STDL Online Teen Spot

Teen Events in October!

2009-10-02T14:06:00.002-05:00

Read Beyond Reality October 1-31st- Teens in grade 7-12 are encouraged to Read Beyond Reality. Check out a book about magical creatures in secret sanctuaries. Try out a book about a famous far-off galaxy. Grab a graphic novel about an alchemist dressed in metal or a vampire named Raven.
-Read any fiction book with a reality different from our own- then come to the Reader's Advisory Desk at the Central Library or the branch libraries and fill out an Alternate Reality Description Form. In 5 sentences or more, tell us why you would or would not like to live the alternate reality described in the book you read. All teen participants will be entered in a drawing for a $50 book store gift card. 1 entry per teen for the month.

Art Attack Wednesday
October 14th from 7-8 P.M. at the Hanover Park Branch
-Looking for a fun way to learn or practice an art skill? Learn and apply an art technique with local artist Cathy Pach. Registration Required.

Spooky Creations
Monday October 19th from 3:30-4:30 at Hanover Park Branch
Wednesday October 21st from 4-5 at Hoffman Estates Branch
-Create spooky jewelry and crafts with local artist Carol Thomas. Registration Required.

Drawing Teens
Tuesday October 20th from 7:30-8:30 P.M in the Y.S. classroom
-Do you like to draw for comics or graphic novels? Graphic novel artist Tim Broderick will conduct an hour of drawing. Registration Required.

Teen Corps Meeting
October 21st 6-7 P.M. in the Y.S. classroom
- Join us in October as we meet over pizza and work together to make a difference in the community. Interested teens in grades 6-10 can fill out an application, all will be accepted, but staff want to know about your interests.

Game Design Team

October 21st 7-8 P.M. in the Y.S. classroom
-Open to grades 6-12, learn from our summer Game Design Team how to design a video game and help us design a game to promote another non-profit organization in the community. Teens will also learn about the video game industry from occasional industry guests

Scary Shots Contest and Screening Party October 1- November 30
Aspiring teen horror filmmakers in grades 7-12 are encouraged to make a scary film short (2-3 minutes) to be judged by author Daniel Kraus at a screening party sometime after November. We need confirmation that the video short you submit is yours- if you enter the contest, you must appear in the video short you submit. Entries may only be submitted by sending a link to a YouTube file to teenservices@stdl.org. All entries are due by 10 P.M. on November

Awesome Teen Programs This Week: Swordfighting and Art Attack!

2009-07-25T12:36:00.007-05:00

There are still spots left for some great library programs happening this week!

Chicago Swordplay Guild members are stopping by to showcase different styles and weaponry common to historical European Swordplay. Learn more about this rich tradition this Wedenesday--and witness some great swordsmanship and fencing during this unique program!

The info:
SWORDFIGHTING with the Chicago Swordplay Guild
When: Wednesday, July 29, 7-8:30 P.M.
Where: Rasmussen Room, Central Library
Note: REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Open to all teens and adults in grades 7 and up. Register Now » HURRY! Spots are filling up fast!

To learn more about the Chicago Swordplay Guild, check out their site: http://www.chicagoswordplayguild.com/c/

Also this week:
ART ATTACK! Join us at the Hanover Park Branch Library this Thursday to expand your creative horizons. Local artist, Cathy Pach, will be sharing sculptural techniques and we will also have an oven available for you to properly cure your Chihuly-inspired sculptural creation!

The info:
ART ATTACK: Sculpture
When: Thursday, July 30, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Where: Hanover Park Branch
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Open to teens in grades 7-12.
Register Now »

Battle of the Bands: Summer 2009

2009-04-18T16:07:00.002-05:00

It's almost time for the 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands in Town Square! The past battles were a lot of fun and reached record attendance levels. Note to any teen local bands: we are still accepting applications for this year! All you need to do is send us an MP3 or web link (MySpace, Purevolume, etc.) that showcases your music, or you can go old school and drop off a cassette or CD at the Reader Services Desk at the Central Library or any of the branches.

Just a few requirements for all applicants (pretty much the same as last year):

No one over the age of 21 may participate in the competition
The majority of band members must be from Schaumburg Township
Band members must be available at 5 P.M. on the June 23rd

The actual battle day is Tuesday, June 23rd, 6-9 P.M. The deadline for all submissions is April 3oth.

To send over a link or for more info, send an e-mail to teenservices@stdl.org.

