Teenspeak Culpeper County Library

Blog is Behind

2011-10-05T12:13:00.004-04:00

This blog is out of date. We had information in too many places. However, I am going to use it to allow you to vote. See polls to the right of this post.

To find out what is going on at the Library for teens, go to the Library's website and click on "Teens". You can find events, book lists, and teen written book reviews there. You can also get on my e-mail notification list by e-mailing me at lbostian@cclva.org or keep up with us on facebook--the link to our page is on the right.

Space Cafe and Summer Reading

2010-05-24T15:10:00.004-04:00

The Great Twilight Debate in May was a blast! The "for Twilight Team" took the win this time.
Now, we are all moving on to Space Cafe, where you can make up an alien character that you want to play at our Live Action Role Playing event on June 26, 12-2 p.m. You can read all about it at http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/space-cafe . Right now, Space Cafe is like Facebook for aliens from the Ninja Planet, the Jello Planet, and some more obscure ones. At the event you will dress up like and act like the character you create. To join Space Cafe, you have to join Obsidian Portal and then, hit the "join" button on Space Cafe so Laini can invite you. See ya there!

Also, we are raffling an iPod this Summer for teens who read 24 hours between June 21st and August 2nd. Other prizes include awesome furry monster keyrings and coupons for free video gaming at Digital Caffeine. AND an invite to our free roller skating party!

Upcoming Events April/May 2010

2010-01-08T13:03:00.012-05:00

REGISTER NOW! 825-8691

Random Writers April 19th, May 17th 6-8 p.m.

Teens sharing their writing for feedback or just for fun.

Bring writing to share if you have it. Bring a notebook.

The Great Twilight Debate! Thursday, May 6th 6-8 p.m.

Twilight is on trial! You must have read Twilight by Stephanie Meyer to participate. Register at the Library as "For Twilight" or "Against Twilight". Each group will select two lawyers, prepare arguments, and then, bring it before judge and jury. Those who neither love or hate the book can contact Laini to be a part of the jury! lbostian@cclva.org Cakey FOOD Served!

Upcoming Events

2009-12-28T10:02:00.003-05:00

Random Writers Make-Up Session Monday, January 28th 6:00 p.m.

Pizza and Meeting to set up Teen Summer Programs Thursday, January 7th 6-7:30 p.m. We will be discussing teen programs, particularly those we will be having this summer. Have some pizza on us and decide what you would like to do at the Library.

Random Writers Monday, January 18th 6-8 p.m.

For Random Writers, feel free to try it out. We won't make you share writing. However, most people who attend end up wanting to share. We do about ten minutes of warm up writing per session, and share projects we are working on.

Upcoming Events

2009-10-23T15:05:00.003-04:00

Random Writers Monday, Nov. 16th and Dec. 21st 6-8 p.m. Space is limited. Register in advance. Bring a composition notebook, something to write with and writing to share if you have it. We will be focusing on offering constructive feedback to writers who want to share their work. We will be writing for 15-20 minutes per session. Listen, Share, Create, Speak Teen.

Books and Chocolate Thursday December 10th 6-7:30 p.m. Read? Eat? Socialize? This is the place for you. Like a book club but everyone is reading a different book. Come recommend books and get recommendations from other teens. Plus, eat some fancy chocolate. Free hardcover books raffled!

Books (and a TV show) Recommended by teens 10/10

2009-10-23T15:04:00.000-04:00

· House of Night Series-for fans of Twilight, for mature readers only!
· Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith-some gore. About a girl who finds a vampire guy, Stefan. Vampire’s brother tries to steal Elena because he is jealous of his brother. Characters teens can relate to-the bubbly one, the calm one, etc. Less mushy gooeyness than in Twilight.
· Evermore by Alison Noel is a great vampirish book..
· Love is Hell with Scott Westerheld, Love stories with weird mythical beings. Such as girl falls in love with boy in her dreams that turns out to be a ghost.
· Being Human BBC Television show-Werewolf man in his 20’s wants to be human but can’t.
· Eternal by Cynthia L. Smith
· The Unseen Series: Sin and Salvation-suspenseful horror and mystery
· Lord of the Flies-50 English boys are left on an island where they go from proper to savage.
· Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Sky. For some reason Harry Potter fans love this series.
· Forest of Hands and Teeth-posapocolyptic/horror/suspense/romance Girl named Mary lives in a village in the middle of the Forest. They think they are the only humans left. Surrounded by a fence. Outside the fence are the Unconsecrated who eat human flesh. If they bite you, you turn into one of them. The Unconsecrated do not think. They just work as an unorganized mass pushing against the fences surrounding the village. Community is centered on continuing the human race. Marriage happens ceremonially at “The Gathering”. A very “ironic” book.
· Skinned Girl gets in car accident and her brain is put into a humanoid robot. No one likes her because they know that she’s “skinned”. She meets a boy who wants to be “skinned” so he can be a jock. “Skinned” girl falls in with a bad crowd of other “skinned” people and gets into trouble.
· Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson. Girl wakes up in a strange house after an accident. Her family is there. They are keeping her in the house. She begins to find clues that reveal what really happened to her after the accident, what her father’s company is doing.
· Maximum Ride Fang comes out in March 2010 Fang is a goth birdlike teen, the glum guy of the group. He is pretty creepy, disappears if he stands still.

