Teen Summer Reading Program Under Way!

The "Beneath the Surface" Teen Summer Reading Program is now underway here at the Vicksburg District Library.  If you haven't signed up yet -- what are you waiting for?  All you have to do is read 30 minutes per day to get FREE weekly prizes like free food at Applenockers, Subway, and Pizza Hut... or how about FREE fair tickets?  FREE roller rink passes? 

The summer reading program runs now through Saturday, July 27, at 5pm, and you are free to sign up until that last day and collect your retroactive reading prizes.  Also -- we still have tons of fun programs coming up that you can still register for!  We still have a cooking challenge, a Mythbusters Day, a free big-screen showing of "Warm Bodies," and more.  Come on down and check them out!

Lastly, a big THANK YOU to all of the guests and volunteers that attended our kick-off Zombie Prom event on Tuesday night.  It was a BLAST and a great way to start the summer!  Our Prom King and Queen each won gift cards to Coldstone Creamery in Portage, as did the best dancer, the best dressed, and the winner of our zombie apocalypse challenge!  I have attached some pictures so you can see what a great time you can have if you come down to the Vicksburg District Library for summer reading!

Any questions or comments?  Contact me, Beth -- the Teen Librarian -- at 649-1648 or at bdowson@vicksburglibrary.org.  Hope to see you soon!! 

Summer Reading Program for Teens Starts in Less than a Week!

Hard to believe, but it's true -- the summer reading program for teens starts next Monday, June 10th!  Come down to the library to sign-up for the reading contest and to register for the programs that are coming up over the next 2 months.  We have some great things coming up! 

Live outside of Vicksburg and can't get a regular library card?  No worries!  We issue special library cards for summer reading -- so anyone can participate for free, no matter where you live!  All you have to do is read 30 minutes a day to compete in the contest and receive a FREE prize EVERY week.  You're also eligible for other bigger prizes at each event throughout the summer and some even BIGGER prizes at the end of the season party on Tuesday, July 30!  So, what are you waiting for?  Get down here and start reading and having fun!

Need something to do between all those minutes you're reading?  Here's a recap of what is coming up -- attend as many as you would like! 

Mon, June 10	10 am	Registration Opens for Summer Reading Game
Tues. June 11	6-8 pm	Zombie Prom – What lies beneath the surface?  Zombies!  Kick-off the Summer Reading Program for teens by dressing the part and coming to the library for an evening of dancing, refreshments, games, and contests!
Thurs. Jun. 20	3-4 pm	DIY: Magic 8 Balls – Everyone remembers the Magic 8 Ball – the “magic” water-based toy that dove deep and could answer any question it was asked.  Bring some creativity and come make your own at this craft program.
Mon. Jun. 24	1-2 pm	Fruit Ninjas – Do you have what it takes to not only follow a recipe, but to be able to tweak that recipe to fool our taste-testers?  Learn some delicious recipes and see if you can hide ingredients “beneath the surface.”
Mon. Jul. 1	3-5 pm	Snacks & Movie – Beat the heat and hang in the shade in the library’s basement.  Enjoy some snacks while we watch the zombie love story “Warm Bodies” on the big screen.
Thurs. Jul. 11	11-1 pm	Photo Scavenger Hunt – A crime has been committed in the library and we need your help to figure out what happened.  Dig deeper into the case by finding clues, taking pictures of evidence, and documenting that evidence for the police.
Mon. Jul. 15	2-3 pm	Writers’ Workshop – Calling writers of all levels!  Look beneath your surface by learning some tips and tricks of the trade.  Participants will receive a writers’ toolkit as well as an opportunity to write and share with the group.
Tues. Jul. 23	2-3 pm	MythBusters – Join us for the library’s take on the popular science-experiment based TV show.  Help us look deeper into popular urban myths to prove if they’re fact or myth once and for all – while we blow some things up along the way!
Wed. Jul. 24	1:30-2:30pm	Kalamazoo Nature Center – Learn about animals that live underground at a program put on by the Kalamazoo Nature Center for kids and teens.
Sat. Jul. 27	5 pm	Summer Reading Game Ends – All reading records must be turned in for counting. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Tues. Jul. 30	3-4 pm	End of Summer Reading Game Prize Party – Time to celebrate all the hard work and reading you did this summer!  We’re going to make the most of the warm weather we have left by having a luau!  Join us for tropical food and drinks, and for luau-themed games and prizes.

