We Need YOU!

Hi Everyone!

It's that time of year again... We need teen volunteers for our Summer Reading Program!  This year's theme is "Power Up...Read!" which means (drum roll please!)... SUPERHEROES!  We're obviously SUPER excited about it (yeah, I had to) and are looking for some really cool teens to help us out.

So... Are you interested in helping out at the library while earning volunteer credit?  Stop by the library to pick up your very own application packet!  In that packet, you'll find an introduction to being a teen volunteer, an application, and a volunteer agreement form.  When the application and volunteer agreement form are completed, please turn them in at the service desk.  The next step will be scheduling an interview (don't worry - it's SUPER easy!) and figuring out your schedule.  If I'm here when you turn all of that in, we can do the interview right then and there so you won't need to stop back in.

If you have any questions at all, please leave a comment below or stop on over!  I look forward to meeting some great volunteers this year!

-Siobhan

Program Update: May 2013

Hi Everyone!

We FINALLY have some really great regularly-scheduled programs that I'd like to introduce you to...

STAB Meeting - 1st Saturday of the month @ 10:30am.  Join the Sharonville Teen Advisory Board (known fondly as STAB) to discuss books, plan teen programs, and share your ideas (all while earning volunteer credit!).  We're always open to new members, so stop in and check it out.

Teen Movie Night - 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 6:00pm.  I've been taking requests for ideas at each movie night!  We've been watching some excellent animated flicks (Despicable Me, Wreck-It Ralph...), but if you have any suggestions for upcoming movie night movies, leave a comment below or leave me a comment in the library.  I'll see you all on Wednesday, May 15th at 6:00pm for a showing of "The Incredibles!"

Minute to Win It (Teen Challenge) - 3rd Saturday of the month @ 3:00pm.  This is going to be epic!  Compete in a series of 60-second challenges and see if you have what it takes to beat the competition and win fun prizes!  With dozens of challenges available, you never know which ones you'll get.  Stop by and give it a try on Saturday, May 18th!

Crafty Teens - 4th Wednesday of the month @ 7:00pm.  Stop by every month to get crafty with a wide variety of materials.  We've had clothing decorating, magnet making, and are looking forward to duct tape crafts on Wednesday, May 22nd!

As always, let me know if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions!!!

-Siobhan

Program Update: Hearts & Crafts for Valentine's Day

Hi Everyone!

One of the things that I really miss about elementary school is celebrating Valentine's Day.  Raise your hand if you agree! :-)  I loooved making valentines and picking out just the right one to give to each of my friends.  Whether it's from the heart or just an inside joke, making valentines is fun - admit it!  So this year we're inviting everyone to the Sharonville Branch Library to make your own valentines.

Come make cards and decorations to "share the love" on Valentine's Day!  We'll have tons of supplies out for you to use to make your very own valentines on Saturday, February 9th at 1:00pm.  And if you're not into making valentines, there's sure to be chocolate and candy hearts...

-Siobhan

STAB Meeting Agenda: February 2013

Hi Everyone!

It's already that time again.  Our next STAB meeting is this Saturday - February 2nd - at 10:30am!  Please stop by and let us know what teen programs you would like to see at the Sharonville Branch Library.  Here's what we'll be discussing:

STAB Meeting Agenda: February 2013

• Books
• Programming
• Hears & Crafts for Valentine's Day - Saturday, February 9 @ 1:00pm
• Teen Movie Night - Wednesday, February 20 @ 6:00pm
• Teen Movie Night - Wednesday, March 20 @ 6:00pm
• DIY Marbles - Monday, March 25 @ 7:00pm (date change!)
• Teen Movie Night - Wednesday, April 17 @ 6:00pm
• DIY Clothing Decorating - Wednesday, April 24 @ 7:00pm
• National Library Week - April 14 - April 20
• Other Programs
• Sharonville Teen Scene Blog
• Passive Programming
• Teen Book Club
• Teen Poetry Workshop
• Blind Date with a Book
• Minute to Win It
• Ideas

Hope to see you on Saturday!

-Siobhan

Teen Book Club

Hi Everyone!

