and publicize the daylights out of it.

The other way is for librarians to find teens like you, especially those who read this blog, and ask you to talk with us about what might be fun [and permissible] to do as a special event at the library. Your ideas don’t need to be wacky as “Making Buildings from Jello Squares as an Earthquake Preparedness Day Celebration.” Honestly, you could suggest something as dull as help writing college admission essays. You could even help us figure out interesting ways to make it happen, interesting people to participate and interesting ways to spread the word.

We librarians try all manner of tricky ploys to get you involved so we can pick your programming brains; teen advisory councils, offering food and other manipulative techniques I can’t speak about.

The truth is, if you have an idea for a program you’d like to see at your local library – please – drop us a line. Call us. Email us. Write it up, wrap it around a rock and leave it at the reference desk. Or leave your note in a dvd case, instead of the disc, and return it that way. I pretty much guarantee someone will call you if you do that.

You catch my drift. We are your library. Help us make it happen.

Eat Something! Cook Something!

2009-07-15T14:54:00Z

This summer have you been bored and hungry? Of course you have and the SCL has the solution: COOKBOOKS! The library has plenty of cookbooks to choose from and we have some especially for teens. This is a great way to impress your family and friends. Who doesn’t like a good meal? So start cooking.

Here are some great cookbooks to check out:

Teens cook: how to cook what you want to eat by Megan and Jill Carle

Teens cook dessert by Megan and Jill Carle

Cooking up a storm by Sam Stern

Real food, real fast by Sam Stern

Clueless in the kitchen: a cookbook for teens by Evelyn Raab

Also, to get you started here is a quick and easy recipe to keep you cool this summer:

Peach Freeze

Prep time: 1-2 hours

Ingredients:

½ cup milk

1 cup sliced peaches (fresh or canned-packed in its own juices)

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Pour the milk into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.

Pop the milk cubes out of the tray and put them into the blender. Then put the peaches and sugar into the blender.

Put the lid on the blender and blend on high speed until everything is mixed together and very smooth.

Pour your peach freeze into serving cups and serve right away.

Serves: 2

(More recipes can be found at Teens Health from Nemours)

Juenita @ Springstowne

Books made into movies that are coming to the silver screen this summer!

2009-07-07T14:54:00Z

One Hollywood blockbuster movie is here, and another is coming, based on books you can read for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Be the first on the block to say “I read it before I saw the movie”!

My Sister’s Keeper

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Alec Baldwin, Abigail Breslin, Joan Cusack, Jason Patrick

MPAA Rating: PG13

Based on: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

My Sister’s Keeper, already in the theaters, stars Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin. The movie is based on Jodi Picoult’s emotional roller coaster of a novel, My Sister’s Keeper. It’s a guaranteed tear-jerker about an 11-year-old girl as she seeks emancipation from her parents, who have been using her to keep her older, cancer-stricken sister alive. When Kate, the older sister is diagnosed with leukemia, her parents choose to conceive a child (Anna) to save Kate’s life. All is well until Anna turns 11 and decides to say “no” to any more medical procedures and hospital stays to keep her sister alive. Seeking medical emancipation, she hires her own lawyer, initiating a court case that divides the family and that could leave Kate’s rapidly failing body in the hands of fate.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

MPAA Rating: PG

Based on: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together, they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end Dumbledore recruits his old friend and Slughorn, whom he believes holds the crucial information.

Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealousy but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

What's Fun?

2009-07-02T14:54:00Z

Last month, jaylon fairleyresponded to Kevin’s post about the Function of Libraries by saying that we should have more “fun stuff” and more computers. I wanted to say to jaylon: first, we’re always trying to get as many computers as we can in the library, and unfortunately, it never seems to be enough.

But as for fun stuff, a couple of thoughts. One, I hope we do have some really fun stuff. Last month here at JFK we had two Wii gaming days, and we hope to be starting a gaming club soon. We have Manga clubs as some of the libraries, chess clubs, comix clubs, and even though it’s officially for adults, teens should know about the Film Fest we’ll be having at JFK on Saturday August 15, all day long.

But the bigger point I want to make is, if you think we should have more fun stuff, let us know what you want us to do! All the YA librarians are happy to listen to your ideas, or you can just post them on this blog. Or, even better, become a teen volunteer, and you could help develop a fun program on your own.

We want you to have fun, so help us by telling us what’s fun to you.

Mark @ JFK

Plan Your Summer Days!

2009-06-24T14:54:00Z

Summer’s here (did you not feel the 95 degree heat last week? Yep, summer’s here), and with it comes that normal itch of “What do I do noooooooow?”

Last week, you learned all about the different goals you could set for yourself as part of the 2009 Teen Summer Reading Program, and now, you ought to prepare your iPhone calendar (or whatever it is you’re using) to fit in all the exciting events happening around the world of Solano County Library over the next couple of weeks.