Teen Painting Party

2009-03-24T15:40:00.005-05:00

Teens in grades 6 - 12 can unleash their inner artist at this painting workshop with local artist Cathy Pach. Register by sending an email to teenservices@stdl.org or by calling (847) 923-3191.

Wednesday, March 25 1 - 2 p.m. Youth Services Craft Room

If you can't make Teen Painting Party, another art program called Colored Pencil Pros is on Wednesday, April 15th 7-8pm in the Youth Services Classroom. Register by sending an email to teenservices@stdl.org or by calling (847) 923-3191.

Money Madness: Internet Scavenger Hunt

2009-02-26T19:11:00.002-06:00

Want to learn more about how to make your money stretch? All teens in grades 7-12 can find answers online to a scavenger hunt about money. Finish the scavenger hunt--win a prize!

Send an e-mail to teenservices@stdl.org for all the info you need to get started!

Locked In @ the Library

2009-02-26T19:09:00.001-06:00

Need something to do on a lazy Saturday night? Stay after hours at the library next Saturday (March 7th) to play Rock Band on the big screen, enjoy some FREE pizza and snacks, scavenger hunt around the library, get creative and make some art, or just hang with friends.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and teens must plan on staying until the end of the program.

WHEN: Saturday, March 7th, 5:00 - 9:30 PM

WHERE: Central Library

To register, click on the link below or call the Teen Services Office at 847.923.3191.

REGISTER NOW »

You're Hired: Job Search Conditioning and Strategies for Teens

2009-02-09T20:47:00.003-06:00

Looking for work? Set yourself apart from your peers--preparation is key, and this event will help you gain valuable skills to help you win that job!

Teens ages 16-18 are invited to attend this valuable preparatory workshop designed to perfect your job search strategies and employment prospects. Learn about preparing that perfect resume, enhance your presentation skills, take practice interviews, investigate volunteer opportunities and other essential tools to help you get working. Be a step ahead of the rest:

WHAT: YOU'RE HIRED: JOB SEARCH CONDITIONING AND STRATEGIES FOR TEENS!
WHEN: Monday, February 16th, Noon-3 p.m. (no school!)
WHERE: Schaumburg Library, Rasmussen Room

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Space is limited, and seats are filling up fast--register now to save your spot!

REGISTER NOW »

Steal a Scene Writing Contest!

2008-12-22T19:38:00.003-06:00

Do you have a scene in your head that you need to commit to paper? Now's your chance to get it out with the "Steal a Scene" Writing Contest! This contest is open to all teens in grades 7-12. The details: The scene must have at least 2 people and scenery that can be described. You can e-mail your entries to teenservices@stdl.org or drop scenes off at the Readers' Advisory Desk or either of the branch libraries.
Entries are due January 2nd.

The more creative the scene the better! :)

SUBMIT YOUR SCENE NOW »

"Locked-In @ the Library" Event Canceled!

2008-09-30T19:25:00.002-05:00

The Locked In @ the Library event has been canceled. Sorry for any inconvenience; we will keep you posted once this event has been rescheduled.

Gamers Group Tomorrow!

2008-07-13T15:58:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile, but Gamers Group is back tomorrow! A variety of platforms will available for gaming including PS3, XBOX 360, and Wii. If our previous gaming sessions are any indication, we'll have a huge crowd for Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Rock Band. If you're down for some gaming and you're a teen in grades 6-12, just head over to the Youth Services Classroom tommorow (7/14) from 7:30 - 8:30. No registration necessary, just show up and start playing!

ART ATTACK!

2008-07-07T17:57:00.002-05:00

All teens in grades 6-12 are welcome to attend "Art Attack" this Wednesday (7/9) from 7-8 P.M. Unleash your inner artist on a variety of mediums whether it's painting, drawing, sculpture, and more! You don't need to be an artist to attend--all you need to bring is your creative mind! Registration is required, but there are still several spots available.

REGISTER NOW »

Get Your Entries In! Comic Creators Contest Runs from July 1st - July 31st!

2008-07-07T17:52:00.003-05:00

Hey True Believers! All teens are welcome to create their own short comic strips during our Comic Creators Consest. Design your own, and win the chance at a Borders gift certificates--you'll definitely be able to stock up on your collection of trades and graphic novels!:)

Here's what you need to do to enter:

STEP 1:

A) Pick up an entry form from the Reader's Advisory Desk (which contains 3 long panels on an 8x10 sheet of paper). Get creative and use the additional sheet if necessary.

or

B) Create your own strip/panels using your own paper--again, you can get as creative as you'd like. If you create your own, be sure to include your name, grade, e-mail address, and phone number.