I've been getting lots of questions recently about starting up a Sharonville Teen Book Club at the library and I wanted to get your input!  There's a survey for interested patrons to fill out here at the library, but I wanted to post it here as well:

1.  Are you at least 12 years old?
2.  How many books have you read for fun since school started?
3.  What kind of book club would you like to join?  Check all that apply.

• Read a book, then watch the movie
• Read a book about a social problem, then do a service project to fix it
• Everybody reads the same book, then talks about it together
• Everybody reads whatever they like, then tells each other what they read
• Read one kind of book (mystery, dystopian, etc.)
• My idea of a great book club is...

4.  How often should the book club meet?
5.  What day and time is best for you to come to the book club?
6.  What days and times can you not come to the book club?

So answer the questions in the comment section below and let me know what kind of book club you'd like to be a part of!  And don't forget to check back often for updates on the club.

-Siobhan

Teen Movie Night @ the Sharonville Library

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to touch base with everyone about Teen Movie Night at the Sharonville Branch Library.  As you've probably noticed, we've made a few changes (and we're hoping those changes will make the event easier to attend).

The first major change is the night.  Teen Movie Night will now be on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm.  I know that's a little early, but I wanted to make it early enough so that if we ever want to show an epic movie, we'll have plenty of time to do so.  Hopefully this change to Wednesday, from Friday, will offer you a good excuse to get out and take a nice break in the middle of the week.

The second thing we've decided to change was the selection system.  We've eliminated the whole voting process and are hoping that you'll have some suggestions for movies you'd like to see.  Leave a comment below if you have any suggestions!

The first Teen Movie Night of this year will be next week... Wednesday, January 16th @ 6:00pm!  Hope to see you there!

-Siobhan

STAB Meeting Agenda: January 2013

Hi Everyone!

As promised, here is the STAB Meeting agenda for this month.  We are meeting this Saturday, January 5th, at 10:30am!  If you haven't filled out volunteer paperwork yet, you'll need to do that either before or after the meeting to get volunteer credit.


STAB Meeting Agenda: January 2013

• Books
• Programming
• Teen Movie Night - Wednesday, January 16 @ 6:00pm
• DIY Books - Wednesday, January 30 @ 7:00pm
• Hears & Crafts for Valentine's Day - Saturday, February 9 @ 1:00pm
• Teen Movie Night - Wednesday, February 20 @ 6:00pm
• Teen Movie Night - Wednesday, March 20 @ 6:00pm
• DIY Marbles - Wednesday, March 27 @ 7:00pm
• Other Programs
• Sharonville Teen Scene Blog
• YA Books to Movies Programs
• Passive Programming
• Teen Book Club
• Ideas

We typically just sit around and talk about ideas, both for the programs that are already scheduled (your input is fantastic and much appreciated!) and for future programs.  Please let me know if you have any questions before Saturday.  I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday at 10:30am!

-Siobhan

Program Update: January 2013

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to start out with a HUGE thank you to those of you who attended our Hobbit program – It was a lot of fun and very much a success!  What was your favorite part of the day?

January is the start of a new year and we’re trying a few new things.  So look out for some changes to times and days below, then let me know what you think!

January 2013:

Saturday, January 5^th @ 10:30am = STAB Meeting
The Sharonville Teen Advisory Board (STAB) is a group of teens who meet once per month to discuss books and plan teen programs for the library.  And earn volunteer credit for attending!

Wednesday, January 16^th @ 6:00pm = Teen Movie Night
You’ve made it halfway through the week!  Come celebrate with a movie and snacks at the Sharonville Branch.  We’re showing “Back to the Future” this month – something that I believe every teen should watch and enjoy!

Wednesday, January 30^th @ 7:00pm = DIY Books
Make personalized journals, notebooks, scrapbooks, and more using different types of paper and binding techniques.  Perfect for the new year!

Coming Soon: The STAB agenda.  It’s been requested that I post the STAB agenda before the meeting so you’ll know what to expect (and, of course, be able to come prepared with some great ideas!).  Let me know if there is anything you'd like to discuss at the next meeting so I can put it on the agenda.

