DropBox

Sunset Branch Teen Movie Night: Twilight

2009-04-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Based on the wildly popular book, a high school girl, Bella, moves to Seattle and begins to notice the dark and mysterious Edward. As she gets to know him better she discovers that he is a vampire but it doesn’t change the fact that she is falling in love with him. A rival vampire clan pursues them and she is forced to decide if she is going to stay in a relationship that might cost her life.

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Summit Entertainment; Directed by Catherine Hardwicke
Rated PG-13; 122 minutes; 2008

2009-03-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

The TEEN DROPBOX has MOVED!!!

Check out our new blog at http://sfpl.org/dropbox

Crafty Teen: Fuzzy Beads!

2009-02-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

What'll you do for a Valentine's gift this year?

Want to make something small, warm and fuzzy?

Learn to make felted beads for jewelry or keychains using:

Some Wool

Hot Water

and Friction!

For ages 10-18. Space is limited. For information or to register, contact Dorcas Wong at (415) 355-5700 or dwong@sfpl.org

Crafty Teen: Transform Your Tee!

2009-01-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little chilly in this SF weather?

Got an old T-shirt?

Bring it in and we'll learn how to transform your tee into an awesome pair of ARM WARMERS!
(Discovered in the book, Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay.)

If you can't bear to cut your own tee up, no worries. Materials will be provided.

For ages 12-18. But if you're younger and want to participate, hopefully you'll at least have some experience with needle and thread because this does require some basic sewing skills (ex. how not to poke yourself with pins).

Location:

Ortega Branch Library

3223 Ortega St.

(at 39th Ave., right next to A.P. Giannini)

San Francisco, CA 94122

Date & Time:

January 18, 2009, Sunday

2:00PM - 3:30PM

Registration is required. If you have questions please contact Dorcas at (415) 355-5700 or dwong@sfpl.org

See you there!

Knit Happens!

2009-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Teen Knitting and Crochet Club

If you’re between 12 and 18 and want to learn to knit, crochet or just want to hang out and knit or crochet with other teens, join us! The library will provide supplies to practice on but bring your own yarn and needles or hooks to start your own unique project. We generally meet the third Saturday of each month. Although this program is aimed at teens primarily, we also welcome knitters & crocheters from 9-99, both experienced and new, to join us!

Dates for January/February/March 2009 are:

Saturday, January 17

Saturday, February 21

Saturday, March 21

2–4 p.m.

Fisher Children’s Center, Main Library, 2nd Floor

100 Larkin St. (at Grove)

Questions? Call or e-mail Betsy Levine, Teen Librarian at (415) 557-4497 or blevine@sfpl.org.

2009-01-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

TEEN ART CONTEST!!

Theme: "Cool It! Green Teen Summer Read"

(eco-theme!)
Deadline: Tuesday February 10, 2009 at 6p.m.
Design an illustration for the Teen Summer Read Program 2009 and win:
$100 plus your art all over the city!

Get a Registration form at http://sfpl.org/sfplonline/teen/teens.htm
The design theme is "Cool It! Green Teen Summer Read," relating to environmental awareness and reading.
Original drawings, photos, computer designs (eps file high res pdf preferred, colors must be cmyk) accepted.
8.5" by 11" dimensions preferred.
Submit artwork and reg form by mail to Office of Children and Youth Services, San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Or hand in to any San Francisco Public Library. Questions: call 415-557-4268 or email jennifercollins@sfpl.org
For artists aged 12-18.

What We're Reading Now

2008-12-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Skip Beat by Yoshiki Nakamura

Kyoko leaves her hometown to follow her childhood crush to Tokyo, where he plans on becoming a singing superstar. While she works several jobs to pay for the apartment and living expenses, Shoutaro (now Shou), with his good looks and voice, steadily rises in popularity. Now, one day, while Kyoko decides to suprise him with lunch at work, she overhears a conversation between him and his lovely manager. He smugly announces that now that he's famous, he's ready to move out and dump Kyoko. Instead of bawling her eyes out, Kyoko decides on sweet revenge, to crush him in the world of show business.

Reasons for Awesomeness:

Kyoko is spunky, quirky, smart, and can be dark and menacing in one frame, and watery-eyed, innocent in another.

This manga has just the right touch of comedy to offset the angst and pain of personal discovery.

Though it's more of a shoujo manga (heavy on the relationships), it has enough action going on to feed the need for those high-speed chases and adrenaline pumping fights and such.

It's also been made into an anime.

Check it out some time and tell us what you think.

We've invaded Facebook!

2008-11-24T16:45:00.001-08:00

In answer to an earlier poll, we, the teen librarians of San Francisco, have begun a new Facebook group for Teen Services. Search for us under "Teen Services SFPL" and we'll add you.
See you there!

Crafty Teen: Crochet!

2008-10-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

On this day, the 25th of October, much fun was had with yarn and crochet hooks at the Ortega branch library. Though it was a bit tricky at first, with a little practice hopefully we will all have something to gift to someone by the end of the year.

If you attended and would like a reminder, or if you didn't but have always been intrigued with the interesting things you can create with a length of yarn, check out this how to site on crocheting:
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/2188_crochet-scarf.htm

It contains video clips that will also teach you how to pick yarn, tips and advice, and what to do with specialty yarns (ex. those fuzzy ones that have things sticking out every which way).

Have Fun!

TEEN READ WEEK CHALLENGE WINNER!

2008-10-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

We have a winner (who has been contacted) in the Teen Read Week "Books with Bite" challenge!

The correct answer for the challenge was "Experience Immortality at the Twilight Party."

Don't forget to come to:

Twilight Movie Party
Locations: Main Library Latino/Hispanic Room: 100 Larkin St. (at Grove)
Time: Saturday November 15, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
For information, contact Rachel Aronowitz at (415) 557-4426 or raronowitz@sfpl.org.

Check the blog for future challenges!!

TEEN READ WEEK CHALLENGE DAY 5 (a little early!)!!

2008-10-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

DAY 5: There’s a teen event on November 15th at the Main Library called “Twilight Movie ________.” (fill in the blank). Hint: go to www.sfpl.org . Click “Events,” scroll to Teen Center at the bottom and find an event for Nov 15th.

Instructions: Find out the answer to each question for the all 5 days this week and email all 5 answers (they spell out a secret message) to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com by Monday October 20th at 5pm. HINT: visit http://www.sfpl.org/ to start your search. Drawing will take place on Wednesday October 22nd. You may start playing at anytime during the week and go back to previous days' questions. With 5 correct answers, you could win a blood-red iPod Nano (8 GB)!

TEEN READ WEEK CHALLENGE DAY 4!

2008-10-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

DAY 4: What movie trailer is featured on www.myspace.com/sfteenlibrarian? Hint: scroll down!

Instructions: Find out the answer to each question for the all 5 days this week and email all 5 answers (they spell out a secret message) to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com by Monday October 20th at 5pm. HINT: visit http://www.sfpl.org/ to start your search. Drawing will take place on Wednesday October 22nd. You may start playing at anytime during the week and go back to previous days' questions. With 5 correct answers, you could win a blood-red iPod Nano (8 GB)!

TEEN READ WEEK CHALLENGE DAY 3!

2008-10-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

DAY 3: On the San Francisco Public Library website (www.sfpl.org), what do the letters A.T. stand for in the initials “A.T.L. online?” Hint: Click “News: What’s happening at the Library” then look for the “What’s New” category.

Instructions: Find out the answer to each question for the all 5 days this week and email all 5 answers (they spell out a secret message) to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com by Monday October 20th at 5pm. HINT: visit http://www.sfpl.org/ to start your search. Drawing will take place on Wednesday October 22nd. You may start playing at anytime during the week and go back to previous days' questions. With 5 correct answers, you could win a blood-red iPod Nano (8 GB)!

2008-10-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

TEEN READ WEEK CHALLENGE DAY 2!! With 5 correct answers, you could win a blood-red iPod Nano (8 GB)!

DAY 2: What is the English translation of the book title Nesmrtelnost by Milan Kundera?
Hint: use title search feature in San Francisco Public Library's catalog.

Instructions: Find out the answer to each question for the all 5 days this week and email all 5 answers (they spell out a secret message) to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com by Monday October 20th at 5pm. HINT: visit http://www.sfpl.org/ to start your search. Drawing will take place on Wednesday October 22nd. You may start playing at anytime during the week and go back to previous days' questions. With 5 correct answers, you could win a blood-red iPod Nano (8 GB)!

TEEN READ WEEK ONLINE CHALLENGE- DAY 1

2008-10-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE TEEN READ WEEK "BOOKS WITH BITE" CHALLENGE!!

Instructions: Find out the answer to each question for the next 5 days and email all 5 answers (they spell out a secret message) to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com by Monday October 20th at 5pm. HINT: visit http://www.sfpl.org/ to start your search. Drawing will take place on Wednesday October 22nd. You may start playing at anytime during the week and go back to previous days' questions.

DAY 1: Do a call number search in San Francisco Public Library’s catalog for B Am57a2. What is the title of the book with this call number?

Crafty Teen Projects!

2008-09-21T15:14:00.001-07:00

If you missed it last month we did some interesting things with Paper. You can learn to do them to by watching these clever videos we found online:

The Super Simple Bookmark:
www.metacafe.com/watch/904484/origami_book_bookmark/

The Origami Panda Bookmark:
Part One - www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JoiNDNP8xY
Part Two - www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpR4Y6dEyzo

The Super Simple Chopstick Rest:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rYtwIH52hM

The Chopstick Rest in the shape of Fish Bones:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPOoxCSey-o

And Finally, the Favorite...
Puffy Stars:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hPaqL67DOI

Have Fun Folding and watch out for more Crafty projects at your local library!

Snippets from Teen Summer Reading - Glen Park Teens

2008-08-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

I read The Goodness Gene. I liked the questions the story makes you ask yourself. The book reminded me a bit of Fahrenheit 451. I liked how it was similar to how life would be like if Hitler had succeeded. Will's struggle to not give in to his desire for fame and power brought out his character. If you like thinking about life's questions I would recommend this book to you.

I liked Born in Sin, written by Evelyn Coleman. This book is about how an African American girl named Keisha pursues her dreams of getting into Avery University and becoming an Olympic swimmer. In order to accomplish her dreams, Keisha has to go through many obstacles. Keisha almost gave up when more conflicts arose. Fortunately, with support and help from her family, Keisha fulfills her dreams. I would definitely recommend this book because it teaches me never to give up on something that I dream of in my life.

Twilight is a fantastic book. I recommend it to girls but it's great for boys too. Bella, the main character, meets Edward, a vampire and they become girlfriend and boyfriend. The book tells of how they manage their relationship. Edward yearns for her blood but he loves her at the same time. Bella has to be careful around him or his vampire side can present itself before her eyes. The ending of the book is great. There is much action. It takes place in Forks, but also Phoenix, Arizona. Bella is a teen with separated parents. Edward is a 17 year old vampire who has been around for over a century. I recommend it to people who like romance, vampires, or action.

The novel Prodigal Summer, by Barbara Kingsolver, weaves together three stories, all occurring in the same Southern Appalachian town. My favorite was the story of Lusa, a city girl brought to the town by her farmer husband who struggles to fit in among her vicious sisters-in-law. I loved Crys, Lusa's niece who things that she is a boy. Lusa's trials were very poignant.

Clips from Teen Summer Reading 2008 - Ortega Teens Say...

2008-08-04T16:24:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed reading this book (The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel) because it was different from the books I usually read (romance) and it was down to earth. The author was really good at setting the book in a different time that’s not familiar to us and yet making it come alive. I really liked the idea that humans used to be like animals and had the memory of their whole evolution once they were born. I also liked that the characters were more focused on survival relationships and status rather than material things. I recommend this book to serious readers because it has some adult issues and long descriptions that sometimes get confusing.

New Moon and Eclipse were excellent follow ups to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight because of the introductions of new characters, new plot, and new conflicts. Meyer cleverly combines the aspects of real live and the concept of werewolves and vampires into an ordinary girl’s life.