Panels must show a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
STEP 2:

Turn in your entry at the Reader's Advisory Desk or either of the branch libraries.

All entries will be judged by Josh Elder, our resident Anime Club leader and writer of DC Comics' The Batman Strikes as well as Mail-Order Ninja. Winners will be displayed in the library during Teen Appreciation Week from August 10-16.

Get your entries in and win!

Fabulous Beaded Flip Flops!

2008-06-21T10:05:00.005-05:00

This Tuesday (6/24), we'll be turning ordinary pairs of flip flops into fashionable footwear creations! For a $5 fee (cover the cost of materials), you can create your very own pair of fabulous beaded flip flops! However, we'll waive the $5 fee if bring a donation to the Schaumburg Food Pantry. The items that are most needed are: peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauce, dried pastas, and mac n' cheese.

Registration is required so, if you'd like to attend, please send an e-mail to Amy Alessio at aalessio@stdl.org or call 847-923-3191. Flip flops and decorating materials will be provided, but please give us your shoe size so that we can get you the right fit! NOTE: Responses must be recieved by Monday at 3:00 P.M. in order to reserve your spot.

Make a statement with truly unique footwear!

Register Now»

New Student Advisory Trustee Position on the Library Board

2008-06-02T18:33:00.000-05:00

There is a Student Advisory Trustee Position open on the Library Board. We are looking for students aged 15-20 to participate in government and provide suggestions on ways the library can better serve young people. The student trustee will attend STDL board meetings for one year starting in September 2008. Basically, this is your chance to represent your peers and make your voice heard on the many issues concerning the library amongst the decision-makers. It's an important position that has a huge impact on library policies. We're looking for a smart candidate with a passion for libraries and improving the library for young people.

You can send an e-mail to aalessio@stdl.org for an application or pick up an application at the Information Desk at the central library. Applications will be accepted from June 1st - July 31st.

Aloha Summer! 2008 Summer Reading Celebration!

2008-06-02T17:33:00.003-05:00

Aloha summer! Kick back and relax with a few good books and win prizes during the 2008 Summer Reading Program!

Here's how it works:
Register at the Readers' Advisory Desk at the main library or at either of the branches PLUS you get a prize just for signing up! Once you're registered, you'll recieve all you need to get started plus 3 review slips. All you need to do is READ, write your reviews on the slips provided (additional slips are available at any of our locations), and use your review slips to "buy" prizes.

The prize break down:
1 slip - candy bar or granola bar
5 slips - coupon for an extra CD, DVD, or video game at checkout
10 slips - coupon for $10 off library fines
15 slips - $5 gift certificate to Cafenios (library cafe) at the main library or $5 gift certifcates to McDonalds at the branches

You can "buy" prizes in any order,

but you may only redeem your slips for the 5, 10, and 15 slip prizes only once.

Happy reading everyone and start enjoying the summer!

Teen Power Poetry Contest Winners!

2008-04-21T20:10:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone that submitted their poems! We've got a lot of talented poets out there, and we urge you to continue writing and developing your skills.

The winners as selected by the Teen Writing Club:
1st Place - "Journey to Wherever" by Emily Ellinger
2nd Place - "That Night" by Krishna Brahmbhatt
3rd Place - "My Gold and My Fame" by Sivali Patel
Honorable mention - "(Woes of an Introvert)" by Jessica Kneller

1st Place: "Journey to Wherever" by Emily Ellinger

Clouds of silver,
Drift to the ground,
Sparkling and shining,
On their lazy descent,

Whom has walked,
This road I travel?
Whom has bothered,
To come this way?

No one of late,
I see that clearly,
No one of late has,
Chanced down this path,
Unless just maybe,
This path is taken,
But my destination,
Is their beginning,

Far in the cities,
Wagon wheels race,
To and fro so quickly,
Each with passengers,
With things to do,

The mud becomes slush,
For they in the city,
Don't look as they go,
they see only where,
The chance to be headed,

But out here,
Sparkling, clear and white,
Far from the dark bleak towers,
The path is not to where,
Or even where from,
The path is simply,
How you get there,

And so I walk,
Alone this day,
Through fields of crystal,
Completely undisturbed,

And know that since,
The snow last fell,
Not a soul,
Has past my way,

Thus not with traffic,
And not with company,
I watch the snow,
Still lightly fall,

On my journey:
To Wherever.