Events

2009-10-12T14:30:00.002-04:00

Phantasmagoria This Thursday, Oct. 15th 6-7. No Registration Necessary. Scary stories for teens and adults. Bring your parents if you want!

Write In-Register Now! 825-8691 Thursday, October 22nd 6-8:30. Food, writing, meeting other writers. This can be your first try at creative writing or your five hundredth try. Everyone will get something out of it! For more information, view my Youtube report at http://www.youtube.com/cclva.

Chocolate and Book Talking Thurs. Oct. 8th 6-7:30

2009-09-23T13:36:00.000-04:00

Pictionary and Snacks Sept. 9th Weds. 6-8pm

2009-08-25T13:42:00.003-04:00

Get Out Your Magnifying Glasses! Teen Events for Fall

2009-07-30T12:37:00.006-04:00

The part of this that is illegible is regarding Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor winner and National Book Award Finalist for "The Underneath". Most teens love her memoir, "My Father's Summers". I recommend reading one or both before her virtual "visit" Sept. 21st 6-8. You must register. We will be talking a lot about the writing process. Here is Kathi reading from one of her books at the National Book Awards Celebration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f56AHyu9ans

Anime and Pizza Thursday, July 30th 5-8 p.m. REGISTER Now...Space is Limited

2009-07-22T16:21:00.002-04:00

We will be watching Disc 2 of Spiral and Disc 1 of xxxHolic. Teen raffles for Summer Reading will be drawn at this event, but you do not need to be present to win. Prizes for those who have completed Summer Reading Goals. Arrive on time if you want a chance to choose a pizza topping!

For more information about Spiral and xxxHolic, visit http://www.operationanime.com Go to "available titles" and click on the anime you want to read about.

Random Writers Register Now!

2009-07-08T11:18:00.002-04:00

We are meeting July 20th, Monday, from 2:30-5 at the library. Bring writing to share. We will be doing several 15 minute writing prompts and a telling a story as a group! Please register so we know you are coming. E-mail lbostian@cclva.org or call 540-825-8691.

Chocolate and Art Tuesday July 7th REGISTER!

2009-06-26T13:05:00.002-04:00

Space is limited so please register for this event as soon as you know you are coming. Thanks!
Call: 825-8691. E-mail: lbostian@cclva.org

Summer Reading Program/Pizza and Game Night

2009-06-05T14:57:00.004-04:00

Read 4 hours a week, 24 hours total by August 1st, over the Summer and earn prizes! Midpoint Prizes: Coolest pins ever to choose from and entry in raffles for movie tickets, rollerskating tickets and bowling tickets for two. Ending Prizes: Choice of a free book, entry in raffles for more tickets and the coolest journals you have ever seen. SIGN UP BEGINS June 22nd. You can register at our pizza party!

Our next event is a pizza party on JUNE 22nd with games and social time. 5:30-8 p.m. Please let me know if you are coming so I get enough pizza!

Look at the Photos I dug Up!

2009-05-08T21:16:00.002-04:00

I think Marlee, Kara, and I had just way too much fun with the webcam! Kathi Appelt is going to talk to us by webcam again in September, and yes, if you come you can come early and I will let you play with the pirate hat on the webcam.

Teen Events and Programs

2009-05-05T17:24:00.002-04:00

Click on links to the right to view Teen Programs at the Library. Artwork for Summer Reading and Summer Events flyers by teens! Check them out-

2009-04-27T16:45:00.004-04:00

Hmm, my high resolution jpegs are always fuzzy here. If you have any questions about events, e-mail me or call the library.
Laini lbostian@cclva.org

Art Contest Winners!

2009-04-22T17:40:00.002-04:00

Dana Fletcher-drawing to the left

Jordan Logan-Edward and Bella on the right

Congratulations!

Dana and Jordan's artwork are to be featured on our Teen Summer Programs bookmarks and flyers. Pick them up at the library!

Change to Teen Events for April and May!

2009-03-31T15:56:00.003-04:00

Here is our official flyer for April and May. Coming out in a couple of weeks is our Summer Reading information and our Summer Schedule of Teen Events so check back or sign up for our e-mail list on your right.

A Random Writers Session has been added, by request, for Monday May 4th. I highly recommend attending our Write-In on April 20th also. That will be an extreme experience, a chance to really break free from creative blocks.

And again, those with artistic flair, register to eat pizza and draw some characters for our bulletin board on May 18th.

