ALD Teen Scene

Doodle 4 Google Contest

2012-01-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a cool opporuntiny for artsy minded students to stretch their creative muscles!

The Doodle 4 Google competition is now open to all K-12 students in U.S. schools (including homeschoolers). Parents, teachers, or after school programs may submit doodles on behalf of their child or student as long as they are accompanied by a completed and signed entry form. Like last year, we do not have a cap on number of submissions from one school, family, or after school program but we still require that only one doodle is submitted per child. In the case of duplicate submissions by a single child, we will accept the submission that arrives first as determined by the "received by" date. Completed entry forms must be received by March 23rd.

Click here for more information!
If you would like to see past Doodle for Google finalists click here!

American Library Association - 2012 Youth Media Award winners

2012-01-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the award-winning titles:

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:

“Where Things Come Back,” written by John Corey Whaley, is the 2012 Printz Award winner. There are also four Printz Honor Books: “Why We Broke Up,” written by Daniel Handler with art by Maira Kalman; “The Returning,” written by Christine Hinwood; “Jasper Jones,” written by Craig Silvey and “The Scorpio Races,” written by Maggie Stiefvater.

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences:

“Big Girl Small,” by Rachel DeWoskin, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
“In Zanesville,” by Jo Ann Beard, published by Little, Brown & Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
“The Lover’s Dictionary,” by David Levithan, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
“The New Kids: Big Dreams and Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens,” by Brooke Hauser, published by Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
“The Night Circus,” by Erin Morgenstern, published by Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.
“Ready Player One,” by Ernest Cline, published by Crown Publishers, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.(ISBN: 9780307887436)
“Robopocalypse: A Novel,” by Daniel H. Wilson, published by Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.
“Salvage the Bones,” by Jesmyn Ward, published by Bloomsbury USA
“The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures,” by Caroline Preston, published by Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
“The Talk-Funny Girl,” by Roland Merullo, published by Crown Publishers, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.

See the complete list of prize-winners here. And as always if you are wondering what's new in the YA/Teen collection, click here!

New Books @ the Library

2012-01-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Check out these great new titles!

First we have Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, the second book in the Infernal Devices series. As the Council attempts to strip Charlotte of her power, 16 year old orphaned shapechanger, Tessa Gray works with the London Shadowhunters to find the Magister and destroy his clockwork army, learning the secret of her own identity while investigating his past.

Next we have The Scorpio Races by bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater. Nineteen year old returning champion Sean Kendrick competes against Puck Connolly, the first girl ever to ride in the annual Scorpio Races, both trying to keep hold of their dangerous water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.

In All these things I've done, author Gabrielle Zevin introduces to a future where chocolate and caffeine are contraband and cell phone use by teenagers is illegal.We meet 16 year old Anya Balanchine who finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight as heir apparent to an important New York City crime family.

Our last book is Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan.Waverly is fifteen and part of the first generation to be conceived in deep space. She is expected to marry young and have children to populate a new planet but a violent betrayal by the dogmatic leader of their sister ship could have devastating consequences.

This is just the beginning of your winter reading options, make sure to check out all of our new books here!

Friday Flick - January 27 at the Altadena Library!

2012-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Our Friday Flick is Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman. This gritty, white-knuckle action ride is set in a future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech! Friday, January 27 at 3:30pm - Rated PG-13: 127 minutes.

Hunger Games Fashion Show

2011-12-21T13:56:00.001-08:00

If you love Project Runway, you will love this. InStyle magazine has a gallery of sketches from various fashion designers taking on Katniss's "Girl on Fire" dress. My favorite is by designer Christian Cota and can be seen above. Click here to decide which is your favorite! If you are on the late freight and still haven't read Hunger Games, check the catalog to see if we have a copy in and read it before the movie comes out in March 2012!

Curl up with a great book on your Winter break!

2011-12-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

New books at the library for Winter Break!
First we have This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel who introduces us to young Victor Frankenstein in this prequel to Mary Shelley's gothic classic, Frankenstein. Victor begins a dark journey that will change his life forever in this gripping gothic tale.

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion, she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit, the better. In Lola and the Boy Next Door, author Stephanie Perkins' protagonist Lola must deal with the return of the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket and her growing attraction to their inventor brother Cricket.

Next we meet Joss McMillan in First Kill (The Slayer Chronicles) by author Heather Brewer. After the death of his sister at the hands of a vampire, Joss learns that his family is part of the Slayer Society, a group whose mission is to rid the world of vampires.

Our last book is Daughter of Smoke and Bone by National Book Award Finalist, Laini Taylor, we meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she speaks many languages - not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she?

This is just the beginning of your winter reading options, make sure to check out all of our new books here!

New Books for your long Thanksgiving Weekend!

2011-11-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

New books at the library for your November reading pleasure!

First we have Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera, tells the harrowing story of Khalid, a 15-year-old Muslim from England, who becomes lost on a trip to Pakistan. After accidentally stubbing on an anti-American rally he is is abducted and then taken to Guantanamo Bay and held without charge.

Drew is a loner. She has a pet rat, dead dad, an encyclopedic knowledge of cheese and a crush on Nick, a surf bum who works in her mom's cheese shop. In The Summer I Learned to Fly , a new novel by Dana Reinhardt. It's the summer before 8th grade and everything seems normal until Drew meets and is drawn to Emmett Crane. Who he is, why he's there, where the cut on his cheek came from, and his bottomless knowledge of rats are all mysteries Drew will untangle.

In Bad Taste in Boys someone's been a very bad zombie. Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. And no one is safe in this novel by Carrie Harris.

Cas Lowood has an unusual job, he kills the dead just like his father before him. In Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat trying to keep up with the murderous dead. Until he encounters the ghost the locals calls "Anna Dressed in Blood," he doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life. Check out this great new novel by Kendare Black.
This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of our new books here!

Twilight Trivia Throw-down - This Thursday!!

2011-11-14T14:45:00.001-08:00

Do you know Twilight? The books or the movies or both? Come to the library and test your Twilight knowledge and win a prize! Thursday, Nov. 17 @ 4pm. Program for teens and tweens (12-17).

Hunger Games Trailer...

2011-11-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

For those of us who are anxiously awaiting the release of the screen adaptation(due in theaters March 23, 2012) of the incredibly popular Hunger Games novel, we have a bit of a preview with the new movie trailer here!

Teens Top Ten for 2011 just announced!

2011-10-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Teens Top Ten list for 2011 announced!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Simon & Schuster)
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic)
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (Simon & Schuster)
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (HarperCollins)
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin)
Matched by Ally Condie (Penguin)
Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson (Little, Brown & Company)
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White (HarperCollins)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (HarperCollins)
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Penguin)

Check out one of these titles @ the Altadena Library today!
And check out Winning author Cassandra Clare's video!

Teen Read Week @ the Altadena Library

2011-10-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

PICTURE IT ! for Teen Read Week
October 16-22 @ the Altadena Library

We've got some great programs planned for teens ages 12-17. PICTURE ME DANCING - Just Dance, dance challenge on Tues., October 18, 2011 @ 4pm. MY PICTURE TELLS MY STORY - Make Photo-stip bookmarks on Thurs., October 20, 2011 @ 4pm. PRO-PHOTOGRAPHER, DANA HURSEY -Talks Photography on Sat., October 22, 2011 @ 3pm. Click here for more information!

New Teen Books for October!

2011-09-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

New books at the library for your October reading pleasure!

First we have Modelland, Tyra Banks first novel. You be the judge, can this model turned "Top Model" mogul keep you reading...let's find out!

Next we have Americapedia, by Jodi Lynn Anderson, Danile Ehrenhaft & Andisheh Nouraee. Check out the author's claim that they are "Taking the Dumb out of Freedom!"

Abby North know's that something is wrong with her dad. In Sign Language Abby's life changes completely after her dad is diagnosed with cancer...Check out this engrossing debut novel from Amy Ackley.
The Gemini Agent is the latest book in the Starfleet Academy series by Rick Barba. As first-year final-exams week kicks off, several incident reports with serious allegations against Kirk end up on the Commandant of Midshipmen's desk. None of the accusations are true, of course....or are they? Find out who want's Kirk out of Starfleet Academy...

This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of our new books here!

New Teen Books for September 2011

2011-09-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

New books at the library for your September reading pleasure! Now that you are back in school, you will be needing a nice distraction from your studies!

Check out Soul Eater 6 a manga book by Atsushi Onkubo from the Soul Eater series set in the "Death Weapon Meister Academy."

Next we have I Am J, by Chris Beam. It tells the story of J a boy that is confused when everyone thinks he is a girl...Now, at seventeen, the painful collision between J's inner view of himself as a guy and the perception of everyone else has become unbearable.

In The Cupid War by Timothy Carter, we meet 17 year-old Ricky Fallon who slips and falls while contemplating suicide, only to find himself a Cupid in the afterlife.
In Sidekicks by Jack D. Ferraiolo, Scott Hutchinson is an ordinary schoolkid by day and a sidekick by night. But after an embarrassing incident involving his spandex costume, Scott begins to question his sidekick role.

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski introduces readers to Sheridan a genius baker and daughter of a soon to be celebrity-chef father who has to come to terms with the fact that her run-away mom isn't coming back.

This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of our new books here!

Vote for 2011 Ten's Top Ten Books!!

2011-08-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Did you think that Mockingjay was the best book of 2011? How about Clockwork Angel or Before I Fall? Well now you have the opportunity to vote for your favorite teen book and maybe it will be chosen one of the Top Ten books of 2011!

The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! This vote is for TEENS ONLY. If you are a librarian, please do not vote for the Teens' Top Ten, instead, check out YALSA's new Reader's Choice list and nominate your favorite title.

Vote NOW through Sept. 16 for the Teens' Top Ten! The winners will be announced the winners during Teen Read Week, Oct. 16-22.

Maximum Ride: The Manga Series

2011-08-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

We've got a great new Manga series based upon a popular Teen book Maximum Ride by best-selling author James Patterson, Maximum Ride. Imagine you are Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride. Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of her "flock" - Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel - are just like ordinary kids, except they have wings and can fly! Check out illustrator NarRae Lee's take on James Patterson's exhilarating fantasy adventure....

Author Highlight...Walter Dean Myers

2011-08-16T11:27:00.001-07:00

This month we are featuring the works of Walter Dean Myers in the Teen Area at the library. He is a critically accaimed best-selling author who writes gritty and poignant works of fiction. One of my favorites, Dope Sick. Check out the display in the Teen Area and take one of his books home. There is no way you won't be moved....

"Walter Dean Myers is the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of more than 80 books for children and young adults. His award-winning body of work includes SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH, FALLEN ANGELS, MONSTER, SOMEWHERE IN THE DARKNESS, SLAM!, JAZZ, and HARLEM. Mr. Myers has received two Newbery Honors and five Coretta Scott King Awards. In addition, he is the winner of the first Michael L. Printz Award. Mr. Myers lives in Jersey City, New Jersey." Thanks TeenReads.com for the Bio...

CALLING ALL TEENS!!!

2011-08-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Altadena Library's Teen Advisory Council Needs YOU!!!

Do you need volunteer hours for school?
Do you want to get involved?
Do you like expressing your opinions about books, magazines, movies and programs for teens?
Do you love (okay like) the library?
Then you are just the person that we need on the Altadena Library TAC. It is a great opportunity to find out about your local library and help to make it Better! Meetings begin September 15th. Fill out an application today! Click here for more information.

Youth Month - Alternative Activities for Youth

2011-08-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do now that Teen Summer Reading Program is over? Why not try out one of the Youth Month activities going on for the rest of the month. Day One is offering a varied and fun bunch of activities to entertain and engage local teens. Visit the Norton Simon Museum or the Grammy Museum, Get a Henna Tattoo, try your hand at archery, go to Six Flags Magic Mountain or compete to be the next Pasadena Idol. All events offered are free or low cost. Check out it out!

Very Cool Teen!

2011-08-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hey you "Artsy Fartsy" teens, check out this article from "I ❤ Daily" about teen, Audrey Banks who started T.A.G (Teen Art Gallery) an organization that promotes teen-curated, teen-organized and teen-created art in galleries around New York City

SRP - Ice Cream Finale!!!

2011-08-01T17:10:00.001-07:00

Teens(13-17) you could be our GRAND PRIZE WINNER of an iPAD 2! So make sure to come to the Ice Cream Finale! Tuesday, August 2nd @ 2pm. You must be present to win the Grand Prize

New Teen Books @ the Library

2011-07-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Just as we wrap-up the Teen Summer Reading Program, we have some great new titles in to read before you head back to school so let's check out some of the great new books we have @ the library!

If you like to be creeped-out just a bit, check out Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

Next we have Passion, by Lauren Kate. It tells the story of Luce who would die for Daniel and has over and over again throughout time.

It's always nice to reinvent yourself. In What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen, we meet 17 year-old Mclean who has the opportunity to do so town after town..

In Beauty Queens author Libba Bray strands teen beauty queens on a "Lost"-like island full of mysteries and dangers and no access to email.

This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Minute to Win It! - Teen SRP

2011-07-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the crazy game show program...you are in for a treat! Teens(13-17) complete challenges using household items. Do you think you can do it? You've got A Minute To Win It! It's gonna be fun! This Thursday, July 28th, from 4-5pm in the Community Room.

Weaving Friendship Bracelets for Teen SRP

2011-07-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

"You Are Here" to weave a Chinese Staircase patterned friendship bracelet and sample a variety of Asian snacks. Come out to the Altadena Library Community room on Thursday, July 21 from 4-5pm where you can create a cool friendship bracelet for yourself or a friend and sample some tasty snacks from Asia.

Teen SRP - Global Games & Candy Tasting!

2011-07-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

GG & CT is yet another fun program offered for teens(13-17) as part of our Teen Summer Reading Program (AKA SRP). Come to the library, play games and taste candies that come from around the globe. Bring your competitive spirit and your adventurous palate with you! Join us Thursday, July 14 from 4-5pm in the Community Room...

Shake, Rattle & Roll - Teen Summer Reading Program

2011-07-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 7 @ 4pm, take trip to the continent of Africa. Make and decorate a drum or a rain stick and then we'll have some fun as we Shake, Rattle and Roll. This program is part of the Teen Summer Reading Program. If you haven't signed up, what are you waiting for?

WWIII - International Cupcake Wars!

2011-06-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

Calling All Teens!!!
Decorate a cupcake to best represent your country. Make sure to bring your creative and competitive spirit. Top vote-getting cupcake wins a prize! Thursday, June 30th, from 4 pm to 5pm at the Main Library - Community Room.

New Summer Reads.....

2011-06-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the summer and the Teen Summer Reading Program, let's check out some of the great new books we have @ the library this month!

A new book by Gary D. Schmidt author of The Wednesday Wars, Okay For Now, this novel introduces us to Doug Swieteck, who seems to have the short end of the stick when it comes to life. When he meets up with fiery Lily Spicer, they set off on an adventure that lands them on Broadway!
Our next book is Science Fair Season, a non-fiction book that follows twelve high-school students and takes you behind the scenes of the biggest science competition in the world. Get ready to be inspired by their stories.

Have you ever had an obsession? Compulsion introduces us to Jake Martin a young man obsessed with prime numbers. This is a honest and riveting novel about Jake's struggle with obsessive compulsive disorder.
In Girl Stolen author April Henry takes us into the frightening world of abduction victim Cheyenne. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat!

And let's not Forget Summer and the City Candice Bushnell's follow up to The Carrie Diaries introduces Carrie to New York and the wonders of the city in summertime.

This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Comic Book Super heros...See the Movie read the Graphic Novel

2011-06-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

This summer there seems to be an over abundance of books based on comic book heroes. If you look at what's coming out and what has already come out, there is a lot to see: Thor, X-Men First Class, Green Lantern, Captain America and The Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Perhaps you might want to acquaint yourself with the characters before you see the movies? No, problem! Check out our graphic novel collection:

Thor
X-Men
Green Lantern
Transformers
Captain America
Conan the Barbarian

Zombies!!!

2011-05-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

We've got them. Books, graphic novels and movies. Here at the library. First let me say...zombies scare me. Just the idea of the undead creeps me out. Extra creepy is the added element that zombies seem to like to gnaw on the living. I don't want to be a zombie snack, I really don't.

So in that spirit let's talk about the Walking Dead graphic novel series and the AMC television show that it inspired. We now have both here at the Altadena Library. We also have a nice selection of books that put Zombies center stage:

Walking Dead - Graphic Novel
Walking Dead - DVD
Zombies vs. Unicorns
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Dead Girl Walking
Kiss of Life
Rot and Ruin
Boneshaker
I Love Him to Pieces

MAY 2011 - New YA Books

2011-05-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Let's check out some of the great new books we have @ the library this month!

A new book by Bettina Restrepo, Illegal, suggests that "We are all aliens" with her tale of Nora who crosses the border illegally with her mother to find her father who has gone missing in Texas.

Our next book is Clarity, a novel from by Kim Harrington about Clarity "Clare " Fern who only has to touch something to receive visions of stolen kisses and long buried secrets. Do you think it's a gift or a curse?

Chameleon tells the story Shawn, living in Compton who is about to begin high school. He wonders if he would be better off going to a school in his mother's neighborhood were he doesn't have to worry about what color he wears (now read or blue) but would he miss his hanging out with his friends and Marisol the beautiful girl that is featured in his dreams....
Lastly in Steel we get to take a time-traveling journey with Jill, a competitive high school fencer who is magically transported to an early-eighteen-century pirate ship in the middle of the ocean.
This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Real Life-Sized Barbie....

2011-04-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Most girls remember playing with Barbie....she was an ideal. Barbie could do anything: be a lawyer, a model, even an astronaut. She had a gorgeous sports car, a boat and let's not forget her "Dream House." Her guy was all-American Ken. And let us not forget, what she looked like in a swimsuit! But have you ever wondered what Barbie would look like if she was life-sized....Well, high school student, Galia Slayen did just that; she created a life-sized barbie for a school project as part of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Check out the article here!

New Books for May 2011

2011-04-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

New YA books (and one DVD) for May 2011!

First up is an addition to our YA DVD collection, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. We also have Rot and Ruin a novel by Jonathan Mayberry about young apprentice zombie killer, Benny in the post-zombie apocalypse.

Next up is a new Marvel Illustrated take on the classic Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility by Nancy Butler and Sonny Liew. We also have a graphic novel that tackles the true story of a gang member who was killed by his own gang after shooting a young girl, it is Yummy: the last days of a Southside shorty by Greg Neri and Randy DeBurke.

Our next book is The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, a story about Nick and his brother, Alan, who are always on the run from the deadly magicians who use demons to work their magic.

Last but not least we have the forth book in the Mortal Instruments Series, City of Lost Angels by Cassandra Clare. You won't be able to put the continuing story of Clary, Simon and Jace down...
This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

City of Fallen Angels - Chapter 1

2011-04-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

In case you are anything like me and cannot wait until our library copy of Cassandra Clare's City of Fallen Angels (the forth book in the Mortal Instruments Series) is available for check out, Cassandra has generously posted Chapter One her website. Enjoy!

And don't worry...the Altadena Library copy of City of Fallen Angels is on its way!

SchoolTube - Technology Generations

2011-03-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is a fascinating video exploring the differences between people born in 2011 and what the will and will not experience in their lives with regards to technology. Check out the Link below!

Fun and Games - This Friday!!

2011-03-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

This Friday, March 25 from 3:30-5pm, you will have the opportunity to win one of these incredible FULL SIZED movie posters. What do you have to do??? Show up....participate....doing what?

Fun and Games Friday, that's all! Just come to the library community room from 3:30-5:00 pm and play some games (traditional and video games), chat, have some snacks....EASY !!!

See you all there!

Friday Flick - Megamind!!!

2011-03-15T16:15:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't like a great animated feature? Come to the library and watch MEGAMIND on Friday, March 18 @ 3:30pm. Great movie...popcorn....What else could you ask for on Friday afternoon? Megamind features the vocal talents of Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt and Tina Fey and is rated PG. For more information click here.

YA DVD Collection

2011-03-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there is a YA DVD collection specifically created for Altadena teens? Well...there is! The DVDs are in the YA area just under the YA Rental Video Games (yes we do have video games) and I am always looking for a new title for the collection or open to your suggestions which usually have to be PG-13 (R-rated movies are added on rare occasions). We just added a few new titles one of which was a suggestion for purchase:

Mean Girls 2
History and Concept of Hip-Hip Dance
Showstoppers

And check out our YA DVD collection here!

Books in the Movies

2011-03-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen a commercial for the movie Beastly, you mustbe living under a rock! I saw the commercial so many times, I felt like I had already seen the movie. This past weekend, I went to see Beastly and actually, it wasn't half bad but of course, the book was way better! If it wasn't a great book, do you think they would have made it into a movie? Well, possibly...but never-mind all that. Before you spend your or your parent's hard-earned money to see a good adaptation of a great book..why not cut to the chase and read Beastly by Alex Flinn. We not only have this great book we also have it on MP3 audio.

If you can't find Beastly because someone beat you to the punch, how about reading a another novel that has been made into a movie or is currently in production for the big screen....

Hunger Games
City of Bones
Gulliver's Travels
Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Flipped
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World)
Breaking Dawn

Play Games.....WIN!!!!

2011-03-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

On Friday, March 25 from 3:30-5pm, you will have the opportunity to win one of these incredible FULL SIZED movie posters. What do you have to do??? Show up....participate....doing what?

Fun and Games Friday, that's all! Just come to the library community room from 3:30-5:00 pm and play some games (traditional and video games), chat, have some snacks....EASY !!!

See you all there!

Even More New Books - March 2011

2011-02-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

They just keep coming....check out our new titles!

If you want to have a good laugh, check out Mega Traumarama! from Seventeen magazine...Real girls and guys confess their most mortifying moments. Lamplight a book by D.M. Cornish is a follow-up to the "Foundling," check out the continuation of Rossamund's adventures in the Half-Continent.

Our next book is The More You Ignore Me, a novel from a beloved British comedienne and author,Jo Brand, is a hilarious, poignant, and darkly comic novel full of dysfunctional family life, celebrity obsession, and coming of age in the 80s.

Loser Queen is based on the groundbreaking online interactive serial on www.loserqueen.com, this print version is packed with extras from the author--and readers will have the opportunity to own the book they helped to create, by Jodi Lynn Anderson.
Lastly in Necessary Heartbreak tells the story of single father Michael Stewart who is the survivor of a difficult childhood who has lost his faith. He and his daughter are volunteering at a food pantry when they slip through a magic door that transports them to first-century Jerusalem, where they come into contact with Judas Iscariot and Jesus Christ.
This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

More New Books for February!

2011-02-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

We've got an abundance of new books in for your reading pleasure. Check out our new titles!

Just in time for a post Valentine's Day reading fest, we've got Tutored a book by Allison Whittenberg which is a classic wrong-side-of-the-tracks romance between Hakiam Powell and Wendy Anderson, two teens who have had very different upbringings.

This next novel is for the "Trekkies." In this Starfleet novel, The Delta Anomoly, a shocking San Francisco earthquake shakes up Starfleet Academy, entangling cadets Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Uhura--and turns out to have chilling intergalactic implications.

We also have non-fiction Last Sacrifice the last novel in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. Find out what happens to Rose who is on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Lastly in Real Live Boyfriends* Ruby, a prep-school senior, continues her angst-filled days coping with the dilemmas of boyfriends, college applications, her parents' squabbling, and realizing that her "deranged" persona may no longer apply.
This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

New Books for February 2011

2011-02-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

We've got a plethora of new books in for your February reading pleasure. Check out our new titles!

First we have Between Sisters by Adwoa Badoe about sixteen-year-old Gloria Bampo who lives in Ghana and has just failed most of her exams. She can barely read or write English, thereby drastically limiting her options for the future. When Gloria is offered the chance to work for a rich female doctor as a housekeeper and nanny, she is introduced to the nicer things in life. But circumstances get complicated quickly with new clothes, new friends, and a doctor's attentions all creating their own temptations.

The next new book is non-fiction Vans "Off The Wall" that tells the story of the man Paul Van Doren that brought us Vans.

Just in time for Valentine's day we bring you 30 days to getting over the Dork You Used to Call Your Boyfriend by Clea Hantman. For all of those Videogamers out there we have The Book of Games, Vol. 2, the ultimate reference to videogames.

Lastly, another best-selling non-fiction book, Lauren Conrad Style that will give you advice on how to adapt her classic, understated style for yourself.

This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Decorate a Valentine's Day Cookie Card

2011-01-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

Come to the Altadena Library and decorate a cookie card to give away or keep for yourself. Friday, February 11 @ 4-5pm in the Community Room. This is a Family event so bring your family with you!

Get a Step-Up in the YA Area

2011-01-18T15:47:00.000-08:00

It was brought to my attention that much like many of the shelves in the Adult fiction and non-fiction areas, the top shelves in the YA area is too high for many teens to reach. Armed with this information the Altadena Teen Advisory Council specially painted a stool to gives teens a step-up to the higher shelves in the YA area.

The TAC named the stool "Bob....Bob Steppinstool" and you can find Bob in the YA Area.

Happy New Year - Happy New Books!

2011-01-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

We've got new books for your January reading pleasure. Check out our new titles!

First we have Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick the sequel to the NY Times bestseller Hush, Hush. Crescendo follows 16 year old Nora Grey who struggles to face the truth while coping with her fallen angel boyfriend Patch and the mystery surrounding her father's death.

The next new book Vixen by author Jillian Larkin writes a novel that takes us to 1920's Chicago and introduces us to 17 year old Gloria Carmody who rebels against her upcoming society wedding by visiting a speakeasy.

January brings yet another book that features the characters from the popular Blue Bloods series by Melissa De la Cruz, Bloody Valentine. BV presents three tales of love, passion and heartbreak featuring various Blue Blood vampires and the red blood humans who keep them alive.

Lastly, I want to tell you about a new book from the series "Profiles in Fashion" that focuses on famous footwear designer Jimmy Choo by Kerrily Sapet. If you have heard about his extremely popular and pricey footwear you might be interested in finding about the man.

This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Programs in January 2011

2011-01-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

What's going on you ask?

On Friday, January 21, at 3:30 it's time for another FREE movie presentation! January's Fun Flick Friday will feature "Despicable Me." Gru delights in all things wicked. Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, and armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. (Rated PG; 95 mins.)

Saturday, January 22, we have a free PSAT practice test for students 12 years and older. If you are thinking about taking this test in the next couple of years, here is your opportunity to practice. We are partnering with Kaplan to present this practice PSAT on Saturday, January 22, from 10:15 - 2:30pm. The test will be given under realistic test conditions. Each test-taker will be required to pre-register and will need to bring a calculator and two #2 pencils. Call (626) 798-0833 or email me hfirchow@altadenalibrary.org

Lastly but not leastly...Friday, January 28 we'll open up the Community Room from 3:30-5:00 pm were I'll have traditional games and video games set-up and I'll also put out some snacks just for you. Come and hang out, have fun, snack and socialize at our Fun and Games Friday.

Winter Break Movie - Step Up 3

2010-12-21T19:13:00.001-08:00

We are showing STEP-UP 3D on December 23 from 3:30 until 5:00pm. This is the story of a tight-knit group of New York City street dancers, including Luke and Natalie, that team up with NYU freshman Moose, and find themselves pitted against the world's best hip hop dancers in a high stakes showdown that will change their lives forever. Starring Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson and Adam Sevani. Rated PG13 - 107 minutes....

New Books to read on Winter Break....

2010-12-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

New YA books for your winter reading....just curl up with one of these great books when it's too cold to venture outside.

First we have Halo the new book by bestselling Clique author Alexandra Adornetto about three angels sent down from heaven to bring good to the world. Bethany the least experienced angel and the most human is romantically drawn to a human boy, will she be strong enough to save anyone, especially herself from the dark forces?

The next new book Nightshade by author Andrea Cremer tells the story of Calla who has been raised to mate with Ren and rule over their shapeshifting wolf pack but Calla is drawn to a human boy who wants Calla's heart for his own.

December brings us the fifth book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa De la Cruz, Misguided Angel. Find out what happens to Schuyler and Jack when they must embark on a mission to find and protect the seven gates that guard the earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silverbloods.
The last book I want to mention is called The Limit by Kristen Landon. This tells the story of a future world where their are limits to the amount of debt your family can accumulate and if your parents cannot pay their bills, you can be taken away to a Federal Debt Rehabilitation Agency workhouse. That is exactly what happens to thirteen-year-old Matt in this suspenseful thriller.

This is just the beginning, make sure to check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Teens Like Crafts Too.....

2010-11-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

I know that teens and tweens are crazy creative so why wouldn't you want to make a fun "gingerbread house" out of graham crackers, royal icing and candy? Of course you would, so make sure to come to our family event on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 6:30 pm in the Community Room. You know you want to come!

Tween Tribune - Online News for Tweens

2010-11-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

With news about art, health, entertainment, technology and so many other topics of interest to tweens. Check out Tween Tribune, online news.

Fun and Games Friday is this Friday

2010-11-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

It’s the end of the week, time to have a little fun! We’ll open up the Community room, set-up traditional and video games and put out some snacks just for you. Come and hang out, have fun, snack and socialize. This Friday, Nov. 19 from 3:30 until 5:00pm. We will also have another FGF on Dec. 17.

Veterans Day - What's it all about?

2010-11-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

We are coming up on another national holiday, Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11, and along with many other public agencies, the Altadena Library District will be closed. Besides having a day off from work or school what is Veteran's Day about? Did you ever wonder about the history of Armistice Day, now called Veteran's Day?

I have several veterans in my family, my father and uncles all spent time in service of our country including my Uncle Bobby who retired from over 30 years in the United State's Air Force and they often talk about the military and what it was like....But I like so many of us will never know what it means to be a veteran or to have someone very close to you be on active duty in the military; so why don't we find out a little about why we set aside this day to commemorate the lives and the service of the extraordinary men and women who sacrifice so much to keep us safe in peace and at war, as we observe VETERANS DAY.

New YA Books for November @ The Library

2010-11-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

And still the come...

New YA books that is!
First we have Monster High the new book by bestselling Clique author Lisi Harrison, if you like monsters and high school drama, you'll love Monster High! We also have Zombies Vs. Unicorns, the anthology contains 12 distinct stories about, what else, Zombies and Unicorns. Which side will you choose, well YA Authors Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier definitely have their preference!

And the hits just keep coming! Bestselling author of the Inkheart trilogy, Cornelia Funke's latest offering is titled Reckless, this new book from Funke introduces Jacob Reckless who's secret life has been flipped off it's axis all because his little brother just had to follow him....into the Mirror.

The last book we are highlighting today is from Uglies author Scott Westerfeld, this is the follow up to the great Steam-punk novel Leviathan, it's called Behemoth. Doesn't that title just make you want to read it? Behemoth follows the Deryn and Alek together on Check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Who Says Teens Don't Like Halloween??

2010-10-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

We're Having a Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebration!!

Día de los Muertos /Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday when family and friends gather to honor and remember loved ones. Halloween and Day of the Dead crafts include trick-or-treat bags, decorations, Mexican paper flowers, and sugar-skull decorating. Why not come down and get creative...or help your little brother/sister get creative. Friday at 3:30pm in the Community Room.

We Got The Beat - Teen Read Week

2010-10-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

Our We Got The Beat Teen Talent Show and Contest was a rousing success. Over 50 people came out to support our teen performers at the library. This program was our final event in our week long celebration for Teen Read Week - Books With Beat. Thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to our winners, The Shiz!

Are You Prepared?

2010-10-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Great California Shakeout....October 21, 2010 @ 10:21am

Watch this movie and find out a little about what to expect if(when) we have the next BIG shakeup here in CA. And go to ShakeOut.org for more information.

Be Prepared!!!!

Teen Read Week - Books With Beat

2010-10-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Come and celebrate Teen Read Week at the Altadena Library with 3 exciting programs:

Monday, October 18 @ 3:30pm you can try to BEAT THE ODDS in our music trivia and gaming program; Wednesday, October 20 @ 3:30pm we'll show a movie that highlights music in our FILM BEAT program and Friday, October 22 @ 5:30pm, come and see talented Altadena Teens strut their stuff in our Talent Show and Contest, WE'VE GOT THE BEAT.

Seeking Talented Teens!

2010-10-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, Oct 16 @ 9am we are holding auditions for our Teen Talent Show & Contest, We've Got The Beat to be held Friday, October 22 @ 5:30pm. Teens ages 13-17 are welcome to audition. Sign-up @ the Reference desk (626-798-0833) for an audition time. We're looking for the most talented teens in the area. We've Got the Beat is just one of the exciting programs we are offering to celebrate Teen Read Week @ the Library.

New Books for October @ The Library!!!

2010-10-06T16:12:00.001-07:00

NEW BOOKS for October reading !!!!

First we have Fallout the new book by bestselling author Ellen Hopkins and we also have DUFF by debut novel from Kody Keplinger....would you want to be designated the "D.U.F.F." with your friends? I doubt it. To help us celebrate Teen Read Week's theme Books With Beat we have the book Stringz by Michael Wenberg a novel about Jace Adams a aspiring cello player and surfer. Lastly but certainly not" least-ly,"(???) we have Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin, a book about Avery an orphan girl that has a mysterious new neighbor who has a some connection to her parents' murder. Check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

New YA Video Games

2010-09-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

We are adding new titles to the YA Video Game Collection every month and are adding new games every month. This month we have:

LEGO Batman (Wii, XBOX) & LEGO Harry Potter (Wii, XBOX)

Check out these new titles and many others right here!

Fun and Games Friday is this Friday

2010-09-20T17:51:00.001-07:00

It’s the end of the week, time to have a little fun! We’ll open up the Community room, set-up traditional and video games and put out some snacks just for you. Come and hang out, have fun, snack and socialize. This Friday, Sept. 24 from 3:30 until 5:00pm. We will also have FGFs on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.

New Books - September....

2010-09-15T15:32:00.001-07:00

NEW BOOKS for September reading !!!!

First we have Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci and next we have The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway author of Audrey, Wait! We also have Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney author of The Face On The Milk Carton. Lastly but certainly not" least-ly,"(???) we have Stolen by Lucy Christopher, a book that explores the influence that a really wild and remote space can have on the inner development of a young woman who has been "stolen" from her life by her captor Ty. Check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

JFK - Profile in Courage Essay Contest

2010-09-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Turn your words and ideas in to cold hard cash ($5000) and at the same time garner a little praise in the process. Here are the essay contest details:

Students are asked to write an original and creative essay of less than 1,000 words that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. Students should use a variety of sources such as newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews to address the following topic:

Describe and analyze the decisions, actions, and risks of an elected public official in the United States since 1956 who has courageously addressed a political issue at the local, state, national, or international level.

Check out all of the information at the John F. Kennedy Library website for details.

September! Oy! Back to School & Reality!

2010-09-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Summer seemed like a dream, didn't it? One that was over all-too quickly. As students gear up to return to school (some started this week), the library is gearing up to return to "school mode" with you. I have a "Back to School" display of "school-centric" fiction that will help you get in the back to school mood with stories about teens just like you (some not so much like you) who are dealing with school's ups and downs, challenges and victories. Check it out, it's located above the DVD collection by the Adult Services and Circulation desks.

We also have some new titles in the YA section. We've got the third installment in the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay. I know many people, including myself have been eager to see how things turn out for Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Also new are a couple of graphic novels I picked up at Comic Con at the end of July. Caliber, Shrapnel and Legacy of the Lost are published by Radical, my friends Renee and David Wohl turned me on to these three great titles.

Just a few more titles to consider: Green Angel by super popular author Alice Hoffman and Sisters Red a second novel from Jackson Pearce, a great story about werewolf-hunting sisters and the complications their dynamic and complicated relationship. Last but not least is the first book in the Glee series (yes based on the super-popular TV series) , Glee: The Beginning. You should make sure to make time for recreational reading in between school preparations and going back to school. I promise you, you will be glad that you did!

Finally we have some great teen programs coming up in September. I am still looking for a few more teens to join the Teen Advisory Council, check out the TAC here. On September 17 @ 3:30pm we are showing the action-packed Prince of Persia starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley. This movie is rated PG-13.

In September on Friday, September 24 from 3:30-5pm, we are starting the semi-regular Fun and Games Fridays. We'll open up the Community room and have traditional and video games set up for you. A nice relaxed atmosphere where you can have some fun, get a little competitive and relax. I might even feed you! You know I will! See you there!

Join the Teen Advisory Council

2010-08-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

If you:
o You want to be involved in planning programs for Teens.

o You want to help with Teen programs at the library.

o You need volunteer hours for school.

o You want to help develop the teen collection (pick out books, magazines, graphic novels)

o You want to advocate for teens in your local library.

o You love the library and want to be involved.

Follow this link to find out more about the TAC!!!

Making Wave.....Bottles...

2010-07-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

Our final Teen SRP craft program on Thursday, July 29 was not sweet, like Candy Sushi and it wasn't complicated like the Duct Tape Wallets and it didn't make us laugh hysterically like Jeff T.G did but it was fun and simple. Recycle an empty water bottle, take some colored water, vegetable oil, glitter and some confetti and what do you get....well something that can entertain you for well, minutes on end. Trust me, they are fairly hypnotizing!!

Duct Tape Wallets...Seriously Fun!

2010-07-27T14:25:00.001-07:00

It sounds odd, wallets made from duct tape but you should have seen some of the incredibly stylish and fully functional wallets everyone turned out on Wednesday at our program! I am very happy with mine! Check out the picks!

We are wrapping up Teen Summer Reading with one last program on Thursday, July 29 @ 3pm - Wave Bottles so make sure to join us!

2010-07-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Crazy time @ Comic Con!!!

2010-07-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Okay....say what you want but Comic Con is the place to be. For example I was there and so was: the cast of Glee, Human Target, True Blood, Star Trek Next Generation, Fringe, the Avengers, the Green Lantern, Angelina Jolie, Harrison Ford, Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Bruce Willis and many many more. Plus there were crazy costumes, books and graphic novels, authors and illustrators, toys, gaming, movie previews and screenings, parties.....it was all there and I was a part of it. Just take a look @ my photos above! BTW, can anyone tell me what that big brown box creature is????

New Books for your summer reading pleasure!

2010-07-19T10:02:00.001-07:00

NEW BOOKS for summer reading !!!!
First we have Choppy Socky Blues by Ed Briant and next we have Killer and Heartless books 6 & 7 in the Pretty Little Liars Series by Sara Shepard. We also have Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner and no, it's not what you think....it's actually a book set @ a summer program dedicated to the arts that takes the battle of the sexes to a whole new level. Lastly but certainly not" least-ly,"(???) we have Sellout by Ebony Joy Wilkins. Check out all of these books and our other New Titles here @ the Library!

Duct Tape Wallets...Seriously!!!

2010-07-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

That's right, I said "duct tape" from the hardware store! Teens (13-17) will be able to make their very own stylish and fully functioning wallet out of duct tape! Wednesday, July 21 @ 3:00pm. And there is still time to sign-up to win our Grand Prize, an Apple iPad. Click here for details...

Jeff t.g.....Just Amazing and funny too!

2010-07-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have to be honest...I was a little skeptical that Jeff would win over teenagers the way he won over about 200 librarians when he performed for us back in January but...skeptics beware...Jeff T.G. is a laugh riot...because that is what we all did: laughed, chucked, giggled but mostly we were entertained...big time! Check out the photos from the program!

Jeff t.g.....performing for your amusement and amazement!!

2010-07-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Splish! Splash! Read: It’s Magic

Wednesday, July 14 @ 4:30 PM

Jeff.t.g is a magician and comedian who will amaze and amuse! His style of high energy, improvisational entertainment is filled with audience participation and great fun that you won’t want to miss. Teens, I'll see you in the Altadena Library Community Room @ 4:30 pm.

Sand Candles - Messy but Cool!!!!

2010-07-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

Okay this was really fun but I must admit, kinda messy. We did end up with some fine looking sand candles in the end. I am just glad I didn't have to do all of the clean-up myself. Check out the pics from the event on Thursday, July 8 @ 4pm.

Sand Candles Program - Teen SRP

2010-07-07T11:41:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, July 8 @ 4pm, we are going to get a little creative and a lot dirty (at least a little) when we play in the sand to make up some fun and funky beach inspired sand candles. Let's "Make some Waves!"

Candy Sushi??? - Oh what fun we had!

2010-07-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, probably not the healthiest program but definitely a really fun program. We took various sweets: rice crispy treats, Twinkies, Jelly bellies, Sixlets (bet your parents know these candies), fruit roll-ups and Swedish fish and we crafted them in to some amazing looking candy sushi. Check out the photos to the left!!!

Great Free SAT Website!!!

2010-06-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

INeedAPencil.com is a Free SAT Prep site that offers Online lessons, practice questions, score projections, digital notes and more! This company was formed by Jason Shah who started the company when he was in high school with a vision to change test prep forever. He currently runs the company and studies at Harvard University. Check it out!!

Candy Sushi???

2010-06-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

Yes Candy Sushi!! You bet! There is such a thing. Drop by the library on Thursday, July 1 @ 4:00pm and show us your sushi making skills. We will also show an Anime Feature and if you are signed up for the Teen Summer Reading Program, you will recieve a Grand Prize Raffle Ticket (GPRT) for participating!
See you there!

Make Wave's @ your Library this summer!

2010-06-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Teen Summer Reading Program "Kick's Off" on Friday, June 25th from 10-11 a.m. Come down' the the library and sign-up at our Donut Drop-in!!! Teens must be ages 13-17 to participate. Feel free to check out our Calendar of Events! All TSRP participants will be entered in our Grand Prize raffle of an Apple iPAD!!!

Read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner Online!

2010-06-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yes that is right from June 7 until July 5, 2010 you can read Stephenie Meyer's new novella, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. Just follow this link! Enjoy!

Cooking for Summer Reading Prizes

2010-06-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of me at the Gallery at the End of the World's "Art Bender Weekend." As I have always loved cooking and catering, I have been lucky to have the opportunity to cook for the Sunday Brunch. This weekend was no different except I decided to up my game because I was donating all of the money that I made in tips to the Altadena Library Teen Summer Reading Program.....

I got baking early on Saturday and then arrived at the gallery Sunday with muffins, scones, coffee cake and other pastries and then I settled in to cook. Ben McGinty provides the essentials: eggs, bacon, etc. and I do the cooking. It was a long 5 hours and I cooked a lot of food, including potatoes, frittatas and 5 pounds of bacon, yes I said, five pounds of maple glazed bacon was served up to the the hungry attendees. Many people were happy to give even more than their usual tip when they heard the cause I was cooking for. "That's awesome" and "I love libraries," were just a few of the positive comments I heard. It was a long hard day of cooking but worth every minute. At the end of the day I tallied up my tips and wrote a check to the library in the amount of $161.00 and that was even with tipping out to some of the other helpers.

I just want to thank everyone who so generously donated on Sunday and everyone else who is supporting the Teen Summer Reading program including the Friends of the Altadena Library! We (the teens and I) really appreciate your support!

New YA Video Games and DVDs.....

2010-05-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Finally...the new titles that I ordered for the YA DVD and Rental Game Collections are in!
Here is the highlight reel....

DVDs:
According to Greta
Avatar
Breaking Away
Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Drive Me Crazy
Girl Interrupted
Good Will Hunting
Heathers
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Naruto Uncut Season 1, Vol 1
Naruto Uncut Season 1, Vol 2

Rental Video Games
Final Fantasy XIII [PS3] [XBOX]
2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer [XBOX] [Wii]
Super Street Fighter IV [XBOX]
Just Dance [Wii]
Monster Hunter Tri [Wii]

Come to the YA area in the Main Library and be sure to browse our other titles.

Teens and the US Government

2010-05-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the US Government has a page just for teens? Yes they do! Resources for education, work, recreation and all types of useful information....

Check it out!

New Books for May 2010

2010-05-18T15:37:00.001-07:00

NEW BOOKS FOR MAY !!!!
First we have Diva by Alex Flinn author of Beastly which has been adapted for the big screen and is coming to a theater near you this summer. Next we have Kick Ass, this is a fairly graphic graphic novel (not for younger teens) written by Mark Millar with illustration by John Romita Jr. about an average guy who decides he wants to be a super hero. We also have Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs and Living Hell by Catherine Jinks...a science fiction book that tells the story of the Plexis spacecraft that is hit by a radiation wave that literally turns their serene life into a nightmare... Of course, this is just the beginning so of our bounty so, check out these and all of our great new books today!

This Weekend - Buy a book then explore Space

2010-05-13T11:40:00.001-07:00

This weekend two very cool events are happening! First is the Annual Friends of the Altadena Library Book Sale on Friday (4-7pm), Saturday (10am-4pm) and Sunday(1pm-4pm). The first day is only a preview for Friends members.

The second event is JPL's Annual Open House! They have exhibits, displays, films, interactive booths and actual equipment that goes into space like lunar rovers! Many of the Lab's scientists and engineers are on hand to answer questions about how spacecraft are sent to other planets, how scientists utilize space technologies to explore Earth and how researchers are searching for planets beyond the solar system. Click here for info!

Having Fun Making Sweets 4 Mom

2010-05-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great time yesterday making chocolate treats at our Sweets 4 the Sweet program. I have a feeling that there are going to be some very happy mothers here in Altadena!

Sweets 4 the Sweet

2010-05-06T12:39:00.001-07:00

Teens and Tweens (12-17), come to the Altadena Library and create treats and a lovely card to give to Mom for Mother's Day. Thursday, May 6 from 4-5pm.

Are You Artsy Fartsy?

2010-04-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

If answered "Yes," then you should check out the Art Center's "Saturday High!" It's open to talented students who are interested in strengthening their artistic skills/talents. Saturday High courses include drawing, painting, comic book illustration, character design, photography, animation, product and transportation design, graphic design, fashion design, video game design, environmental design and more. There are scholarships available but the deadline is approaching super-fast, Thursday, April 29.

So if you're interested check out their information posted here.

2010 Summer High Schedule

Registration: Apr.26, 2010 - Jun.5, 2010

Late Registration Begins: Jun.5, 2010

Scholarship Deadline: Apr.29, 2010

Classes Begin: Jun. 5, 2010

Holiday - no classes: Jul. 3, 2010 - Jul. 4, 2010

Last Day to Drop classes: Jul.16, 2010

Classes End: Aug.14, 2010

Open House: Aug.14, 2010

So YOU say you are ready to "Head out on the highway!"

2010-04-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

Calling all future teen drivers! The Altadena CHP is offering a "Start Smart" teen driving awareness class on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 22 @ 6 pm. Yes, I know you think that driving is "no big deal" but trust me, from someone who has been driving for well a couple of years now, it's not as much of "no brainer" as you might think. So for teens and parents of teens who are entering the "driving" phase of their lives.....Check out this free class. "An ounce of prevention" and all of that kind of stuff! Check out the link with all of the particulars on the Altadenablog!

Decked out YA Area

2010-04-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Did you hear?
Have you seen?
The fabulous new furniture in the YA Area?
Thanks to the Friends of the Altadena Library, Altadena teens have a great new place to relax and hang-out in the Library! The new furniture is just part of the revamp happening in the YA area....there are a few more changes in store. Come down and check it out!!!

For Journalistically Minded Teens....

2010-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Have you read an issue of LA Youth? It is a bi-monthly newspaper written by teens for teens. Copies of the current LA Youth newspaper are available in the YA area. This edition has articles dealing with eating healthy, mudslides, the US census and race and one teen's reaction when she found out her friend was gay.

The articles are insightful and well written with a unique perspective that can only come from someone who is authentically a teen. Currently LA Youth is offering a Summer Workshop where LA County teens between the ages of 15-18 attending high school have the opportunity to participate in an intensive 6-week program during which you will write and publish an article in LA Youth and be able to conduct interviews. There is a small $75 fee but there are applications available. Click here for details. Even if you don't decide to apply for the workshop, make sure to grab a copy of LA Youth in the YA area the next time you visit the library or read it online!

More Great New YA Books for March 2010

2010-03-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

And yet there are more.....books that is. Let's take a look at the continuing stream of great new YA books here at the Altadena Library!The Dark Devine by Bree Despain, Breathless by Lurene McDaniel, Pretty Dead by Francesca Block author of Weezie Bat and Dangerous Angels, and the graphic novel adaptation of Twilight illustrated by Young Kim. There are also some great new Graphic Novels! We also have some great new YA Biographies on Tyra Banks and Salma Hayek. Check out these and all of our great new books today!

New YA DVDs

2010-03-09T13:30:00.001-08:00

Well they are new to the collection. Some are new, some are classic titles that are great for teens. Check out our YA DVD collection additions:

American Teen - A documentary that follows 5 teens through their senior year
Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging - based on the series by Louise Rennison
Dead Poets Society - Robin Williams got an Oscar nomination for his role in this awesome movie! Ever After - A twist on the classic Cinderella tale starring and produced by Drew BarrymoreFame - A remake of the original movie that I wanted to see when it came out but I was too young. We have the "R" rated original. Ask your parents if you can watch the original movie with them after...If not, you will just have to wait like I did!Good Hair - Chris Rock's documentary on black folks and our hair....highly classified information!Gossip Girl (Seasons 1 & 2) - based on the Cecily von Ziegesar seriesJustice League - Crisis on Two EarthsNever Been Kissed - Going back to high school can be scary for an adult..The Perfect Score - Getting a good grade on the S.A.T. is important to these intrepid teens...Post Grad - Starring Alex Bledel
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen! "Need I say more?"
Quantum Hoops - A documentary on the Cal Tech basketball team. I bet you didn't even know that Cal Tech had a basketball team!Sense and Sensibility "ditto" Jane Austen!!!

"Yet Another" New Book Alert - March 2010

2010-03-02T13:46:00.001-08:00

What's new for March 2010???? Yes I know, the same question you just asked yourself about a week ago! Well what can I say, I post them as they come in - so here they are: Tenth Grade Bleeds by Heather Brewer, book three in the series the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Boys R Us (A Clique Novel) by Lisi Harrison, The Mark by Jen Madol and the gorgeously illustrated graphic novel Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry. There are also some great new Graphic Novels! Check out these and all of our great new books today!

New Book Alert - March 2010

2010-02-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

What's new for March 2010? The Shadow Project by Herbie Brennan, They Never Came Back by Caroline Cooney author of The Face on the Milk Carton, Captivate by Carrie Jones and You Don't Even Know Me: Stories and Poems about Boys by Sharon G. Flake. There are also some great new Graphic Novels! Check out these and all of our great new books today!

Altoids Tin - Travel Candle Program

2010-02-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

I’ve been collecting a multitude of empty Altoids tins especially for this fun program. Teens and Tweens (12-17), come on down and participate in this great “green” program. Create a handy-dandy little travel candle for fun and for function! Thursday, February 25 @ 4:30pm, in the Community Room.

February New YA Book Alert!!!

2010-02-12T17:10:00.001-08:00

What's new for February? The Maze Runner by James Dashner author of The Journal of Curious Letters, Huge by James W. Fuerst, The treasure map of boys: Noel, Jackson, Finn, Hutch, Gideon--and me, Ruby Oliver by E. Lockhart and Winter's End by Jean-Claude Mourlevat. Check out these awesome books or one of our other great new titles today!

Free Practice SAT

2010-02-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 20 @ 10:15 AM. Teen's 13+ can take a full-length SAT under realistic testing conditions. Then you can return to the Library on Tuesday, March 2 @ 6pm to receive a score report showing your strengths and weaknesses and learn some test taking strategies to help improve your score. Please contact the library by phone: 626-798-0833 x108 or by email: hfirchow@altadenalibrary.org for registration.

CALLING ALL CREATIVE TEENS!!!!

2010-01-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

The California State Summer School for the Arts (INNERSPARK) is seeking the most talented high school-aged visual, literary, media and performing artists in California. The teenagers who are selected through the competitive application process with attend one of the country's premier cummer afts institutes on the campus of California Institute of the Arts, in Valencia, from July 10 through August 6, 2010.

The application deadline (postmark) is February 27, 2010. Application and Financial Aid Forms must be downloaded from INNERSPARK. If you have questions, want more information contact INNERSPARK at (916) 274-5815 or by email to application@innerspark.us.

More New Teen Books for Rainy Day Reading...

2010-01-19T18:26:00.001-08:00

We've got some great new books at the library for your rainy day reading! Raven Summer by David Almond author of Kit's Wilderness, Girl Stays In the Picture by Melissa De La Cruz, Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga and (Re)Cycler by Lauren Mclaughlin. Check out these awesome books or one of our other great new titles today!