2nd place: "That Night" by Krishna Brahmbhatt

In the sky's arms the moon waited alone
A blowing gust of wind, the shining night
In the star's carriage a sparkling procession of fireflies has come
Upon everyone's lips some words came and stopped
Whose footstep is this, whose shadow is this
There knock in my heart, who has come here
Upon me who has put this lively color

I did not decorate the moon upon my palm
I did not make any relationship with the stars
I have hidden every sorrow
I have laughingly taken on every pain
I have even embraced the thorns
and have taken wounds from flowers
Yes but in prayer when I raised these hands
From God in prayer I asked for you

3rd Place: "My Gold and My Fame" by Sivali Patel

Take my gold, take my fame,
You may have my youth,
My childhood's showers,
My paper boat and the fresh rain,
But you may not have my memories.

She lived here for so long,
She whom I called Granny,
She who told me stories about fairies,
I will never forget her even though she is gone.
Filling my nights with magical tales and her soft kindness.

She who used to make me feel secure,
She who made me cookies,
She who used to comfort me in my lonely times.
She who told me every sickness had a cure.
Wasn't it beautiful, that life of mine?

Take my gold, take my fame,
You may have my youth,
My childhood's showers,
My paper boat and the fresh rain,
But you may not have my memories.

Honorable Mention: "(Woes of an Introvert)" by Jessica Kneller

The world forever urges me to speak,
to sculpt the clay of words to mirror what
floats imageless within my domed peak,
deface the woven silence with a cut.
To say some word alone for speaking's sake
would lead to idle chattering of fools.
And from my own voice, joy I hardly take;
I'd rather glean my pond'ring's hard-earned jewels.
If these request to speak were not endured,
and unstrained words composed a foolish flood,
if I released my heart in every word,
what would be left inside to pump the blood?
Just as a lock will not spring sans a key,
my words will not be prodded out of me.

Get Homework Help from an STDL Librarian -- Online!

2008-04-05T15:20:00.002-05:00

You're probably multi-taking on your computer as we speak... between researching projects, talking with friends online, or looking up random words in Wikipedia. Let the library help you with those tough research questions and steer you in the right direction. We're happy to offer free online "answers in an instant" via AIM, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Google Talk (or G-chat). Add us to your buddy list and get homework help from a real, live STDL librarian!

AIM - stdl411
Yahoo - stdl411
MSN - stdl411@hotmail.com
Google Talk - stdl411@gmail.com

ATTN CSI Fanatics: Teen Advisory Board and Teen Writing Club This Tuesday!

2008-02-16T13:55:00.002-06:00

Teen Advisory Board meets this Tuesday (2/19 @ 5:45-7) in the Rasmussen South meeting room at the Central Library, and we've got something intersting planned for all you CSI fanatics... you can solve a crime scene! Join us as Sgt. Mike Black of the Schaumburg PD goes through the anatomy of a crime scene that you can help solve! As always pizza and beverages will be served, so come hungry!

For all you writers out there, stick around afterwards for Teen Writing Club. Run by local author, Catherine Stier, get tips on writing and share your writing with others. TWC meets in the same room from 7-8:30. To register send an e-mail to Amy Alessio or Joe Torres. You can also be old school and register by phone - (847)923-3191.

Think Fast Trivia Contest at the Library!

2008-02-02T21:42:00.000-06:00

Test your trivia knowledge! The library is hosting ThinkFast, a head-to-head trivia contest, one team against another, one player against another on Saturday, March 8! There can be 3 people per team, and team members must be 14 years of age or older. Last year, a team consisting of teens won against adults! Let's see that happen again this year!

Register by February 15th, 10 PM at www.stdl.org/thinkfast!

Reminder: Teen Advisory Board This Tuesday!

2008-01-13T15:49:00.001-06:00

The Teen Advisory Board will be meeting in the Rasmussen South Room of the Central Library from 5:45-7 this Tuesday (1/15). In addition to going over some of ideas you may have for upcoming teen events, we'll also be playing some Wii and enjoying some delicious pizza and snacks as usual. If you'd like to register, send an e-mail to jtorres@stdl.org, and I'll sign you up!

Winter Reading Program: Not Too Cool to Read

2008-01-06T13:50:00.000-06:00

The 2008 Winter Reading Program is in full swing! The theme is "Not Too Cool to Read." That's both in reference to the weather and high-school style coolness (and you know what we mean). Nobody ever reads anymore--or so they say. So no matter how reading is perceived by various high school cliques--always remember--nothing's cooler than being smart and knowlegeable (really, as you get older this will be clearer) and reading can take you there!

