Monday, September 21, 2009

Personal Pizza / Rock Band Extravaganza

Teens, join us Tuesday, October 13, 2009 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. for a Pizza Fest!

We will be making personal pizzas from English muffins, biscuits, and pepperonis, all while blasting away on Rock Band.

If you want to eat and not play, that's fine!

If you want to play and not eat, that's fine!

Looking forward to seeing you,
Maggie

Friday, September 11, 2009

Guitar Hero to Begin Again

Thanks to the general awesomeness of the Greene County Public Library, we have received a donated projector. This means we can start doing Guitar Hero on Fridays at 4:00 p.m.! This event is B.Y.O.S.: Bring your own snacks. (Sorry, but libraries are having money problems right now.)

The Friends of the Library are purchasing a movie license for us, so soon we can begin showing movies again.

Thanks, Friends! We appreciate your hard work.

Teen Program: Good Eats

On Tuesday, Sept 15 at 4:00 p.m., all are invited to gather 'round the toaster oven and partake in cheese dogs, crescent rolls, and biscuits.

I believe the resulting items are known by us commonfolk as "Pigs in a Blanket."

See you!

Teen Volunteers of the Week

We would like to thank Ashley, Chelsea, Chris, Christine, Ryan, Kara, and Nathan for their assistance with shelving this week. Your strong muscles and bright minds are appreciated by your library! Remember, you can use volunteer time at the library for senior service hours, and your librarian will give you glowing recommendations for jobs, scholarships, and college.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Your Writing: Amanda Peter (Update of an Earlier Story)

Prologue:
At the edge of the encampment, a woman lays flat on her pallet, struggling to give birth to her firstborn child. Her brow is coated with sweat, and she grits her teeth, trying not to scream in pain, as the contractions, each one more powerful than the one before, grip her bulging midsection. The midwife stands at her side, materials at the ready, prepared to assist when the need arises. A tall man, his long broadsword belted at his waist with another across his back, stands near the entrance to the shelter, watching and waiting . . .
The sun is just beginning to set when the thin, annoyed screams of newborn babes finally emerge from the tent near the edge of the encampment. Mere minutes later, the man emerges, carrying, not one, but two infants. He raises them high in the air and shouts to the crowd that has gathered, “Hear and witness! I claim these children as my own to carry on my legacy!”
From that moment, though they are only minutes out of the womb, their fates are sealed.
* * *
Two young children, a boy and a girl, stand silently beside their father, staring out at the shifting sands of the desert. The Sindal Mountains rise gracefully in the distance, the setting sun appearing to balance precariously on their misty peaks.
At eight years, the children are nearly identical. Their only distinguishing features being the lengths of their hair, with the girl-child’s slightly longer. Among a race of light-colored people, their straight black locks and glittering onyx eyes set them apart. Both wear lightweight garments that shield their entire bodies from the harsh, burning rays of the desert sun, and each carries several long daggers at the belt. Even their expressions are identical, stern and harsh, making them seem older than they truly are. They are old souls housed in young bodies; children who have never known childhood. The children rarely speak, save to each other, and are nearly always in each other’s company. They can always be found within sight of each other, as though afraid that should they separate, they would never again see one another.
Finally, the man turns and reenters the encampment, but the children stay where they are, facing the setting sun. They remain standing side-by-side until long after the sun has sunk below the horizon, thoughts and emotions flowing between them through the twin-link, comfortable in their outward silence.
* * *
The children have reached their eleventh year, and they are inseparable. When they stand side-by-side, it is nearly impossible to tell them apart, so alike are they in look and manner. Even their builds are alike, despite the fact that one is male and the other female. The only thing that truly defines one from the other is the length of their hair, as the girl’s hangs nearly to her waist, despite being restrained in a tail set high on her head.
Their eyes glitter like polished black onyx in their tanned faces, and their hands are calloused from hard work and daily training. Now, they wear heavy broadswords in addition to the daggers. These children seem too small to be able to carry such large weapons, yet each wields it with surprising ease. Already, they can defeat nearly half the warriors of the tribe, and are well on their way to being strong and skilled enough to force the rest to their knees.
* * *
Two teenagers, features almost perfectly identical, stand in the center of the practice ring, preparing to spar. They are fourteen now, just on the edge of adulthood. Though still the same height, there are now small differences between them. His shoulders have begun to broaden and his body to fill out as he progresses towards manhood, while her body is on its own path as she begins the journey from girl to woman.
They have learned all that their father can teach them. During sparring, they have each defeated all of the other hunters and warriors in the tribe, proving that, alone, each is more than powerful. But together, with their twin-bond linking them, they are nearly impossible to beat. They have forced even their father, the strongest and most skilled of the tribe’s swordsmen, to kneel before them in the ring. The only ones they cannot triumph over are each other.
They salute each other and draw their swords in unison, the harsh sound of metal-on-leather creating a unique harmony between them. Then they begin. Their blades come together with a loud clang, and the fight begins. It becomes a dance of blades and bodies as each tries in vain to force the other to the ground. Here, facing each other, the twin-bond that aids them so well against others is now their enemy. Just as they sense each other’s moves when fighting together against others, so does the same occur now against each other.
Finally, they come together for the last time, blades locked. Though they can last for hours, these battles always end in a draw, whether it be daggers against sword or sword against sword. No matter how fiercely they fight, neither twin can defeat the other, for they are equally matched in skill and strength. Yet these battles are not in vain. With each fight against each other, they increase their stamina and agility. They learn other ways of combating foes, and build not only their individual strengths, but their combined strength and that of their twin-bond, as well.
In the beginning, their father set out to teach them the way of the sword, the path of the blade, but even he never dreamed just how far they would go down that path. Now, as he watches them simply stand together in the center of the arena, dripping sweat and content in each other’s company, he wonders what he has created, and just what his creations, no, his children, will become.



