iTeens

Luck be a Lady - 3/13/12 @ 4PM

2012-03-06T10:29:00.000-05:00

2012-02-13T18:33:00.001-05:00

LOVE STINKS: Chocolate Fest 2012

Feb.14th, 2012; 4-5 PM

Ages 11-18 (Parents and guardians welcome.)

I hope to see you there!!

Personal Soundtrack

2012-02-06T19:29:00.001-05:00

Now perhaps it's just me, and that's possibly the case -given how nerdy I can be from time to time- but once in a while, I get the gumption (yes, that -IS- a word, ladies and gentlemen) to make a mix playlist. And more often than not -given how much I read- that soundtrack of the moment is based on a book I've read.

Now the example I'm going to leave you all off with is rough and just a small snippet of what I usually create, but it gives you a picture and a guide to go by. If, of course, you consider there to actually be any guidelines when it comes to making a mix. You can create it any way you choose - be it an online playlist like this, a zipped file sent to a friend, on a cd (as I did back in high school) ...or, if you're really hardcore - a mixed tape.

Now you may ask, what should you think of or how do you go about making a mix? What inspires it? Well, in my case (and may I suggest you try in your's), a mix can be inspired by a book you've read - this example being The Hunger Games. Of course it could be a reflection of your mood, of songs that remind you of a special someone or a road trip soundtrack. The reasons are endless...

But let me give you a prompt to start one, just if you're at a lack for ideas:

Imagine being a music director for a big movie firm. A producer and/or director approaches you and asks if you could develop a soundtrack to a movie they're about to release. The movie is based on a popular novel (graphic novels included) - what you pick as the songs on it's soundtrack? What songs speak to you about a scene or character in the book? Now try to develop a soundtrack that includes 15-20 songs.

Here's the small snippet of an example:

Hunger Games Mix by LCPL iTeens on Grooveshark

Good luck readers!

2011-12-30T14:21:00.003-05:00

Come join us on January 10th, 2012 @ 4PM for Poetry & Fun!
Snacks will be provided. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend as well.

Holiday Season, Part 2

2011-12-19T16:54:00.002-05:00

Well, the countdown has begun. I hope you all haven't left your gift shopping to the last moment, as it can get quite crazy in the last few days before Christmas. That aside, however, I wanna return to the subject of books. Particularly the ones that are going to be popular this holiday season into the new year. I'll start with one I have read currently, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

This is the first installment of a trilogy of novels. Fans from Percy Jackson will really be intrigued by these books, the Greek motifs and morals carrying on in a less obvious way in these novels, but still there- once the reader realizes what Collins has alluded to- the story of the labyrinth. There are also strong suggestions of the ancient Roman culture, and small insights of what the livelihood of the citizens of the great Roman CAPITOL (*hint hint*) would be like.

And if you're not the biggest fan of action packed movies (which who isn't these days?) don't fret, like Twilight, our heroine Katniss Everdeen will find herself in a love triangle of her own. Give it a try at the very least and gear yourself up to rival your friends' knowledge of the movie by coming to the library and checking out the books for yourself!

For those of you excited about the movie, check out: http://thecapitol.pn/ !

Next on my list of books to check out are the new Percy Jackson series, The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan. I haven't started the first book of this series yet, The Lost Hero, but I am excited to see that Riordan has chosen to continue the story of Percy in this new collection. Once I do read it, I promise my best to post my review of it here on the iTeens blog for the rest of you to draw your own conclusions about whether or not you want to read it.

Finally, and possibly the most popular subject as far as upcoming movies go, are those that feature comic book heroes. Namely, the group of Marvel characters, the Avengers - and DC's Batman. These two will be the most obvious, I believe, of the whole list- simply because so many of you know the comic book versions. In the library now we have books that showcase the bios of the Avengers, and a book or two on the Dark Knight himself for you to enjoy. So even if you don't enjoy long books over the winter holiday, you can at least pick up comic books or graphic novels that will keep you entertained!

All this being said, I want to wish a Happy Holidays to all the teens and their parents. My blog will pick up again in the new year, so look forward to more reviews and event notices!

Holiday Season, Part 1

2011-12-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

Well, it's almost here.

The radios have started playing the jingles and the decorations line the store walls. I've already put up the tree next to the teen section and asked for people to make their own ornaments.* Another year is slowly drawing to it's end.