And awwwwway we go:

Thursday, June 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Manga Club at Springstowne Library

6 p.m. – Wii Night at Fairfield Cordelia Library

7-8 p.m. – Teen Book Club at Vacaville Public Library – Town Square

Friday, June 26, 2-4 p.m. – Comix Club at Vacaville Public Library – Cultural Center

Saturday, June 27 – 10-11 a.m. – Chess Club at Suisun City Library

Monday, June 29 –1-2 p.m. – Teen Photographers at Suisun City Library

Tuesday, June 30 – 1-2 p.m. – Wii Teens at Suisun City Library

3-5 p.m. – Dance Workshop at Fairfield Civic Center Library

3:30 p.m. – Chess Club at Vacaville Public Library – Town Square

4-5 p.m. – Volunteer Meeting at Suisun City Library

6 p.m. – Wii Guitar Hero at Rio Vista Library

Wednesday, July 1, 3-4 p.m. – Anime/Manga Club at John F. Kennedy Library

Monday, July 6,1-2 p.m. - Teen Photographers at Suisun City Library

Tuesday, July 7, 1-2 p.m. – Wii Teens at Suisun City Library

3:30 p.m. – Chess Club at Vacaville Public Library –Town Square

6 p.m. – Smoothie Night at Rio Vista Library

Friday, July 10, 2-4 p.m. – Comix Club Japanese Crafts Day at Vacaville Public Library – Cultural Center

2:45-4:45 p.m. – Chess Club at Springstowne Library

Saturday, July 11, 10-11 a.m. – Chess Club at Suisun Library

1-2 p.m. – Cell Phone Training at Suisun Library

2:30-4:30 p.m. – Deeper into Meditation at John F. Kennedy Library

Now. Try to tell me again that you have nothing to do.

Sarah @ FCC

p.s. this is my last official post as a Young Adult Librarian at FCC. I’m running away to join the circus, or something like that.

Teen Summer Reading Program 2009

2009-06-18T14:54:00Z

Ok. It’s that time of year again….summer reading time! Set your own reading, writing, or graphic goal. Complete your goal. Get a free prize book. That’s it! You can set up to 3 goals. Therefore, you can earn up to 3 books. Choose a book from the prize book cart or we can order a book for you as long as it costs less than $10. Better yet, complete all 3 goals & you can order a book that costs up to $30. Does this all make sense so far? Ok. Here’s a fictional example.

Sheniqua is trying to set 3 goals. “Hmm, what should I do?”

Her friendly librarian helps her by giving her some suggestions.

“Here are my most creative & practical ideas from last year.”

Sheniqua reads the list.

Reading school assigned book(s)

Read 3 books in the Old Testament

Read inspirational book

Peruse college book

Read an author similar to Sarah Dessen

Read 5 Dragonball Z books

Turn off TV for 1 week & read instead

Goal 1: Read 7 books, Goal 2: Read 4 books, Goal 3: Read 6 books

Write a short story

Read about becoming a video game designer

Read a book for an entire day

Read a beauty/makeup book

Read 4 newspaper articles

Read a book longer than 400 pages

Read a sci-fi book

Drawing

Submit to Solano Teen Magazine -Goal 1: Submit photography, Goal 2: submit written story, Goal 3: Submit Poem

Read 1 romance

Read a book in another language

Read a classic

Read 1 monologue

Read a celebrity biography

Read for 10 hours

Read an entire series

Read instead of using the computer

Finish reading a book in 2 days

Read a book without going on the computer

Read a book & then watch the movie

Read a non-fiction book

Read a book based on a tv show

Take pictures of San Diego vacation & submit to STM

Read the entire New York Times once

Read a book in a new genre

Read a scholarship book & find 5 scholarships

Participate in the Eco-Scavenger Hunt

Read Physics text

Write a movie critique

Read an award winning book

Study SAT Math 2 review

Study for AP English test by using Learning Express library database

Read a chapter book

“Ok. Now I get the idea. I’m going to read a book for 3 hours instead of watch tv, read a book from the Old Testament & write a short essay about it, & take pictures at camp & submit to STM.” Sheniqua says. She fills out her goals.

A couple days later, Sheniqua brings in her bookmark & informs the librarian she has completed her tv goal & picks the New Moon book from the prize book cart.

A month later, Sheniqua shows the librarian she has completed her remaining 2 goals & decides to order a couple books. “I’ve already read Twilight & New Moon. Can I order Eclipse?”

“Ok. Let me look up the price….You sure can because the total is $20 or less! I’ll let you know when it comes in. Ok?” The librarian anxiously waits for her response.

“Ok.” Sheniqua smiles & is content with accomplishing her goals this summer.

“I can’t wait till Eclipse comes in. This is a cool program. I can’t wait till next summer!”

Come in to your local library and sign up today. Don’t miss out!

Nefertari @ COR

Function of libraries

2009-06-11T14:54:00Z

So... what should libraries be?

This is the question of the week and its a good one too. What is your first reaction? Now think about all the things that your library does. Think about all the things that you can do at your library. What is your second thought?

For me, the problem rotates around the quesion: are libraries repositories for information, cultural centers, a combination of the two, or something else entirely; perhaps cultural repositories that curate relevant cultural information? Insomuch as they are meeting places where people can gather, libraries do act as cultural centers. However, there is this other function of libraries -- holding information in a central place, which they also do. And by information I mean not just books but internet as well.

What to do this Summer

2009-06-03T14:54:00Z

Here are 3 ideas:

1. Volunteer at the library

We still have summer volunteer openings at the Vacaville libraries. The Suisun library would welcome an army of volunteers to help out with their summer music series. The libraries in Cordelia and Vallejo also take on extra help for the summer reading program. The Fairfield Civic Center Library has no more volunteer opportunities this summer. Call 1-866-572-7587 to be connected to a library near you and to find out which opportunities are still available.

2. Sign up for the Teen Summer Reading Program

Even if you don’t have time to volunteer, you can sign up for the teen summer reading program. You can earn up to 3 new books this summer by setting 3 goals. You can either read for your prize or submit something to the Solano Teen Magazine on this website. We accept stories, articles, poetry, book reviews, drawings and photographs.

