Program Idea: Chocolate Study Hall

When you work with teens, you very quickly become attuned to the academic year - which means you KNOW when it's Finals Time. Your teens whine and bemoan the upcoming tests and you, as the sympathetic and fun YA Librarian, have the ultimate solution. Chocolate Study Hall!

Chocolate Study Hall is a way for teens to study (individually or in small groups) in a peaceful, stress free environment.  That just happens to be fueled by sugar!

  Here's what you'll need:

Chocolate candies Chocolate cookies Bread Nutella Toaster Hot Chocolate packets Electric kettle (or other source of hot water) Alternative drinks (lemonade and water) Marshmallows Chocolate fountain Fruit (sliced or cubed for chocolate fountain) Small Plates Cups Tablecloth Scratch paper Pens & Pencils

Set up several tables into a banquet-style buffet table and cover with the table cloth. Around the room arranged single study areas as well as spaces for small groups. If you have floor pillows set them around the edges of the room. Arrange all your food on the buffet table and get your chocolate fountain going about 15 minutes before the program starts.

Running this program is as simple as opening the doors and letting the teens eat chocolate and study!

What They Didn't Teach in Library School: Promotion & Programming

'What They Didn't Teach In Library School' is a series of guest-authored posts, written by YA Librarians from around the country, highlighting situations or skills that were never addressed in formal Library School, but that are integral to librarianship.

Promotion & Programming by Nick Madsen

How do we keep this crazy ball rolling?
For those that have been paying attention to these guest posts, you might have noticed that mine came out a little bit late. Ironically, I got caught in the tidal wave of programs this week, and completely spaced that I was the guest blogger. My bad!

Now before I start giving my ideas, please know that I have absolutely no answers for you. I click on pretty much anything that has promotion and programming ideas in the title or tags. But, even though I get some ideas from these posts, it still doesn't solve the quintessential problem; how do I ensure that my programs are vibrant, engaging, and growing?

Short Answer: I believe that each library, each librarian, and each program will have a very different answer to that quintessential problem, so just keep working on that perfect combination, and then keep mixing so it stays awesome.

Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with the sheer number of programs that I have to plan, as well as the diversity programming needs of the teens I serve.  What I've found when it comes to program ideas and planning that the trick is to narrow it down!  Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Keep Calm and Plan a Program.

"There is no time for cut-and-dried monotony."
When trying to reach as many teens as possible, try a rotating schedule with varying types of programs. For older elementary and middle school students my rotation has consisted of the following programs: Games (video & board), Science Experiments, Cooking, and Crafts.  Our high school teens have different wants and needs, so their programs have bounced from Next-Gen Advisory Team (our Teen Advisory Board) to TeenBookWorms (our book group), movie nights, and special events like a Zombie Prom or Hunger Games Party.

"Commandeer. We're going to commandeer that ship."
Coming up with new program ideas can be difficult, so here are some things to try to get that ol' imagination flowing:

• Ask yourself 'what did I like as a kid?'.
• Would something "old school" work for your group?
• Which video games or apps are popular right now? Notice that Angry Birds is huge? Try a Life-Size, Live-Action Angry Birds game.
• Ask your peeps
• Notice that you have absolutely no ideas? Commandeer ideas from Pinterest boards, blogs or craft sites and adapt them for your students.*

It’s completely true that most people don’t know what they want until they see it. But, asking for input and letting your participants choose from a couple different options has worked for me. If they’re excited about it, they’re more than likely to come, right?

Program Promotion - Don’t Be Discouraged

Working with teens often feels like herding cats.  Sometimes you've planned a really great program, promoted it from the rooftops and no one shows.  Or even worse, only one or two teen show.  So, what’s the trick to getting them to show up? I think it is about building relationships with your teens and  doing your job to the utmost.  Don't be so concerned with the outcomes or the statistics. There are bosses and boards that want amazing programs, high program attendance, and consistency. But consistency and teen programming do not go hand-in-hand.  Don't worry about the numbers, focus on relationships with your teens and the statistics will work themselves out.