Chapter 1: 1 Year Later
The fight begins in silence. There are two combatants: one wielding a pair of daggers, the other a broadsword. A young woman crouches at one side of the arena, slim hands holding the daggers in a loose, yet secure, grip. A long braid of raven-black hair swings down to lightly brush her waist, and glittering black eyes shimmer like polished onyx, catching her opponent’s every move, missing nothing. Her fellow combatant is a grown man. He stands opposite her, broadsword held at the ready in scarred, calloused hands.
Only one person watches the fight. A young man, unarmed save for a small dagger at his belt, stands silently at the edge of the arena. His onyx-black eyes, perfectly matching the girl’s own, study the fighters carefully. Both his tanned face, framed by short black hair, and the lean frame of his body are perfectly relaxed. Yet there is a tension that says he will react instantly if the need arises.
For a long moment, the fighters simply remain like this, neither one moving. Then, as if cued by an invisible signal, both spring into action. The man moves first, launching himself toward the girl. She waits until he is nearly on top of her then shifts out of the way, one of her daggers slipping beneath his sword. She turns the blade away at the last moment, so the flat side of the dagger raises only a dark welt on his side, rather than breaking the skin. He approaches her again, more carefully this time, yet still with all the ferocity of his previous attack.
The only sounds are the hollow clang of metal-on-metal and the grunts of the man. The girl says nothing, moving like a graceful dancer as she avoids his blows and lands her own. After just over half an hour, the fight is over. The man, breathing heavily with sweat pouring down his face, stands motionless before her, his broadsword on the ground at his feet. She holds a dagger to his throat, barely touching the delicate skin.
Finally, she speaks for the first time since the fight began. “You’re dead.” Her voice is soft and low, but there is a hard edge to it. With that, she sheathes her daggers and walks out of the arena to where the young man stands. Without a word, he puts an arm around her shoulders, and they walk away from the arena in companionable silence. And as they leave, it is impossible to determine where one ends and the other begins.
* * *
Several days later, the twins stand with their father amid the lush grass of a small oasis, watching the setting sun once again balance on the misty, needle-thin peaks of the distant Sindal Mountains. Their mounts, sturdy desert ponies, graze quietly on the greenery behind them.
“You received a message from the Desert Lord,” the boy comments quietly to their father. He stands beside his sister, one arm wrapped around her shoulders, supporting her as she leans against him.
The man darts a surprised glance at his son. “Who told you that?”
A faint smile flickers across his son’s face. “You are angry. That always happens when he sends you a message.”
The man turns to face them. “What makes you think I am angry about anything?”
Both twins watch him with piercing black eyes, so different from his own. He shudders inwardly at their gaze, especially that of his daughter.
“You know you cannot fool us, father,” she says, breaking her usual silence. The girl rarely speaks, preferring instead to leave such activity to her twin. Her voice is low and harsh, reflecting her surroundings. “What did the letter say?”
Her father sighs, relenting. He knows he will receive no peace until he reveals the contents of the missive brought by the king’s messenger. “The Desert Lord summons all the able-bodied.”
“Why?” The twins ask in unison, onyx eyes still focused on him.
“A war has begun. The Amirians, it seems, wish to take the desert as their own,” he answers disgustedly.
His daughter nods. “You are going to fight then,” she says. It is not a question, but he decides to answer anyway.
“Yes. I am going to fight.” He is quiet for a long moment.
His son begins, “You have something-”
“-more to say, Father,” his daughter finishes.
The man sighs, realizing it is futile to try to hide anything from his children. “You’re right. I do have more to say.” He turns to face them. “You are both fifteen now, and there is nothing more I can teach you. The Desert Lord is drafting all the able-bodied into the tribal army.”
“And you want us to join the fight as well,” the girl replies quietly. Once again, it is not a question, but he nods in reply. Her brother pins the man with an emotionless black stare. She continues, “You wish us to prove ourselves, and, by doing so, raise your status in the eyes of the Desert Lord.”
When he makes no reply to his daughter’s comment, his son speaks up. “Is it not enough, Father, to know that we have proven ourselves the best before the clan? Must we prove ourselves to the rest of the clans as well?”
“I have no choice,” the man says tightly, neither acknowledging nor denying the words of his children. “We will leave in two days for the Tribe Army’s camp.” With that, he turns to recapture his horse. When he is mounted, he glances over his shoulder at the twins. “I will expect you to be ready at that time.” Then, he jerks the beast’s head around and kicks it into a gallop in the direction of the clan.
Both twins let out soft sighs, and the girl leans against her brother. He tightens his grip but remains silent as they stand watching the sunset. Thoughts and feelings flow silently between them through their twin-bond.
Finally, he breaks the silence. “It would seem that we have no choice, sister. But I cannot say as I am pleased about the situation.”
“Nor do I,” she whispers. “He uses us to further himself, as though we are simply possessions.”
“He has never truly considered us people, little one. You know that as well as I.”
She shakes her head in disgust. “All the same. I do not mind fighting in practice or training, but to hurt another simply to show that we are better? I despise such ideas.” She sighs heavily. “But such is our birthright.” The girl falls silent.
For a long time, both lapse back into silence, once again gazing out at the sunset. Finally, as the last rays of golden light fade behind the mountains, the twins turn away and walk, hand-in-hand, to where their mounts stand in a light doze. Moments later, the paces of their mounts matching perfectly, the twins return to where their clan camps.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Emergency Teen Board Meeting

