Spring Break!

It’s time for Spring Break!  Time to put the text books away for a few days and have some fun!

•  Take a Hike

There are numerous hiking trails in the Pittsburgh area.  Take a look at the trail map before you start out.  If you take the same trail over a long period of time, you will be able to take note of the seasonal changes.  To enchance your hiking experience, you may want to keep a nature journal.  Don’t forget to take a camera with you.

Emerald View Park

Here are some hiking trails to consider:

Emerald View Park–Mt. Washington

Frick Park–East End

Riverview Park–North Side

Three Rivers Heritage Trail System–The River Front trails include the North Shore Trail  the South Side Trail the Eliza Furnace Trail and the Pittsburgh Riverwalk.

• Create Something

Art Club, Teens–Main.  Wednesday, March 27, 2013 @ 3:00 PM, Get creative with Peeps Brand marshmallow chicks.

Teen Lounge–CLP Brookline.  Make a Monster Bookmarks on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 @ 3:30 PM.  We’ll be making monster bookmarks that both eat the page and keep your place at the same time.

Teen Thing–CLP Carrick.  Tuesday, March 26, 2013 @4:30 PM.  Carrick Library’s the place to be every Tuesday afternoon,  if you’re into cool art projects, epic games, music, candy and just chilling out.

Teen Art Studio–CLP Beechview.  Saturday April 6, 2013 @ 1:00 PM.  If you’re an aspiring artist, this is a pleace to work on your projects, enjoy access to art materials, meet other young artists and showcase your creations.

• Watch a Movie

The Croods looks to be a fun movie choice for spring break.  If you are looking for free movies, the library has lots of choices for you.  You can borrow up to 5 DVDs with your library card.  You may need to reserve new releases.  The library also offers a lot of free movie programs especially for teens.  Some upcoming movie programs include:

Time Time:  Movie Time–CLP East Liberty.  Tuesday, March 26, 2013 @ 4:00 PM.  Joins us for a movie and fresh popcorn.

Teen Movie Night–CLP Beechview.  Thursday, March 28, 2013 @ 4:30 PM.  Watch new movies on our big screen.  Snacks are available.

Bad Movie Fridays.  Teens-Main. Friday, March 29, 2013 @ 3:00 PM.  Some movies are so bad, they’re good.  Join us for the best of the worst.  We’ll be celebrating Teen Tech Week all month by viewing films featuring once cutting edge, but now old school technology.

~Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

Enjoy your spring break and perhaps the last snowy days of the season.  It’s the perfect weather for visiting your library!

Black History Month: Celebrate Science

The month of February has been designated as Black History Month since 1970.  This year, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is highlighting the history of African-American Innovators and Inventors. 

Halle Tanner Johnson

According to Wade Hudson, author of Scientists, Healers and Inventors, Halle Tanner Johnson was the first woman to be licensed to practise medicine in the state of Alabama.  Not the first African-American woman, but the first woman.  She was also the first resident physician at the Tuskegee Institute, and she was born in Pittsburgh.

George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was born on a plantation in Diamond Grove, Missouri.  According to Wade Hudson, George Washington Carver was the first black student accepted at Simpson College in Iowa.  He transferred to Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts a few years later and became the first black student to attend that school as well.  He became the head of the agriculture department at the Tuskegee Institute, a post that he held for 47 years.

He discovered hundreds of products that could be made from the peanut, the sweet potato, and the pecan, and became an authority on plant diseases.

Madam C. J. Walker

Sarah Breedlove was born in 1867 in Delta, Louisiana.  Her parents were former slaves.  In 1905, she married Charles Joseph Walker and began calling herself Madam C. J. Walker.  Madam C. J. Walker created, manufactured and sold hair care products designed for African-American women.  She is known as the first black female millionaire.  Some sources name her as the first female millionaire in the United States.  Madam C. J. Walker’s hair care products are still sold today.

Lewis Latimer

Lewis Latimer was born in Chelsea, Masschusetts in 1848.  He was the son of fugitive slaves.  He worked with Alexander Graham Bell, Hiram Maxim and Thomas Edison.  Levenia George notes in the Smithsonian article, Lewis Latimer:  Renaissance Man, that Latimer Lewis became one of the 28 charter members of the Edison Pioneers.  He was the only African-American to receive this honor. 