3. Watch for special events planned just for teens.

Just check the teen events calendar for a free program near you!

Have a great summer!

Sabine @ VCC

Summer Music Series!

2009-05-27T14:54:00Z

Hey. Don’t miss out.

Suisun City Library’s throwing a Summer Music Series every Tuesday in July. And you’re invited.

Here’s what it looks like. Opening acts rev up in the meeting room from 5 to 6. Outdoor activities for kids get going at 6. And bands turn it on at 7.

Bring a kite. Bring a picnic. Bring your friends. Join the fun.

All the bands are local. 1st Tuesday is a progressive county crew. 2^nd Tuesday is “DOC”, known for shows at the Suisun City Waterfront. “Intentions” plays the 3^rd Tuesday, mixing hot licks and cool grooves. And the last Tuesday offers up great blues outfit straight outa Vallejo. We’re gonna have 4 good times.

And you could play, if you wanta. Still today, there are a couple open slots for opening acts. Or you and your friends can volunteer. For more… call Jim at Suisun City Library. 1-866-572-7587.

It all happens at Hall Park on Pintail Drive in Suisun.

Young Adult Books N2 Movies

2009-05-20T14:54:00Z

Here are a few teen books that were made into movies:

Bend It Like Beckham by Narinder Dhami

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Emma by Jane Austen

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Harry Potter and the... by J.K. Rowling

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Holes by Louis Sachar
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
How to Deal by Sarah Dessen
Hulk by Stan Lee

I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan

Islandof Dr Moreau by H.G. Wells

Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by David Levithan

Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Anne Brashares

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

WutheringHeights by Emily Bronte

Here are some that came out this year:

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes out July 15th

There have been tons of books made into movies. What are your favorites?

Juenita @ Springstowne Library

Teen Poetry Slams!

2009-05-16T14:54:00Z

JFK finally has a regular schedule for poetry slams. They’re going to be on the Third Wednesday of every month, starting at 6:30pm.

Next one will be next week – Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30pm in the Joseph Room.

Perform your original compositions and compete for bragging rights and prizes.

And don’t forget Open Mic Poetry nights at Fairfield Civic Center library, First Thursday of every month. So many ways to show off your poetry!

Mark @ JFK

Get a J O B

2009-05-06T14:54:00Z

Get a Jump on Your Future!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Speak with representatives from Solano Workforce Investment Board about summer employment and JobCorps and the Contractors Union about post-high school careers. Teens and adults ages 15-25 should attend.

Visit the Fairfield Civic Center Library (downtown Fairfield, by the fire station)!

Sarah @FCC

Cultural Explosion

2009-05-01T14:54:00Z

As usual, I am always interested in cultural history, events, & activities. I’ve been learning about my Native American ancestry and also getting excited about the new information I’ve gained about Cinco de Mayo. Here’s the details.

Recently, there has been a great program series on PBS called The American Experience: We Shall Remain. This series has taught me so much about Native American history, things I never learned in school. They’ve covered what happened after the Mayflower landed, Cherokee nation, Tecumseh unifying the various Indian tribes, & more. The show is broadcasted every Monday at 9pm.

Check out the website at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience for more information.

Cinco de Mayo is coming up! What do you know about this holiday? Test your knowledge with the quiz & word searches, or enjoy the various games & crafts for the big day. Have fun while learning about this Mexican holiday.

Cinco de Mayo quiz

http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/quizcentral/l/blquizholcinco.htm

More Cinco de Mayo fun stuff

http://holidays.kaboose.com/cinco-de-mayo/

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/cinco-de-mayo/

Don’t forget to check out your area celebrations this weekend. It looks like there are celebrations occurring throughout the Bay Area & Sacramento Valley including San Francisco, San Jose, & Sacramento. Who knows, maybe there’s one going on in Solano County?

Nefertari @ COR

The Fifth Annual Downtown Vacaville

2009-04-17T14:54:00Z

Saturday and Sunday

April 18 & 19, 2009

**Free Admission to the Festival * Fun for the Whole Family**

Vendors and Entertainment on Sat. April 18, & Sun. April 19

Come! Enjoy the fun, food, music, old time skills, entertainment,
games, contests, and shopping.
Join us as we celebrate the vision of fantasy authors.
Fairies, wizards, dragons, elves, wee folk, and all other mythical beings are welcome.
If you wish, come in costume as your favorite fantasy fiction character or as a traveler from the 6th through the 15th centuries.
Enter the Costume Contest.
Please note: All weapons must be sheathed and peace-tied.

http://medievalfantasyfestival.com/

“Dragons, Heroes and Quests”

2009-04-16T14:54:00Z

Explore the power of the symbolism of dragons with our special Forum guests on Friday, April 17 at the Town Square Library Meeting Room. Kevin Roddy, UC Davis, and Marjorie Wade, Sac State, will explore dragons in German folklore and Anglo-Saxon literature. The doors will open at 5:00. The Forum will be convened by Kevin Tolley. Open discussion will follow the speakers and their interaction.

Dragon myths are found in most cultures, have been around for thousands of years, and continue to fascinate us. Western dragons are a force of chaos hoarding treasure, but never using or sharing it, and create a need for dragon slayers. Beowulf, St. George and innumerable others fight that primeval force of nature. For dragons are nothing if not a force of nature. But in Eastern cultures dragons are viewed as bringing good luck and are seen in a positive light. In modern literature we see changes. They tell the story of humans who have tamed dragons. Then dragons and their dragonriders work together to fight evil.