Blast It All Over
Everyone tells us that about 10% of the people you tell about a program will actually show up.  It is likely that the percentage is even lower for teens.  If that’s the case, you need to reach as many people as possible. Get your program information onto social media, school newsletters, school newspapers, school video announcements, home school newsletters, email lists, text alerts, Foursquare, local business windows and bulletin boards, and obviously all over your library.

But, while you’re doing all of that, don’t forget about connecting with people one on one. I can’t count the times that a program is saved from obscurity because one teacher got excited about it.  So, if you’re a school librarian talk to your public librarian, and if you’re a public librarian talk to your school librarian. Visit the PTAs at the schools.  Say "YES" when a school asks you to read The Lorax at their next assembly. Visit that classroom with your science experiments and keep following up with the after school group that likes you. Talk to that friend that has a son or daughter that could be coming to your fabulous program. See if a Youth Group will let you mention your programs during their game night.

You are the brand!  It all boils down to one thing, your programs are awesome because you are awesome. You are the brand that makes these programs work! So keep working, keep trying, and keep connecting.


About Nick Madsen

Nick Madsen is the Young Adult Librarian at the Community Library Network at Hayden. When he isn’t filling-in for a storytime, blowing things up, working on his MLIS (hopefully finishing this fall) or chatting about everything or nothing after a program, you will most likely find him hanging out with family and friends, playing ultimate frisbee or basketball, ballroom dancing, or helping at his church. You can find him on Facebook as Nick Madsen or at Next-Gen Adults of the Community Library Network, on Twitter as @CLN4NextGen, or his library blog at cln4nextgen.blogspot.com.

Want more posts on issues not covered in Library School?

Check out Teen Librarian Toolbox's series Behind the Scenes @ the Library.

Library After Dark: Lock-Ins 101

Lock-Ins are extremely popular with younger teens (6th-8th graders) who love the idea of being in the library when it is closed to the public.  This program is guaranteed to boost your numbers and draw attention from the community when marketed correctly.  However, the thought of entertaining a group of teens locked into the same space for hours can be a daunting.  Make no mistake, Lock-Ins are not for the faint of heart but, when properly planned, are an awesome program that your teens will beg for over and over.

DETERMINING SIZE:

Teens

• 10 to 15 you can run activities one at a time
• 15-30 you will need multiple stations for activities that can happen at the same time
• 30-50 need multiple stations and plan for some activities to run in multiple “flights” 

Staff-to-Teen Ratios

• 10 to 15 teens = at least 2 staff
• 15 to 30 teens = at least 4 staff
• 30 to 50 teens = at least 7 staff 

LOGISTICS

Lock-Ins can run for any designation of time - 4hrs, 8hrs, 10hrs - it's completely up to you, but will depend on number of staff and/or volunteers you have available.

To Keep in Mind When Choosing a Date:

• Are others available to help?
• Is the branch open the next day? If so, what time does it open?
• Are teens available that weekend? (Especially important if planned during the school year - look at major sports games, homecoming, prom dates etc.)
• If hosting an overnight lock-in you will need to let your Facilities department know & get permission for an after hours event. You also need to make sure they remember to keep the A/C or heater on.

RULES

1. Signed Permission Form to register and/or participate in after-hours program. (I recommend that you have the Legal Department review form for insurance/liability purposes.)
2. Teens must sign a Teen Agreement before participating.
3. Teens must be between 12-18 years old and a current student in grades 6-12.
4. Teens agree to stay for duration of lock-in. (If you have teens leaving at all hours, it becomes very difficult to keep track everybody's location.)
5. No outside food or drink allowed (unless for religious/medical reasons).
6. Parents should inform staff if a teen has any medications/dietary restrictions/allergies.
7. Have Photo Release on file (unless parent/guardian will not sign) so that photos can be used for promotional purposes at a later date.
8. Parents must sign their teens IN and OUT! This is a good way for you to have the chance to physically remind them about pick-up time. You also can determine that the adult leaving with a teen is approved by the teen's parents.

GRUB & BEVERAGE

Teens munch for most of the night, so I recommend having a table set up and stocked with snacks and drinks for the duration of the event.