Lonnie Johnson

Lonnie Johnson was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1949.  He was inspired by the work of George Washington Carver.  He attended Tuskegee University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering.  This former NASA scientist is best known for inventing the Super Soaker. 

Read More about Scientists and Inventors

~Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

Teen Time: Black History Month Edition

So, you may have heard that February is Black History Month and the teen specialists have created several events just for teens to help you celebrate the abolitionists, activist & innovators who changed history.

The Northside is the place to be on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 if you want to speak your mind or acquire some quilting skills.

Open Mic Night 4:00PM – 7:00 PM

Electret Condenser Microphone
Source: Google Images

Celebrate the innovation of Dr. James West, an African-American inventor who improved the microphone, by participating in our Open Mic Night to kickoff Black History Month. James West’s research in the early 1960s led to the development of foil-electret transducers for sound recording and voice communication that are used in 90% of all microphones (and cell phones!) built today.  Bring a poem you wrote, read from a favorite book or bust a rhyme! Cookies & hot chocolate will be served.

Location: Woods Run

Quilting & The Underground Railroad 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Look into the historical debate surrounding quilting and its significance in relation to the Underground Railroad. Also, create your own quilt square and combine it with other teens!

Location: Allegheny

If you are free on Thursday, February 7, 2013 head up to Mt. Washington!

African-American Hero Buttons 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Make your own button to celebrate an African-American Hero: Artists, Civil Rights Leaders, Inventors, Military Leaders, Scientists, oh my!
All materials will be provided. For grades 6-12. Refreshments will be provided!

Location: Mt. Washington

Have you always wanted to rock your natural curls but aren’t quite sure where to begin? Maybe you’ve proudly sported your Afro for years, but are still struggling to find the right products. Head over to Woods Run on Saturday, February 9, 2013 for a presentation on natural hair care.

Natural Hair Care Class 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
In this class we will explore healthy hair practices for those interested in natural hair, discuss simple yet effective hair regimens and affordable products and the best way to protect your hair during the cold months. Please bring questions and concerns.

Presented by: Whole Foods Market, East Liberty

Location: Woods Run

The Teen staff at Main has a whole day planned full of literary awesomeness and crafting!  On Saturday, February 16, 2013 come for book club, then stay for a quilting workshop.

Booked for Lunch: Panther Baby and The Rock and the River: A Book Club for Teens 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Bring some snacks or a lunch and join us for this month’s book discussion.  In celebration of Black History Month we’re choosing two related titles.  You can read one of the books or both, it’s up to you!

 The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon takes place in 1968 Chicago.  Fourteen-year-old Sam Childs is caught in the middle of a family fight.  Sam’s father works with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and believes in a nonviolent approach to seeking civil rights for African-Americans.  Sam’s older brother thinks Dr. King’s movement is taking too long to bring about change and chooses joins the Black Panther Party.

In Panther Baby Jamal Joseph shares his true-life experiences as one of the youngest members of the Black Panther Party.  Joseph joined the Panthers as a high schooler and eventually landed in prison because of his connection to the organization.  Years later, during another stint in prison Joseph earned two degrees and began writing plays.  Joseph eventually became the chair of Columbia University’s film division, a university he once encouraged students to burn to the ground.

Location: Teens – Main

Teen Quilting Workshop 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Blocks, Strips, Strings and Half Squares. Mary Lee Bendolph (2005). Cotton. 84″ x 81″ Courtesy of Matt Arnett. Photo by Pitkin Studio.

From the Underground Railroad to the Gee’s Bend Quilts, quilting is an art form that has deep roots in Black history and culture. Teens are invited to this hands-on quilting workshop to celebrate Black History Month. All materials provided. Participation is limited and registration is required.

Location: Teens – Main

Ready to test your knowledge of Black History while chowing down on pizza? Head to the Hill District on Saturday, February 23, 2013 for trivia and food!

Black History Teen Trivia Challenge 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Teens, test your Black History knowledge-Jeopardy style! Pizza for participants courtesy of Vocelli!

Location: Hill District

There are many more events planned for this month. Please check out the entire list!

lauren @ WoodsRun

Just for FUN! Websites and Blogs

The CLP Teen webpage has a whole section dedicated to FUN!  Who doesn’t like to have fun?