Registration is required for all events. You may visit the Library beginning at 10 am June 10 to sign up for these programs. 

Special Note:  Each program this year will have a limit on how many participants can sign up and attend.  Slots in each program will be given on a first come, first served basis.  Please register early for all of the programs you want to attend! 

Summer Library Cards are available to all participants of the summer reading game. Cards will remain active from June 10 until August 31. Up to 35 books can be checked out per card.

Teen Summer Reading Program Kicks-Off in Less Than a Month!!

May is already more than halfway over and that can only mean one thing -- the countdown to summer has begun!  Some important things to remember:

• This Sunday, May 19th, is the last Sunday we will be open until next fall (the Sunday after Labor Day).
• Registration for the summer reading program starts on Monday, June 10 (at 10am, when the library opens).
• The kick-off event The Zombie Prom for the Teen Summer Reading Program is Tuesday, June 11 from 6-8pm.

A what?!  That's right -- a Zombie Prom is being held on Tuesday, June 11, from 6-8pm to kick off the summer reading program for teens.  Get the word out -- this is gonna be awesome!!  Here's the lowdown:

• All participants MUST register beforehand for the Zombie Prom and they MUST have enrolled in the summer reading program!  No one will be admitted the night of the Zombie Prom without a ticket!!  Please make sure you have your ticket with you -- this will act as your punch card to all of the stations. 

• This is a prom for zombies!  Come dressed the part -- wear your best zombie prom outfits!  Examples include ripped tuxedos, dirty suits, stained and old prom dresses, etc.  DO NOT wear anything that you will be upset if it gets dirty or ruined!

• Make up will be provided!  Don't worry -- we will complete your zombie transformation!

• There will be 6 stations for you to visit during the prom.  They are:
• Dance Class -- watch a short zombie music video and learn how to do the steps to the dance
• Fortune-Telling -- find out what lies ahead in your future
• Zombie Apocalypse Survival Game -- find out if you have what it takes to survive an apocalypse
• Information Desk -- learn about zombies, get snacks, and vote for Prom King and Queen
• Make-Up Art -- complete your transformation and get zombie make-up applied by experts
• Photo Booth -- no prom is complete without a place for photo ops

• Rules for the evening:
• No running, no screaming/yelling, and no banging on poles
• Be respectful of each other -- no hitting, no teasing, no bullying
• Be respectful of the adults -- no backtalk and listen when spoken to 
• No playing in the bathrooms
• Clean up after yourself
• Don't leave the basement without telling an adult
• First offense -- warning
• Second offense -- kicked out of the event

The rest of the schedule for Teen Summer Reading programs was posted in the last blog post and is available on our Facebook page and our Teen page on our website.  Questions?  Call or visit the library and talk to Beth!  Hope to see you this summer!

The School Year is Coming to a Close...

You wouldn't know it from the weather outside, but spring is well underway and we are almost to May!  The teens and I have had a lot of fun this past month with the Silent Library special event -- in which we zipped people up in suitcases, had several eating contests, and held a prize auction, a Peanut Butter and Jelly Cook-Off, a  Gamers' Day, and revealed the winner and had a tasting of the March Madness Dessert winner.  (It was chocolate-peanut butter cheesecake, btw.)  For some pictures of all the crazy fun we've been having, visit the teen page on our website or check out our Facebook page!

This spring we have steadily increased our average number of attendees from 7 to 13, so great job and keep getting the word out!  The more people we have, the cooler and bigger stuff we'll be able to do in the future.