-Siobhan

The Hobbit: A Library Celebration!

Hi Everyone!

With December just around the corner, I thought I should finally leak all of the information on our upcoming program called "The Hobbit: A Library Celebration" which is being held on Saturday, December 8th!

This is going to be a HUGE event!  We'll have tons of crafts, activities, presenters, and prizes.  Some of the highlights include (but are not limited to!):

• Decorate your own canvas travel bags
• Make your own Elven brooch
• Answer some of Gollum's riddles
• Create your own Middle-Earth crown
• Piece together a dragon bookmark
• Discover Middle-Earth with maps
• Practice your rune writing
• Find out what inspired Tolkien
• Watch a wizard make magic out of paper
• Enjoy swordfight reenactments

Like I said, there will be tons to do!  So stop the Sharonville Branch Library now to pick up a flyer and official schedule of events so you don't miss your favorite activities.  And please help us send a HUGE thank you to our friends at Warner Bros. for supplying us with a plethora of prizes for you guys to win (yes, that actually happened)!

Also, we still need volunteers to help us with the activities we have scheduled for the day, so please stop by the library and ask how you can help out!  Costumes would be fantastic, but are not required.

And, of course, be sure to check out the movie's website: link!  Who will be seeing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?!  Let us know in the comments below.

-Siobhan

Happy Halloween!

Hi Everyone!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  My favorite part is, of course, dressing up!  I love seeing all of the costumes that people come up with (especially the homemade kind!).  Some of my favorite costumes include Glinda from The Wizard of Oz, Cortana from Halo, and a contestant on Legends of the Hidden Temple (yeah Green Monkeys!).  What are some of your favorite costumes from years past?

Anyway, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Halloween!  Have fun and, of course, stay safe :-)

Program Update: November & December 2012

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe it's that time already!  Time to tell you all about the teen programs we have coming up in November and December.  And, as always, feel free to let me know what type of programs you'd like to see offered at our library.  Even the smallest ideas can turn into something fun!

November:
Saturday, November 3rd @ 2:00pm = STAB Meeting
The Sharonville Teen Advisory Board (STAB) is a group of teens who meet once per month to discuss books and plan teen programs for the library.  And earn volunteer credit for attending!

Friday, November 9th @ 6:30pm = Vampires vs. Werewovles
A special edition After Hours Movie Night!  Come celebrate the release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 2 with us as we craft, eat, and enjoy all things Twilight themed.

Saturday, November 10th 2:00-4:00pm = National Gaming Day
Join us at the library for your favorite board games and card games (and maybe even a game of Twister)!  Or fill out a volunteer application and help the kids learn new games.

December:
Saturday, November 3rd @ 2:00pm = STAB Meeting
The Sharonville Teen Advisory Board (STAB) is a group of teens who meet once per month to discuss books and plan teen programs for the library.  And earn volunteer credit for attending!

Saturday, December 8th = The Hobbit: A Library Celebration
In anticipation for the release of the movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, we're turning the library into Tolkien's world.  Check back later for an updated schedule of activites!

Friday, December 14th & Saturday, December 15th = Holiday Open House
Stop by the library for a "Thanks for being great patrons!" snack.  There will also be crafts and activities to do while you sip some hot cider.

See you all around!
-Siobhan

Movie Mondays

Hi Everyone!

I have to say that my mind recently has been on all things related to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.  I’ve rewatched The Lord of the Rings movies and am getting super excited for The Hobbit.  And that might be because we’ve been working hard on planning our Hobbit Day program (which will be Saturday, December 8 if you didn't know already).

For the latest info on The Hobbit, check out the website: Link! (and watch the trailer!)

Now, there are a few things I’m excited for in regards to The Hobbit.  The number one thing being that Peter Jackson will be back to direct the three part epic adventure.  I’m always glad when there’s consistency in directors when it’s a movie series and he obviously did an amazing job with The Lord of the Rings, so yay!  The number two thing I'm excited for is the appearance of characters who aren't exactly in The Hobbit (aka Frodo) or who are returning cast members.  It's good to know that the actors are just as excited about the movie, and reprising their roles, as the fans are.