• Pizza for dinner (all night lock-in)
• Chips
• Fruit
• Cookies
• Water, Lemonade, Sports Drinks (I tend to avoid soda since the teens are hyper without caffeine.)
• Donuts or Breakfast Tacos & Juice (for breakfast)

ACTIVITIES

If you want a Lock-In to run smoothly you need to plan a wide variety of programs to keep your teen occupied.  When teens get bored, mischief and bad behavior ensue.

• Movie Room 
• You should have a Movie Room with films playing all night
• This can also be the room where teen can sleep if they want (don’t expect many to sleep).
• Teens can leave their things in this room while doing other things
• Lights should be dim but not completely turned off
• An adult should be stationed in this room at all times
• Relay Races 
• These are a good way to burn off some energy, promote interaction and break down any cliques that may exist when the Lock-In starts
• Relay Ideas
• Clothes Horse
• Pea and a Straw
• Beach Ball Between the Knees
• Bunny Hop
• Mummy Wrap
• Other Energy Burning Activities
• Red Light/Green Light, Freeze Tag, Simon Says
• Ultimate Twister (add knees and elbows to the spin card)
• Ninja
• Giant Jenga
• Video Arcade
• Variety is the key but also have a few staples
• While other games were played for a shorter times, Guitar Hero was an all-night event
• Craft Station
• Decorate a Pillowcase
• Sew a Dream Pillow
• Make a Journal
• Altered Books
• Jewelry/Beads
• Design the Perfect Teen Space
• Mini Golf
• Need: putt putt clubs, golf balls
• Create course using library materials i.e. books, furniture, craft supplies
• Person with highest score gets prize
• Board Games
• Midnight Monopoly Tournament
• Giant Sequence
• Ghost Walk/Haunted House
• Take the teens through the library telling them spooky stories about the building.  If you don’t have any real, make it up.
• Supplies 
• Glow Sticks for teens (lights should be off)
• Small flashlight for leader 
• Have volunteers (staff & older teens) work on creating a haunted house in a designated space.  I use the second floor of my library which the teens are restricted from accessing during the Lock-In.  If you don't have a second floor try to find another space that is separate from the rest of the Lock-In.
• If you have a large number of teens you will need to do more than one Ghost Walk
• YA Lit. Trivia 
• Create a Trivia Game using YA Lit as the base for the questions
• How Well Do Your Teens Know: Twilight, Percy Jackson, Gallagher Girls, Cirque du Freak etc. Prizes for winners.

Questions?  Feel free to leave them in the comment section and I'll respond as soon as possible.

Further Reading: Teen Librarian Toolbox has also done a couple posts on library Lock-Ins

Lock-In Preparation & Expecting the Unexpected

Program: Anti-Valentine's Day

Singles-Awareness Day is right around the corner and you are wondering what to do for your teens that doesn't involve saccharine sweetness or lovey-dovey-ness. Or chocolate.  

And what Valentine's Day program isn't romantic? An Anti-Valentine's Day Party!

Supplies:

Craft/Scrapbooking paper in blacks, reds, skull & funerary themes
Glue sticks
Scissors
Black, silver, red glitter
Anti-Valentine's Day phrases for cards (some funny ones here and here)
Black and grey streamers & balloons (optional)
"Blackened Heart Cookies"*
Sour Patch Kids
Drinks
Heart-Shaped Pinata & candy to stuff (optional)
Broom stick wrapped in black streamers (when using pinata)
Non-Romantic movie (shorter is better)
Non-Romantic (or down-right tragic) books to display/booktalk

*Add black food coloring to regular sugar cookies, cut into heart shapes & bake

Running the Program:
Set out Anti-Valentine's Card supplies along with snacks.  Play a non-romantic movie while teens are making Anti-Valentine's Cards (this year I'm showing Eight Legged Freaks).  When movie is finished have teens clean up room and put up tables and chairs, then hang pinata.  Have teens use broomstick to hit pinata - make sure that non-stick-swinging teens are FAR BACK from the pinata. Just because it's an Anti-Valentine's Day party doesn't mean they need to end up with a black eye or busted head.