If you haven't been getting over here, but are thinking about it, next week is your last chance!  There is no teen event next Tuesday, because on Thursday, May 2, at 4:00, Ms. Kristy is holding a special event for teens and tweens.  There will be a "Mexican Fiesta" to celebrate Cinco de Mayo -- featuring games, prizes, food, and a craft!
   
This "Mexican Fiesta" will be the last program of the school year -- Ms. Kristy and I need some time to plan our super awesome summer reading programs! Speaking of the Teen Summer Reading Program, here's what you've all been waiting for... the nitty gritty facts:

• The theme of the summer reading program this year for teens is "Beneath the Surface."  You will notice that all of the programs and goodies you receive fit into this theme.  
• Sign up begins Monday, June 10 at 10am.  All teens who want to participate must sign up at the library for the summer reading game.  When you sign up, you will receive your reading log and a goodie bag to get you started.
• Teens must read for 30 minutes a day to get the weekly prizes and finish the game.  Simply record the number of reading minutes per day on the calendar in your log.  Bring the log into the library to claim your prizes each week.
• Don't have a library card?  No problem!  We can get you signed up for one when you come in to register for summer reading.  We have special summer reading cards that will activate when you sign up and expire on July 27 when the summer reading program ends.  Up to 32 books can be checked out per card.
• Summer reading ends Saturday, July 27 at 5pm.  All reading logs must be turned in by this time.  No late submissions can be accepted.
• Below is the schedule of special events we will be holding here at the library.  Registration is required for all events!  Each program this year will have a limit on how many participants can sign up and attend.  Slots in each program will be given on a first come, first serve basis.  Please sign-up early for all of the programs you want to attend!  

2013 Teen Summer Reading Game
Vicksburg District Library

 

Mon, June 10	10 am	Registration Opens for Summer Reading Game
Tues. June 11	6-8 pm	Zombie Prom – What lies beneath the surface?  Zombies!  Kick-off the Summer Reading Program for teens by dressing the part and coming to the library for an evening of dancing, refreshments, games, and contests!
Thurs. Jun. 20	3-4 pm	DIY: Magic 8 Balls – Everyone remembers the Magic 8 Ball – the “magic” water-based toy that dove deep and could answer any question it was asked.  Bring some creativity and come make your own at this craft program.
Mon. Jun. 24	1-2 pm	Fruit Ninjas – Do you have what it takes to not only follow a recipe, but to be able to tweak that recipe to fool our taste-testers?  Learn some delicious recipes and see if you can hide ingredients “beneath the surface.”
Mon. Jul. 1	3-5 pm	Snacks & Movie – Beat the heat and hang in the shade in the library’s basement.  Enjoy some snacks while we watch the zombie love story “Warm Bodies” on the big screen.
Thurs. Jul. 11	11-1 pm	Photo Scavenger Hunt – A crime has been committed in the library and we need your help to figure out what happened.  Dig deeper into the case by finding clues, taking pictures of evidence, and documenting that evidence for the police.
Mon. Jul. 15	2-3 pm	Writers’ Workshop – Calling writers of all levels!  Look beneath your surface by learning some tips and tricks of the trade.  Participants will receive a writers’ toolkit as well as an opportunity to write and share with the group.
Tues. Jul. 23	2-3 pm	MythBusters – Join us for the library’s take on the popular science-experiment based TV show.  Help us look deeper into popular urban myths to prove if they’re fact or myth once and for all – while we blow some things up along the way!
Wed. Jul. 24	1:30-2:30pm	Kalamazoo Nature Center – Learn about animals that live underground at a program put on by the Kalamazoo Nature Center for kids and teens.
Sat. Jul. 27	5 pm	Summer Reading Game Ends – All reading records must be turned in for counting. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Tues. Jul. 30	3-4 pm	End of Summer Reading Game Prize Party – Time to celebrate all the hard work and reading you did this summer!  We’re going to make the most of the warm weather we have left by having a luau!  Join us for tropical food and drinks, and for luau-themed games and prizes.