We're having an Emergency Teen Board Meeting this Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

We need to discuss our booth at the Heritage of Flight Festival.

Thanks,
Maggie

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

This Summer's Teen Programs

Teen Events - Please pre-register by stopping by the library. There is a program sign-up book at the front circulation desk. Stop and sign, and you're registered.

June 3 at 11 a.m.: Tie Die With Sharpies (bring a t-shirt)

June 26 at 1:30 p.m.: Recycled Fashion Show (you'll make a lovely outfit out of garbage bags & duct tape, then walk the runway)

July 2 at 2:00 p.m: Create Team Edward or Team Jacob Jeans (bring jeans)

July 8 at 2:00 p.m.: Make GOCKS (Goth sock puppets)

July 17 at 1:30 p.m.: Puppet Idol (use a puppet of your choice to lip synch the song of your choice. All songs must be G-rated and suitable for an audience of young children; bring your music)

July 28 at 6:00 p.m.: Teen Prize Auction This is a special auction for teens who participate in the Teen Summer Reading program. You'll turn in slips for the reading you do, and I'll reward you with fake money you can use to bid on REAL prizes! Always lots of fun.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Lightning Thief Author to Visit the Greene!

RICK RIORDAN INTRODUCES THE LAST OLYMPIAN AT BOOKS & CO


Popular children’s author Rick Riordan will introduce The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Book Five on Tuesday, May 19 from 4-6:30 pm at Books & Co at The Greene, 4453 Walnut Street, Beavercreek, Ohio. Line numbers will be given out beginning at 3 pm. Please show your books&co receipt for The Last Olympian to get a line number.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times bestselling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

The other books in the series are The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, and The Battle of the Labyrinth. Rick Riordan lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Download a FREE copy of The Alchemyst, now through May 8th!

Exclusive Offer!
Download a FREE copy of The Alchemyst now through May 8th!

Go to AlchemystFreeBook.com now!

Included in the 2008 New York Public Library Best Books for the Teen Age and Texas Lonestar Reading Lists!

{He holds the secret that can end the world.
The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty.}

* * *


Play the Alchemyst Game!