So stop by the Central library or either of the branches to register and pick up your book review forms. Book review forms can be used to "buy" some great prizes, and you'll be entered for some drawings; in the past prizes have ranged from autographed books to gift cards. So, get reading and we're looking forward to reading your reviews!

Anime Club: Farewell Party for Shannon

2008-01-05T14:38:00.001-06:00

Anime Club members that have gone to the past few meetings know the sad news that Shannon, our resident anime maven is moving. Join us in giving her a great send-off and to wish her good luck as she makes her way to the great state of Michigan! The party will be in the usual Anime Club spot--the YS Classroom, Monday January 7th at 7:00 P.M.!

STDL Teen Single Song Contest

2007-09-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

Attention aspiring songwriters: Whether you are in a full band or just play around with an acoustic guitar every now and then, if you think you've written some great songs showcase your talents during the STDL Teen Single Song Contest! Anyone that was at our Battle of the Bands showcase last month would agree--we have some talented teens in Schaumburg writing some good music! You don't have to be in a band to write a great song, and we know there is some great music and talent out there just waiting to be heard. If you have some songs recorded, you can send us the file via e-mail, myspace/purevolume link, or you can drop off a CD (or cassette if you're old school!) at the Reader's Advisory Desk at the main library or any of the branches. Links and mp3s can be sent to Amy Alessio. Winners will receive gift certificates to area music stores and will have the song linked from the STDL site and STDLTeen MySpace site.This contest is open to all teens grades 7-12. The deadline for submissions is November 30. Let's hear what you can come up with!

Alien Design Contest in July

2007-07-06T22:07:00.001-05:00

July is shaping up to be contest month here at STDL--and this one takes a little imagination and creativity! To go along with our sci-fi theme this summer, show your artistic side during our Alien Design Contest! Design an out of this world creature for a chance to win a gift certificate to area book and art supply stores. Forms with rules will be available at the Central library Reader Services desk or at the branch libraries. Winners will be judged by anime artist Shannon Townsend and will be displayed in the library during Teen Appreciation Week Aug. 12 – 18.

Where in the Library is STDL Super Spaceman?

2007-07-06T21:52:00.001-05:00

How well do you know the library? Test your observational skills during this month-long contest! Each week in July we will post a picture of STDL Super Spaceman is a different location in the library. We are accepting entries throughout the month for the chance to win prizes! You can see the pictures right here on our side bar, or you can check out the contest on our flickr page. If you know the answer, send us an e-mail at teenservices@stdl.org.

Harry Potter Brain Bending Challenge!

2007-06-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

We're excited for the new Harry Potter book, and I'm sure many of you are too. But before you get started with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, test your knowledge during our Harry Potter Brain Bending Challenge!

How much do you know about Harry, his friends, family and his Hogwarts life? Take the Harry Potter Brain Bending Challenge and enter a drawing for magical prizes. Contest runs from July 1 - July 31. Winners will be announced early August.

Answer the questions below (you can send your responses to teenservices@stdl.org):

Name:
Grade:
Phone #:
Email if you want to receive information on upcoming teen programs:

1. What is the name of Hermione’s cat?

2. Who are the evil creatures that suck the happiness out of people and guard the Azkaban prisoners?

3. Who was the prisoner of Azkaban?

4. Name three mythical creatures that live in the Forbidden Forest:

5. What is the name for Voldemort’s followers?

6. What class did Hagrid teach?

7. What large creature lived in Hogwart’s basement and terrorized the school in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?

8. Ron’s rat, Scabbers, had a secret identitiy. He was really ________________.

9. Professor Remus Lupin had to leave Hogwarts because he was a _________________.

10. Name two of the challenges Harry faced in the tournament in the Goblet of Fire book:

...It's Like MySpace for Books!

2007-06-09T16:31:00.000-05:00

At a loss for what to read next? Your friends can recommend some good stuff to check out, and they can do it online. Goodreads.com is a great site to share what you've read or what you're planning to read with your friends. Find your friends and add them to your friend list or be the first one to get started! You can review books and comment on your friends' books. This is a great site for all readers! Check it out!

2007 Stellar Summer Reading Program: The Teenager's Guide to the Galaxy

2007-05-31T19:17:00.000-05:00

Registration for this year's summer reading program starts tomorrow (June 1st). As always, you can register at the Reader Services desk at the main library or either of the branch libraries. Don't forget to pick up the free gift (side note: it should keep until April 2009 in optimal conditions, i.e. not roasting in the back of a car).