  

Spring Break at the Library

Happy Spring Break from Ms. Beth!  Vicksburg might be on break right now, but things are still buzzing here at the Vicksburg District Library.  Spring programs for teens AND tweens are continuing through May 2, when we will take a break for the rest of the school year so Ms. Kristy and I can get ready for the summer reading program! 

Because it is spring break, we will not be having any programs the week of April 1-5, but we are still open, so come on down for movies, books, games, computer time, and more! 

Also, a reminder that the voting for March Madness at the Library -- Cake vs. Pie -- ends on Sunday, March 31.  We will be closed that day for Easter, but you can drop your last-minute votes off in the outside dropbox.  I will take the rest of the week to tally the votes and get ready...because....on Tuesday, April 9, at 3:00pm, we will have an unveiling and better yet, a tasting, of the winner!

If that isn't reason enough to come over to the library on Tuesday, April 9, please come for that day's Teen Event -- "Silent Library" (a spin-off of the MTV game show).  We rescheduled the program from over spring break so more people could attend.  We will be having eating contests, feats of strength, and bizarre talent shows -- all while keeping completely silent!  Come for the laughs and stay for the food and prizes!  For those of you not familiar with the game, you can watch a trailer for an old season here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4HskLKLdiA.   

Have a safe, fun spring break, everyone!  And don't forget to visit!

March Madness at the Library!

In celebration of that "other" March Madness -- the ever-popular NCAA men's basketball tournament --  Beth has decided to head a special March Madness Tournament -- just for the Vicksburg District Library.

March Madness at the Library -- 
The Pie vs. Cake Championship Match: One Dessert to Rule Them All


Come into the library between now and March 31 to fill out a dessert championship bracket (one per person) and have your say in which dessert reigns supreme.  Then join us on: Tuesday, April 9 at 3:00pm for a tasting of the championship winner -- chosen by you!

For a sneak peek at the bracket, please visit:  http://www.lolluv.com/2010/03/the-cake-vs-pie-bracket/

Think Spring!

Hey everyone!  Ms. Beth here with the next edition of the Vicksburg District Library's Teen Blog.  With any luck, spring is right around the corner, and with that come things like warmer days, blooming flowers, and more sunlight.  Even indoors, things are heating up with the teen events, which are continuing through March and April right here at the library!


In the spirit of NCAA March Madness, we have many competitions and opportunities for prizes, fun, and bragging rights coming up!  On Tuesday, March 12, we will be holding a Wii Dance contest.  Come right at 3:00 to help fill out the Wii tournament brackets and to participate in another, more delicious, mystery tournament.  The following Tuesday, March 19, bring your creative side to our Peeps Dioramas design contest with the ever popular and tasty holiday candy.  This will also be at 3:00, but will be held upstairs in the library's Heritage Room.  The last week of March is a special event for Teens AND Tweens that will be held at a special date and time.  Come on Thursday, March 28, from 4:00-5:00 -- we will be holding our own edition of Silent Library (a spin-off of the popular MTV game show).  For those of you not familiar with the game, you can watch a trailer for an old season here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4HskLKLdiA.   

If you have an idea for a great program, a complaint about how we do things, or just want more input in what events the library puts on -- or a chance to help pick out what books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs we order, join our Teen Advisory Board (TAB)!  We meet once a month and plan events, pick out library materials, eat snacks, and have a lot of fun.  Our next meeting is Thursday, March 21 at 3:00 -- stop in and talk to Beth if you're interested.

Looking ahead to April, some of our upcoming events include a Gamers' Day, creating Pop Art Projects, and Peanut Butter-Jelly Time.  We will NOT be having any Tween/Teen events over the week of spring break (April 1-April 5). 

Hope to see you soon -- don't forget to bring your friends!