If you ever had a boyfriend, or need one, then try reading Absolute Boyfriend. Though it may not help you get a boyfriend, it gives you all the drama that any relationship has. Only difference is that this boy is a robot which looks like a human boy (Knight) and was sold to Riiko by a shady salesman (Gaku). It has tons of teenage drama and it also taught me to never trust shady businessmen.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde was literally laugh out loud funny. The humor is well-timed and very British. This is definitely one of my new favorite plays! And plays are quick reads, too (hence it took me less than 2 hours) but still are great pieces of literature.

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair: This book made me sick to my stomach in a good, social-change way. The descriptions of the Chicago meat packing plants are gory and the descriptions of Jurgis Rudkus’s agony are heart wrenching. The ending was unnecessarily tedious but put a face to the sometimes exaggerated communism.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I enjoyed this book again, although I’ve read it before because it speaks out about poverty. In the story, Sara Crewe, the main character, is starving. She finds some money on the ground and buys 6 buns. Then she sees a girl that looks hungrier than herself and she gives 5 of the buns to her.

Wire fans check out Snoop Grace After Midnight

2008-07-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Grace After Midnight is a memoir by Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, actress on the HBO hit show The Wire. Born a cross-eyed crack baby fitting in the palm of your hand, Snoop was an only child who didn’t get the chance to know what her real family was like, but she wanted to, badly. She was sent to a foster home where a couple grew to love and raise her as if she were their own. Always staying to herself she sat on the stoop in front of her house staring all day learning the ways of the streets in East Baltimore .When going to school she stayed to herself because everyone always made fun of her being cross-eyed. Snoop lets the reader into her life by sharing the memories and stories of her life and how she became the person that we see on the HBO series The Wire: not living with her mother, who chose to do drugs over her, a father that chose to sell drugs and live a thug life over raising his child. Felicia had to deal with the fact she was cross-eyed, wear glasses, dress like a boy, and being a lesbian. Then one day a guy went up to her, because he noticed how she just sat in the same spot everyday studying the streets, and he started talking to her and asked her to hold a package for him. When he came back a few hours later, she handed over the package and he went on his way, and that’s when life started to turn for Snoop. Later she became a corner boy on the rough streets of East Baltimore. When I first picked up the book I was locked in by the birth of Snoop. She made you feel emotional from the description of the way she looked at birth. She writes about the hope she lost when she met her father for the first and only time in her life, the loneliness she felt because she had no one she could relate to. She put her story out there, not asking for sympathy or anything, just wanting to shed a light on the struggles she went through and overcame. She had positive people in her life that tried their best to influence her. She hits the spot with the reality of how you have to live with the choices you make in life. While in prison, Snoop has a reality check about the life style she lived before going to prison; she is changed because of the thing that happened to the people she came to know as Uncle and Father. The book sums up victory in the midst of hardship.

Teen Summer reading,we chose a few comments by some of our teen readers.

2008-07-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Heck

Heck was a great book there could still be improvements but it was great still the connection between Miton and Marlo was touching but was rather sad.I recommend this book to anyone who comes across it.

"As Simple As Snow"

2008-07-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

What i liked about the book "As simple as snow"was the second main character,Ana,who I thought was pretty cool.Because even though she was a goth,she wrote an obituary about every person in her town.And knew how they would die, when they would die before it all happened. And that made her a unique character to read about.

Chinese Cinderella

2008-07-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

The book Chinese Cinderella has a very strong inner feeling about the life of an unwanted girl.Her life was interesting,but in a unpleasant way.I liked this book because it taught me that life can be unfair, but as you progress on you could be anything you want.I would recommend this book to my peers because I want to persuade the theme to them by reading this book.

Pride!

2008-06-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Check OUT some of our NEWEST books about, for, and of interest to LGBTeens:

Absolute Brightness by James Lecesne

Another Kind of Cowboy by Susan Juby

The God Box by Alex Sanchez

Hero by Perry Moore

Saints of Augustine by P.E. Ryan

Freak Show by James St. James

Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List: A Novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Split Screen by Brent Hartinger

7 Days at the Hot Corner by Terry Trueman

What If Someone I Know is Gay?: Answers to Questions about What It Means to be Gay and Lesbian by Eric Marcus

Map of Ireland: A Novel by Stephanie Grant

The Rules for Hearts: A Family Drama by Sara Ryan

Grl2grl: Short Fictions by Julie Anne Peters

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

Baby Remember My Name: An Anthology of New Queer Girl Writing edited by Michelle Tea

For more recommendations check out SFPL’s “Find Out” booklists!

Find information about local community services for LGBT youth here!

Teens are in the Running

2008-06-25T12:41:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, I ran 6.2 miles from AT & T Park to Candlestick/Monster Park with 930 participants, including many youth, in the 3rd annual Mayor Newsom's Stadium to Stadium 10K Challenge . It was ferociously hot.

Luckily, Fiorella, the Vice President of Speak Up! (aka the Bayview library's Teen Advisory Council) headed up an extra water table in front of the library, with an encouraging poster that read "Go Runners!" With the kind assistance of library staff member Jessie Whiley and Kid Power volunteer AJ, Fiorella kept the cups of water coming for demanding, thirsty runners. I was especially grateful and inspired to see her and AJ there at Third and Revere, around 3 miles into the race. AJ was yelling "free water" through a megaphone. People were crowded around the table.

After feeling briefly rejuvenated from the encouragement of Fiorella and AJ, I hit rock bottom on Gilman St., a couple of miles from the Monster Park stadium. It was hot, it was flat, and the water left in my bottle was warm. There was no end in sight. Then I saw a teenager I knew from the Portola branch library. "Hannah!" I called. She was dead tired too. I gave her the dregs from my water bottle, and we ran the last couple of miles together. Hannah's on the track team at her school, so I figured if she was 16 and tired and on the track team, I shouldn't be embarrassed to be 39 and ready to cry. Running together helped ups both get through to the end. She even sprinted at the end (well, so did I, but I "sprinted" more slowly). Thanks Hannah, for being there on the road with me, and with your team. Thanks Fiorella and AJ, and Speak Up!, for the H2O!

Here's the link to the race results:
Stadium to Stadium Final Race Results

Scroll down to Team -- SFPL, towards the bottom of the page, to see the results of the two SFPL staff members who registered to run.

Sorry I didn't take pictures. I didn't carry my phone!

wendy

South East District Teen Services Newsletter

2008-06-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Public Library Teen Services Newsletter
Keeping you up to date on what’s going down in the South East District!

Teen Summer Reading Program 2008
June 13th to July 25th
For teens age 13 to 18

How Teen Summer Read 2008 works:
Sign up at any of the participating branches. Keep track of what you read and time spent reading.
Fill out a Comment Card for each 10 hours of reading you do. Review your favorite book for a chance to be published in a review collection.
Place a check in the box on your book log for every hour of reading you do.
Complete a Comment Card with your contact information for every 10 hours of reading to win fabulous prize:
10 hours – triliter
20 hours – personal journal
30 hours – usb flash drive
You must complete a comment card for every 10 hours of reading. Detach the raffle ticket and give the card and ticket to a librarian.
Rules:
You may read books, magazines, graphic novels, newspapers (e-mail or text messages are not eligible).
You may read aloud.
You may participate at only ONE library branch.
Prizes may be limited.

Raffle and Party:
When you finish 30 hours of reading, you will receive an invitation to the
Grand Finale Party
(invitation required)
Friday August 1st – 3:30 to 5:30 PM
For TEENS only!
GAMES! TASTY TREATS!
ENTERTAINMENT!

RAFFLE for prizes:
Zune Media Players
iPod shuffle
iTunes gift cards
Gift cards for Kamikaze Pop, Eggettes, and Target
Pizza certificates
Free classes at Mission Cliffs and Acrosports
Jamba certificates
Golden State Warrior t-shirts

Kidpower, Summer Volunteer Program, starts this month!

Kidpower is an exciting way for young people to get involved in their community and make a difference! To join you must be 10 to 16 years old, be able to commit at least ten hours to work in the library, and sign up for Summer Reading. Volunteers will help Librarians with the Summer Reading Program, from signing up other young readers to setting up for programs and parties. Talk to your friendly Librarian for more information.

June Teen Events @ the Library
Funding for programs is provided through the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, along with other contributions. All programs are free to the public.

Bayview Branch:
Contact- Wendy Kramer, Teen Librarian
5075 Third Street (at Revere)
415-355-2860 wkramer@sfpl.org

Speak Up! Monthly Meeting Wednesday, June 4th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Bayview Teen Advisory Council (B-TAC) has a new name! Teens ages 12-18 meet monthly to plan activities and speak up for themselves to get books, music, movies and teen spaces that suit them at the library. Snacks provided. Please call the Teen Librarian to sign up. For teens, ages 12-18.

Teen Book Club Saturday, June 3rd, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Love books? Join our small group that meets to talk about a different book each month. Those who attend choose the next book to read. The library provides a free copy of the book for you to keep. Limited space, so please call to sign up. For teens, ages 13-18.

Comics Club Saturday, June 28th, 2 pm to 3 pm
Whether you like manga, superheros, strips, graphic novels, indie comics, or webcomics, this club is the place for you. Come hang out with other teens who read and/or draw comics. Free stuff and snacks provided.

Excelsior Branch:
Contact- Marla Bergman, Teen Librarian
4400 Mission St. (at Cotter)
415-355-2832 mbergman@sfpl.org

Design a T-shirt Wednesday, June 11th, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Using a wide variety of colorful paint pens, fabric paints, ricrac, and faux jewels, have fun creating your own one-of-a-kink t-shirt that expresses exactly who you are! All materials provided. Ages 11 to 18. Space limited to 15 participants.

The Magic of Chin-Chin Saturday, June 21st, 2 pm to 2:45 pm
Chin-Chin’s magic show is like no other. It’s filled with incredible illusions and special messages that make you think (but not too hard). He might even inspire you to laugh. Chin-Chin is an international award-winning magician from the Bay Area who has been featured in over a dozen newspapers, radio, and television shows. Ages 10 to 18.

Glen Park Branch:
Contact- Marla Bergman, Teen Librarian
2825 Diamond St. (near Bosworth)
415-355-2832 mbergman@sfpl.org

Ghost Hunting for Teens Thursday, June 18, 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Ever wonder if ghosts are real? Want to learn how to capture ghosts on audio and video? A real ghost hunter from SF Ghost Society, Tommy Netzband, will talk about his experiences investigating ghosts and haunting. He will also share some ghostly images and sounds he has caught on DVD. (But he won’t bring any ghosts with him). Get the info, then info, and then decide what to believe! Ages 12 to 18.

Portola Branch:
Contact- Abby Harwood, Teen Librarian
2450 San Bruno Ave. (at Silliman)
415-355-5660 aharwood@sfpl.org

The Click- Digital Photo Club Tuesday, June 10th, 4 pm to 5 pm
Do you want to learn the ins and outs of digital photography? Join us for monthly activities including: photo scavenger hunts, photo mock ups of UFOs and Bigfoot, digital storytelling, mystery pictures, online photo gallery, snacks, and fun! For teens, ages 12-18.

Teen Summer Read Kick Off Party Tuesday, June 17th, 2 pm to 3 pm
Start summer off right by signing up for Teen Summer Read 2008! Learn how to make ice cream, win cool prizes, and hang out with new and old friends!

Portola and Visitacion Valley: Teen Advisory Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 24th, 1 pm to 2 pm
We’ll be meeting at the Portola Branch (2450 San Bruno Ave.) at 1 pm sharp. From there we will be walking one block to a neighborhood pizza parlor. We will be dining on a pizza lunch while we get down to business! All food is free to participants. Contact Abby at aharwood@sfpl.org to join our T.A.C.

Want to make a difference? Want to be heard? Join the T.A.C. and have a say in what goes on @ the library!

Help choose new books, DVDs, and CDs!
Plan cool programs, events, and parties!
Make new friends!
Get free stuff!
Eat snacks!
Looks great on college and job applications!

SFPL South East District Teen Services Newletter

2008-05-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Keeping you up to date on what’s going down in the South East District!

Teen Summer Reading Program begins soon!