Check out http://medievalfantasyfestival.com/ for more on the overall festival

But come to Town Square April 17 at 5:00 for the talk.

Graphic Novels and Anime on the Web

2009-04-14T14:54:00Z

The Comix Club meets every Friday from3:30-4:30-ish at the Vacaville Public Library –CulturalCenter. I asked some teens in that group to show me their favorite manga and anime websites so that I could share them with all of you. Here are a few of their suggestions:

For sharing your work:

deviantART(http://www.deviantart.com/#) – You’ll find the work of some awesome artists on this site. Many of the Comix Club members have profiles and upload their art and comics. There’s also photography, poetry, game development art, animation, and more.

[Don’t forget -- you can also submit your work to the Solano Teen Magazine on the Solano Library website.]

For reading manga online:

Snafu(http://www.snafu-comics.com/) – On Snafu, there are original comics, and fan comics based on published series. Dave Stanworth, the creator of the site, publishes his own work and hosts the work of other authors who publish mainly on the web. They also maintain a useful list of comic conventions around the country.

Marvel Comics(http://www.marvel.com/) offers monthly subscriptions on their site for people who want to read their comics online.

TokyoPop(http://www.tokyopop.com/) will let you read one or two chapters of selected volumes of their manga series online.

One Manga– You can read manga online on this site. According to one user, the site is updated often, and the manga is categorized so you can search for the genres you like.

For watching anime:

People often go to Google Video or YouTube to search for anime and some teens post their original animation on YouTube. Some of the commercial sites like Funimation offer clips of their shows (teasers to get you to buy them), but they also let you watch a few shows for free online.

Anime Freak TVis popular because it offers access to anime shows that have been uploaded to Veoh, YouTube, Google Video and other services.

What are your favorite websites for art, manga, graphic novels, and anime?

Sabine @Vacaville-CulturalCenter

Come See About Us...

2009-04-08T14:54:00Z

Alright.

If you’re reading this, you’re dialed into happenings and whatever at the library. So listen, summer’s around the corner and we-who-work-for-you are plotting ‘n planning programs that shine a light on “Creativity.”

No matter if you live up-county, by the River or down south, your local library is setting it up for you. Why not shop around? Come see what’s shaking at the libraries all over county. Look for the 5 Ws online then set your GPS for, say; Town Square on Tuesday or Cordelia on Saturday and like that. Everybody’s welcome everywhere.

Here at Suisun, we’ve got weekly doings; like a photography crew and a book posse and Wii gamers and all sorts of folks reading aloud to little kids. Call to sign up for a special spot at the 1-time smoothie event or to teach cell phone training for [grand]parents or to king’s-x a seat at one of the 3-time Facebook seminars in the computer center.

And then there’s the Big Surprise I can’t talk about because there’s a slim-Jim chance it might not happen but the stars are lining up. When I close my eyes, I see 4 outdoor events on classic summer evenings in July. Stay tuned to learn what they are…

Why not check out what’s up at your neighborhood branch? Or come see about ours.

From Jim @Suisun

April is National Poetry Month

2009-04-01T14:54:00Z

Submit your poems to the Solano Teen Magazine to be a part of National Poetry Month (Or any writings, drawings, photos you want to share). Fairfield Civic Center Library has a Poetry Display during the whole month of April. And don’t forget that JFK Library (Vallejo) has a Teen Poetry Open Mic every month in the Joseph Room. The next one is on April 22nd @3pm. Best of all, Solano County Libraries have books on poets and poetry you can check out. Happy writing and reading.

Juenita @Springstowne

Break Time

2009-03-23T14:54:00Z

Do you need a break from MySpace and/or from Facebook? Here are games that are easy and fun. You can look at and play with these during your break time! Warning: any one of these games is going to put a smile on your face!

Ayiti : The Cost of Life.http://www.gamelab.com/game/ayiti. This game challenges players to manage a rural family of five inHaiti over four years and keep them healthy, get theme educated, and help them survive.

Free Rice. www.freerice.com. Players answer multiple choice vocabulary lessons to earn grains of rice that are donated to impoverished areas.

N Game. www.jeffwu.net/games/ngame.swf. You are a ninja! Collect gold cubes and work your way out of each level’s maze. Controls: left/right arrow to move, Z + shift to jump, K (to commit suicide) if you get stuck.

Planet Cruncher. www.rocksolidarcade.com/games/planetcruncher. Use your mouse to draw circles around like planets, and then collect the rainbow colors prisms that emerge as the planets collide. Capture asteroids for extra points.

Set Game. www.setgame.com. Online pattern recognition game-find y sets of cards where all four unique variables (color, shape, shading and number) are all alike or different within each set of variables.

Spider Solitaire. http://www.spidersolitaire.org. Popular online card game, featuring multiple sets of cards.

Gayle Says Goodbye

2009-03-18T14:54:00Z

Goodbye

I have lived and worked here in N. California for about 2 years now, missing the East Coast every minute. I thought I would get over being homesick but it just gets worse.

When I was a little kid I had dozens of cousins who used to come visit me in the summer, mostly because we lived close to the beach. I would get so excited knowing I would have built-in playmates for a while and someone on my side should I get into a fight with the neighborhood bullies. I would plan for weeks and weeks-what we would do, where we would go, what we would eat, etc. The big day would come, my cousins and I would play a little while, go to the beach and then they would get homesick! Weeks of planning and anticipation would go down the drain because there was no convincing them that it would get better if they would just stay and give it a chance. They would cry and I would make fun of them for being “sissies.” I just could not understand how someone could be so silly. I visited people and I didn’t get homesick; what was wrong with these people? Well I guess it is all coming back to me now. Now I know how it feels to be truly homesick. I miss the East Coast and cannot just get over it. Now I’m the sissy!