I'm curious, what was everyone thankful for? Was your focus on your Christmas lists or did you pause - just for a second - to think of what you're grateful for? Was it your parents or guardians, the food, or maybe that the school year has reached it's halfway point? (LOL) Whatever it was or is, I hope you are grateful for something in your lives. If you haven't given it much thought, just spend a moment and reflect - what has made your life a little better this year?

I, myself, am grateful for this new job. I'm also grateful for my family, friends and my television shows lasting another season (don't laugh, I love Glee and the Walking Dead). Thanksgiving may have already passed, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still spend a moment to be grateful!

But yes, Chrismahanukwanzakah is almost here (LOL) and it -is- time to put our nice caps on for a 23 more days. Be kinder to your teachers, parents and guardians- as those are the few individuals who will make your holiday break nicer. And instead of just spending your break from school sitting about the house watching tv, playing games or surfing the 'net; come into the library and look around at the books. Check out the newest additions to our teen section. Read a classic you haven't picked up in a while- or be a bit scandalous and go ahead and read something on your English reading list early!

*Please come to the library and visit the children's desk for a sheet to do this.
!! There will be a Teen Advisory Board meeting next Tuesday (12/6/11). I'm excited to meet the members, and want to extend an invitation to other teens and tweens (ages 11-18) to come to the meeting and discuss what they feel would be good programs and additions to the teen section. Bring questions, concerns, and a little of the holiday spirit along with you so that we can all make this meeting successful and stress free!

!! If you haven't noticed on the library's homepage (http://www.lcpl.org/), we are attempting to have a canned food drive in support of the food bank in Laurens. From the 5th until the 10th of this month, bringing in canned food will help erase any late fees you have on your account. (Lost books or items are exempt from this, however). SO ASK YOUR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO ALLOW YOU TO BRING SOME IN!

!! I will announce this later on again, but on the 13th of this month, I will be hosting a TEENS HELPING TEENS program from 4 -5pm at the library. We will be making crafts and wrapping books to give away as gifts to your friends. Drinks and snacks will be served, so please come in and enjoy yourself while we have fun!

Anime Club?

2011-11-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

If you are interested in any or all of the above (in green), please leave your name, email and age in the comments. Doing so will show that you wish to see an anime program or 'club' started here in the library.

If you or your parents have any questions or concerns, please send them to jlambert@lcpl.org.

Breaking Dawn

2011-11-18T13:41:00.002-05:00

As I am sure many of you are aware, the movie release of Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn began today.* Who's excited to see it? Have you made sure to read the novel beforehand? Or are you waiting until after seeing the movie adaptation to go back and compare what was left out, changed, or completely thrown off into left field? At some point in the coming week or next, I will try my best to go see it, hopefully at Laurens' own Capitol Theater in the Square! **

Leave a comment below telling me what you think about the Twilight saga or the movie in particular? Loved it? Hated it? What would you have left in from the novel, or what would you have changed? Do you like the fact that Bella returned to Edward, or do you think she should have stuck with Jacob?

*http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/breakingdawn.html
** http://www.capitoltheatreandcafe.com/movies.html

Greetings and Salutations!!

2011-11-16T15:45:00.002-05:00

Hello LCPL teens (or as I have come to know you, iTeens)! My name is Jamie Lambert. On the 14th of this month, I began work here at LCPL as the new assistant for the Children & Teen Services here at the library! I will be helping, in particular, the design and development of teen programming here at the library. I hope to meet many of you soon in the library - so don't hesitate introducing yourselves when you come in!

Now to introduce myself! I am a huge biblophile (which means it's a huge plus to be working in a library, LOL!) and in particular I am a HUGE fan of Jane Austen. For those you you unfamiliar with the author, you might be a little familiar with a movie based on one of her most popular novels, Pride and Prejudice. If that still doesn't ring a bell, I will give a link at the bottom of my post for you to check out.** If you are in any way, shape, or form, a fan of Twilight, I highly recommend you picking up Pride and Prejudice or any of her novels here at the library. See if you can find the relationship similarities and differences between Bella x Edward and Elizabeth x Darcy! I'd love to hear your opinions here or in person at the library!

We ALSO have the TV mini-series based on the novel and a 'comic book' -Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (which is an adaptation of a novel written by Seth Grahame-Smith)- both of which I love almost as much as the original novel.

Beyond dorking out over Austen, I am a huge fan of graphic novels and illustration, as well as anime. For those of you in the Laurens and surrounding county with interest -in- anime and the like, please leave a comment here if you'd like to see a club formed here in the library and I will try my best to see if I can start something up for you all. I have read many of the popular mangas floating about, such as Bleach, Fruits Basket, Naruto, etc. and I am a huge fan of Batman and Iron Man (yes, I know, loving DC -and- Marvel creations is taboo, but I can't help it!).