When a slumbering elder awakens, will you have what it takes to complete the challenges?

Visit AlchemystGame.com to take the challenge!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Earn Free Books by Helping at the Booksale

Karla, President of the Friends of the New Carlisle Public Library, has an offer for you:

If you help set up for the Friends of the Library Booksale, with help needed on
May 6th, from 3-4 p.m. (maybe for a little longer, if you can stay), she will let you pick out 5 FREE items to keep!

If you are interested, email the Friends at friendsncpl@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Maggie

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Join the Eragon Club


On the first Friday of every month at 3:30 p.m., hang out with other teens and listen to Eragon being read aloud. Our expert reader, Miss G, who does voices and accents with great panache, has promised to read Eldest and Brisinger after we finish Eragon. Personally, I'd like to hear her read through Lord of the Rings.

Even if you've read it, it comes alive in a different way when you listen to it being read. Plus, you can discuss it with friends afterwards!

We will usually, but not always, have cookies or some sort of sustenance for you to enjoy while listening.

Friday, March 06, 2009

What Happened at the March 6th, 2009 Teen Board Meeting?

* We put together our box to mail to Iraq, which will be mailed March 7, 2009.
* We picked a soldier to mail the box to....PFC Andrew J. Starz, from Ohio.
* We welcomed a new member, Zachary C.
* We counted up all money donated through the "Star Program": $194.65
* We made more stars and labels, and delivered them to the front desk
* We decided to start an afterschool homework room and either help little kids with homework or read to them, or listen while the little guys read to us.
* The Homework Room will begin on Wednesday, March 18, from 3:45 p.m. until 4:45 p.m., and continue for the rest of this school year.

Members present:
Christine S.
Nathan R.
Zachary C.
Ashley S.
Alycia A.
Sarah S.
Chelsey C.
Christopher R.
Ryan M.
Brittany S.
Kara D.
Travis

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

MySpace Page for Teen Board Members

Christine S. has created a My Space page for the library's Teen Board members. Only Teen Board members can join this page, but ANYONE can view it.

http://www.myspace.com/ncpltab

This is a great way for the teen board members to keep in contact and find out what's going on.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Teen Board Holds First Meeting

The New Carlisle Public Library met for the first time this past Friday.

The members decided that their first project will be collecting donations for a box to be sent to American soldiers serving in Iraq. If you can donate an item, please bring it to Maggie at the library, or give it to one of the library's Teen Board members.

Donations must be received by March 1, 2009.

Board members also decided to go with the "Express Yourself" theme for Teen Summer Reading this year, and they will be helping with the Reading Buddies tutoring program during the summer of 2009. Members decided that the teen reading club should once again include a silent auction; Ethan volunteered to serve as an auctioneer. We will need other volunteers for the auction; can you help?!

We will meet again on the first Friday of each month, 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Read-A-Likes for The Lightning Thief

Looking for books like The Lightning Thief?

Click here for more mythology, more action, and more adventure!

New Teen Board Members Approved

Announcing the New Carlisle Public Library Teen Board:

Jessica from Tecumseh Middle School
Chelsea from Bethel High School
Christine from the world of Homeschooling
Ryan from Tecumseh High School
Ashley from the world of Homeschooling
Ethan from Tecumseh High School
Kara from ECOT
Alycia from Tecumseh High School
Nathan from Tecumseh High School
Krystle from Tecumseh High School
Brittany from the world of Homeschooling
Zachary from Tecumseh Middle School
Christopher from the tasty world of Papa John's!
Harmonie C. from Northwestern Middle School
Lexis L. from Tecumseh Middle School
Chelsea R. from Tecumseh High School
Carrie T. from New Carlisle Elementary School

Congratulations!

We still have a few spots available; download an application from this website, or stop by the library's Teen section and fill one out.

Remember, we meet this Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Here's the Teen Board Application: Click on it to make it printable (and larger)

Be a Rock Star: Be Part of the Teen Board


The teens of the New Carlisle Public Library designed a float for the Festival of Flight Parade. Here's a photo of them going down Main Street in fine style, waving to the crowd like the ROCK STARS they are!

If you'd like to be on the library's Teen Board, stop by and pick up an application. I can also send you an application by email; contact me at: readingisimportant@gmail.com.

We meet on the first Friday of every month at 4:00 p.m., in the Teen section of the library. At our next meeting, February 6, we will be working on Teen Summer Reading and some upcoming volunteer projects.

Thursday, January 15, 2009