So, March 25^th will be my last day as YA Librarian at John F. Kennedy Library. I will miss all the teens that have come to the library programs and who volunteer. You guys are the best! Every time some adult starts griping about, “…those teenagers” I tell them all of the awesome things that you guys do and it shuts them up. You are intelligent, empathetic, quick, caring, helpful, concerned, thoughtful, inspiring, powerful, astonishing, marvelous, knowledgeable, skilled, kind, generous, charitable and excellent people and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise!

Be yourself-no one else fits you.

Gayle

JFK Library

Career Fair at FCC!

2009-03-09T14:54:00Z

In the interest of keeping things balanced for all of our teen customers, we've lined up some guest speakers to talk to you about the careers you can enter without going to college. This is a nice match for our regular college prep programming (including college fairs, financial aid workshops and test preparation).

Of course, if you want a CAREER, and not just any job, then you may need additional training. While programs may take several months or a couple of years, you'll "graduate" job-ready. This might be a good fit for some of you!

Visit the Fairfield Civic Center Library from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 to get information from several different companies about how you can get started on a career that doesn't require a bachelor's degree.

For more information on career research, check out Ferguson's Career Database...honestly, this is a wonderful resource, chock full of details about what a job actually takes, and not just what you've seen on tv :).

Sarah @FCC

Calling all Potential Teen Volunteers!

2009-03-07T14:54:00Z

President Obama is strongly encouraging Americans to perform volunteer service in their local communities. Some area school districts require high school seniors to perform 10 hours of community service. Others volunteer to improve their chances of college admission. Finally, there are some who volunteer to give to others in need. Regardless, this is good time to think about giving back by volunteering at your local library.

Volunteers perform various tasks including Children’s craft preparations, computer related tasks, signing up children to read to the PAWS therapy dogs, Murder Mystery Night planning & preparations, as well as assisting children aged 5-12 with homework help. Events vary at each branch so check with your local branch library to see how you can meet their needs. The staff here at Fairfield Cordelia Library are especially interested in high school juniors & seniors to assist with our Homework Help program. High school seniors who need to complete community service hours for graduation are strongly encouraged to apply ASAP to assist with our Homework Help program or Murder Mystery Night. If you’re interested & available to volunteer at the Fairfield Cordelia Library, please contact Nefertari at Fairfield Cordelia Library. Thank you!

Nefertari @ COR

Can’t get enough of playing a really good roleplaying/MMORPG games? We have some book titles for you!

2009-03-06T14:54:00Z

If you enjoy epic fantasy or historical war games with characteristics of epic fantasy setting or good vs. evil themes like:

Everquest

Runescape

Ultima

World of Warcraft

You might try these books:

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

When eleven-year-old Gregor and his two-year-old sister are pulled into a strange underground world, they trigger an epic battle involving men, bats, rats, cockroaches, and spiders while on a quest foretold by ancient prophecy.

Clovermead: in the Shadow of the Bear by David Randall

Clovermead, twelve-year-old tomboy, learns that her father has been lying about the past and that the truth may be the key to ending the epic battle raging between the followers of Lord Ursus and those of Lady Moon.

Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in the Lord of the Rings by Matthew Dickerson

Dickerson, a teacher at Middlebury College in Vermont and devoted student of Tolkien, begins his work with a strong thematic link to the very popular The Lord of the Rings movies: epic battles. Against the criticism that The Lord of the Rings glorifies war, he argues cogently that Tolkien's original written treatment of these battles provides a very different picture than the films or spin-off video games.

Blood Song by Melvin Burgess

Forced into the clutches of a bloodthirsty dragon, Sigurd--the new hope of the Volson clan--fights not only for his life, but for the survival of an apocalyptic Britain . Sigurd has a fabulous but frightening future predicted: even to start, he must leave everything to go and fight a dragon, and from there descend into the Underworld. Sounds bad enough, but when you know that the dragon lives on a futuristic, industrially-ruined moonscape that was once Hampstead Heath, the scene is set for a staggeringly brutal fight on an epic scale. Unhappily for him, he meets the love of his life in the underworld, and Sigurd's efforts to rescue his lover will cause huge heartache and grief for both of them, and also for everyone who ever meets them.

Swords of Eveningstar, book 1 of The Knights of Myth Drannor series by Ed Greenwood

In the picturesque village of Eveningstar nestled at the foot of the Stonelands, the Knights of Myth Drannor began. Now, for the first time, here is their story: the battles, adventures, love, and death that brought together the band of the greatest adventurers the Realms have ever seen.

Epic by Conor Kostick

On New Earth, a world based on a video role-playing game, fourteen-year-old Erik pursuades his friends to aid him in some unusual gambits in order to save Erik's father from exile and safeguard the futures of each of their families.

Some other authors you might enjoy:

C.S. Lewis

Garth Nix

Phillip Pullman

Are video games the new format for stories?

2009-02-24T14:54:00Z

Grand Theft Auto, Twitter and Beowulf all demonstrate that stories will never die
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/11/25/bostory125.xml&page=1

Check this out, are video games stories for the the future? Are we witnessing a change in the format of printing from book to interaction? Is this as profound a change as the one from manuscripts to printing presses in the late 14oo's.