I think that gives you all a glimpse of who I am and what I enjoy, so now it's your turn! I'd love to hear about your interests as far as books, anime, and comics go!!

**http://www.janeausten.org/

Next Week!

2011-10-07T15:26:00.000-04:00

The iTeens Monster Fest will be held on October 11 from 4-5pm. Please come and participate! Everyone should dress up as their favorite monster! I going to come dressed up as a witch! There will be games and trivia to answer, and the winners will get great prizes! Please invite all of your friends and come join us at the Laurens Library next week!

Peace Out,

Erin

---Currently looking for another book to read.

Monsters Here We Come!

2011-09-30T09:27:00.000-04:00

Hey iTeens,

October is about to begin which as we know brings Halloween and lots of candy! However, the Laurens Library is doing something a little different. We've already had a Zombie Fest so now we are having a Monster Fest!! Come dress up as your favorite monster, have some snacks and drinks, and play monster trivia games! It's going to be a great time, and it will be October 11 at 4pm at the Laurens County Library. This program is for teens aged 11-18 and parents of teens are also welcome! We want you to come!

Peace Out,

Erin

---Currently reading all the Nancy Drew Graphic Novels

Grossed Out!

2011-09-16T14:39:00.000-04:00

Hey iTeens,

Our Food Fear Factor program went great! We had about 14 teens show up and 9 teens participate. They got to eat cactus, sardines, anchovies, dates, mushrooms, mustard seeds, wasabi peas, and caviar. Not surprisingly, the grossest items seem to be sardines, anchovies, and caviar. I think the sardines stunk up the whole library! Thanks to my two helpers Rebecca and Kelli who were fantastic! Also, thanks to everyone who came to the program! If you came, I hope to see you again very soon! Remember our next program will be the iTeens Monster Fest on Oct 11 from 4-5pm! Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Erin Allen

----Currently reading Divergent by Veronica Roth

Food Fear Factor.....

2011-09-07T17:34:00.000-04:00

Hey iTeens,

On September 13 at 4pm we are having iTeens Food Fear Factor. It's going to be awesome, and you will get to try stuff you have never tried before! Or, just come and be entertained as other teens try and attempt to eat very gross food. Hope you can stomach it!

Also, I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather that we have been having and going to the high school football games! Fall is definitely here. Hope everyone has a great weekend and tell all your friends about iTeens Food Fear Factor!

Sincerely,

Erin Allen

---Currently reading The Power of Six

iTeens Rock!

2011-09-01T15:17:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!

I hope everyone is doing good! Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. Everything has been pretty hectic getting ready for school to start and working on new projects. So, we had our Minute to Win-It Program which was a major success! We even had a few teens who had never been to the programs before. Don't forget that we have programs every second Tuesday of the month. Our next program is iTeens Food Fear Factor on September 13th from 4-5pm. You never know what you will eat! Come and join us for free food and entertainment! Hope everyone is doing good in school!

Peace Out,

Erin

---Currently Reading Vampire Promise by Caroline B. Cooney

Morning iTeens!

2011-08-10T11:06:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!
Hope everyone is enjoying their last little bit of summer vacation. I just took my vacation and enjoyed it immensely. For all of you who enjoy Young Adult books, I just got a shipment of new ones at the Laurens County Library. Come visit the library and see if there is anything that interests you! I know there are at least a few that I want to read myself! I have a variety of new books such as new fiction from well-known authors and some graphic novels. Plus, if you have any suggestions on books you want me to order, come let me know when you take a look at our new Young Adult collection! Hope everyone has a great day!

Peace out,

Erin

Minute to Win It

2011-08-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hey iTeens!
I hope everyone enjoyed the rest of July! Sorry I didn't blog, but the last two weeks of July were crazy with summer reading programs for teens and children! We missed you if you did not make it to the Harry Potter vs Twilight Jeopardy, but...it was awesome! We will definitely have to do another Jeopardy program. So, on August 16th we have another iTeen program. It is going to be a Minute to Win It program and everyone is invited to join in on the fun or just watch the entertainment. There will be free refreshments for those who come to the program. So, if you are a teen between the ages of 11-18, please come to the library on August 16th at 4pm. Have an awesome weekend!

Hope to see you soon!