Teen Program: Scream-In

One of my most successful programs is the annual Scream-In my library hosts in October.  What, you ask, is a Scream-In?  It is a program adaptable to any library situation and sure to entertain your youth!

For details on my initial Scream-In Program please see the TTR chapter I wrote in 2011.

2012 Ideas Are:

Shadow Pumpkins

Supplies:
Black Oil-Based Paint Pens
Black Puff Paint
Small/Medium White Pumpkins

Directions:  Use paint pens and puff paint to create spooky shadows on small to medium-sized pumpkins.  Print some examples of "spooky eyes", spiders, witches and black cats from the Internet.

Bloody Cupcakes

Supplies:
Cupcakes without icing (If you don't feel like baking, talk to your local grocery store)
White Icing
Red Gel Icing (lots)
Halloween Sprinkles
Plastic knives
Small plates

Directions:
Give each teen at least one cupcake, a knife and a plate.  Have teens ice cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles.  Then give each teen a tube of the red gel icing and let them go to town.  They can stick the tip of the tubes into the cupcakes to add "blood" inside the cupcake and decorate the outside.

Program: Sugar Skull Makeup

Photo Courtesy of Laihiu

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday which focuses on remembering and praying for friends and family members who have died.  The celebration takes place November 1st and 2nd and coincides with the Catholic holiday of All Saints Day.  In many areas of Mexico, November 1st is reserved for honoring children and infants while November 2nd remembers adults.

Dia de los Muertos has its roots in an ancient Aztec festival celebrating the goddess Mictecacihuatl (pronounced 'Meek-teka-see-wahdl'), who presided over the Aztec underworld.  Mictecacihuatl is also known as 'Lady of the Dead' and is represented by a skeleton with gaping jaws.  You can learn more about the history of Dia de los Muertos here:

Museum of International Folk Art

Day of the Dead in Mexico

Day of the Dead Honors Deceased

If you live anywhere in the South United States, you have probably seen the decorated Sugar Skulls used as part of Dia de los Muertos.  While decorating the skulls can be a fun program for teens this one is a twist on that tradition which transforms the teens themselves into the skulls.

Supplies:

White creme base (theatre makeup is fine for all makeup)
White eyeliner pencils

White powder (to set creme base)

Black eyeshadow

Black gel liner

Color palettes (Merhon or Ben Nye are good)

Dark blush

Makeup brushes*

Brush cleaner

Selection of vibrant or dark eyeshadow
Makeup sponges

Directions:

1. Use white eyeliner pencils to draw circles (eye sockets) around eyes and outline the heart-shaped space at the end of the nose that will be filled with color.
2. Use white creme base to fill in face (except for eye and nose sockets).  Lightly powder with white powder to set creme base.
3. Using a sponge gently apply a vibrant or dark eyeshadow in the eye sockets making sure not to cross the line into the white part of the face.  When finished with the base color use a small brush to create the "feathering" or "petal" effect around the eye socket.
4. Select a color from the palette and fill in nose socket.  Then, using a large makeup brush, gently brush blush onto apples of cheeks.
5. Next take a fine brush and, using the black gel liner, extend the corners of your mouth along your cheek as though tracing a line where your teeth meet when your jaw is clenched.  Use the same fine brush and gel liner create vertical slashes along the extended smile.
6. Finally, use a small brush and black eyeshadow to trace out web designs or flourishes then trace over with fine brush and black gel liner.
7. NOTE: These directions are just basic suggestions - you can be as creative as you want!

There are some fabulous video tutorials on YouTube:

Halloween Makeup Sugar Skull from Purple Crush by Sylvia Ji

Day of the Dead Makeup

You can also look up the artist Sylvia Ji for inspiration.

Program: Ghost Hunting 101 for Teens

Now that Summer Reading is finished (whew!) and school is just about back in session it is time to look at Fall programming.  For me, this means hosting a series of programs around my SECOND FAVORITE holiday - Halloween!

One of the program I am super-excited about for Fall 2012 is my Ghost Hunting 101 program, which is easy, inexpensive and sure to be a hit with the teenage crowd.  All you have to do is reach out to a local paranormal investigations group (in my case Houston Paranormal Investigations) and inquire about visiting the library.  Most groups are very willing to share their knowledge and love answering questions teens have about the paranormal, ghost hunting and the equipment they use.  What better way to get in the spooky spirit than talking with real-life ghost hunters?

Books to Set the Mood:
Texas Ghosts: Galveston, Houston, and Vicinity by Olyve Hallmark Abbott ISBN: 978-07643341
The Everything Ghost Hunting Book: Tips, tools, and techniques for exploring the supernatural world by Melissa Martin Ellis ISBN:978-1598699203

The Other Side: A Teen's Guide to Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal by Marley Gibson, Patrick Burns and Dave Schrader ISBN: 978-0547258294

Ghost Files: The Collected Cases from Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits by Jason Hawes ISBN:

Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits, and Haunted Places by Brad Steiger ISBN: 978-1578591466
Ghosts Along the Texas Coast by Docia Williams ISBN: 978-1556223778

Films to Set the Tone:
Ghostbusters 1 & 2
The Haunting
The Others
Poltergeist
White Noise

Program: Blackout Poetry

Above image courtesy of:
www.austinkleon.com

Blackout Poetry is an easy, creative way for your teens to express themselves while encouraging them to read newspaper articles or the pages of a book!

What you need:
Newspapers or Old Book Pages
Chisel Tip Permanent Markers in Black
Scrap paper
Pens
Pencils

How to make a Blackout Poem?
Just have your teens read articles/pages writing down words that catch their eye on scratch paper.  Once they have the poem written all they need to do is go back through the article and black out the unnecessary words using a permanent marker.  If you want to make them super-clean looking scan the final image and touch up the blackout using photo software.

Use Blackout Poems in the Library!
- String photo copies of the poems across the lobby or Teen Area
- Have Blackout Poem contest
- Passive Program
- Poetry Month Program
- Pick several poems to feature in newsletters or promotional materials

Need more inspiration?
- Check out Austin Kleon's site.  He is the author of Steal Like an Artist and has some fabulous examples of Blackout Poems on his blog.
- There is also a Blackout Poetry Tumblr blog
- Newspaper Blackout

Program: Spa Day for Teens

These crafts are perfect for a Gals' Night In, Mother's Day, or Pamper Yourself program.

VANILLA SUGAR SCRUB

Ingredients & Materials: Sugar (fine or coarse depending on preference), Brown Sugar, Olive Oil, Vanilla Extract, Metal/Glass Bowls, Metal Spoons/Whisk, Plastic Containers for finished scrub.

Directions: In bowl mix 1 cup brown sugar with 1 cup white sugar.  Blend well.  Spoon into container (you want container to be pretty full since the oil will compress the sugars).  Add oil and let sink through the sugar until it hits bottom.  Stir gently.  Add more oil until the sugars are the consistency of wet sand.  Stir gently.  Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir gently.  Seal container and add a pretty ribbon for a finishing touch.  Note: Sugar Scrubs tend to settle over time.  You may need to stir them before giving them as a gift.

To Use: Scoop a small amount of sugar scrub onto hand and massage over rough skin (hands, feet, elbows etc).  Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.  *The oil in sugar scrubs can make bathtubs/tile slippery.

BATH SALTS

Ingredients & Materials: Epsom Salt, Sea Salt, Baking Soda (optional), Essential Oils, Metal/Glass Bowls, Spoons/Spatulas, Containers or Jars for finished salts (you can use glass, but I recommend plastic since these containers will be in bathrooms).

Directions: Scoop 3 cups of of Epsom Salt, 2 cup of Sea Salt and 1 cup of Baking Soda into bowl add 2 drops of essential oil of choice and slowly stir salt, mixing drops completely.  Add several more drops one drop at a time, mixing completely between drops.  (Adding too much oil at once will make the salt begin to dissolve.)  When the oils are completely mixed scoop salts into containers and seal.
Caution: When using Essential Oils use caution.  Oils can irritate skin and eyes, do not apply directly to skin.  Avoid contact with eyes.  Do not ingest.