These things keep me up at night

Cheers all

25 Not So Random Things about the Library

2009-02-23T14:54:00Z

1. Librarians really love to help you find stuff. Really, we live for it. Ask us a question if you need help.

2. Wii Gaming!! (Check the events calendar for dates and times)

3. You can find magazine articles in the EBSCOhost database.

4. Click on the Live Homework Help link to talk to a real live tutor and get help with your homework.

5. If you want newspaper articles, go to the ProQuest database or search our microfilm collections – We have New York Times articles dating back to 1876 on microfilm.

6. We have books just for you in the Young Adult Section – browse different sections – read something in a new genre sometime just for fun.

7. Why buy a book or rent a DVD when you can borrow it here for free?

8. Ebooks? – We have them in the NetLibrary database.

9. We have books clubs for you to join. If you like to read, see our list of bookclubs at http://www.solanolibrary.com/programs/program.cfm?id=1494

10. Watch the events calendar for SAT Practice Test days. You can also go to the Learning Express Library database and take all kinds of practice tests.

11. You can get published online in the Solano Teen Magazine!

12. If you need information about an author right now search the Literary Reference Center database.

13. We have music CDs. Search our catalog for your favorites – add the letters CD to your search terms so you’ll only get CDs in your results list.

14. We have computers!!!! (As if you didn’t know)

15. Several libraries have Anime/Manga clubs – come over and meet other Otakus.

16. Use our study rooms for group projects.

17. You can download an audiobook to your MP3 player (NetLibrary again).

18. Learn about your roots in our genealogy database.

19. Need an encyclopedia article fast? Try the Encyclopedia Britannica online database. It’s probably more reliable than Wikipedia.

20. Chuck Norris is everywhere – Western Fiction, Nonfiction, Books on CD, DVDs…

21. If you’re at home doing research for a paper and you can’t find a thing, try the Ask Us! online reference service and get connected with a librarian who can help you.

22. There are people at the library who are here to serve you. Tell us what events you want, what you need to learn, and which books you can’t find.

23. Did I mention manga? We have lots to choose from.

24. We love our teen volunteers. We especially need you during the summer reading program, so consider applying this spring.

25. Watch for the upcoming teen computer classes at the Vacaville Public Library – Cultural Center – March 18^th and March 25^th. The events calendar is loaded with other types of events at all of the Solano County Library’s branches.

I could come up with more – search our website and catalog, and ask us if you don’t find what you need. We’re here to help.

Sabine @ VCC

YA-YA Notes

2009-02-10T14:54:00Z

Whazz-up at Suisun? We’ve got a couple things going on.

March is Wii-Month over here. If you don’t know, almost all the branches now own – gracias to your Library - a sparkling-new Wii with a load of games. Suisun’s breaking out the goods for YA-guys every week this March is Wii-Month: Tuesdays from 4 til 5:30. Get there for it!

Honestly – and don’t tell anyone – Suisun’s thinking about making Wii games the centerpiece of its summer program of stuff to do at the library. OK. Please do tell people. In fact, get in touch with Jim at Suisun if you like the idea or would rather sit on tacks than play video games. Actually, no tacks but we’re definitely looking to kick-it-UP.

Other news is the Career Paths series continues at the library by-the-Marsh. The first Career Path was “Military Choices” and if you missed out, you missed talking with a couple excellent folks from Travis (not recruiters) about the real-deal side of military life; great conversation. Next Career Paths event comes up Tuesday 2-24 from 6 to 8 pm; with local guides talking about training for jobs. These people can help you get a job sooner rather than later.

Jim

SuisunCityLibrary

Schneider Family Book Award

2009-02-04T14:54:00Z

The Schneider Family Book Award is a new addition to the American Library Association’s Media Youth Awards. The award is donated by Dr. Katherine Schneider, and honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. Three annual awards are presented for the best Teen, Middle School and Children’s Book.

The teen award winner is “Jerk, California,” written by Jonathan Friesen and published by Speak, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

After graduating from high school, Sam/Jack begins a cross country quest to learn the truth about his dead father and embraces his inherited Tourette Syndrome. With the help of an old family friend, a quirky car and girlfriend who has troubles of her own, he finds his way to maturity.

“Jonathan Friesen uses his personal experience with Tourette Syndrome to create this strong and original character,” said Award Chair Marti Goddard.

Here’s more info about the Schneider Award, with links to lists of past winners.

This is the press release announcing the 2009 winners.

The History of Black History

2009-01-31T14:54:00Z

February is Black History Month. Ever wonder why February was chosen for Black History Month? Me too! So I did a little research and here’s what I found out:

In February 12, 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week to bring national attention to the contributions of Black people throughout American history.

Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the lives of African Americans, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Many other significant events have taken place in the month of February:

February 23, 1868:
W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.

February 3, 1870:
The 15th Amendment was passed, granting African Americans the right to vote.

February 25, 1870:
The first African American U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.

February 12, 1909:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.

February 1, 1960:
In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of African American college students from Greensboro, N.C. began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.

It wasn’t until 50 years later, in 1976, that Black History Week was extended to Black History Month. So there you go a little history lesson for Black History Month.

Here are some programs that are going on in celebration of Black History Month:

At the Springstowne and JFK Libraries, during the whole month of February, Teens can win a $5 Starbucks gift card by entering the Black History Month Trivia Contest. Each week trivia questions will be in the Teen Zone at the Vallejo Libraries (JFK and Springstowne). There will be a drawing at the end of each week. The winner will be contacted by phone or e-mail.

