What's Fun?

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

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Plan Your Summer Days!

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.

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Teen Summer Reading Program 2009

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

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Function of libraries

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.

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What to do this Summer

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

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