Erin Allen

----Currently reading Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Twilight and Harry Potter Galore!

2011-07-07T14:16:00.000-04:00

Hey iTeens!

I hope everyone had a wonderful fourth. I know I did because I got to go on vacation! I also hope that you guys got to see some awesome fireworks! I love the fourth of July except for the heat of course!
So....in less than two weeks we will be having a Harry Potter vs Twilight Jeopardy with a bunch of trivia questions that I have made up. Some are easy, but some are very hard so I hope you know both the books and movies very well! We are going to have an Alec Trebec, a scorekeeper, and 3 teen contestants that get to be part of the Jeopardy program. Invite all of your friends to come and enjoy great entertainment while snacking on great food! The person who wins Jeopardy will be awarded a prize! The first three volunteers I have to be on Jeopardy will get to be our contestants. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Erin Allen

----Currently reading Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper

Blog Alert!

2011-06-28T16:18:00.000-04:00

Hey iTeens!

I am looking for some teen volunteers to come to the library and tell me why you like coming to the library. I want to video you explaining why you are at the library and what you like about the library. If you are under 18 years old, I have a form that parents must fill out. Once I have all my interviews done, I am going to edit them and put them on the blog for all to see! Please come in and ask for me, Erin and we can get started! Hope all of you have a great July 4th!

Sincerely,

Erin Allen

---Currently reading A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad

Is it too hot?

2011-06-24T16:16:00.000-04:00

Dear iTeens,

The weather is so warm and we still have two more months to go of summer. Are we GOING to make it? I know I am loving this weather! I just hope that everyone else is remembering to enjoy it as well. Just remember to drink lots of fluids if you are going to be outside for a long time and put on some sunblock. I also hope that everyone is going on vacations and enjoying them as much as I hope to when I go on vacation. Don't forget to come to the Laurens or Clinton Library and check out some books to take on your vacation especially if your trip is going to be a long one! Come in and tell me all about your vacations!

Sincerely,
Erin Allen

---Currently reading Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brasheres (her new book!!)

Thank Goodness for Weekends!

2011-06-18T09:55:00.000-04:00

Hey iTeens!

I hope all of you are enjoying the warm weather, going swimming, and getting tans! Our first summer program has passed, but we are getting ready for our BIG July program. We are having a Harry Potter vs Twilight Jeopardy and it's going to be awesome! 3 contestants will participate while the others get to enjoy watching the tournament. It will be July 19th at 4pm. Please come and show your support for the iTeens July Program! Don't forget to turn your reading records in any time after July 19th to receive your free book! Have a wonderful weekend!

Peace out,

Erin Allen

---Currently reading The Ghoul Next Door by Lisi Harrison

Thanks!

2011-06-10T14:13:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!
Phew! It has been so busy at the Laurens County Library with all the summer reading that started June 1st! Thanks so much to all the teens who are coming in and signing up for the teen summer reading program! You will get your free book when you turn in your record after July 19th. For those of you who haven't, please come sign up for the summer reading program because you will receive a free book for participating! We hope to see all of you very soon! Have a great weekend!

Erin

---Currently reading Night of the Vampires by Heather Graham

Summer is Here!

2011-06-06T14:55:00.000-04:00

Hello iTeens!

Summer is finally here! We are now divulging into the land of vacations, sleeping late hours, working summer jobs, and the most important thing of course is READING! Don't forget to come sign up for the iTeens Summer Reading Program at the Laurens Library, Clinton Library, and the Bookmobile! It's gonna be a blast and whatever you read for school counts for this summer reading program as well. Plus, for participating you will get a free book and we have got lots of great ones to choose! Sign up started June 1st and ends July 19th. So, come sign up and bring your reading record in after July 19th to pick out your free book. Also, don't forget to come to our programs! We have a World Traveler speaker in June and Harry Potter/Twilight Jeopardy in July. So....COME JOIN US!

Sincerely,

Erin Allen

---Currently reading Night of the Vampires by Heather Graham

Good Morning iTeens!

2011-05-12T10:07:00.000-04:00

Sorry I wasn't able to blog last week! I just want to say we had an amazing teen program this past week called ZOMBIE FEST! It was a blast! There were around 30 teens who came to the program. At the program we had couple of people doing make-up who were fantastic, in fact, they should consider being artists. Many of our Teen Advisory Board members were there and helped play in the Dead Man Walking Game, Zombie Dance, and helped grade the Zombie Trivia Contest. We also had a crowning of Zombie King and Zombie Queen. It was too bad their crowns were a little small, but they didn't care. Pam, who helped me with the program, showed everyone how to do dance moves from Thriller by Michael Jackson. I know that was definitely my favorite part! By the end of the program, we were totally exhausted. This has probably been one of our hardest programs to put on, but it was definitely one of the best. Thanks to everyone who came! Have a great weekend!