So.  Do we have any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fans?  What are your feelings on the upcoming movie?  Any ideas for our Hobbit Day program?  Let me know!

-Siobhan

Movie Mondays

Hi Everyone!

Let’s talk about some of your favorite movies of all time.  For me, that’s one of the hardest things to narrow down.  And when people ask “what is your favorite movie of all time?”… well, that’s just impossible to answer.  But I’m always curious to know if it’s a hard question for everyone to answer or if some people truly have a favorite movie of all time.

Some of my favorite movies (the ones that I can watch over and over and never get tired of), in no particular order, include:

Star Wars (A New Hope is, hands down, the best)

Indiana Jones (The Last Crusade is my favorite of the three… er… four)

Back to the Future (I shouldn’t even have to specify)

The Bourne Identity

Saving Private Ryan

A Knight’s Tale

Rear Window

As you can tell, I’m quite fond of the action/adventure type movies.  As long as it involves at least one action sequence or a heist, I’ll probably enjoy it.  I also like some girly movies, the Disney classics, and comedies.  But you’ll never catch me talking about horror movies.  I’d much rather spend my time watching stuff being blown up than suffer through watching a person tiptoe around a house terrified and crying.  And I’ve never heard anyone say “my favorite movie of all time is that horror movie…”

So, I’ll ask the impossible question… What is your favorite movie of all time? J

-Siobhan

Teen Volunteer Opportunities: October 2012

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that teens at the Sharonville Branch Library have the opportunity to volunteer at programs/events to earn volunteer credit (and generally have a fun time!).  Here’s a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities that we have available for teens:

Saturday, October 6 - Star Wars Reads Day:  It’s not just about Star Wars and Reading, we’re also going to have activities for kids and we need teen volunteers to help out at stations.

Friday, October 12 - DIY Graveyard:  There’s also After Hours Movie Night for Teens planned for that evening, but we’re hoping that some teens will want to help us create a graveyard instead.

Thursday, October 25 - Shiver in Sharonville:  Kids will come dressed in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat around the library, so we need teen volunteers to dress up (or at least wear a silly hat) and hand out candy.

I’ll keep you posted on upcoming volunteer opportunities so you can see what we have planned and pick which programs you’d like to help with.  Also, you’ll need to fill out an application and answer a few easy, interview-type questions (seriously, no pressure!) before you come to a program to volunteer.  So if you’re interested in volunteering, stop by the library and pick up an application asap!

Let me know if you have any questions!

-Siobhan

Update: John Green Video Contest

Hi Everyone!

As you may have heard (both here on the blog and on Teenspace), John Green is coming to Cincinnati!  He'll be at the Main Library doing a book talk and signing at 7:00pm on Monday, October 15th.

And now you can enter a contest to win front row seats for that book talk and signing!  Here's the video describing the contest and what you need to do to enter:

Basically, you have to create a video response describing what makes you a nerdfighter.  For the complete rules and requirements, check out the information in the box below the video (here's the link to the video on YouTube - Link!).  Good luck to those of you who enter!

-Siobhan

Movie Mondays

Hi Everyone!

One of my favorite things to do is follow a movie from its creation, through production, until it’s released.  The whole production process has always been fascinating to me and it’s sort of neat to see the progression.  Especially when the movie is being made from a book.  And that’s partly because of the librarian in me and partly because I feel like I’m more involved with the production since I already know the story.  There are so many books being made into movies nowadays, it's hard to keep up!

Which upcoming movies are you most excited for?

I’m most excited for any and all news related to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  I mean, obviously.  I’ve never been so interested in following the making of any other movie franchise and I honestly think that everyone involved has done a fantastic job so far!  How do you guys feel about the new director and new cast members?  Have you seen that there’s still one more female character to cast, but no name attached to the role (yet!)?  Who do you think that will be?  My guess is Annie or maybe even Coin!

Leave a comment below telling me which movie (or movies) you’re most looking forward to!

-Siobhan

I Would Like to Introduce... Movie Mondays!

Hi Everyone!