Here's how the program works this year:

1) Register at the Reader Services Desk at the main library or at either the Hanover Park or Hoffman Estates Branch libraries
2) Pick up your mission pamphlet (each one comes with 3 book review forms) and a maybe even a few extras if you're an avid reader!
3)READ.
4) Fill out a form for every book you finish.
5) Turn forms into the Reader Services Desk or the branches, and redeem your forms for prizes!

Prize breakdown:
1 mission book review form - MISSION READ green metallic pencil
2 forms - one magnetic travel game or sparkle MISSION READ pen (limit 5 on each)
6 forms - $5 off overdue fines coupon (limit 2)
9 forms - $5 McDonalds coupon (limit 1)

We will also have drawings periodically for gift cards to places like Best Buy, Borders, and Target.

Happy reading everyone!

Last Chance for Submissions for the 2007 Battle of the Bands!

2007-05-10T16:41:00.000-05:00

You may have heard about our upcoming Battle of the Bands competition in your high school newspaper or seen posters throughout the library--we're getting down to the wire, folks. Monday, May 14th is the deadline for submitting your music (via myspace, purevolume, or good old fashioned digital and analog formats: CD, cassette, or video).

We've already received quite a few great submissions; this will not be an easy decision! We will choose 6 of the strongest bands, and the Teen Advisory Board will meet next Tuesday to select the three bands that will compete at Town Square Park in July. The winners will be posted here next week!

In addition to voting for BotB2k7, this month's TAB theme is: "Back to the Beach!" The weather is getting warmer, the trees are showing their green, and while we won't be going to the beach, we're bringing the beach to you. We'll be making some sand art, enjoying some Hawaiian pizza, and some other surprises! We will meet next Tuesday, May 15th from 5:45-7. Registration is required, so start off your summer by sending us an email at teenservices@stdl.org.

2007 Teen Poetry Contest Winners

2007-04-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

The winning poems for the 2007 Teen Poetry Contest are now posted at the STDL Virtual Coffeehouse.

1st place - "Song of the Breadwinner" by Jessica Kneller
2nd place - "Why Do You Keep Coming Back?" by Moonhee Lee
3rd place - "My Beloved Country" by Sylwia Gres
4th place - "Winter" by Michelle Lauterbach
5th place - "Without You" by Mobin Bahrami

Honorable mentions:
"The Game" by Ashley Bucz
"Summer" by Victoria Johnson
"Spring" by Lauren Lindgren

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who participated! We encourage all of you to continue writing and developing your craft. Don't forget that you can share your writing with other aspiring writers at our monthly Teen Writing Club--check out our program list for dates and times.

Celebrate National Library Week, April 15-21

2007-04-06T17:51:00.000-05:00

It's about that time once again for National Library Week festivities at the STDL. Our National Library Week kick-off is on Sunday, April 15th. Stop by the library for some movies, games, and entertainment. Last year's big top theme was a big hit, and all are welcome to celebrate old-Hollywood style with us this year!

There will be chances to win prizes and we'll also be giving away various freebies. You can take our National Library Week Survey and be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card--just for sharing your thoughts on the library.

Click here to take the survey!

Spring Break @ the Library!

2007-03-09T16:00:00.000-06:00

Spring Break is coming up and we got the feeling you might have a little time on your hands. What to do, you ask? You can stop by the library to sit back and relax to a good movie on our new 120 inch screen, or you can sign up for one of our Spring Break Great Gaming programs.

Movies will be shown in the seating area in the back of the AV department from 1 P.M. - 3 P.M. Here's what you can see:
Mon 3/26 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off (could there be a more fitting movie for your day off?), 1986, PG-13
Wed 3/28 - Zoolander, 2001, PG-13
Fri 3/30 - Spirited Away, 2002, PG

For all you gamers, we've got two special gaming programs:

Tuesday, March 27 1-3 p.m. @ the Hoffman Estates Branch
Thursday, March 29 1-3 p.m. in the Youth Services Classroom @ the main library
Try out the latest video gaming equipment on a variety of platforms, including Guitar Hero 2, DDR, XBox 360 games and more! Mini tournaments for prizes will be held throughout the events. Registration required for teens in grades 6-12.

As always, you can give us your feedback for upcoming gaming programs (such as what titles we should purchase and upcoming tournaments). See you there!