To Use: While running bath water add a small amount of bath salts to water.  Let them dissolve completely before entering bath.

LAVENDER-PEPPERMINT BATH TEA

Ingredients & Materials: Dried Lavender, Dried Mint, Self-sealing Large Tea Bags, Iron or Hair Straightener, Metal/Glass Bowl, Metal Table Spoons, Sandwich bags.

Directions: Using a 3 parts Lavender, 1 part mint equation mix herbs in bowl until completely integrated.  Spoon 3 table spoons of the mix into a tea bag.  Use the iron (or hair straightener) to seal the open edge of the tea bag following the directions on the tea bag package.  Place completed tea bags in sandwich bag for storage until use.

To Use:  Place pouch in bath as water is running. Let pouch’s contents infuse as the tub fills.





Multicultural Teen Programs: Holi Based

The Indian Festival of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is traditionally held in March and is a celebration of springtime. Festival-goers shower eachother with brightly colored powders until everyone looks like a rainbow with eyes! For more details about traditional Holi click here.

ADAPTING HOLI FOR LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Library Holi Festival - During March have the library hold its own Holi Festival. Reach out to local Indian community organizations and Hindu temples for ideas and contact information for musicians. If local Indian musicians are not avaialble you can always play a Bollywood CD. Make sure that every attendee gets at least a small amount of Holi powder and turn them loose!

Holi Capture the Flag - Instead of t-shirts or bandanas make all teens wear a white t-shirt and throw Holi powder at them to "dye" shirts into team colors, red & blue. Them proceed with capture the flag as normal. Spice things up by giving a limited amount of players "holi hand grenades" (i.e. a pouch of yellow) that they can use during play. If a player is hit with yellow powder they are "dead". To really spice things up have the field set up like a paintball course and hide packets of color throughout the playing area. Yellow = hand grenade, Purple = invincibility, Green = medic (can bring the "dead" back to life.

Holi Water War - Set up tubs of water, 10-20 depending on number of participants, water bomb/splash balls (so much easier than water balloons) and a packet of color for each participant. (The larger packets can be broken down to 2 or 3 smaller packets to make it go farther.) Before starting mix some packets of powder into the tubs of water to make the water brightly colored. This battle is a free-for-all where teens just run around getting wet and colorful, but they LOVE IT. Before handing out the packets of holi powder let the teens get wet - the color shows up & stains better on damp clothing/hair/skin. To really get this going try setting up a slip-n-slide.

WHERE TO GET HOLI POWDER
You can try online stores such as JyotiRaj Spices or your local Indian store. Wherever you get the powders from make sure they are natural with no heavy metals/chemical dyes that may irritate skin or present a health hazard. NOTE: These powders can be difficult to find out of season, so if you are planning to use them any time but March you will need to plan ahead and possibly stock up during Holi.

*You should get a permission form signed for each participant! Holi powder stains.*

Programs: Window "Shopping" for Ideas

If you are anything like me, you sometimes have trouble coming up with the next great "Teen Program Idea".  Some days it feels as though all my creativity is gone and I can think of nothing more imaginative that pulling out the Wii or turning on a movie for my teens.  (While there is nothing wrong with the occasional arcade or movie day I don't think they make a very good foundation for teen programming simply because they do not require that teens use their own imagination.) 

What do I do to find inspiration when I'm completely brain dead?

I go window "shopping"!

I've found that Etsy & Pinterest are some of the best resources out there for getting your own creative juices flowing.  Clicking through Etsy stores and items often inspires me to adapt a craft or project for my own purposes.  Same with Pinterest - I even have a board 'Teen Program Ideas' where I gather ideas for future teen events.

So if you are having an off day and need program inspiration A.S.A.P. those are two places I totally recommend.

More YA Librarian Resources coming your way this week so check back soon!

Teen Program: Club Steampunk

Take your teens back in time to reinvent history with Club Steampunk!

I hosted this week-long program last summer and my teens had a blast. 

As always, please adapt the below programs to suit your library's needs.

What is Steampunk?

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction/speculative fiction.  What would the world be like if Steam Power was the main source of energy?  Welcome to a world were in Victorian fashions reign and dirigibles roam the sky!

CLUB STEAMPUNK

Project 1

Steampunk Goggles

INTERMEDIATE

Supplies:

Swim goggles, Fabric Tac, Scissors, Leather Scraps, Jacquard Fabric Paint (metallic), pencils, scrap paper, paint brushes, Exacto knives, heavy cardstock or cardboard to protect tables

Instructions:

There are perfect step-by-step instructions at

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/steampunk_goggles

Encourage teens to put there own stamp on goggles by printing out images of different styles of steampunk goggles from cosplay.  I even had one teen boy create a "cyclops" goggle using a single lens.

Project 2

Clockwork Handkerchief

EASY / INTERMEDIATE

Supplies:

Plain white handkerchiefs (one for each person)*, needles, embroidery floss, fabric paints, pencils, newspaper to protect tables

*I found these at an outlet mall on clearance.

Instructions:

Teens can use either paint or needle & embroidery floss to decorate their own handkerchief.  (Some of them won't even know what one is!)  For embroidery instructions check here:

http://brassgoggles.co.uk/blog/?s=embroidery

You could even make some plain handkerchiefs out of a dark, solid color then use gear and cog templates and bleach water spray bottle to bleach fun designs into the fabric. *I recommend doing this project outdoors because of possible damage to carpet and the smell.

Project 3

It’s All About Spats

VERY DIFFICULT

Supplies:

Canvas (enough for 2 spats for everyone), buttons, needle, thread, Fabric Tac, Jacquard Fabric Paint

Instructions:

These are not for the faint-of-heart!  They are very difficult and time consuming, but look awesome when done.  Step-by-step instructions here:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Spats

I substituted canvas since it is a heavy, paintable fabric but you could use whatever you have at hand.

Project 4

Tiny Top Hats

DIFFICULT

Supplies:

Lots of duct tape in different colors, scissors, Exacto knife, ruler, cardboard OR see instructions for fabric hat supply list

Instructions:

For duct tape hats:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuLCeSRveWc&noredirect=1

For fabric hats:

http://offbeatbride.com/2010/09/mini-top-hat-tutorial

Project 5

Time Traveler’s Journal

EASY

Supplies:

Blank journals, scrapbook paper, ink pads, stamps, paint, pens, fabric scraps, glue, quotes, cog templates, and anything else you want to add for decoration purposes

Instructions:

Have teen decorate the covers of the journals to create the perfect place to document travels through time.

Classics for Teens: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orzy

Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney are highly lauded in British society. He is the most foppish dandy about Town and she admired for her rapier sharp wit. Though in public he plays the fop, Sir Percy is actually a master of disguise who rescues French nobles from the forces of the French Revolution. When his identity is compromised, Lady Blakeney must find a way to warn him without compromising his mission.

Some of the best novels out there were written long
ago.  These novels have harnessed generations of readers imaginations and are an integral foundation for many modern fiction novels.  Such a classic is The Scarlet Pimpernel.  Since the first publication in 1905 readers have been fascinated by the novel's characters, plot and daring exploits.  This is one of the first novels written about a masked hero, a standard feature of pop culture today, and the hero does not disappoint.  Although this is a classic it is highly entertaining and very readable.

Recommended for Readers of:
Anthony Horowitz, Charlie Higson, Jane Yolen, Sally Gardner

Rating: 5 Stars
Teen Gauge: 14+

Program Idea: Have a "book to movie" day featuring the 1934 'Scarlet Pimpernel' movie starring Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon.  Following the movie facilitate a discussion about the differences between the film and the novel.  What would they do differently?  What modern actors would they choose to remake the film?  Which did they enjoy more?  You could also talk the finer points of disguise and movie makeup since Percy spends so much of his time pretending to be someone else.

Teen Events: Writing Contest

This May marks the fourth anniversary of my library's annual Teen Summer Writing Contest.  When we first started the competition we had no idea how popular it would become but were pleasantly surprised by the response this program garnered.
Last summer we received over 100 individual entries from teens around the country.  We have even received an entry from England!  Since our writing contest has been so popular I thought I'd share a quick "how to" for any library looking to host a Writing Contest.

