Teen Power Poetry Contest Winners!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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?

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!