"Techknowledgey" Quiz

2007-03-09T15:55:00.000-06:00

This week is the first ever Young Adult Library Services Association's Teen Tech Week. Take our "Techknowledgey" Quiz and be entered for a drawing for Best Buy cerfiticates and various other prizes. You can post your responses as a message on MySpace or send an e-mail to teenservices@stdl.org. We'll be accepting entries from the weekend, but this is your last chance!

Onwards to the quiz!

Name:
Grade:
Phone number or email:

1. Go to the Schaumburg Twp. Dist. Library Myspace site: www.myspace.com/stdlteen. Name a new library item featured on that site, either a book, DVD, music – anything!

2. Go to the STDL library homepage: www.stdl.org. Find the Teen Page. What is Teen Weavings? Please list one program described on there.

3. Also on the Teen Weavings: What are the Spring Break Fever programs?

4. One last Teen Weavings question: When does the Gamers Group meet?

5. Again on the STDL library homepage http://www.stdl.org/. Click on e-resources and then the Health and Medicine area. Go down to the link for the Teen Health and Wellness Database. On the link list find Skills for Work, School and Life. Go into that page and list two skills featured on there.

6. Stay in the Teen Health and Wellness database. On the homepage for the database, find the Hotline button below the links. List one hotline featured in that section.

7. Return to the STDL home page http://www.stdl.org/, then e-Resources by Subject. Go to Books and Literature and choose Novelist K-8. Click on the Browse Lists Tab. What do you find under Young Adult?

8. Back again to the STDL homepage http://www.stdl.org/. Go down to the 'Ask Us' link. These are ways to contact a reference librarian for help with a question. What ways could you contact us? (What options open up?)

9. Go to Teenreads.com and find out what the question of the month is:
10. Go to http://stdlteen.blogspot.com/. What is the latest posting about (you're already here!)?

Random Trivia: It's National Pancake Week!

2007-02-17T18:19:00.000-06:00

This random food holiday that you probably never heard about runs from Feb 21- Feb. 27. Go ahead and have a glorious stack of these fluffy delights for us.

Links (for all you pancake lovers):
Impress your friends with your pancake knowledge--click here for the pancake wiki.
Pancake recipes on lovetoknow.com
Free pancakes at IHOP on Feb. 2oth

Unfortunately, we missed "National Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Week. . ." although, there's always next year, we suppose. . .

Teen Advisory Board 9th Anniversary

2007-02-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

Next Tuesday marks the 9th Anniversary of the Teen Advisory Board, and we'll be celebrating it Mardi Gras-style. The TAB Board is your chance to let us know what you'd like to see in the library. Past TAB member suggestions have led to the creation of new programs and contributed to the redesign of the Teen Center. Stop by and share your thoughts and ideas!

The meeting will be held next Tuesday from 5:45-7 in the Rasmussen South Meeting Room. Well be doing some mask-making, candy-making, and participating in a Mardi Gras themed scavenger hunt along with the usual setup of DDR and pizza. Although we wish we could get some of the traditional New Orleans favorite, beignets, we'll be enjoying some somewhat similar donut holes. If you'd like to register for the meeting, e-mail us at teenservices@stdl.org or send us a message on MySpace. If you can't make it, feel free to leave your comments and suggestions here. Happy Mardi Gras!

The Summer Reading Program Theme...as Voted by You!

2007-02-15T09:16:00.000-06:00

Looking out the window into the snowy landscape or just stepping outside into the bitter cold--the summer seems a long way away; but here's something to remind you about the warm days ahead of us--the votes are tallied for the summer reading program! Thank you to all that voted and submitted alternate themes (we received some great ones!).

Based on your votes, the sci-fi related theme will be:
The Teen's Guide to the Galaxy

The theme is a take on the classic humorous sci-fi novel by Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
If you haven't had a chance to read this novel, we highly recommend it -- a must-read for sci-fi fans; it is the "most popular known reference book in the milky way," after all. For more information on the novel, check out these links:
Hitchhiker's Guide Review on Teen Ink
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Wiki
Hitchhiker's Guide on Scifidimensions.com

If you interested in checking out this novel at the library, click here to access the library catalog.

Winter Reading Program Prizes Are In!

2007-02-14T18:52:00.000-06:00

Prizes for the Teen Winter Reading Program are now available! You can turn in your "snowball" book review slips to the Reader's Advisory Desk at the main library or either of the branches.