Summer is just around the corner and participation in the San Francisco Public Library’s Teen Summer Reading program an excellent way to kick off the season! According to a 2001 study by the Evaluation and Training Institute, young people who participate in library sponsored Summer Reading Programs are more likely to read at their grade level or above. The study also found that participants reading above grade level are more likely to retain those skills into the next school year.

The Teen Summer Reading program is free and fun. Teens can sign up at any library in San Francisco and earn prizes for hours spent reading. Plus, participants will be eligible to win grand prizes such as gift certificates, an iPod shuffle, and Zune MP3 players.

Please help us spread the news to the teens you work with by encouraging them to visit their local branch and sign up. Or better yet, invite the Teen Librarian in your neighborhood to visit your organization to promote Teen Summer Reading 2008. Contact us to schedule a meeting or to answer any questions you may have regarding Teen Summer Read 2008.

Updates

Free2
San Francisco Public Library, along with other Bay Area libraries, kicked a public awareness campaign aimed at reconnecting communities with their local libraries. The “Free2” campaign encourages library users and supporters to think about all the ways libraries have empowered them. Libraries have helped give users the freedom to connect, create, imagine, explore, succeed, and much more.An online Free2 contest asks the public to describe, in 25 words or less, what they are free to do—or be—thanks to their local library. Contestants will have a chance to win one of 10 grand prizes, which includes a FLIP video camera and an iPod Shuffle. Information about the contest can be found at:

http://sfpl.org/news/free2.htm

www.WeAreFree2.org

The entry deadline is May 15.
Teen Advisory Council is looking for members- Portola Branch and Visitacion Valley Branch Libraries

Want to make a difference? Want to be heard? Join the T.A.C. and have a say in what goes on @ the library!

Help choose new books, DVDs, and CDs!
Plan cool programs, events, and parties!
Make new friends!
Get free stuff!
Eat snacks!
Looks great on college and job applications!

For more information, call or stop by either library & ask for Abby, or email aharwood@sfpl.org.

The Bernal Heights Branch Library is closed for renovation. To learn more about temporary services available in the neighborhood visit this link:

http://sfpl.org/news/blip/pdfs/bernaltempservices.pdf

May Teen Events @ the Library
Funding for programs is provided through the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, along with other contributions. All programs are free to the public.

Bayview Branch:
Contact- Wendy Kramer, Teen Librarian
5075 Third Street (at Revere)
415-355-2860 wkramer@sfpl.org

Teen Book Club Saturday, April 3rd, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Love books? Join our small group that meets to talk about a different book each month. Those who attend choose the next book to read. The library provides a free copy of the book for you to keep. Limited space, so please call to sign up. For teens, ages 13-18.

Speak Up! Monthly Meeting Wednesday, May 7th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Bayview Teen Advisory Council (B-TAC) has a new name! Teens ages 12-18 meet monthly to plan activities and speak up for themselves to get books, music, movies and teen spaces that suit them at the library. Snacks provided. Please call the Teen Librarian to sign up. For teens, ages 12-18.

Video Game Swap Meet Friday, May 9th, 3:30 pm to 5 pm
Do you own a video game that you don’t want anymore? Is there a video game you wish you had? Come swap your old PS2 or PS3, Xbox, Nintendo DS, and other console or handheld games. Trade for keeps! Ages 10 to 18.

Comics Club Saturday, May 31st, 2 pm to 3 pm
Whether you like manga, superheros, strips, graphic novels, indie comics, or webcomics, this club is the place for you. Come hang out with other teens who read and/or draw comics. Free stuff and snacks provided.

Excelsior Branch:
4400 Mission St. (at Cotter)
415-355-2832 mbergman@sfpl.org

Teen Gaming Tuesday, May 20th, 4 pm to 5:45 pm
A gaming day for youth ages 12 to 18 with Dance Dance Revolution, Wii, Playstation and Xbox!

Click here to learn more about SFPL’s Teen Events all over the city.
Or here:
http://sfpl5.sfpl.org/scripts/publish/webevent.pl?cmd=search&ncmd=
listweek&cal=cal1&swe=1&cf=list&set=1&startm=99&startd=99&starty=
9999&lastm=99&lastd=99&lasty=9999&Submit=Search&category=
12&location =All&keyword=

CHECK THIS OUT: National Poetry Week!

2008-04-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Angst: Teen Versus from the Edge edited by Karen Tom

Carver, A Life in Poems by Marilyn Nelson

I just hope it’s Lethal: Poems of Sadness, Madness, and Joy collected by Liz Rosenberg and Deena November

I Wouldn’t Thank You for a Valentine: Poems for Young Feminists edited by Carol Ann Duffy

A Lion’s Hunger: Poems of First Love by Ann Turner

Paint Me Like I am: Teen Poems from WritersCorps

Pierced by a Ray of Sun: Poems About the Times We Feel Alone selected by Ruth Gordon

Red Hot Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Being Young and Latino in the United States edited by Lori Marie Carlson

Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister Kate: Looking at the Harlem Renaissance Through Poems edited by Nikki Giovanni

Split Image: A Story in Poems by Mel Glenn

Step Lightly: Poems for the Journey collected by Nancy Willard

The Pain Tree and Other Teenage Angst Ridden Poetry edited by Ester Pearl Watson and Mark Todd

The Rose that Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur

Things I have to Tell You: Poems and Writing by Teenage Girls edited by Betsy Franco

Walking on the Boundaries of Change: Poems of Transition by Sara Holbrook

What have you lost? edited by Naomi Nye

A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson

You Hear Me? Poems and Writing by Teenage Boys edited by Betsy Franco

South East Teen Newsletter- April 2008

2008-04-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Public Library Teen Services Newsletter
Keeping you up to date on what’s going down in the South East District!

Hello Everyone!

Spring time means more to Librarians than just beautiful weather. Every April for the past fifty years, we celebrate National Library Week. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country. Everyday, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses help transform their communities. At the San Francisco Public Library, people of all ages and backgrounds can come together for community meetings, lectures and programs, to do research with the assistance of a trained professional, to get a job or to find homework help. Come to the library and see for yourself!

For more information about the American Library Association and National Library week visit their website:

www.ala.org/pio/nlw/

Visit SFPL online for more information about Teen Services:

http://sfpl.org/sfplonline/teen/teens.htm

Updates

Teen Summer Reading Program begins soon!
According to a 2001 study by the Evaluation and Training Institute, young people who participate in library sponsored Summer Reading Programs are more likely to read at their grade level or above. The study also found that participants reading above grade level are more likely to retain those skills into the next school year.

Every summer SFPL sponsors a Teen Summer Reading program which includes events, programming, and incentives to get teens reading and visiting the library. This year prizes for teen participation include Zune MP3 players, an iPod shuffle, gift certificates, books, jump drives, and much more!

Encourage the teens you know to visit their local branch and sign up. Or better yet, invite the Teen Librarian in your neighborhood to visit your organization to promote Teen Summer Reading 2008.

Teen Advisory Council is looking for members- Portola Branch and Visitacion Valley Branch Libraries

Want to make a difference? Want to be heard? Join the T.A.C. and have a say in what goes on @ the library!

Help choose new books, DVDs, and CDs!
Plan cool programs, events, and parties!
Make new friends!
Get free stuff!
Eat snacks!
Looks great on college and job applications!

For more information, call or stop by either library & ask for Abby, or email aharwood@sfpl.org.

April is National Poetry Month! Find out how the San Francisco Public Library is celebrating:
http://sfpl.org/news/aprilpoetry.htm

The Bernal Heights Branch Library is closed for renovation. To learn more about temporary services available in the neighborhood visit this link:

http://sfpl.org/news/blip/pdfs/bernaltempservices.pdf

April Teen Events @ the Library
Funding for programs is provided through the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, along with other contributions. All programs are free to the public.

Bayview Branch:
Contact- Wendy Kramer, Teen Librarian
5075 Third Street (at Revere)
415-355-2860 wkramer@sfpl.org

Speak Up! Monthly Meeting Wednesday, April 2nd, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Bayview Teen Advisory Council (B-TAC) has a new name! Teens ages 12-18 meet monthly to plan activities and speak up for themselves to get books, music, movies and teen spaces that suit them at the library. Snacks provided. Please call the Teen Librarian to sign up. For teens, ages 12-18.

Studio 101 Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 5:30 to 7:30 p
Create and record your own music in the 10 week class. Learn beat making, keyboarding, production, songwriting, and other skills using MacBooks, M-Audio Firewire 410s, studio microphones, instruments and midi controllers. Instruction and equipment provided. Space is limited, so please sign up in advance! For teens, ages 12-18.

Teen Book Club Saturday, April 5th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Love books? Join our small group that meets to talk about a different book each month. Those who attend choose the next book to read. The library provides a free copy of the book for you to keep. Limited space, so please call to sign up. For teens, ages 13-18.

Comics Club Saturday, April 26th, 3 pm to 4 pm
Whether you like manga, superheros, strips, graphic novels, indie comics, or webcomics, this club is the place for you. Come hang out with other teens who read and/or draw comics. Free stuff and snacks provided.

Portola Branch:
Contact- Abby Harwood, Teen Librarian
2450 San Bruno Ave. (at Silliman)
415-355-5660 aharwood@sfpl.org

The Click- Digital Photo Club Tuesday, April 8, 4 pm to 5 pm
Do you want to learn the ins and outs of digital photography? Join us for monthly activities including: photo scavenger hunts, photo mock ups of UFOs and Bigfoot, digital storytelling, mystery pictures, online photo gallery, snacks, and fun! For teens, ages 12-18.

Visitacion Valley Branch:
Contact- Abby Harwood, Teen Librarian
45 Leland Ave. (at Desmond)
415-355-2848 aharwood@sfpl.org

What’s in your stars? Saturday, April 26, 3 pm to 4 pm
What does the future have in store for you? Teens age 13 to 18 are invited to munch on fortune cookies while we learn about palm reading, tarot, astrology, numerology, I-Ching, and dream interpretation.

Click here to learn more about SFPL’s Teen Events all over the city:

http://sfpl5.sfpl.org/scripts/publish/webevent.pl?cmd=search&ncmd=listweek&cal=cal1&swe=1&cf=list&set=1&startm=99&startd=99&starty=9999&lastm=99&lastd=99&lasty=9999&Submit=Search&category=12&location=All&keyword=

And the Teen Tech iPod winner is...

2008-03-14T16:41:00.001-07:00

Christina W.

Congratulations, Christina!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!

2008-03-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Ipod Nano has been contacted! First name will be posted when permission is granted. To those who played, congratulations!! Post your comments or email jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com if you have suggestions for future challenges!

And Check Out Teen Summer Read (secret message)!!!

June 13-July 26 1008 San Francisco Public Library. Prizes galore!

THANKS!!!

TEEN TECH WEEK CHALLENGE

2008-03-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

DAY 5: YOU ARE SO GETTING THAT IPOD!

One of our new library card designs features this word written in GREEN.

Hint: Look at the "Pick A New Library Card" link on www.sfpl.org

TO WIN:
Email today's answer along with the answers to this week's earlier questions to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com.

TEEN TECH WEEK CHALLENGE DAY 4!!!

2008-03-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

WELCOME TO DAY 4!! NEAR THE FINISH LINE...
Day 4: What's the last name of a famous performer whose real name is LaDonna Andrea Gaines? With your answer, submit the URL of the site where you found it. Remember, send answers to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com.

HINT: Try clicking Articles and Databases on www.sfpl.org

TEEN TECH WEEK CHALLENGE DAY 3

2008-03-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

DAY 3 DON'T QUIT NOW!

Look on the San Francisco Public Library Teen Page. What is the first word in the title of the new Health and Wellness database?
No hints today!!

On Friday, email all 5 of your answers and how you found them to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com.
Good luck!

TEEN TECH WEEK CHALLENGE DAY 2!!!!

2008-03-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

DAY 2 Almost half-way there!
San Francisco Public Library has recommended reading lists for teens on its teen webpage. What is the second word in the title of the GLBTQ list?
HINT: start at www.sfpl.org!

Remember, send your 5 answers (and how/where you found them) ALL TOGETHER in one email (jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com) at the end of the week so you can spell out the secret message and be eligible for the iPod!! You can scroll down to previous days' questions if you just started playing.

