What’s Happening @ the Library - June 2007

Wizards Rock!

Thanks to everyone who attended our first Wizard Rock show on May 4th - all 135 of you! You might have noticed the video cameras shooting footage for a Harry Potter documentary…we will keep our eyes out for it! And a special thanks to those TAG members and others who helped decorate the library, and an extra-special thanks to Haley H. for suggesting the event!

I DARE YOU is here!

It’s almost time for our second annual Summer Reading Game. This summer’s theme is I DARE YOU, and all of our summer programs fit the theme. For a calendar of events, check out the Teen page.

And now for the fun stuff: As of right now, here are the prizes for our weekly raffles:

• $50 iTunes card

• $50 Starbucks card

• $50 Borders card

• $50 EB Games card

• Free books

• iDog

• Polaroid camera + film

And, our grand prizes at the Summer Reading Finale party?:

• iPod-ready messenger bag
• Ninetendo Wii
• $75 Borders card
• Flip Video Camcorder

How do you get in on all this prize-y goodness? Just read! Tell us what you have read in person, via this blog, or by email. Each week we pick a winner, and for every 100 pages you read, you get one raffle ticket towards our grand prizes.

For more rules and information, check out the Teen page, or call the Teen Librarian at (203)255-7394. And READ TO WIN!

Good Books - June 2007

Series to Watch Out For

With Harry Potter drawing to a close, and gossip girl becoming a TV show next fall, it’s time to move on to new series, don’t you think?

 After Harry, try:

• Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron 

• Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix

• The Tiffany Aching books by Terry Pratchett

• His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

• Hungry City Chronicles by Philip Reeve

After gossip girl, try:

• Summer Boys by Hailey Abbott
• Private by Kate Brian
• The 310 by Beth Killian
• Seven Deadly Sins by Robin Wasserman
• The It-Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar

Good Music - June 2007

In the Name of Love

Is U2 the greatest rock band in the world? Releasing albums since 1980 with it’s original lineup still intact (Adam Clayton on bass, Larry Mullen, Jr. on drums, the Edge on guitar, and Bono on vocals,) the band still continues to play sold-out arenas around the world, and experimenting with their sound. And now Bono has made a name for himself as a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated activist, campaigning for the removal of third world debt and the eradication of poverty through the ONE campaign, as well as increased aid for Africa, and human rights.

He was even named, along with Bill and Melinda Gates, as TIME magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ for 2005.

For an overview of the band, check out Greatest Hits: 1980 - 1990 and 1990 - 2000, both in the Teen Room.

Good Movies - June 2007

Cool Cusack

Who doesn’t love John Cusack? From his 80s teen roles to his modern romantic leading men, Mr. Cusack is one of our favorites in the Teen Room. My favorite: His role in 1989’s Say Anything, as charming underachiever and aspiring kickboxer Lloyd Dobler (the character that made the boombox over the head thing a pop culture standard.) Not to be confused with the band Lloyd Dobler Effect. Check out these terrific films:

• Say Anything

• Serendipity

• Eight Men Out

• Better Off Dead

• America’s Sweethearts

• Must Love Dogs