Teens and Banned Books

Please stop in the library and check out our new "Banned Books Display" brought to you by Waterford's own Teen Advisory Board.  Seven teens made the display out of cheesecloth, handcuffs, keys, eye patches, gas masks, and ravens (you'll have to see it to believe it)!  And yes (!) they actually go along well together!

September is Banned Books Month and the group wanted to highlight the importance of free speech and the ability to read by choice, not force.  As librarians, we celebrate the patrons' ability to have a wide-selection of books to choose from, and serve as gatekeepers to the knowledge and unique perspectives only books are at times able to bring.  Stop in!  Pick up a book! And.....Enter if you DARE!!!!

Early Prtintz Contenders??

Jonathan Hunt August 24, 2011

In any given year there are a dozen titles that could win the Printz Award, given by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.

But this year there is only one title that should win, one title that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) by Laini Taylor. It is a masterful fantasy with unique world-building, unforgettable characters, and an exquisitely crafted plot layered with suspense and surprise. The book ends with a cliffhanger, but answers most of our questions, just not the most compelling one: what happens next!

Anya's Ghost (First Second) by Vera Brosgol is an exceptionally strong graphic novel, and in any other year it might be my top pick. It's the story of a teenage girl, ashamed of her Russian heritage, who is haunted by a ghost that subtly changes over the course of the story from meek to manipulative to malevolent, bringing a sense of genuine horror to this ghost story. First Second struck gold several years ago with American Born Chinese. Can it happen again? I think so.

Read more here: http://www.slj.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketsljteen/891664-444/out_on_a_limb_printz.html.csp

What does TAB mean????

You know, I'm frequently asked what "TAB" is. TAB is short for "Teen Advisory Board"--a group of over 20 teens that meets at the library monthly to discuss events, work on community service projects, and talk about what's new at the library. Anyone in either 6th grade or who is over the age of 12 is welcome to join. Just a simple application letter is filled out so that we can determine your interests and what path would best fit you within the organization. For some, its books and magazines, for others it's having engaging workshops, and some teens just enjoy the free food and comradely that goes along with belonging to an organization just for teens.

It's a great way to meet new friends and to get in some of those pesky volunteer hours needed for graduation. If you're interested in joining TAB, or want to know more about what TAB does for your local Waterford community, please contact Emily at escherrer@waterford.lib.wi.us or call 262-534-3988 ext. 15.

Next TAB meeting is August 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. We will discuss future options for TAB and also work on a "Banned Books" display.

Come Hungry---Pizza will be served!

August TAB Meeting

Our first Teen Advisory Board meeting of the year will be held on Monday, August 29th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. I encourage any tweens and teens over the age of twelve to attend this meeting if they are interested in joining TAB or are currently a member. We will be discussing future events at the library, a community service project, and a holiday project that I think you're really going to get a kick out of!

If you are not currently a member of TAB, please feel free to stop by and enjoy some pizza and great conversation with other teens from the area. We always have a great time and every person brings a unique perspective to the group--so new members are always and actively encouraged!!

It is a safe place to discuss your interests, your vision for our library, teen programming, and what materials would add to our collection.

We always have some food, participate in a group activity, and brainstorm wildly...so if this sounds at all interesting to you, stop by or email Emily at escherrer@waterford.lib.wi.us

Hope to see you there!

*(Due to space issues, we will moving TAB meetings to the Community Room)*

Summer Prize Winners

We had a very successful teen summer program! Over 204 teens attended our Summer Reading Program in 2011--that's more than double from last year! Congratulations to you all and I hope your last month of vacation goes smoothly for you.

The Final Prize Winners Were:

Evan Hisey--Music Pack

Breanna Anderson--Museum & Mummies

Britanny Chic--Notebook Computer

Andrew Boster--Night in the Village

Door Prizes went to:

Eric Albrecht
Summer Thornton
Nicole Vorpagel
Daniel North
Katie Dross
Ambur Wanek
Maria Carrara
Emilie Bowen
Erin Muenter
Tanner Bart
Troy Wolfson
Lauren Muffick