On February 28 @ 2pm, the author of When We Were Colored, Eva Rutland, will speak at the JFK Library in the Joseph Room about her experience living in California during the Civil Rights era.

Source:

Haney, E. (2007). The History of Black History.

Join in the Fun at JFK

2009-01-22T14:54:00Z

We at JFK have been doing monthly poetry slams for some time now and they’re great except for getting people to show up! So far we have had awesome performances and this will be the first month for cash prizes. This will be posted too late for the January slam but, come February, we will have another. February’s event will be the first afternoon, 3:00 p.m., and first all open mic event. One of our first slam winners was Gino from Armijo HS who actually came, not to perform, but to cover the event for his school newspaper! So, you never know, you may be a winner. Come! Slam! Enjoy! Next JFK Open Mic, Wednesday, February, 25^th in the Joseph Room @ 3:00 p.m. Next SLAM!, March 11^th @ 6:30 p.m. same place.

We are also going to have local cartoonist, Age Scott, teach a workshop on cartooning-or Raptooning as he calls it. Ever wonder how a pro looks when he’s working? Come see.

Springstowne Branch and the JFK Branch are celebrating Black History Month with a joint program. Questions on Africa-American history will be posted at both libraries. Simply answer them, drop your answer in the box at either library and there will be a drawing every week in February for a winner. $5 Starbucks gift card! I realize five bucks won’t get much @ Starbucks but, hey, it’s more than you would get without the card, ok?

Springstowne & JFK have also started Anime/Manga clubs for fans. JFKs club meets 1^st & 3^rd Wednesdays in the study room from 3-5 p.m. Springstowne’s next meeting is January 22^nd @ 3:30 p.m.

We also have a Teen Advisory Board at JFK that meets on the second Wednesday of every month @ 2:30 p.m. This is where YOU get to tell the adult what to do! I need advice about what books, CDs, DVDs and/or programs you want to see in the library so it will beome YOUR space. Last meeting was spent teaching the old lady how to do Guitar Hero & tennis on our new Wii system.

Lots to do. Lots to do. Come and enjoy!

If you do it-make it count!

Gayle@JFK

Comix.@$#!: A Graphic Novel Discussion Program for Teens

2009-01-18T14:54:00Z

Coming soon to a library near you!

Every 3rd Tuesday of each month 4-5 pm
Fairfield Civic Center

Teens ages 12 and up can join us for fun discussion of graphic novels and manga. Yummy snacks provided!

If you're interested in participating in the VERY FIRST discussion on Tuesday, February 17, come to Fairfield Civic Center Library and see Sarah ASAP so that you can get your copy of Road to Perdition!

Important Dates and Titles:

Tuesday, February 17
Road to Perdition by Max ! Allan Collins

Tuesday, March 17
Simpsorama by Matt Groaning

Tuesday,April 21
Astro Boy, Volume 6 by Osamu Tezuka

Tuesday, May 19
Ultimate X-Men: Tomorrow People, Volume 1 by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert

Tuesday, June 16
Pedro & Me by Judd Winick

Tuesday, July 21
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Tuesday, August 18
Ultimate Spiderman: Power and Responsibility, Volume 1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagely

Tuesday, September 15
100 Demons by Lynda Barry

Tuesday, October 20
Death: The High Cost of Living by Neil Gaiman

Tuesday, November 17
Mars, Volume 1 by Fuyum! i Soryo

The California Center for the Book is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum & Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Remember This?

2009-01-14T14:54:00Z

*UPDATE* We've got a brand new volume of Solano Teen Magazine for 2009, and we need your work to populate it! So, get writing/drawing/photographing/mulling over poems!

Solano Teen Magazine is still up and running! We just need YOUR content to make keep it fresh and current.

Are people still writing? Still submitting artwork? You betcha! As a matter of fact, someone just submitted a book review on Sunday.

Do you want to see your name in "print" (online, that is)? Do you have something you're just aching to share with the world? Well, check out the submission guidelines and get those things submitted....c'mon, share your creative genius with the world.

Sarah @FCC

p.s. we're officially recruiting for volunteers at Fairfield Civic Center Library once again. Here's a list of open positions. Just fill out an application and drop it by the library!

New Year, New YOU

2009-01-09T14:54:00Z

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Eat healthy. Lose weight. Improve grades. Well, check out this new interactive website where you can set a goal & it’ll help you attain it. I thought it was pretty cool. The layout is colorful & the site is pretty easy to use. What do you think? Check it out. I feel pretty productive & motivated already. Have fun!

Nefertari @ COR

Teens Top Ten...Say THAT Ten Times Fast

2008-12-31T14:54:00Z

For those of you who are dying to know which books were selected the 2008 Teens Top Ten (TTT) here they are. The list below is ranked by the number of votes received.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Vampire Academy by Rachel Mead

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Twisted by Laurie Halse Aderson.

For more information about voting, the TTT groups, and the list of nominated titles, visit http:www.ala.org/teenstopten.