TEEN TECH CHALLENGE!!!! DAY 1

2008-03-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

WELCOME TO THE TEEN TECH CHALLENGE!

WANT TO WIN A NEW IPOD NANO?

Instructions: Find out the answer to each question for the next 5 days and email all 5 answers (they spell out a secret message) to jenniferlibrarian@gmail.com by Tuesday March 11th at 5pm. You must tell us WHERE you found the answer to each day's challenge for your answer to qualify for the prize. HINT: visit http://www.sfpl.org/ to start your search. Drawing will take place on Friday March 14th. You may start playing at anytime during the week and go back to previous days' questions.

DAY 1 CHALLENGE March 3, 2008

What is the second word in the title of a 2006 release album by the performer Juvenile?

HINT: try the http://www.sfpl.org/ catalog

South East Teen Newsletter

2008-03-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Public Library Teen Services Newsletter
Keeping you up to date on what’s going down in the South East District!

Hello Everyone!

Because there is so much overlap in the neighborhoods we serve, SFPL’s South East District Teen Librarians are trying something new this month. We’re compiling all of our library event listings and information into one newsletter. We hope that our effort will better inform the community about the exciting teen services offered by the Branch Libraries in the South East District.

Visit us online for more information:

http://sfpl.org/sfplonline/teen/teens.htm

Updates

Please Welcome Marla, new Teen Librarian at the Excelsior and Glen Park Branches! Keep an eye out for special teen programming at the Excelsior and Glen Park branches in the coming months!

The Bernal Heights Branch Library has been closed for renovation. To learn more about temporary services available in the neighborhood visit this link:

http://sfpl.org/news/blip/pdfs/bernaltempservices.pdf

March Teen Events @ the Library
Funding for programs is provided through the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, along with other contributions. All programs are free to the public.

Teen Tech Week Online Challenge! Win an iPod!
The library’s not just about books! Tune in @ your library and win a new iPod Nano!!! How to play:
Visit our teen blog every day March 3-7 2008 for 5 daily challenges- email us the secret message and you’ll be entered in the drawing. For details go to our teen blog:

http://www.librarydropbox.blogspot.com/

Drawing will take place on March 12th. Visit the blog for detailed instructions! For ages 12 – 18 only. You must a have a library card to play. For information or to register contact Jennifer Collins at 415-557-4268 or jennifercollins@sfpl.org.

Bayview Branch:
Contact- Wendy Kramer, Teen Librarian
5075 Third Street (at Revere)
415-355-2860 wkramer@sfpl.org

Speak Up! Monthly Meeting Wednesday, March 5th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Bayview Teen Advisory Council (B-TAC) has a new name! Teens ages 12-18 meet monthly to plan activities and speak up for themselves to get books, music, movies and teen spaces that suit them at the library. Snacks provided. Please call the Teen Librarian to sign up. For teens, ages 12-18.

Teen Book Club Thursday, March 6th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Love books? Join our small group that meets to talk about a different book each month. Those who attend choose the next book to read. The library provides a free copy of the book for you to keep. Limited space, so please call to sign up. For teens, ages 13-18.

Studio 101 Thursdays March 6,13,20,27, 5:30 to 7:30 p
Create and record your own music in the 10 week class. Learn beat making, keyboarding, production, songwriting, and other skills using MacBooks, M-Audio Firewire 410s, studio microphones, instruments and midi controllers. Instruction and equipment provided. Space is limited, so please sign up in advance! For teens, ages 12-18.

Word for Word Performance Thursday March 13, 2 pm to 4 pm
Theater group Word for Word performs their new work, Ancestor. When 15-year-old R.D.’s grandmother dies, his world is torn apart. His mother can’t care for him, and he wonders where he will go. R.D. looks to the stories of his Native American ancestors and finds a key to his future. Through his grandmother’s tales he learns that, while immediate family can’t always be there for you, your extended family of past generations can serve as a guide, pointing out the way. For teens, age 13-18.

Portola Branch:
Contact- Abby Harwood, Teen Librarian
2450 San Bruno Ave. (at Silliman)
415-355-5660 aharwood@sfpl.org

The Click- Digital Photo Club Tuesday, March 11, 4 pm to 5 pm
Do you want to learn the ins and outs of digital photography? Join us for monthly activities including: photo scavenger hunts, photo mock ups of UFOs and Bigfoot, digital storytelling, mystery pictures, online photo gallery, snacks, and fun! For teens, ages 12-18.

Click here to learn more about SFPL’s Teen Events all over the city:

http://sfpl5.sfpl.org/scripts/publish/webevent.pl?cmd=search&ncmd=listweek&cal=cal1&swe=1&cf=list&set=1&startm=99&startd=99&starty=9999&lastm=99&lastd=99&lasty=9999&Submit=Search&category=12&location=All&keyword=

Reviews from the Teen Manga/Anime Club

2008-02-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some reviews from the monthly Manga/Anime Club that meets at the Main Library. The next meeting is Friday, March 14th at 4pm. Main library 2nd floor, Fisher Childrens Center.

Angel Diary v.6

Its about some guardians coming to earth looking for the Heaven Princess. At the end of Volume 5, the princess was taken away by a demon and the guardians must find her. Its a comedy and fantasy at the same time.

Valerie, age 12

Quality: 4 (better than most)

Popularity: 4 (broad general appeal)

Pop Fiction Previews V.1

The chapters were well translated. Full Metal Panic was funny and Missing was very interesting because it had a mysterious feel to it. Black Knights of the Silver Gray Castle is suspenseful with mutiny within the castle. Good Witch of the West has a lot of action and mysteries waiting to be unsolved. Alex Unlimited dealt with an insecure teen but there is a lot of action too plus the teen has special powers.

Linda, age 14

Quality: 5 (hard to imagine it being written better)

Popularity: 3 (some appeal)

Kitchen Princess V.5

This is about a girl who totall loves to cook. It is a romantic comedy and I totally loved it.

Cindy, age 15

Quality: 5 (hard to imagine it being written better)

Popularity: 5 (everyone was dying to read it yesterday)

Luis J. Rodriguez, Author of "Always Running", Will Be @ Mission Branch Library!

2008-02-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

Come Listen To Luis Rodriguez

Read From His Works At

Mission Branch Library!

Wednesday February 27th @ 7pm

Stay For a Book-Signing!

Win a Free Book!!

300 Bartlett Street (24th St.)

415.355.2800

Hip Hop Karaoke

2008-01-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Last night's Battle for the Tweens: Hip Hop Karaoke Night at the Bayview branch library was a smash! Soulja Boy (aka Wendy Kramer the Bayview Teen Librarian) and MC Wannabe (aka Darcel Jones the Bayview Children's Librarian) fronted to earn the respect of a handful of 10-14 year old TWEEN competitors. Emcee Flavor Flav (aka MisDajania Tillery) kept the peace at the mic. Poet and Library Tech Jessie Whiley kept score. Jamar was the eldest judge (the youngest was 2) and took home the Blue Bear MP3 player raffle. Nick Chen of Blue Bear School of Music was behind he mixer and equipment.

Chanelle won First Place Teen with Angel. Kamia the hostess got 2nd. Jessie (way too old to be a

teen, but a winner all the same) took home the Mickey D gift certificates for 3rd for his rendition

of old school Michael Jackson's Billy Jean.

The evening ended LOUD with everybody up on stage for Crank Dat Soulja Boy.

Best Photography went to Don De Alba. To see last night's pics,

Click here

To see MC Wannabe sing Baby Boy click Here

COMING UP: YOUR MUSIC!!

2008-01-11T15:59:00.001-08:00

Create and record your own music in Studio 101!! This free 10-week class teaches beat making, keyboarding, production, songwriting, and other skills using MacBooks, M-Audio Firewire 410s, studio microphones, instruments, and midi controllers. Instruction and equipment provided. Space is limited, so please sign up now!

For information or to register, contact: Wendy Kramer, 355-2860 or wkramer@sfpl.org
Thursdays Feb. 7- Apr. 10, 2008
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Bayview Branch Meeting Room 5075 Third Street, San Francisco, CA

THIS CHRISTMAS

2007-12-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

THIS CHRISTMAS

The movie “This Christmas” starring the famous r&b singer Chris Brown, and famous actress Lauren London is about family conflict, and family gatherings! “Chris Brown” plays “Baby”, a young man who is having a problem telling his mother Medea that he wants to sing, but he is afraid to leave her because his brothers and sisters have left and she will be alone! So his older brother talks to him about telling their mom but Baby is still scared, but she happens to be listening at the door so he just tells her what is going on, and just just wont put up with it! So to find out what happens go see the movie with your family or friends this weekend!

Audrey, student, Bayview

New LOL Humor list on SFPL Teen homepage

2007-11-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

Looking for a book to make you laugh? Click here for a brand-new list on the SFPL Teen homepage:

http://sfpl.org/sfplonline/teen/booklists/lol.htm

2007-09-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Make a bracelet!

Then give it to someone.
Or wrap it up real nice and give it to yourself and pretend to be surprised.
Did I mention it's a wire-wrapped bracelet?
This teen event is free, as always.

Friday, Sept 21
3:30-5:30pm

Anza Branch Library
550 37th Ave @ Geary
415-355-5717
info: mbergman@sfpl.org

more pRimp your librarian photos

2007-09-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hello again from the Bayview library! Here is a link to more photos from last week's pRimp your librarian program and presentation to the Library Commission:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11511208@N02/

I will add more pics as I get permissions from teen participants. Comments welcome!

pRimp your librarian re-cap

2007-09-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

pRimp your librarian, held last Thursday night at the Bayview branch library, was a huge success! Conveniently coinciding with the Library Commission meeting in the next room, the program encouraged teens to do two things at once: give their Teen Librarian a new look (well, several new looks!) and speak out publicly about teens in the public library.

New looks meant different clothes, makeup, and accessories for Teen Librarian Wendy. Basic categories included Classic, Sporty, and Sexy, with a few that were a little of all three! To the left is the "Before" picture.

To the right is the librarian in the bulletin board-converted "dressing room:"

Check back soon for pics of the Bayview Teen Librarian dressed in different outfits, along with pics of participating Teens!

2007-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Get Your Game On!

Strum those notes on Guitar Hero, show your moves on DDR, and play other video games on PS2 and Wii!

Fri, July 20
2-5pm
Anza Branch
550 37th Ave (off Geary)
415.355.5717
for more info, email Marla: mbergman@sfpl.org

Stop by Anza Branch Library and bring your friends for an afternoon of summer gaming.

Bayview Shutterbug Exhibit

2007-06-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some up-close pics from our Shutterbug Exhibit, on display here at the Bayview branch library. We had a 2-part photography workshop, where we took photos of the neighborhood with disposible cameras, then made collages with the photos. For the exhibit, we combined our photo-collages with reproductions of clippings and photos from the past, including articles from a Bayview newspaper called The Spokesman, published in the 1960s.

Here's an eyecatching headline

In loving memory

Collage by Joshua Smallwood

Yesterday and today

Cut-ups

2007-05-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

Do you like FREE

entertainment & refreshments?

Then come to Mission Library's

Open House

on Saturday, May 19th!!

300 Bartlett Street 12-3 p.m.

COLORED INK will be there to bring down the house with their conscious rhythms & rhymes!

Here's their MySpace page: http://tinyurl.com/yuoqzp

Come check them out and more!!

Call 355-2800 for more info.

Just Gimme the Mic 3

2007-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

JUST GIMME THE MIC 3 Poetry Slam is this Friday Apr. 27 at 7:00 p.m. Come hear the finest, spittin'-est wOrDs of WiZdOm. Watch & judge as poets compete for cash prizes.

Food & drink. Free!

At the Bayview Branch Library

5075 Third Street (at Revere)

on the T-line

415-355-5757

Baseball book reviews

2007-04-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

Baseball season is upon us! Here are two quick reviews of the Baseball Card Adventures Series, from our very own Joshua S., 9th grade:

Abner and me
by Dan Gutman

Joe Stoshack has the ability to travel through time using baseball cards. This time he goes to meet the man who invented baseball, and try to stop the Lincoln assassination. Abner and me is a real adventure.

