December Tidings

Wow, I can't believe it is already the 15th of December! Where does the time go? Seems like yesterday was Thanksgiving dinner and now its only 10 days until Christmas. I better get shopping. I am so far behind. Anyway, we had another stellar meeting of the "writer's block" group on December 5th. We talked about some cool writing exercises that we are going to do to challenge ourselves over the next few months. We also played Scrabble Slam (tm) the new card game which was a lot of fun. This Saturday we have our monthly 'breakfast and a movie' program, of course, with a holiday theme since Dec. 25th and 26th are just around the corner and Hanukkah is happening. I hope that everyone is keeping warm with all the snow we've been having (another thing that is keeping me from my holiday shopping). If you can't make it to programming due to bad weather, I totally understand. Hopefully you can curl up in a warm blanket with some hot cocoa and a GOOD BOOK. Keep reading and see you next year.

Things to look forward to.....

I am so excited about this Saturday's event at the library. I am hoping for a great turnout and that the teens really enjoy this month's movie and breakfast. Additionally Cynthia and I have gotten together to plan a special family event for the holiday season called, Flocked and Frosted. We hope to see many of our families at the event to share delicious treats, fun crafts, and a great holiday flick. Feel free to call 444-5299 if you want any details about these two upcoming programs. Hope to see you there.

2nd Writer's Block Meeting

Well we just concluded our very successful second writer's block event. Six participants eagerly entered into discussions based on the book, Would you rather...?Over 200 Absolutely Absurd Dilemmas to Ponder, by David Gomberg. After some animated discussion over whether we wanted to live in the Star Trek universe or the world of Dr. Seuss? or rather spend the day with Shakespeare or Elvis? . . . we tried our hand at writing our own choices to share and debate. Here are some of the ones we came up with, Would you rather "have dreams where you are close to dying but never do or have dreams where you always wake up at the very best part?" OR "live in the land of Star Wars or the world of Harry Potter? OR "go swimming in warm grits or dance on hot coals barefoot?" OR "eat spaghetti at every meal for the rest of your life or eat a piece of paper every day?" OR "be stuck in remedial math class forever or have P.E. always be playing football?" As you can see the possibilities are endless and only limited by our imaginations and my edict that they be PG-rated.

It's November

Tonight we turn our clocks back an hour. I love "falling back" and getting that extra hour one weekend a year. Tomorrow is the first day of November which means that the month's new Mission Possible will be available starting Monday morning. November is a great month the air is crisp and clear and with all the holidays to spend a little extra time with family and having fun what is not to like. Not to mention turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie etc... yum But since there is a little extra time this month maybe you could spend a little time reading (gasp) because you want to not for school or your parents, but just because what could be better than a cozy blanket on the couch with a good book and some hot chocolate on a cold November day. If you need any recommendations or if you just want to talk about the great book you just read stop by the YA desk.

October's flying by

Hello

I looked at the calendar today and realized its already October 20th. This month is sure going by quickly. Last Saturday there were seven teens that showed up bright and early on a Saturday morning for a free breakfast and a viewing of the newly released movie Monsters vs. Aliens. The donuts as always were a big hit with only one left at the end of the movie. Next Tuesday is going to be an exciting day for teen readers of fantasy. Tamora Pierce will be in Omaha speaking at several high schools and then in the evening she will be at the Omaha Community Playhouse in a book signing/speaking event that is open to the public. How often do you get a chance to meet a successful professional author right here in Omaha? The event starts at 7 pm October 27th and if you can come it would definitely be worth the effort. Hope to see you there. If you need any more information about the event please call me at 444-5299 or any of the OPL branches.
In case you want more information on the author and her books, check out her website at http://www.tamora-pierce.com
Hope to see you there.

Writing Club Update

The inaugural meeting of the Writers Block writing club was on October 3rd. We were happy to have participants arrive early that day eager to try it out. Since it was the first meeting we enjoyed a special snack of freshly baked brownies. We did a writing exercise based on the book, I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure edited by Smith Magazine. I challenged everyone including myself to write a 6 word memoir. Here are a few that we came up with. “I like reading when I’m bored”, “Loves theatre but has stage fright”, “I like soccer, how about you?”, and “Peanut butter cookies and milk, yum”. I think maybe the brownies influenced that last one. It was a lot of fun and we even tried our hand at writing some song lyrics together. Next month we are planning to bring in some writing samples from home to discuss. We would love to have more people join the fun. We meet the first Saturday of each month at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Is it Really October?

Time is flying this year we have finished another month and now find ourselves in autumn. Even though the weather is turning colder and the days are growing shorter there are still many fun things available at your library. October's Mission is available. Are you up to the task? Just stop by and ask me for one or pick it up off my desk by the big Question Mark. Today we have our inaugural meeting of Writer's Block an informal writing group that shares their work and plays fun writing games. If you are a writer or if you want to improve your skills or if you just want to hang up stop by at 2:30 and join in. We plan to meet once a month.

Books, Movies, Donuts and More

Hello Teens!

Florence Branch library's new YA blog is up and running. First let me introduce myself to you in case you don't already know me. My name is Melanie Webb and I am the Young Adult Specialist here at the Florence Library. What does that mean? Well it means I am here for you. I read books geared towards your age group so if you need a recommendation on a good book you can ask me. Also I come up with fun programming just for your age group such as our monthly breakfast and a movie called 3-D DAY as well as our MISSION POSSIBLE and Thumbs Up/Down programs which can be done at your convenience. We also are starting a writing club for all you budding poets, novelists, essayists or even songwriters. There is a lot going on at your library so come in and check us out or look online at www.omahapubliclibrary.org