Peace out,

Erin Allen

----Currently reading The Hate List by Jennifer Brown

iTeens in the Sun

2011-04-28T16:08:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

I hope that you guys had an awesome week! The weather has been great. I know I for one am enjoying it. It is definitely time to start swimming, playing frisbee, playing baseball, hiking, and just being outdoors. Even though some of you may not believe this, the SUN IS GOOD FOR YOU! So, if you are reading this, spend at least 15 minutes outside doing something even if it's trying to get a tan! Getting a tan outside is much healthier than going to the tanning bed anyway! I know that I for one am going to enjoy tossing the frisbee around. What else is great about this weather? Well, what about almost being done with school for the year and getting the summer off. Plus, snowcones, sleeping late, and hanging out with friends anytime during the day! Enjoy the warm weather and remember when you think it's hot, it could always be worse. It could be COLD! Now, how horrible would that be! Enjoy a nice weekend of warm weather!

Peace out,

Erin Allen
Teen Liason

----Currently still reading The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (What, it's a long book!)

Ready for Easter Weekend!

2011-04-21T10:13:00.001-04:00

Hello iTeens!
I hope all of you guys and girls are doing well! It's been a rough week, but I am officially back on duty. For those of you who wish to be on the teen board this year, check your email and sign up for an interview immediately! We will be starting our new teen board officially in June. I think it's gonna be a great year and I am very excited about everyone who has applied. I hope that everyone has a great Easter! Remember that the library will be closed tomorrow and Saturday and will reopen Monday morning. Also, the Zombie Fest is May 10th at 4pm and I hope to see all of you there!

My Easter advice is to enjoy spending time with your family because you never know how long you will have with them! I know parents can be boring and embarrassing, but they are your parents and they love you!

Peace out,
Erin

---Currently reading Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

iTeens Talent Week

2011-04-14T10:17:00.001-04:00

Hey guys and girls!
Sorry it has taken me so long to blog again, but this has been a busy week. I don't even remember what I did Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings we went to the schools in Laurens and Clinton to promote summer reading for kids and teens. The summer reading theme for teens this year is You are Here because the overall theme is travel. The graphics for this year's theme are very cool and remind me of graphic novels which I know plenty of you read! If you are reading this as a teen, please come sign up for the summer reading program! Sign up starts June 1st and I want all of you to sign up if you can. All you do is come sign up, read books, and get a free book at the end of the summer. How simple is that! Hope everyone has a great day!
Peace out,
Erin

PS. Don't forget that if you want to be on the Teen Advisory Board, applications are due April 19th!

---Currently reading The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

iTeens are Updating the Library

2011-04-06T16:12:00.001-04:00

Hello to all teens out there from Erin Allen the Teen Liason at Laurens County Library!

So when I first moved to the Laurens Library around 3 years, there was a tiny area where teen books were located, but teens had no area to call their own. Plus, if any of you remember, the teen book selection was "puny". Frankly, it was depressing. Now, however, we have a teen area with quite a large selection of teens books and different formats such as cds and playaways which are basically books on an MP3 Players. Playaways are pretty awesome! We also have a section dedicated to those who enjoy graphic novels especially manga. Also, in case you didn't know we have a paperback section for those who do not have library cards so you can take books home without a card. I know what you're thinking, it can't get any better than this! Well, guess what! It does! We have furniture for you to sit on and hang out with your friends. However, just remember to be respectful of everyone in the library like I know you will!

I would love for you to drop by and come chat with me a few minutes and let me know what you think about the section and what I could improve to make it better for you. I also appreciate any recommendations for books that you think should be in our collection. I am really looking forward to this year!

If you haven't already, sign up for the Teen Advisory Board and help me make the library a more teen friendly place. I could always use the help. We have applications for you to get at the Laurens and Clinton libraries so that you can apply and maybe be on my board! Remember the applications are due April 19th. I have extended the deadline just in case there are any teens out there who haven't heard!

This was my first blog ever so I hope all of you enjoyed it! You guys have inspired me to be more tech savvy as they say. Hope everyone is having a good spring break! See y'all next time!

Peace out,
Erin Allen

----Currently reading the Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan