HEX HALL

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins is the first in a new series about a different kind of school...a school for all beings supernatural. Sophie ends up in Hex Hall because she is witch, who happened to cast a spell at her human high school which caused a bit of an uproar. Suddenly her absentee warlock dad showed up and told she had to attend a different school, Hecate (aka Hex) Hall.

While the school is different in many ways, the same old high school cliques and politics exist, and Sophie must learn to fit in and deal with the drama. Of course, it's a little bit different when magic is involved.

As Sophie starts to learn about her past and her powers, she comes to realize that she has a very special gift and she must use it wisely.

DEAR GEORGE CLOONEY

I just finished reading a hilarious book, Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom by Susin Nielsen. Violet's mother and father are divorced. Her father moved to LA and married a famous actress. Violet lives with her mother and sister in a small apartment in Vancouver. Her mother has been through a long string of terrible boyfriends and the latest one is the WORST. He dresses terrible and his name is Dudley Wiener.

Violet and her best friend Phoebe want to end the madness once and for all, so they decide to find her mom a new handsome boyfriend. They even write a letter to George Clooney trying to convince him to settle down and marry her mother. Their efforts don't always work out like they want them too.

Check out this book for a lot of laughs !

CHI'S SWEET HOME

Chi's Sweet Home is a new graphic novel series about this cute little cat name Chi. Chi cannot find her mother cat, but luckily he was rescued by a family. Unfortunately, this family lives in an apartment complex that does not allow pets. They try to keep Chi a secret while they search for a new home for him. This is hard because Chi, like most cats, gets himself into some troublesome situations.

This is a fun story and is just the first in a series about Chi's many fun adventures. The manga illustrations are simple, cute and colorful. This is sure to appeal to girl graphic novel enthusiasts.

MY LIFE AS A BOOK

My Life as a Book, written by Janet Tashjian, is all about the funny and artistic Derek. He's a bit of a slacker in school and despises reading books. What he really likes is drawing and reading comics. His mother tries to bribe him into reading but he ends up hiding in the attic and searching through all the old boxes. Inside one of them he finds an old newspaper article with the headline, Local Girl Found Dead on Beach. This peaks his interest even moreso when his mother confiscates it and throws it away.

Derek ends up in Learning Camp AKA Summer School and is assigned to read and report on three books over the summer. Yeah right. Instead, Derek finds himself investigating the mysterious newspaper article and trying to figure out why it was in their attic.

This is a fun mystery read with a good character that most kids can relate to. Derek's doodles fill the pages' margins and add humor to the story.

TEEN ANIMEFEST IS SATURDAY!

Saturday starting at noon at the Figge Art Museum is the 3rd annual Teen AnimeFest. Please submit your artwork or videos to the library ASAP. Come dressed in costume or make your own at the workshop. Learn chip tuning, costume making, plushie sewing, and how to make candy sushi. Everyone ages 12-19 are invited whether or not they contribute to the art show. Admission to the Figge is $5.

See you then!

ANIME MADNESS

Check out these two upcoming events for Ani-maniacs!


More info is available at your library.

MOCKINGJAY

The final book in the amazing Hunger Games Trilogy comes out tomorrow! Get your hands on this book immediately! Learn what happens to Peeta, Katniss, Gale, and the other tributes. Let me tell you, it is awesome!

THE LOST CITY OF Z by DAVID GRANN

The Lost City of Z by David Grann is about the British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925 while searching for a lost elaborate city in the Amazon. The lost city of gold, or El Dorado, was long sought by explorers to the region. Fawcett wasn't searching for gold as much as he was searching to prove himself correct. He believed in a civilization that could live and thrive in the dangerous region. He himself had visited the Amazon numerous times and learned how to communicate with the local tribes and avoid the disease and starvation that had plagued so many. If anyone could find a lost city, it would be Fawcett.
Fawcett also took along his son Jack and Jack's friend Raleigh. They were last heard from on May 29, 1925. He was a well known explorer, so many people decided to venture after him. The book reports that some have estimated over 100 people died or were lost trying to find him.
The story is fascinating and Grann does a terrific job of describing the character that was Fawcett. He, himself, also ventured to the Amazon region and found a world much different than the one Fawcett explored.

This is a great adventure read that doesn't get bogged down by scientific facts or narrative. Highly recommended for ages 12+

SUMMER READING COOKOUT

Join us on Friday July 30th at Centennial Park in Eldridge for a cookout to celebrate the end of the summer reading program. Free hot dogs, chips, and pop! All teens are invited attend.

Stop by any time from 12-1:30 p.m.

CHOCOLATE DAY and MODELS DON'T EAT CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Celebrate Chocolate Day at the library! JULY 7TH 1-3 PM
Watch a movie about a sweet chocolate factory and it's eccentric owner. Starring Johnny Depp.

You gotta have chocolate to celebrate, so of course we will be eating lots of chocolatey treats. I'll even have a recipe for making body scrub from cocoa.

In the meantime, read Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies by Erin Dionne. It's all about a girl named Celeste who is constantly trying to lose weight (and not eat chocolate). What she doesn't realize is that her mother entered her in a modeling contest for plus sized girls. And now she is a finalist. Celeste decides to sabotage herself by losing weight. But chocolate cookies are just too good to resist. Will she be able to accept herself as she is and be proud of her modeling? Or is losing weight the only way she will be happier?

SETH BAUMGARTNER'S LOVE MANIFESTO by ERIC LUPER

I just finished this fun novel by Eric Luper called Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto. Seth is obviously the main character. His life takes a turn for the worse all in one day. It all starts when he visits his girlfriend during her break at the Applebee's where she works. She decides they need to break up because they've become "too comfortable" with each other. While there, Seth also sees his father and a lady, who is NOT his mother, cozying up in a booth. He hurries back to his job, only to be fired.

Most of the book focuses on Seth trying to get back with or get over his ex, finding a new job, and investigating this mystery woman his father is seeing. Of course, he gets in a lot of trouble on his way to figuring these things out.

Recommended for ages 13+

NEW STEPHENIE MEYER BOOK

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer is out now! You can buy it in a bookstore, which donates $1 of the sale to the American Red Cross, or you can read it online until July 5th at www.breetanner.com

Or you can always order it from the library...
visit our website and click Online Catalog to search. There will undoubtedly be a wait for it, so place a hold using your library card and we will let you know when it's ready for you!

The book is about a minor character from the Eclipse book, Bree Tanner. She's a vampire, but not of the Cullen "no human hunting" persuasion. Be sure to come to our Eclipse party on June 28th from 3-4 p.m. to talk about the book and win cool Twilight prizes.

SUMMER READING

PRIZES AWARDED BASED ON HOURS READ

5 HOURS- Rubber Ducky and Raffle entry for River Bandits tickets
10 HOURS- Cell phone/MP3 pouch and Raffle entry for Visa gift cards
15 HOURS- Brand new book and Raffle entry for Visa gift cards
20 HOURS- Bonus entry into Raffle.

Sign up at your branch library or click here to download a log. You will need MS Publisher

CLICK HERE FOR OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

SUMMER READING COMING SOON!!!

GOOD DOG GREEN DOG by DOMINIQUE de VITO

Earth day is Thursday, April 22nd! Today's book is all about helping the environment and helping your dog....

Green Dog, Good Dog by Dominique DeVito is a short book that offers helpful tips on how to reduce "your best friend's carbon paw print." DeVito does so without being preachy or too technical when it comes to being earth friendly.
Her tips can make a huge difference in saving energy. According to her, if 10% of households with pets chose greener options, 4 million households would be generating less waste and electricity. That is a big difference made just by following a few tips.
Her tips actually come in 4 levels. Level 1 is just making a conscious choice to be greener. Level 2 is making a strong effort, level 3 is living as green as possible, and level 4 is the greenest. She recommends starting with level 1 and working your way through the levels.
For me, the most helpful tips were the home remedies that can be used in place of chemical treatments for things like shampooing, flea and tick prevention, and grooming.
If you have a dog, check out this book and see what you and your dog can do to minimize your impact on the environment.

SPRINKLE WITH MURDER by JENNIFER MCKINLAY

Looking for a fun book to read while on vacation, I found Sprinkle with Murder by Jennifer McKinlay. A new title in the Berkley Prime Crime line up, this book begins the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. The 'star' of the series is Mel Cooper, one of the owners of the Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery. She works with her best friend and co-owner Angela. The third owner is their other best friend Tate.

Tate is engaged to fashion designer Christie Stephens. Christie is a bit of a diva and demands that Mel bake her some sample cupcakes so she can decide what to order for her wedding. Unfortunately for both of them, Christie is found dead with Mel's cupcake in hand. With rumors swirling of Mel and/or Tate being involved in the murder, Mel decides to take matters into her own hands and solve the case.

This is a fun mystery that will appeal to teens and it's a must-read for all cupcake fans! There are a few twists and turns I didn't see coming, and a brewing romance. I plan on trying out some of the great cake recipes in the back.

YouTube Red Carpet Premiere

Check out the grand prize winning videos here...

and here's a list of the winners!

Congrats!

The 3rd Annual IMAX screening event was a hit! Check out the list of winners:
Best Cinematography- Words Can Mend by Shelby Bargren

Best Original Screenplay- A Day in the Life of Stephen King by Steven Bieber, Anjel Niaves, Thomas Bieber

Best Costume Design- Anime Surfing by Liberty Meyer, Ernest Meyer, Victoria Meyer, Tami Koob, Zac Dague

Best Action Video- Adventures of Candy by Dorothy Weaver and Taylor Myrick

Best Drama- Stephenie Meyer: Daydreamer by Christine Hultquist, Stephanie Pete, Carlie Mullins, Maggie Kirby

Best Directing- A Day in the Life of Stephenie Meyer by Justin Wheeler and Alex Bock

Best Comedy- Red Riding Hood by Ali and Gabi Lenger

Best Acting- Ouran High School Host Club by Gabriella Garrido, Maya Garrido, Susana Garrido, Brandon Stephens, Caitlyn Stineman, Rhiannon Moore, Kaitlyn Martin

Best Sound Effects- Z.Rex by Nathan and Brady Bargren

Best Soundtrack- Makoto and Chiaki by Kimber Johnston

Best Visual Effects- The Magic Lights by Ben, Matt, and Josh Haycraft

Best Suspense- The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod trailer by Trent Dailey

Best Animated Short Film-The Visit to Dr. Pepper by Ben, Matt, and Josh Haycraft

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS:
Librarian’s Choice Award-A Day in the Life of Stephen King

Viewer’s Choice Award-Ouran High School Host Club

YouTube

The YouTube video fest is March 25th

Everyone is invited to attend the screening at 7 pm at the Putnam Museum and IMAX Theatre in Davenport. Those who entered videos are invited to pre-screening pizza party, starting at 6 pm. Be dressed to impress as Kurt Liske from Fox News will be there as well as Stephanie from the QC Times, and many other news organizations!

Check out the videos submitted by CLICKING HERE!

OPERATION ANIME- MARCH

March 15th at 6 p.m., right before our March Madness Party, you can view Save Me! Lollipop! Episode 1. Rated TV-PG

THE VINYL PRINCESS by YVONNE PRINZ

This is a great read for all music lovers out there. Especially those who collect records.
Allie is a record junkie. She loves collecting vinyl and listening to all types of music on her record player. It's summer and she's enjoying her job working at Bob and Bob Records in Berkley CA, going through records and eyeing the mysterious new guy who has been browsing the bins. The summer takes an interesting turn for all characters when Allie gets asked out, her friend dumps her cheating boyfriend, her mom starts dating again, and her dad announces his girlfriends' pregnancy. All the while, Allie discusses her favorite records on her new blog, The Vinyl Princess. Will she find other record junkies and/or true love? Check it out at the library.

MARCH MADNESS MONDAY

ON March 15th at 6:30 p.m., teens are invited to stop by the library to celebrate the madness that is March. Fill out an NCAA bracket and the teen who comes closest to the actual results will win a prize (after the tournament is completed) Also, on that Monday night we will be eating some game time snacks and having a NERF free throw contest. Ages 12+ are invited !

FEBRUARY 15TH

Feb. 15th is our Anti-Valentine's Day party with a movie and pizza! 6-7 :30 p.m. in Eldridge

Also...
Pay your overdues and help Haiti!!

3rd Annual YouTube Video Contest!!!

Click below for the YouTube entry forms in publisher or jpg formats. See the library for details.

youtube-flier-2010.pub

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID TRAILER!

This movie should be good... we'll see...it's out in April

ATTN: ANIMANIACS: OPERATION ANIME

The next screening will be January 18th from 6 - 6:30p.m. at the Eldridge library.
We will be watching Black Cat !













Check out www.funimation.com for a preview. All teens 12+ are invited to attend.

I SO DON'T DO SPOOKY by BARRIE SUMMY

For a fun mystery read with a paranormal twist, check out I So Don't Do Spooky by Barrie Summy. Sherry's mother was killed while serving as a policewoman for the city of Phoenix. However, Sherry can still talk to her ghost. Because her mother was a great detective when she was alive, the Ghost Academy uses her to solve spooky mysteries. Sherry seems to have inherited her mother's gift as well, so she also helps the Academy with their mysteries.
In this particular book, Sherry's stepmother Paula is being stalked and it's up to Sherry and her mother to figure out the who and why. The suspects include a student who is failing one of Paula's classes, students from another school, a dead principal, and maybe a few other possible ghosts. Just when you think you have it figured out, there's another twist to throw you off. This is a fun relatively non-spooky mystery for younger fans of the Dead Is and Maggie Quinn series or older fans of Nancy Drew.

Craft for Charity !

Come to the library on Saturday January 30th to volunteer your time for a charity!
Stop by from 1-2 p.m. to create Valentine cards for service men and women serving overseas. All supplies will be provided. have a heart! give a heart!