Preparation:

1. Judges
• Have 3-5 judges who are qualified to evaluate entries. You want an odd number to break any ties.  
• The academic background of our three judges contains two BAs in English, two MILSs and an MA in Creative Writing.
2. Ages/Grades
• Determine what ages/grades you will judge and how they will be divided.
• Our contest accepts entries from students grades 6-12/ages 11-18 separated into two age groups "Middle School" and "High School".  "Middle School" is grades 6-8, ages 11-15, while "High School" is grades 9-12, ages 15-18.  If a student could qualify for both categories we allow them to choose which age group they which to enter.
3. Type of Entry
• Determine which types of entries you will accept.  Poetry? Short Story? Both?
• We accept both poetry and short story.  For both poetry and short story entries you will want to set a world limit.  You will also need to determine before beginning the contest if short stories can be excerpts of larger pieces or fan fiction.  My library's competition does not accept either.
4. Dates
• You want to give students two to three months to work on their submissions so make sure to advertise early.
• We start accepting submissions in May but choose a submission deadline of late July.
5. Legal Stuff
• In the entry form make sure to cover who has ownership of the material after it is submitted to the contest.  Also make sure to include a statement that must be initialed or signed certifying originality of the submitted work.
• My library takes ownership of submissions so that we have the right to publish winners in bound manuscript.
6. Announcing Winners
• Give yourself enough time to read all the entries!  We learned the hard way that it is VERY difficult to read 100+ submissions in just two weeks.
• Be prepared to make honorable mentions in categories with exceptional submissions.
• Hold a ceremony to announce winners.

That's basically it.  Just make sure all of the information a teen needs is in the Entry Form.  Click here for a link to my library's Teen Summer Writing Contest entry form from Summer 2011.

Teen Event: Creepy Cute Softies



Pig from spider web patterned sock.

 I LOVE to get creative with my teens.  Watching them tap into their creative juices and work out the "how" of making something is one of the most rewarding points in working with teens.  One program that is always a big hit is a program that I call "Creepy Cute Softies" and is a wonderful creative outlet as well as a way to learn basic sewing skills.






Sock Ness Monster

 Supplies:
Clean mismatched socks or felt squares [You can have a donation drive or look for sales in the dollar section of stores like Target.]
Needles
Cotton thread
Embroidery floss
Buttons/Sequins/Beads etc
Safety Pins
Scissors
Pencils and Pens
Polyfill stuffing

What then?
Set out the supplies on a main table and let the teens choose which socks and supplies they want to use.  Use needle and cotton thread to stitch the basic creature together leaving a hole to stuff creature through.  Fill creature with polyfill.  NOTE: If using socks do not over fill the sock with stuffing as it becomes difficult to sew and not as attractive when finished.  Next use the embroidery floss to add findings such as buttons, beads or machine parts or to stitch on eyes and nose.  You should also have a decent supply of safety pins in stock so that teens who won't or can't sew can still do this craft.  Let your teens make whatever kind of creature they desire - you'll be amazed what they can come up with.

For inspiration put out a few books like Daniel's Stray Sock Sewing, Zombie Felties or Steampunk Softies by Nicola Tedman & Sarah Skeate.  You can also show the movie Coraline in the background to really get to the heart of how creepy dolls can be.

Cyberseams has some great basic instruction for hand stitching.

Celebration of Houston YA Authors

There’s a FREE AUTHOR EVENT coming in January!

The Barbara Bush Branch Library is hosting WHIM2WEIRD featuring 6 LOCAL YA AUTHORS: 

Crystal Allen

C. C. Hunter

Sophie Jordan

Mary Lindsey

Christina Mandelski

Joy Preble

We’ll start off with a short Q&A where teens can ask questions of the authors then get to signing books! 

Teens are welcome to bring books they already own by these authors to be signed, but purchasing on-site will be available through Blue Willow Bookshop.

Here’s the Details:

Saturday, January 7, 2012

2:00-4:00pm

The Forum - 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379

Questions? Contact YA Librarian Rebecca at ccteen@hcpl.net or 281.376.4610