I have always been a huge fan of movies… so much so that I actually almost went to film school (and would have definitely become a famous director :-).  Yep, I’m that person who enjoys the behind-the-scenes and special features just as much as the movie itself.  So I thought it would be fun to discuss all things movie related here on the blog.  Whether we do movie reviews or discuss movie gossip, I’m planning on adding something to the blog on Mondays that’s completely movie related.  And I hope you’ll join in on the conversation!

So, let’s start off with the basics.  What was the last movie you watched and what did you think?  Let us know in the comments below!

For me, it was The Dark Knight Rises.  I know, I’m beyond late to the party.  BUT.  I absolutely loved it!  The acting was phenomenal, the technical side was amazing.  I just can’t say enough good things about it.  Christopher Nolan has done such an awesome job with the whole Batman series and I can’t wait to see what we’ll get from him next!  I won’t spoil any of it for you until it’s out on DVD and you can get a copy from the library (I’ll do a full review then!).  But I will tell you this… Go see it before it leaves theaters!  It will be 3 hours and a few bucks well spent, I promise.

-Siobhan

Author Visit: John Green!

Mark your calendars for Monday, October 15^th at 7:00pm...

We just got some exciting news!  John Green, YouTube extraordinaire and New York Times best-selling author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, The Fault in Our Stars and Will Grayson, Will Grayson (which he co-wrote with David Levithan), is coming to Cincinnati!  He’ll be doing a book talk on The Fault in Our Stars followed by a book signing right at the Main Library (in The Reading Garden Lounge).  Sure, it's not at the Sharonville branch, but he's worth the drive!

For more information, check out the TeenSpace announcement: Link!

Haven’t read any of John Green's books yet?  Good thing we have tons of copies at the library!  Just stop in at the library and pick up a copy or head on over to the catalog and request a copy.

And, just for fun, check out John Green's YouTube channel: Link!

See ya there!

-Siobhan

Program Update: September 2012

Hi Everyone!

With school back in session, I thought it might be helpful to post a mini program schedule here on the blog.  There's not a whole lot going on in September, but I'm working on a few programs for later in the fall that I hope you'll all be excited about, so stay tuned!

September:
Saturday, September 1st @ 2pm = STAB Meeting
The Sharonville Teen Advisory Board (STAB) is a group of teens who meet once per month to discuss books and plan teen programs for the library.  And teens earn volunteer credit for attending!

Friday, September 14 @ 6:30pm = After Hours Movie Night for Teens
Don't forget to vote for which movie you'd like to see!  You can vote right here on the blog.

Wednesday, September 19 = International Talk Like A Pirate Day
Stop by during the day to participate in fun pirate-inspired activities and joins us for a pirate movie at 6pm!

If you have ideas for programs that you'd like to attend in the future, post a comment here on the blog, stop in at a STAB Meeting, or just find me in the library and let me know!

In other news... The Teen Scene area of the library is getting a mini-makeover!  We've been shifting things around to try and make more room for new materials.  And I may have added a Hunger Games READ poster :-)  If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know!  As always, ideas are always welcome...

-Siobhan

John Carter

At August's After-Hours Movie Night for Teens, we polled the attendees as a tie-breaker and ended up watching John Carter.

The movie John Carter is based on the book "A Princess of Mars," the first book in the Barsoom series, by Edgar Rice Burroughs.  In the film, John Carter's story is told to his nephew, Ned, through Carter's journal.  John Carter is a former Civil War soldier who gets transported to Mars via a medallion.  He is found by the Tharks, a group of green Martians, and learns that there is a massive war going on between the red Martian cities of Helium and Zodanga.  Through a series of events, John Carter finds the medallion he lost and is given the choice between returning to Earth and staying on Mars.

As a fan of action/adventure movies, I was looking forward to John Carter (despite what the critics have said) and I was not disappointed.  I have never read the Barsoom series, but was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't something I needed to have read in order to enjoy the movie.  While the summary does sound like something only sci-fi fans would enjoy, I recommend the movie to anyone who is up for a little fun and adventure.

Have you seen John Carter?  Have you read "A Princess of Mars"? Tell me what you thought!

-Siobhan