Mickey and me
by Dan Gutman

With his ability to travel through time using baseball cards, Joe Stoshack goes back in time to meet Mickey Mantle. Mickey and Me had a great story line. 2 thumbs up!

The library doesn't have these two yet, but you can find others from the same series in the catalog.

Have another book about either baseball or time travel? Shout out a Comment!

Youth Poetry Workshop at Bayview canceled for Thurs. Apr. 5

2007-04-04T19:20:00.001-07:00

Please make a note of it: our fabulous instructor has been called away on family business for this week. Workshop resumes next Thurs. Apr. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Thank you!

Youth Poetry Workshop at Bayview canceled for Thurs. Apr. 5

2007-04-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Please make a note of it: our fabulous instructor has been called away on family visit for this week. Workshop resumes next Thurs. Apr. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Thank you!

Bayview Teen Advisory Council Meeting tonight

2007-04-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

B-TAC meets tonight from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Bayview Branch Library, 5075 Third St. @ Revere.

If you live in 94124 or 94134 or use this library, and you are 13-18, and want to help plan what happens here for teens, this meeting is for you. If you like to socialize, organize, and make things happen, come to our monthly meeting.

There will be pizza!

RSVP Wendy at 355-2860

MARCH MADNESS at Bayview

2007-03-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

March Madness is upon us! Come pick your NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship winners and you could win NCAA gear or gift certificate. Hurry, entries accepted up until the first game begins Thurs. March 15 9:20 a.m. West Coast time!!

Must visit the Bayview Branch in person during open hours:

5075 Third St. (at Revere)

415-355-2860

Ask for librarians Wendy or Darcel

Chinatown Teen'Zine Annual Showcase Celebration

2007-03-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

We are please to invite you to our Chinatown Teen'Zine Annual Showcase Celebration
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2007
Time: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Place: San Francisco Public Library, Chinatown Branch - Community Room
The Chinatown Branch Library is located at 1135 Powell Street (near Jackson Street)
Chinatown Teen'Zine is an online magazine for teens, written by teens. Through the Teen'Zine program, teens learn writing skills, computer skills and about Asian American history & Chinese culture. We hope you could celebrate with us and see what we have accomplished this year. Join us for games, snacks, music and more!
Schedule of Events
12:30 - 1pm Program Introduction
1 - 2pm Teen Presentations
2 - 2:30pm Q & A Session
Seats are limited. Please call Jewel: 415.355.2888 for reservation
All programs at the Library are free. Sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

What do you think of CITY BEAT booklist?

2007-03-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ms. Bosslady from the YMCA Just for Girls afterschool program has read practically every title on this list! Maybe you have, too. Here are her one-word opinions:

Tyrell WEAK

Money Hungry TIGHT

Who am I Without Him? Short Stories about Girls and the Boys in Their Lives GOOD

Bronx Masquerade GOOD

Teenage Bluez GOOD

Bluford Series GOOD

Harlem Hustle TIGHT

Street Love GREAT

Hip-Hop High School GOOD

Flyy Girl GOOD

Ballad of a Ghetto Poet WEAK

Now, I know a lot of y'all out there will DISAGREE. So give us some comments!!!!!

This Sat. Feb. 24th

2007-02-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Comics Club

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Bayview Library

5075 Third St. @ Revere

415-355-2860

Manga giveaways to first 10 participants

See ya there!

Chinatown Teen'Zine Annual Showcase Celebration

2007-02-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to invite you to our

Chinatown Teen’Zine
Showcase Celebration

Date: Saturday, March 17, 2007
Time: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Place: San Francisco Public Library
Chinatown Branch - Community Room
The Chinatown Branch Library is located at 1135 Powell Street (Near Jackson Street)

Chinatown Teen’Zine is an online magazine for teens, written by
teens. Through the Teen’Zine program, teens learn writing skills,
computer skills, and about Asian American history and Chinese
culture. With the help of our sponsor, our program has been a
big success! We hope that you can celebrate with us and see
what we have accomplished this year.
Join us for games, snacks, music, and more!

Schedule of Events

12:30 - 1:00 Program Introduction
Come in and meet our teen members.
View some of the projects we have completed this year.

1:00 - 2:00 Teen Presentations
Our teen members would like to highlight some of the works that
they are especially proud of. View some of our special projects
and get a first hand view of what it is like to be part of Chinatown
Teen’Zine.

2:00 - 2:30 Q & A Session
Meet the teen members one-on-one over refreshments and snacks.

Seats are limited. Please call Jewel: 415.355.2888 for reservations
All programs at the Library are free. Sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

Bayview Teen events in the New Year

2006-12-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, y'all! So much is starting to go on here at the Bayview Library. Here's the update:

Thursdays 4:30-6:30: WritersCorps poetry workshop

Bring in your poems, rhymes, and whatnot, or come to see what it's all about. Introduce yourself to Beto, the poet who's leading the group.

Last Saturday of every month 2:00-3:00: Comics Club

Whether you like manga and anime, graphic novels, superheroes, strips, indie, or webcomics, this club could be the place for you. Come hang out for snacks and free stuff. January meets Sat. the 27th.

Art work due Feb. 9

Bring it to me at the library, or send me a message. We need your art to go on our walls here at the library. Deadline Feb. 9th for March exhibit.

Bayview Teen Advisory Council starting up

You care about the library and want to help make it better for youth! Maybe you need volunteer hours, experience for your resume or college app, or you want to make a difference in your community. Come see me at the library and pick up an application. We will start meeting monthly in Jan., time and date to be announced.

If you've read this far, send me (Wendy) a comment and win a prize!

New book reviews and a poem from the Chinatown crowd

2006-12-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Reviewed by Ashley Tan

Can human beings really see God? Their Eyes Were Watching God is written by Zora Neale Hurston. It talks about an African-American woman named Janie. She married three different men: Logan, Joe and Tea Cake. Logan was already 60 years old, but Janie was only 17 when she married him. She believed that marriage does equal love. But she was totally wrong. Logan just forces her to work on the farm, but that's not the definition of love in Janie's mind. However, when Joe Starks appeared, she knew that Joe was going to give her a better life, and she might find love between them. With that romantic dream, Janie ran away with Joe to another place to begin their new life. But after a few years, Joe changed, he became a violent person, and treated Janie badly. Janie realized her dream was going to disappear sooner or later. After Joe died, Janie met Tea Cake, who was only 34, but Janie was 47 years old. They did not care about what the porch people said, they trusted their love could beat out the problems and gain their peaceful life. Tea Cake really loved Janie more than anyone else. He could do everything for Janie. Janie thought her love really came. But God is not always fair, Tea Cake was killed by Janie..... Janie wouldn't feel lonely because she knew that their love would last forever.She was looking at the horizon, just like her dream, never reached...

Strange tales of Liaozhai edited & translated by C C Low & Associates
Reviewd by Mona Zhao

I love reading, and when I say that I love reading, I mean I love words. My love for reading had been there ever since the day I learnt my name. I read a wide variety of books, from comic to reading the little quote on the calendar. I am an Asian-American; my desire for reading became a push of learning my culture and my language. In other words, I started to learn Chinese when I was nine because I saw a lot of Chinese books in the public library that I couldn’t read. By looking at the pictures I was able to predict parts of the story but that was it. But enough of how and why I learnt Chinese, I learnt Chinese, I am proud of myself, but most of all, I read a book in Chinese that changed my life!
The book that is an all time classic is called Strange tales of Liaozhai / [edited & translated by C C Low & Associates]. It is in both Chinese and English version, and it is available in the public library. But I have known this book ever since I was a kid, I just never took the time to read it and understand it. This book was written in China by a famous writer named Pu, SongLing in the 1600’s. This book he wrote was a collection of short stories. These short stories are mostly spine-tingling and mind-boggling stories of those days and nowadays. This book’s short stories can not only entertain you, but also it contains themes like relationships between people and it also reflects what sort of society of China was in that era. One of my favorite short stories in there is about a man who meets this beautiful girl, but she turns out to be a blood-sucking demon! Well, of course I wouldn’t tell you what happens next because you got to read it yourself!

The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey
Reviewed by: Huiting Gao

A retelling of the classic story "One Thousand and One Nights," or the "Arabian Nights," this book talks about how Shahrazad saved her own life by telling the king Shahrayar 1001 stories before going to bed. Telling a story every night but never finishing, she prolonged her life and ensured the safety of the kingdom's womanhood. Although everyone knows the story, the author added lovely twists that will leave your heart wanting more of Shahrayar and Shahrazad love. This is a very powerful novel, spoken in subtlety and gentleness, and the language woven in the cloth of love moves people in so many ways. From this book, I learned that no matter what kind of person you are, may you be a millionaire or a blind person, a deaf person or an artist, someone will always look up to you.

"Christmas Tree. San Francisco"
A Poem by Kristin Fong

It's cold.
It's raining.
It doesn't snow.
We live in San Francisco.
No I live in San Francisco.
Why doesn't it snow?
I see Christmas lights.
I see Christmas trees.
Are they real?
Are they fake?
Tourist flood the streets.
Of downtown.
They flood the streets.
Merry Christmas.
But wait, it isn't Christmas yet.

Bayview Comics & Manga club

2006-12-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

The new Bayview manga club is meeting at the Bayview Library this Saturday Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Snacks and free manga prizes.

Enter your poem to win!

2006-11-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

Do you live in the BayviewHunters Point, Visitacion Valley, Potrero, or Portola neighborhoods, otherwise known as San Francisco's District 10? Do you write poems? Do you dream of fame and a little fortune?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, enter your poems in the Poets Eleven District 10 poetry competition.

Fame? If you win, you read your poem as one of 3 featured readers at the Poets Eleven District 10 Event, to be held at the Bayview Branch Library on Wed. Dec. 13th from 6-7:30 pm. You also get published with winners from the other city districts.

A little fortune? You win $50, a plaque, plus a little something else from the city's very own Poet Laureate, Jack Hirschman.

Hurry, because the entry deadline is Wed. Dec. 6. Email your poems to: poets11@friendssfpl.org

Questions or more info? Contact Teen Librarian Wendy at 355-5757, wkramer@sfpl.org, or AIM screen name wde3de3.

Make Your Own 2007 Calendar

2006-11-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

D.I.Y (Do It Yourself) Calendar

Are you tired of never knowing what the date is? Did you wake up this morning and still think it is October? Maybe you need a quick gift for a friend? well, a CALENDAR is the answer!

Use paint, paper, markers, and much much more (so much more I don't have the space to fit it all in) to Customize and Decorate a COMPACT CALENDAR that fits snuggly in a CD Case! Then topped off with a customized magnet! Hang it in your locker, on the fridge or just give it as a gift!

Tuesday, December 5th
3:30-5:30pm

Parkside Branch
1200 Taraval ST
(415)355-5770
for more info contact: kolson@sfpl.org

Tuesday December 12th
4:00-6:00pm

Excelsior Branch
4400 Mission ST
(415)355-2868
for more info: dscappaticci@sfpl.org

Homework is Boring!

2006-11-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

Face it, homework can be a real bore. Now, I am not advocating for teens to abandon homework though I do want to acknowledge that there are often more exciting things to do with one's time.

That said, I thought I would share some resources that can make homework a bit easier.

The Dog Ate My Homework: And 1,001 Even Better Excuses to Get Out of School, Avoid the Doctor and Every Other Situation.

Everyone forgets to do their homework, and often waits until the last minute to think of an excuse to tell the teacher. Don't wait till the last minute to make an excuse, prepare your solid as stone "excuse" ahead of time. Now I know what you must be thinking, "this sounds like homework, preparing my excuse ahead of time?" Well, it is not homework, it is "preparedness"! So take time some time today to get all those excuses in order, because you never know when you will forget to do your homework.

Do you love a good poem?

2006-11-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

Have you tried your hand at writing poetry? Of course you have. So post your poems here! The following is a poem from a local San Francisco teen.

Imperfections
by K. Fong

I see fog and mist outside my window. It's really foggy, but this is innate October weather in San Francisco. It's actually kind of beautiful; in an odd Edward Scissor hands type way. I can see an indistinct outline of the Golden Gate Bridge, with its rusted copper paint and arches. Residential homes are in neat little rows, like dominoes ready to be knocked down. There are many imperfections to some of these houses, some are old, and some are new, some are yellow and some are blue.

Looking for a good poetry book? Well check out the library of course. Have a suggestion? post it here.

New Month....New Reviews

2006-11-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

Looking for a book to read? The rain has returned to San Francisco. And that means there will be plenty of hours spent indoors as the rain falls and falls and falls. So why not pick-up a book? Check-out the latest reviews by teens at the Chinatown Branch.

SHOOTER
-Walter Dean Myers

The book Shooter by Walter Dean Myers is a fictional book based on shooting cases that are in high schools. If you look though the newspaper and reviews of high schools in the past year, you can tell that the shooting cases in the schools had gone up a bunch. Shooter really illustrates the point of view of the teenagers in the shooting cases. The book, Shooter, is basically a bunch of interviews that the police did in order to see who and what happened at this school where a shooting case had started. It was a really serious case because of the suicidal behind the case as well. In one of the scenes in the book, the main character was actually writing his name in blood at the walls. There was a series of shootings at the school and a lot of students were harmed in the shoot out. In this event, you can tell that the plan of a couple of kids can create a lot of danger in one school. Shooter shows that cases like these are a serious issue and we have to care about it. I find the book a really fun, but a very emotional book to read as well.
-Jennifer, Chinatown Branch

The Great Gatsby
- F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is the best book I ever read, because from this book, you can see how evil people can be. There are many characters that want only money, the like to show off, everybody cheated with each other and they didn’t even know until the end of the book. Like Gatsby and Daisy love each other, but Daisy married Tom because Tom’s old money. What was worse is Tom like Myrtle, which is Wilson’s wife. They are all dishonest.

I think the ending is pretty good because Gatsby and Myrtle died. It’s good for Tom and Daisy. They probably had a better life without Gatsby and Myrtle.
-Ashley, Chinatown Branch

The Minister's Daughter
-Julie Hearn

The novel, The Minister’s Daughter, by Julie Hearn is intriguing and packs a punch of mystery. The minister’s daughter, Grace, accused the cunning woman’s daughter, Nell, a witch. The novel is set in a time when people are heavily influenced by the Church and punished people who believe otherwise. In a village where witches are condemned, how was Nell supposed to escape the noose of the gallows? And how was Patience supposed to confess the dark secret that she has? The book circles around three characters that conflict each other: Nell, the cunning woman’s daughter; Patience, the simple looking, simple minded sister of Grace; and Grace, the beautiful and the sly daughter of the minister. This is a suspenseful book you wouldn’t want to let go till you finish the book.
-Huiting Rose, Chinatown Branch

The Joy Luck Club
-Amy Tan

Joy Luck Club is a story of four women with different hopes and dreams that come together from a hard life in China in hopes to have a better life in the US. They found each other and became best friends but none of them truly told their own stories about themselves till the very end. They each have children, all Americanized, closed-off from their Chinese cultures because, at the time, it was not important. This book emphasizes in how a Chinese mother’s impact on their Americanized daughters, the assimilation of different cultures that changes their lives, the daughters who wanted freedom to search for who they are and love their life in their own way. The mothers, upon seeing their daughters are reminded of their youth, of how they were similar to their daughters when they were young; always looking for a better life than what their parents had planned out. This book taught me how to be a better person. You would have thought it looks easy but being a Chinese-American is hard. We must understand how to conjoin these two cultures. I must live in the old ways while I must adopt the new. The book showed me the other side of China that I never notice but exists. I never thought of how my mother lived when she was young, how her Chinese culture has impacted me. Other people should read it too because they would know and understand more about us. It teaches how we need to continue to a new world but also not forgetting our history of who we are. Without history we would not exist.
-Mona, Chinatown Branch

Have you read these books? Post your comments. Do you have a book to recommend? Post your comments.

*Wonder why it rains so much in San Francisco this time of year?
check out this book

Weather of the San Francisco Bay region / Harold Gilliam

Come sit in our new chairs at Bayview

2006-10-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Come sit in our brand new chairs! Rock back & forth in them.

Here's Sherry in the red one. Comfy.

Here are two teens, who will remain anonymous, enjoying Japanese comics.

This could be you!!!!!!!!

The Bayview Branch is at:http://sfpl.org/librarylocations/branches/bayview.htm

Everyday is Halloween

2006-10-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

October is Halloween time. The holiday is my favorite celebration of the year, though this year I may skip wearing a costume to work. Last year I was the only one dressed in my holiday finest--a cowboy outfit- at the library.
Halloween is more than just costumes and candy! It is also about BOOKS. (well, okay it is a stretch, but there are many great books out there that are perfect Halloween reads)

Deadhouse: Life in a Coroner's Office
by John Temple

Don't read this book after lunch (or dinner or breakfast) like I did. A very gruesome account of working in the coroner's office. Learn why some bodies bloat after death and some shrivel.

Jack the Ripper
by Rosinsky

Follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper. A great unsolved mystery of some of the most vicious killings to hit London, England

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid: The Book of Scary Urban Legends
by Jan Haroid Brunvand

Revisit these classic urban legends. Tell them to a friend or scare yourself late at night...just remember they are legends. Though I do know a guy who has a sister that was the girl that.....

When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, AIDS
by James Cross Giblin

Be Afraid: Tales of Horror
by Edo Van Belkom

A book of short stories that will make you look under the bed and in your closet before going to sleep at night. (and don't forget to peek behind the shower curtain, that is always a good place for someone to hide)

The Creek
by Jennifer Holm

Thirsty
by MT Anderson

Peeps
by Scott Westerfeld

Read this book!

Have you read these books? post your comments. Have a favorite scary book? Post it!

Bored With School?

2006-10-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Bored with school? So soon? Well put some excitement back in your life. At the San Francisco Public Library the fun never stops! And I am not talking about books. From airbrushing T-shirts to an opportunity to meet the editors of Shojo Beat Magazine, here at SFPL we provide the cure for a bad case of the school boredoms.

TEEN READ WEEK Passport to Teen Programs
Get active! Travel! Get a passport to teen programs. During Teen Read Week, October 16th to October 21st, pick up your passport at any library branch. Get your passport stamped when you attend a teen library program. Fill in your passport with stamps and turn it in at select locations for a free long-distance calling card!! You'll also be entered in a raffle to win free travel on Sothwest Airlines!
October 15-21, 2006
All library locations
more info: jennifercollins@sfpl.org

The Art of the Tee
restyle and remake a T-shirt into some wearable art
Oct 5th 4-6pm
Fisher Children's Center Main library
more info: raronowitz@sfpl.org

Teen Tuesday: TAG A T-SHIRT
airbrush your tag on a t-shirt. We give you the t-shirt!
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 4-6pm
Excelsior Branch
4400 Mission ST / 355-2868
more info: dscappaticci@sfpl.org

Meet SHOJO BEAT
come and meet the editors of everyones favorite manga magazine
Wednesday, Oct. 11th, 4-5pm
Portola Branch
2450 San Bruno Ave. / 355-5660

Poetry Writing for Teens
a ten-week class for teens. Learn the craft of poetry and share your work with others. Classes taught by WritersCorps.
Wednesdays, October 18- December 20, 4-6pm
3rd Floor Conference room, Main Library
more info: blevine@sfpl.org

Knit Happens! Teen Knitting Club
learn to knit or just hang out with other knitters. We talk, knit and have some fun.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2-4pm
Children's Creative Center, Main Library, 2nd Floor
more info: blevine@sfpl.org

Through the Eyes of a Mask
Explore the age old mystery of how a mask transforms you into something else. Create a mask
October 21, 1-5pm
Ortega Branch / 355-5700
more info: kolson@sfpl.org

Chinatown Zine
The bilingual online teen zine. Fridays at 3:30pm and saturdays at 1:00pm
Chinatown Branch / 355-2888

Read This Book

2006-09-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to read? Of course you are!
The latest reviews from San Francisco teens. Read a good book recently? Post your review.

Monster Garage: How to Customize Damn Near Anything

First of all, I would like to say I am not interested in anything related to cars much less customizing one. However, this book made me appreciate the art of customization.The book is filled with step-by-step guides on how to start customizing complete with photos. As a reader, I can sense the passion as well as effort that was put into making this book. Following this observation, I would like to point out, a book such as this one will have a specific target audience: people with the money, time, as well as passion to customize. At the same time, some of the contents of the book are more broad such as the explanation to how things in a car worked, this may appeal to car owners and drivers.Overall, I highly recommend this book to those who care about the individuality of their car.

by Christina, San Francisco

Fear This Book (not in SFPL collection)
by Jeff Szpirglas

Contrary to the statement "You should not judge a book by its cover" I do.A book's cover initially captures potential readers by appearing appealing to the eye thus inspiring interest. When I first laid eyes on this book I quickly passed judgment, it's a cheesy book until I read the book. The book is filled with lots of interesting facts and information. Even if you are not entertained by the contents of the book you will be by the graphics.Although I was wrong to judge this book by its cover I was right about some of its elements. Its attempt to crack jokes was often pathetic.Overall, I think this book is more appropriate for the lower ages such as middle school rather than high school. Older kids will not stand for its silliness.

BANNED

2006-09-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Banned Books Week September 23rd-30th

The good news: Fewer books are being banned.
The bad news: Folks are still trying to tell people what they can and can't read.

Not familiar with Banned Books Week? Every year the the American Library Association(ALA) and libraries across the nation celebrate Banned Books Week. The idea is to encourage people to fight for their freedom to read. Occasionally you may read about a school or library or community that decides a book is offensive or unfit to read and they try to have the book removed from local libraries and deny folks the Right to Read. The ALA keeps track of this and you can read more about it at www.ala.org

What do you think? Do communities have the right to tell you what books you can and can't read? Do your parents have this right? Is it ever okay to deny someone access to a certain book? Post your comments.

Banned Books Week Teen Contest
Teens, test your knowledge of banned books. During September, correctly guess the titles of five banned books and be entered to win $50 BorderÂs books and music gift card. Fill out entry form at the Main Teen Center and participating branch libraries. From September 1st through 30th Main Library, Chinatown, Excelsior, Glen Park, Mission, North Beach, Ocean View, Ortega, Parkside, Portola, Richmond

The following books havechallengedd or banned the most in 2005. Find them at your library and read them. (and then read all the books at your local library, every single book, then ask for more!)

It's Perfectly Normal

Forever
by Judy Blume

The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger

The Chocolate War
by Robert Cormier

Whale Talk
by Chris Crutcher

What My Mother Doesn't Know
by Sonya Sones

Have you read these books? Post your comments!

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

2006-09-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Love the library? And want to help? Hate the library and want to make it better? Consider joining the Teen Advisory Council. Help select books and magazine, help plan programs and events and best of all make your voice heard because after all it is your library.

Ask your local teen librarian for details, or stop in to the Main Teen Center.

What is the TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL?

The San Francisco Public Library Teen Advisory Council is a group of San Francisco high schoolers who want to make the public library a better place for teens. We meet every month at the main library to plan library events such as the talent show, the teen summer read program, and other teen-related programs. We make ideas happen.

We aim to make the library more visible for teenagers, so that they will know about the great free resources we have right here in our city. Each council member is responsible for advertising library programs in our area of the city. We talk to other students about what the library has to offer.

We also want teens to participate in library decisions. We meet with library administrators to let them know what improvements the library can make to invite all teens inside the doors.

When you join the Teen Advisory Council, you agree to learn leadership skills such as sharing your opinions, negotiating with other teens, speaking in public (if you want!), contacting other agencies, applying for special funding (money!!). As teenagers, we can give our input on how money provided by the Friends and Foundation of San Francisco Public Library should be spent. In the past, we’ve successfully started S.A.T. prep workshops, a talent show, film programs, and a DJ skills workshop.

As a Council member, you also get to participate in fun events like the summer reading party and author visits.

If you want your voice to be heard, and you care about the public library, or you want to improve the library, apply for the Teen Advisory Council today!!

Don't Take My Word For It

2006-09-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

Remember all those book reviews you wrote for the Teen Summer Read program? Here is what some San Francisco teens are reading...

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things
by Carolyn Mackler

This is a book I think many people should read . The book is based on a 15 year old girl who lives in New York City. It's a great book for girls who have thought they were the only imperfections in their perfect families. The book shows the loneliness of a teenager when her best friend moves to Seattle.
Reviewer: Christina

The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child
by Francisco Jimenez

This book is about a Mexican family who came to California illegally. The author, which is also the main character, and his family had to live by picking cotton, grapes, and strawberries for different foreman during different seasons. Kids in this family barely went to school because when they were old enough to attend school, they had to help the family by working. This is a very interesting book because every chapter is a different story.
-L, San Francisco

Have you read these books? Post your comments.

Forged by Fire

2006-08-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Recently, many teens have been asking for the book Forged by Fire by Sharon M. Draper. It has been a number of years since I read this gripping book and I wondered what spurred a new interest in the title. I soon found out that a local teacher had assigned the book as a summer reading assignment.

"If you don't sit your stinkin' useless butt back down..."
so begins the novel Forged by Fire by Sharon M. Draper

Gerald knows he must survive the abuse of his drug addicted mother; beatings, burnings and verbal abuse. Gerald knows he must survive so he can protect his sister from their mother's cruel boyfriend.

Have you read Forged by Fire? Post your review under "comments"

Dancing in September

2006-08-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Shake off the back to school blues with some fun at the library. Yes, I used the words "fun" and "library" in the same sentence. Check-out all these great events and of course be sure to enter the BANNED BOOKS WEEK CONTEST and be eligible to win a $50 Border's Books and Music gift card.

Upcoming Events:

Make a Wire Wrap Bracelet
Teen Tuesday at Excelsior branch:Make a bracelet using wire wrap techniques. All supplies provided. Accessorize your favorite school outfit with a unique bracelet and have all your friends wondering where you got it.
Tuesday September 5
4pm
@Excelsior library 4400 Mission ST
355-2868

Wee wonderful Teen Sewing Workshop
Make an adorable Pointy Kitty! needle and fabric project. Make this cute kitty and always have someone to talk to.
Wednesday September 6
6:30-8:30pm
Presidio Branch
3150 Sacramento ST
355-2801

Flexagons!
Flummox your families and friends, leave them wondering how you made this fantastic Flexagon from only one piece of paper. What is a Flexagon!? A book structure that opens to reveal hidden pages.
Wednesday September 13
3:30-5:30pm
Parkside Branch
355-5770

Altered Books: Making new books from used books
Take an old tired book and make something new! Use glue, paper, paint almost anything to create an Altered Book.
Thursday September 21 3:30pm-5:30pm
Richmond Branch
355-5643

Movies @ the Library
Free movies=Free fun. Told you we put the fun into libraries.
Friday September 22
3:30-5:30pm
Ortega Branch
355-5700
**Film buffs....have a film request? E-mail your requests to kolson@sfpl.org

Tag a T-shirt/ Airbrush art
Airbrush your personal tag or art on a t-shirt. Graffiti that legal! And best of all you keep the shirt. All materials and shirts provided.
Wednesday September 27
4-6pm
Ocean View Library
255-5615

Fun & Funky Book Binding
What can you make with an old flyswatter? Or the sweater you stole from your sister? Or what about that shoe whose mate you lost? MAKE A BOOK OUT OF IT. Learn to make a book from almost anything.
Friday September 29
3-5pm
Portola Branch
355-5660

Welcome Back, STAC
Sunset Teen Advisory Council (STAC) welcomes you to join other SF teens in helping the library. Meet for SNACKS the last Friday of the month. Choose books and plan events!
Friday September 29
4-5:30pm
email kolson@sfpl.org for details

+Did you know that many branches at SFPL have Teen Advisory Councils? Interested in hanging out with other like minded teens and helping the library at the same time. (oh, and there is usually food served)? Contact your local library or the Main Teen Center.

CHINATOWN ZINE
Fridays, September 8,15,22,29
3:30-5:30pm
Saturdays, September 9,16,23,30
1-3pm
Chinatown Branch
http://www.sfpl.org/sfplonline/teen/sfteenzine/english/index.html

Bluford Booklist

2006-08-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

BLUFORD SERIES Booklist

What's it like to be the new kid at school? When does revenge on a bully go to far? What happens when you start to fear your boyfriend? The Bluford Series takes place at Bluford High. Follow the lives of students as they deal with these problems and more; the return of an absent father, troubled home life and daily trials that make high school well...high school. Check out all the titles in the series. AND tell us what you think. POST YOUR REVIEWS.

Lost and Found

A Matter of Trust

Secrets in the Shadows

Someone to Love Me

The Bully

The Gun

Until We Meet Again

Blood is Thicker

Brothers in Arms

Summer of Secrets

The Fallen

Shattered

Search for Safety

At SFPL we are always on the lookout for new series. Have a suggestion? Let us know!

15 Minutes of Fame

2006-08-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

"In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes"
-Andy Warhol

Our very own Main Teen Librarian, Betsy Levine, just had 15 minutes of fame! Catch the whole interview with FogFiles own Peter Finch.

http://24.104.40.88/kfog/Fogfileslibraryrocks.mp3

If you get a chance, be sure to visit the Main Library Teen Center. Also, keep an eye out for exciting programs for teens at the Main.

Play that again Sam!

2006-08-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

What can be more relaxing than an afternoon concert? Perhaps a free afternoon concert by the Greater Gwent Youth Wind Symphonia at the Main Library Koret Auditorium. Bassoon (perhaps my favorite instrument)

GREATER GWENT YOUTH WIND SYMPHONIA
all the way from Wales, United Kingdom
August 19th at 2pm
Main Library Koret Auditorium

GRAFFITI VS. STREET ART

2006-08-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

That tag on the side of a building; is it vandalism or art? When does graffiti cross from art to vandalism?

Our library is located in a major city and so every day on my way to work I see countless expressions of street art. Huge murals painted in the middle of the night stretch out with bright colors and bold words. But then arriving at work I am confronted with another side of graffiti, Tags. Sprayed across the side of the library are gang tags and when I look down the street all the buildings bear this scar. When does graffiti cross the line? When does graffiti change from street art to vadalism?

GRAFFITI WORLD: Street Art From Five Continents

The Art of Getting Over : Graffiti at the Millennium

GRAFFITO by Michael Walsh

HOW TO DRAW HIP-HOP
by Damion Scott

AutoGraf: New York City's Graffiti Writers
by Peter Sutherland

And coming soon to a library near you.........but don't wait! Put them on HOLD now!

Freight Train Graffiti
by Roger Gastman

Best Of Style File: The Finest of the First 10 Issues

Street Art The Spray Files
by Louis Bou

Blackbook Sessions
by Jorn Stiller

UPCOMING STREET ART EVENTS.......at YOUR library

TAG -a- T-SHIRT

Airbrush a t-shirt with your own tag. All supplies provided, including a shirt.

Ocean View Branch
Wednesday, September 27th at 4pm
345 Randolph St
355-5615

Excelsior Branch
Teen Tuesday, October 10th at 4pm
4400 Mission ST
355-2868

KNIT HAPPENS! @THE LIBRARY

2006-07-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Who can think about sweaters in summer? Or scarves in August? But summer is the perfect time to begin knitting projects so they are ready for winter gift giving. If you don't know how to knit or are looking for a group of people to knit with, then check out San Francisco Public Library.
Knit Happens! Teen Knitting Club
for teens 12-18
Saturday August 26th
2-4pm

If you want to learn to knit or just hang out and knit with other teens, join us! The library will provide supplies to practice on but bring your own yarn and needles to start your own project.
Questions? e-mail Betsy Levine, Teen Librarian, at blevine@sfpl.org

Need some knitting ideas? Check out these books

Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit
Jennifer Wenger

Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit With 15 Fun and Funky Projects
Shannon Okey

Knitting not your thing? Check out this...

Second-Time Cool: The Art of Chopping up a Sweater
Anna-Stina Linden Ivarsson

HARRY AND THE POTTERS---CHANGE OF VENUE

2006-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Harry and the Potters will perform in Civic Center Plaza. Due to popular demand and one super Teen Librarian, Betsy at the Main, Harry and the Potters will perform in Civic Center Plaza Saturday July 22nd at 2pm.

HARRY AND THE POTTERS will play CIVIC CENTER PLAZA on SATURDAY JULY 22nd at 2pm.

The venue has changed but the band is the same. Harry and the Potters are so popular so fantastic that we had to find a larger venue for the concert. So we thought big, we thought Civic Center Plaza.

The Simpsons

2006-07-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Summer is re-run season and most of my favorite programs fill the summer TV air-waves with repeats. This is can be good and bad because there are episodes I have missed and episodes that I want to watch again and again. There are also those episodes that I wish I could forget. Unfortunately, there are many episodes of my favorite program from this past season that I want to forget. The Simpsons. I really do love The Simpsons. I love The Simpsons in an unhealthy obsession-like love. The type of obsession that can put you in jail. The Simpsons is THE best program. Heck maybe I feel this way because I grew up watching this animated masterpiece. I have watched the program for 14 years. That is half of my lifetime on this earth (did I just give away my age?). So, when re-runs promise a not so funny episode (yes, there are a few bad episodes, just like everyone has a bad day once in a while) I turn to the next best thing.......The Simpsons books! Yes, The Simpsons are in book form. The books are awesome, they are like watching TV, but in a book form. When I read these Simpsons books on the MUNI, passengers stare at me as I laugh and laugh and hoot and holler. So when you need a TV fix....Read a book, a Simpsons book.

The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family

Simpsons Comics A Go-Go

Simpsons Comics Barn Burner

Simpsons Comics. Belly Buster

Simpsons Comics Big Bonanza

Simpsons Comics Extravaganza

Simpsons Comics Madness

Simpsons Comics on Parade

Simpsons Comics Strike Back

Simpsons Comics Wingding

...and many, many more!

Find them at San Francisco Public Library
www.sfpl.org

WIZARD ROCK at THE LIBRARY

2006-06-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand for their third sensational summer tour...

Harry and the Potters!

Saturday, July 22, 2006
2-4pm
Koret Auditorium, Main Library

Opening band...Draco and the Malfoys

If you missed the last performance of Harry and the Potters at SFPL, be sure to make it to this show. This band performs some of the best Indie sounds known to man. And, you get to be loud in the library!

Check out their website for more info or look for them on myspace.
http://www.eskimolabs.com/hp/

Have you heard the great sounds of Harry and Potters? Let us know what you think.

Speak

2006-06-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

As I was browsing through the DVD collection, on the hunt for a movie to watch this weekend, I stumbled across a FANTASTIC find. The DVD of SPEAK, the movie version of the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Andersen. Have you read SPEAK? Share your thoughts. And please (I know a librarian should not say this) check out the DVD, though you may have to wait until I return it.

SPEAK
-Laurie Halse Anderson

Formatt:
Book
DVD

Booklists: This Just In.....

2006-06-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses; the latest additions to the SFPL teen collection. Check them out today.

Black Powder
-Robin Staton
Travel back in time, from L.A. to England as Lanston attepmts to change history and prevent the murder of his best friend.

The Radioactive Boyscout
-Ken Silverstein
A true account of boy who makes a nuclear reactor. (thats a fun project for summer, LOL)

The Hip Handbag Book: 25 easy-to-make totes, purses and bags.
-Sherri Haab
A cure for summer boredom, make a bag that is one of kind!

S.A.S.S (Students Across Seven Seas)
-Follow the stories of love, highjinks and adventure of students studying in foreign lands.

Getting the Boot
Pardon My French
Spain or Shine
Westminster Abbey

Events--June 13th at Portola

2006-06-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

You're never too old to hear a good yarn! Come hear storyteller David Ponkey tell heroic tales on Tues. June 13th at 4:00 pm at:

Portola Branch Library
2450 San Bruno Ave.
San Francisco CA 94110
415-355-5660
wkramer@sfpl.org

Booklists:GLBTQ Pride Month

2006-06-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

GLBTQ Pride Month. Stop by the San Francisco Public Library for some great GLBTQ fiction and non-fiction. Here is a list of some of my favorites. Be sure to post your favorites!