Here's what you can get:
1 snowball - your choice from an assortment of candy bars
5 snowballs - $5 off overdue fines certificate
10 snowballs - $5 McDonalds gift booklet

You're limited to 1 McDonalds gift booklet per person, but there is no limit on the candy bars and fines certificates. If you need any extra slips, they are still available at all locations. Just remember the get them in before the deadline of March 1st, folks. The Summer Reading Program is just around the corner...we'll be announcing the winning theme that you all voted for shortly!

Last.fm: Share Your Musical Tastes with the World!

2007-01-26T14:12:00.000-06:00

Last.fm -- they're calling themselves the "Social Music Revolution." Has anyone gotten in on this? If not, it's nifty little site that is pretty much the one of the coolest sites out there for finding new music. It allows you to share your musical tastes and suggestions with your friends, or you can register for free and download a plug-in that logs what you listen to in whatever programs you use for listening to music (iTunes, Winamp, Window Media). I guess that in itself is not all that exciting, but once you have started logging your music, that's when you can really get the most out of last.fm.

At the very least, your last.fm page functions as a chart of your musical history. So, 4 years from now (if the site is still around, which judging by how popular it has become, it definitely will), if you wanted to see what you were listening to your senior year of high school, all you'd have to do is click on your charts and go back to this week in Jan '07...and bam! You'll see that you've listened to Muse's "Starlight" 500 times or whatever. You can also listen to different radio stations that are crafted just for you. For example, "Recommendation Radio" is a station that plays new music that you might like based on what you've played, or you can just listen to your own radio station made from music and artists that you've already played. Now that, if you're an information archiving nut like myself, is pretty great right there. Again, there's that social aspect to it. You can add friends like on MySpace and leave them comments on their "Shoutboxes" or send them messages. You can also tag music however you want and listen to radio stations based on these tags (like, "Indie" or "Death Metal" whatever you're into...).

Gah! There's just a lot of music to be heard... check it out yourself @ http://www.last.fm

Studying Abroad

2006-12-15T16:30:00.000-06:00

Traveling abroad is quite possibly one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences you could have. What better way to learn about a vastly different culture than living in it?

Your high school may even offer study abroad programs -- particularly if you are studying a foreign language. As college application deadlines loom for all you seniors, don't forget to think about this as part of your college experience. Studying abroad and experiencing another culture first hand provides and education that you wouldn't get from the classroom alone.

To read about the study abroad experiences of Jessica, a former TAB member, currently studying abroad in Ireland, click here. (http://the_eire_affair.livejournal.com/)

Sometimes in our day-to-day lives we forget that it's a big world out there; go see it if you can.

Winter Reading Program: Snowball Fight!

2006-11-21T19:40:00.000-06:00

Yes folks, it's about that time for the annual winter reading program. Here's the deal:

Read! Read like mad, I say!

Fill out our "snowball" book review forms for every book you read. You can use these "snowballs" to buy prizes or to enter drawings.

What are the prizes, you ask? For that sensitive information--well, you'll just have to wait and see...

ATTN: Gamers!

2006-11-10T16:42:00.000-06:00

We held our first-ever Gamers Group Meeting this past Monday and had a great time. The next meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 4 in the Youth Services Classroom. Send an e-mail to Amy Alessio or Joe Torres.

We are also open to any suggestions you may have about any gaming-related stuff. Let us know your game suggestions (especially multiplayer games) or even any video game related stuff you'd like to see at a meeting besides acutally playing games. Feel free to leave us a comment...

Oh, and never fear: we will have Guitar Hero II for the next meeting.

And it has "Freebird"!

Author Visit: Kenneth Oppel

2006-11-03T17:33:00.000-06:00

Hey all,

Award-winning author Kenneth Oppel will be delivering a presentation here at STDL. He is the author of books such as the Silverwing Trilogy, Airborn, and Skybreaker. Registration is required, but there are still slots available. A variety of titles will be available for purchase and autographing. For more info on Kenneth Oppel:

Kenneth's Official Site

Info on Airborn and Skybreaker

Author Profile from CM Magazine

Teen Read Month 2006: Get Active @ Your Library

2006-09-10T13:56:00.000-05:00

Celebrate National Teen Read Month by filling out review slips to enter weekly drawings. Tell us what you thought about a book, CD, video game or movie to enter drawings for gift certificate prizes and more. Two lucky winners will win a dinner with author Kenneth Oppel when he comes to the library on November 14. Review slips can be picked up and turned in to the Reader's Advisory Desk at the main library or either of the branch libraries.

First.Blog.Ever.

2006-09-09T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hello folks, welcome to our blog (we're just getting started...bear with us)!