Volunteers Recruit Volunteers

2008-12-29T14:54:00Z

Bored at home? Have nothing to do? Well this might sound a bit crazy but why don’t you stop by the library? Like many teens without much to do I never took the initiative to explore the opportunities available outside of school. This is the first year I’ve taken a step into participating in a volunteer service only because I have to for community service requirements to graduate from high school but here at the JFK it’s pretty dang snazzy. I was wondering why I didn’t do this before…

It’s a pretty nice feeling when you’ve found something to do with your life instead of just wasting time by procrastinating and being a lazy donkey at home. You give yourself a feeling of accomplishment and if not, at least a first step forward into becoming a helpful citizen of society. You’ll be surprised that a quiet place like the library has teens just like you who actually enjoy the work they do here. One thing that really shocked me was the teen advisory board meeting that I attended. In the background, the library actually tries to host a lot of cool activities such as parties and contests for the community. It’s a place where minds gather and where hungry people get to pig out with pizza. Although I was not the only one at the meeting there was enough pizza for me to get five slices! FIVE SLICES!

Sorry if this seems like an amateur piece of work but this is in fact my first time blogging too! I didn’t know what to write about so it’s really scattered but the main point I’m trying to get across to people bored out of their minds is to go out and do something! It doesn’t necessarily have to be the library either! Go feed a fish at the animal shelter, play with kids at an elementary school, go learn how to solve a Rubik’s cube at a learning facility, whatever! With that I’m finished…

By Benny

JFK Teen Volunteer

Happy Holiday Vacation

2008-12-23T14:54:00Z

The holiday season is upon us. And best of all holiday vacations are here. If you didn’t get a chance to go to Springstowne’s (Vallejo) Jewelry-making workshop or Fairfield Civic Center’s Make your Own Holiday Gifts program, you can still get ideas and DIY tips on how to make homemade and creative gifts. The library has books like, Simple Gifts to Stitch: 30 Elegant and Easy Projects by Jocelyn Worall and Gifts to Make and Eat by Elizabeth MacLeod. Have a fun and safe vacation and continue to check the Events Calendar for all the upcoming programs in ‘09.

Happy Holidays.

Take the Teen Pop-Culture Quiz

2008-12-17T14:54:00Z

How up to date are you with the latest fad? Take the Teen Pop-Culture Quiz to sharpen your radar and hone your pop-culture savvy!

Drum roll, trrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, and our first topic is Beats:

Match the hit songs on the left with the performer(s) on the right.

a. “Let It Rock” 1. The Killers

b. “Human” 2. T.I.

c. “So What” 3. Taylor Swift

d. “Whatever You Like” 4. Kevin Rudolf, featuring Lil Wayne

e. “Love Story” 5. Pink

This retro metal band has a new album out, Black Ice, and their track “Spoiling for a Fight” is the official song for the WWE’s Survivor Series. Who are they?

a. Scorpions b. Black Sabbath

c. AC/DC d. Iron Maiden

Next category, Flicks.

3. Twilight is THE movie event of the season! Which soon-to-be Hollywood household name is NOT in the movie?

a.Kristen Stewart b. Ashley Greene

c. Robert Pattinson d. Taylor Lautner

e. Leighton Meester

Next category, Pulp.

Midnight: A Gangster Love Story is the long-awaited prequel to which ground-breaking urban-lit novel by Sister Souljah?

Young adult literature is all over the movies lately. Which teen novel is not currently in development, being produced, or a recent straight-to-DVD release?

a. Derby Girl by Shauna Cross

b. America by E.R. Frank

c. Youth in Revolt: The Journal of Nick Twisp by C.D. Payne

d. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

e. Clique by Lisi Harrison

Give yourself 10 points for each correct answer. Each component of a multiple choice counts as one point. A perfect score is 50.

45-50: FTW

35-44: GFY

25-34: Meh

0-24: Keep your frenemies close!

Answers: 1. a4, b1, c5, d2, e3;
2. c;
3. a;
4. Coldest Winter Ever;
5. d.

Wiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-13T14:54:00Z

I went to a library conference last month and I got to play! Of course, there were many serious and important educational sessions to attend, but the highlight for me was the gaming section! I got to try Rock Band for the first time, and also some Wii sports. I was one of those dorks who actually prepared for her shots and followed through on her swing while playing tennis, and I’m sorry to say that my Wii bowling skills are as awful as my real bowling game, but I had so much fun!!!

Guess what? We’ll be bringing the fun to you very soon. We now have Wii gaming equipment and will be planning gaming events at the library. Watch the calendar of events for gaming days at a library near you.

In the meantime, if you want to improve your real game, take a look at our sports books. You’ll find tennis at 796.342, soccer at 796.334, basketball at 796.323, baseball at 796.357, and bowling at 794.6 on your library shelves. Ask us about sports I haven’t mentioned here. Have fun.

Sabine @ Vacaville Public Library-Cultural Center

How would you describe your job?

2008-12-09T14:54:00Z

This made me laugh. It is from the comic strip Unshelved, which is "the world's only daily comic set in a public library" and of course riotously funny.

Dewey, the guy in the chair, is the Young Adult Librarian. The other guy is a government agent trying to get information out of Dewey (This is a bit ironic, if you know Dewey... It's also a bit difficult if you like your information sans sarcasm).

For more info on the characters, check out the primer http://www.unshelved.com/primer.aspx to get up to speed.

Or just read the rest of the strip at www.unshelved.com. You can find their books in our catalogue.

This strip is used with kind permission from Bill and Gene.

Thank you.

Christmas

2008-12-04T14:54:00Z

Ahh, Christmas, where we can all bask in the glow of goodwill to our fellow humans.

Okay, got that out of the way, now what do you want? I'm getting me a house.

(No, really. I just can't figure out if it should fit through the chimney of my current house. Because it's bigger than my house. It could fit through its own chimney, a kind of klein house affair. Well, it may not matter. Neither house has a chimney.)

Cheers, K