Upcoming Teen Programs-Mark Your Calendars

2009-03-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Anime Night-Spiral (scroll down for film info) March 25, Wednesday 6-8 p.m.

Book Talking Come chat about books you think others should read. Try to think of books you would like to talk about ahead of time. Bring a notebook to write recommendations down! April 6, Monday 6-8 p.m.

Write-In Bring a notebook, pen and imagination! Enjoy refreshments and write up a storm. Meet other writers. Writing prompts provided. Write for ten minutes. Share in small groups and write some more! April 20th, Monday 6-8 p.m.

Art Contest! Put Your Art on Our Bookmarks for Summer

2009-03-06T16:01:00.004-05:00

Enter our Teen Art Contest to get your artwork on this year's Teen Summer Programs promotional bookmarks, flyers, and booklets! Make sure you sign your picture. We will print your name under it in addition.

Artwork must be submitted on 8 1/2 x 11 white, unlined paper. Chalk drawings must be fixed so they will not smudge. The subject is up to you-our theme this year is "Express Yourself" at the library. So, I thought I would give you all a chance to express yourselves~

Any questions, e-mail or call Laini. lbostian@cclva.org

540-825-8691

Submission Deadline is March 31st so get on the project!

Good Books

2009-03-02T17:25:00.003-05:00

Sadly, the library was closed for the day due to the snow this morning. Thus our book recommending session is rescheduled for next Monday from 4-6 pm. I would like to make some videos of teens recommending books to put on our youtube so other teens can watch. Please try to think of a couple of books you want to recommend in advance. And, think about how to interest people in reading them without giving away important plot elements. Finally, let me know which book/books you want to talk about so I can put them in my "closet" for next Monday.

Thanks,
Laini

Next Anime Event

2009-02-26T10:56:00.003-05:00

As Ayumu and Hiyono continue to investigate the murder of Mr. Imazato, an impending danger lurkes. Hiyono becomes the target of the Blade Children's latest ploy, who issue Ayumu his greatest challenge yet-a chance to settle things once and for all!

We will try to write our names in Japanese this time!

Casual Book Recommending Group This Monday

2009-02-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

Anime Night

2009-02-24T11:01:00.001-05:00

Anime Night tomorrow! 2/25 6-8 p.m. "Ghost Hunt" Click on link to the right for details! See you there~

Library's Teen Facebook

2009-02-14T16:21:00.001-05:00

Come and chat with me on facebook. Our profile is cclva teens.

Random Writers in the Star Exponent!

2009-01-30T09:32:00.001-05:00

http://www.starexponent.com/cse/entertainment/columnists/article/random_writers_lets_teens_creativity_shine/28893/

Anime Night

2009-01-27T13:46:00.000-05:00

Summer Video Contest-Yes or No?

2008-12-18T16:07:00.006-05:00

Are you a Windows Movie Maker or Flash 9 Pro? Maybe not, but you probably have favorite Youtube videos!

Want to make your own great videos? We can show you how. And you could win BIG prizes if your video wins our Summer Youtube contest.

BUT, we need to know that teens are interested in participating so please comment on this post or vote on our sidebar to let us know that you want to be a part of a Summer 2009 Video Extravaganza!

Book Review: "Stones in Water"

2008-11-18T12:47:00.002-05:00

Stones in Water by Donna Jo Napoli
Reviewed by Diana Cmeyla

This amazing tale of survival, war and friendship is based on the real experiences of a Venetian youth. The United States is at war with the Axis powers and American films are rare in Italy, but when one comes to Venice, Roberto, his older brother Sergio, and Roberto's friends Memo and Samuele really want to see it. Roberto and Sergio creep from their home (so Mother will not give them work) and meet up with Memo and Samuele. Sergio rips the Star of David off of Samuele's sleeve, and they go to the theater. The room darkens, the lights flash on, and German soldiers march down the aisles. The younger boys are herded together, brought to the train station and loaded into trains, separating them from Sergio.

This harrowing tale of inhumanity, strength, and friendship begins in terror. Memo and Roberto protect Samuele, and Samuele gives them strength to withstand the horrors they see. Roberto and Samuele face hardships, death, back-breaking work, starvation, freezing, and fighting with others for survival. One boy loses this battle while the other escapes and faces equally difficult challenges on his way back to Germany. This novel draws the reader in and leaves its mark behind. The message is powerful, leaving one wishing that people were not really like this, when in reality war is awful and people can be savage. The book is beautifully written, and it is a good choice for those interested in World War II, survival, or overcoming odds.

Further Reading:
Donna Jo Napoli has written numerous books in various genres; my favorites being her books based on fairy tales and legends. But survival stories are also favorites and another great author to consider is Gary Paulsen. One of his most well-known books is Hatchet, a survival story with a rescue in the end. But in Brian’s Winter, readers are asked to imagine that Brian was not rescued and survival is taken a step further.