Baby Be-Bop
-Francesca Lia Block

A Really Nice Prom Mess
-Brian Sloan

Geography Club
-Brent hartinger

What I Know Now
-Roger Larson

Gravel Queen
-Tea Benduhn

Orphea Proud
-Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Absolutely, Positively Not...
-David Larochelle

Boy Girl Boy
-Ron Koertge

What I know Now
-Roger Larson

Clay's Way
-Blair Mastbaum

Luna
-Julie Ann Peters

Rainbow Boys
-Alex Sanchez

My Hearbeat
-Garret Freymann-Weyr

M or F
-Lisa Papademetriou and Chris Tebbetts

Becoming Visible
-Kevin Jennings

GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens

Booklists: The Inside Scoop- Sizzling Summer Read

2006-06-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost upon us. Gone are the days of assigned school books and before us are the days of fun and lighthearted reading.

My suggestion for a Sizzling Summer Read? My Pick for the perfect beach book? My choice for the comatose days before us?

The Insiders
-J. Minter

Jonathan is the glue that keeps his friends together. Through break-ups, wild parties, shopping sprees and a cousin who sets her sights on his friends, Jonathan is there to make sure his group stays together. Join this eclectic crew in an exciting romp through New York City as they test the definitions of friendship and love.

Continue the excitement with these Insiders novels:

Pass It On: An Insiders Novel

Take It Off: An Insiders Novel

Break Every Rule: An Insiders Novel

Hold On Tight

Booklists: The Coldest Winter Ever

2006-06-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Every month I perform a sort of ritual. This ritual is as certain as the orbit of the planets in the Milky Way galaxy. The ritual is ordering new copies of The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. The Coldest Winter Ever may in fact be the most stolen book in the TEEN collection. And those copies that are not secreted away are checked out and never returned! So, month after month I order more copies of this TEEN favorite. I know, I know I could just order 40 copies a year and be done with it, but there is a certain satisfaction of ordering the book every month. It means that the book is popular, that some TEEN out there likes this book; wants to read this book. So dutifully I purchase more copies.

Books like The Coldest Winter Ever are sometimes referred to as "Urban Fiction". In the past few months I have been getting more and more requests for Urban Fiction and happily I do my best to provide TEENS with as many books as they can read.

Have you read The Coldest Winter Ever? Tell us what you think and make a recommendation, right here for other TEENS to read.

In the mean time here are some of my picks:

Push
-Sapphire

Imani All Mine
-Connie Porter

Monster
-Walter Dean Myers

Bang
-Sharon Flake

Ballad of a Ghetto Poet
-AJ White

The Dying Ground
-Nichelle Tramble

Living for the City
-Jervy Tervalon

Too Beautiful for Words
-Monique Morris

Autobiography of My Dead Brother
-Walter Dean Myers

Money Hungry
-Sharon Flake

Upstate
-Kalisha Buckhanon

Coming Soon to a Library Near You........

Bluford series
Hip-Hop High School
Teenage Bluez

Dear Ms. Manners

2006-05-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Ms. Manners,

I need your advice : my local branch public library is overrun with teens! During my last visit all library computers were being hogged by teens using www.myspace.com; as I waited for my turn on a computer, I decided to read but was unable to because of ... TEENS!

The TEENS were: sitting on tables; talking loudly; leaving assorted litter and debris about; and congregating in a menacing fashion.

What does one do here?

Sincerely,
Troubled by TEENS

In the past few days I have been bombarded with complaints about TEENS in the library. In the past such complaints elicit my standard response, "The public library is a place for all people regardless of age, race, religion etc..." Except this past Tuesday as I glanced around the library my eyes beheld a sight that I shudder to think about even as I type this post. Everywhere about the library TEENS were perched on tables, ON TABLES, litter was strewn about the TEEN Section as if a 6.5 temblor struck San Francisco. Teens voices echoed across the hallowed hall of the library. And then I lost it. I kindly explained to the patron that I would take care of the situation and then as if the heavens opened up with a rain of thunder I descended upon the TEENS. Immediately after removing the offending TEENS from the library I was struck down with GUILT.

As a TEEN Librarian, I hate having to scold TEENS or kick them out of the library. My job, my civic duty is to get TEENS to come into the library. I want TEENS in the library reading books, using the computers, doing homework, attending programs and just hanging out. But these last few days I have witnessed a complete meltdown of manners. I for the first time understood why patrons so often complain about TEENS.

The time has come for a more than gentle reminder of etiquette.

1. Sitting on Tables:
Do I need to explain? We have plenty of chairs, in fact at some branches such as the Excelsior Branch we have "comfy" chairs in the TEEN Section. Please Please do not sit on tables. It really disrupts my IMing when I have to get up from my desk and remind TEENS not to sit on the tables.

2. Clumping:
"Please keep this walkway clear in case of emergency". We have all heard this phrase before and it does apply in the library. Walkways do need to be kept clear so people can move freely about the library. And if an emergency suddenly demands the evacuation of the building? There will be a whole lot of trampling going on.

3. I Don't Feel Like Walking Over to the Garbage Can Syndrome:
We at the library ensure that waste receptacles are placed throughout the library. So use them!

4. My Friend Is All the Way Across the Library So I Must Yell to Get Her Attention:
In days past folks were discouraged from talking in the library. The library of today encourages people to talk, we decided that "hey it's okay to talk BUT NOT YELL". In fact we think it is great when TEENS socialize in the library. Just remember that others use the library and don't want to hear your business!

5. I Just Love the Latest Cell Phone Ring I Downloaded, So I Have My Ringer Set On High:
It's called vibrate people. Set your phone to vibrate and if you must answer the phone, please go outside to do so.

There, I said my peace and I feel so much better. Try to incorporate these etiquette tips in your next visit to the library. The library is for everyone and in order for it to be for everyone we must all do our part to make it work.

what's your etiquette tip for the library?

Want to read more about etiquette and manners?
Check out these books from your local library.

Emily Post's Teen Etiquette

Dear Ms. Demeanor: The Young Person's Etiquette Guide to Handling Any Social Situation With Confidence and Grace

How Rude! The Teenagers' Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior and Not Grossing People Out.

A Pocketbook of Manners for Young People

Social Savvy: A Teenager's Guide to Feeling Confident in any Situation.

June Events Preview

2006-05-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

June is almost here. That means the end of another school year or the beginning of a summer school term. Either way be sure to schedule in a library Teen Program.

Today's modern teen has an active and busy schedule, but with some early planning one can be sure to fit in a variety of library sponsored teen programs. And guess what? Library Teen Programs are for TEENS.

Ever have a super fantastic idea for a library teen program? TELL US! Lets us know. Post an idea on this bloc or just tell your local library staff member. Better yet...Join the TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL and let your voice be heard.

The June List

Make Books with Jewelry!
Combine fabulous jewelry and books. You will make a small book and decorate it with assorted beads, charms and other pretty things. Bring your own old bracelets and earrings or use the stuff provided.
Saturday June 3
2-4:00pm
Children's Center Main Library, 2nd floor
blevine@sfpl.org for more details

Annual WritersCorps Book Party and Celebration
Youth Poets will read their poetry at the Main
Wed. June 7th
5:30-7:30pm
Koret Auditorium

Customize a Trucker Hat
Print your own original design on a trucker style hat (one of those blank baseball type looking caps) HATS PROVIDED. You will leave with a hat that bears the image or words that you decide.
Tuesday June 13
4-5:30pm
Excelsior Branch
dscappaticci@sfpl.org for more info

Knit Happens!
You know that knitting is one of the hottest things going right now, so learn how! Already know how to knit? Then come gather with teen knitters and have some fun talking, knitting and just hanging out. The library will provide practice yarn and needles.
Saturday June 17
2-4:00pm
Children's Center Main Library, 2nd Floor
email blevine@sfpl.org for more details

Chinatown Teen Zine...
I know you've read it! Know help create it! The bilingual online zine is the thing to read.
Fridays June 2,9,16,23,30
3:30-5:30pm
Saturdays June 3,10,17,24
1-3:00pm
Chinatown Library
355-2888 for more info

Last but not Least....

TEEN SUMMER READ begins June 16th.....
Read books and Get Prizes!
Teen Summer Read deserves its own post, so guess what? I am going to write a Teen Summer Read Post.

Did you know.....

2006-05-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know that folks UNDER 18 do not pay overdue fines on items checked out on their card?
Often, teens have stacks of books at home that are years overdue (not you! some other teen). Then the library sends them "the letter". "The Letter" in a very stern tone informs the teen that they owe hundreds of dollars in overdue fines. What results is the teen stays away from the library because they owe all this cash. Don't stay away. BRING THE ITEM BACK and OWE NOTHING.

The library just wants the books back. So please bring them back. Once they are checked-in, your outrageous overdue fine disappears and you can once again check-out library materials.

Did you know that a replacement library card is 50cents (insert 5ocent joke here) for those under 18? Your first library card is of course FREE.

Sad but makes you happy to be alive: Reviews

2006-05-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

I read the book A Certain Slant of Light. And I think that book is really good because it is about spirts that stay in this world and I think it is good because it kind of makes you think to be happy that you still live and to enjoy your life. If you lost someone special to you or you are into ghost stories. I think you should read this.

Recommended by marilyn

Happy Sad

2006-05-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Whats your favorite "happy" book?

Whats your favorite "sad" book?

booklists: Something Sad, Something Funny

2006-05-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning doing what I love best - BOOKTALKING. Imagine a class of 25 or so high school students hanging on to my every word as I "push books". Booktalks are mini-advertisements that star my favorite actor, ME. Here at SFPL we Teen Librarians strike out into the world of high school with a collection of books that we believe teens should read, want to read and will read, if only the teens know the titles exist. Well, standing there in front of 25 or so high school students, "pushing books" with booktalks it occured to me that one of the titles is just plain sad and another title just plain happy. Personally, I love a sad and depressing book that leaves you trembling with tears. I also enjoy a book that is nothing but nonsense and laughter.

Something Sad:

America by E.R. Frank
The story of a teenage runaway being treated in a mental hospital

Something Funny:

Wearing of This Garment Does Not Enable You to Fly: 101 Real Dumb Warning Labels
The title says it all.

Of course these titles are available at your local San Francisco Public Library.

have a favorite "sad" book? A favorite "funny" book?
Post the title and let others know

Addiction: Events & Booklists

2006-05-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Some people are addicited to coffee (me) some folks are addicted to illegaly downloading music (I will not rat you out) and some people are addicted to Anime. If you find yourself addicted to anime be sure to check out Anime @ the Library every Friday afternoon at the Parkside Branch.

Anime not your thing? Need to keep those idle hands busy?
Knit Happens.
Yes it really does
One Saturday a month at the Main, 2pm in the Main Children's Center.Check out the Teen Program listing on www.sfpl.org. If you know how to knit, then show up and knit! If you dont know how to knit, then show up and learn! Knit happens and it happens at the Main!

Because I am a librarian I must mention books. Interested in knitting? What about knitting books?

Teen Knitting Club

Knitgrrl: learn to knit with 15 fun and funky projects

Second Time Cool: The Art of Chopping Up a Sweater

Okay, so this last book is not about knitting, but hey we all have that ugly sweater from grandma or good friend that lives in the back of your closet. Why not turn it into something useful?

Not Too Late

2006-05-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Do you love to write? Do you wish you were assigned MORE essays and term papers as homework? Would you love to win something for writing an essay? OF COURSE!
The Asian Pacific Heritage Month Essay Contest ends May 27th. That means there is still plenty of time of write an essay for the contest. Go ahead wait till the last minute. , which is 4pm May 27th. Just be sure the essay is about "Freedom For All" (details on the sfpl website).

Welcome

2006-05-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to SFPL's new teen blog! Soon to come: advice columns, events, listings for new books, cds, and dvds, suggestions for what we should buy, pics, and much more!

Don't forget to sign up for Teen Summer Read!