A few fun suggestions:

The Beat:  The News Blog of Comics Culture

Everything you need to know about comics.  Some recent headlines:

New director for beloved franchise chosen…and the world will never be the same

MAC and Archie cosmetics line products revealed

Snap Goes Wolverine’s Spine

Board Game Central

On this site you will find the rules for most board games, news about the board game industry, resources such as books about board games and links to the online versions of many games.  Check out this new board game:

Killer Bunnies and The Conquest Of The Magic Carrot

Gossip Teen

For the lastet teen celebrity news and gossip.  Some recent headlines:

Taylor Swift Ditched Harry Styles for WHAT!?!

Why is Jennifer Lawrence Dressed Up Like a Barbie Doll? – PHOTO

Justin Bieber’s New Acoustic Album LEAKED!!!

Huff Post Teen

The Huffington Post has a teen edition, including a page dedicated to fun stuff.  Check out the Top 15 Quotes from Catching Fire.

IPL2 (Internet Public Library) For Teens

IPL2 For Teens is an awesome resource for home work help and research papers, but today we are looking for fun things. IPL2 for teens has fun stuff too.  Learn more about the history of graphic novels.  Find links to thousands of webcomics.

MTV’s Hollywood Crush

Hollywood Crush covers the teen celebrity scene with an emphasis on movie and television news.  Pageturners takes a look at current books, especially those books being adapted for film and television. 

NFL.COM Superbowl XLVII

All you need to know about the big game.  Check out this awesome trivia game: 

2-Minute Trivia Super Bowl Edition.

Seventeen Quizzes, Games and Fun

Seventeen Magazine has always had the best Quizzes!  Check out the Beauty Quizzes, Celebrity Quizzes and Personality Tests. 

TeenNick

The TeenNick website covers the shows and offers other fun stuff too.  TeenNick Blog, TeenNick.com Games and Quizzes are all available on this site.   Try some of the quizzes like What style of dance are you?  I’m a Jazz dancer. 

Teen Reads

Teen Reads is part of the Book Reporter family.  Find tons of book lists and reviews on this site.  Check out their Valentine’s Day feature:  Books to Fall in Love With 2013. 

Enjoy! 

~Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

CLP Teensburgh–Year in Review–2012

271 posts were published this year

40 posts were by teen bloggers

views hit 44,757

And what did CLP Teensburgh feature in 2012?  Books mostly, but we also love movies and music.  Oh, and food too!  We reviewed or highlighted 482 fiction books and 351 nonfiction books this year.  833 in total.

Top books of 2012

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
4. Generation T Beyond Fashion:  120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay
5. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
6. Awkward Family Pet Photos by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack
7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
8. The List by Siobhan Vivian
9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Sephen Chbosky
10. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Top topics of 2012

1. Saving Money
2. Poetry
3. Hunger Games–The Movie
4. Zombies
5. Summer Reading
6. The London Olympics
7. Space
8. DIY Crafts
9. Photography
10. End of the World

Big Events of 2012

1. Silent Library
2. A Night in Panem
3. Ralph Munn Creative Writing Contest
4. Scratch Day
5. Quick Flix
6. The Labs Launch
7. Haunted Library
8. Night of the Living Read
9. Alternative Homecoming
10. A Night in Wilderland

Looking forward to seeing what 2013 brings!  Happy New Year!

~Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

Life Stories

Dear Teen Me is the book version of the blog Dear Teen Me which began on December 1, 2010.  Dozens of Young Adult authors are sharing their experiences as teenagers.  Their biggest nightmares.  Their greatest thrills.  And everything in between.

E. Kristin Anderson and Miranda Kenneally are the editors of Dear Teen Me, and they have a message for everyone:

This book is for you.  For the loners, the stoners, the freaks and the geeks, the head cheerleaders and the kids eating lunch in the library, the starting line-up, the benchwarmers, the glee club and the marching band.  This book is for everyone who has ever felt alone or misunderstood, for everyone who dreads prom and also every teen in the homecoming court.  For the wimps, the Goths, and the jocks.  This book is for you.  We hope you love it.

Along with the letters, the book includes questions to answer.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

• Walking around the main hall of my high school with my dress tucked into the back of my pantyhose after I used the rest room.

Who was your celebrity crush?

• Jon Bon Jovi.  Still is.

What was your first job?

• Babysitter.  The first with a paycheck was day camp counselor.

From Youth Communication and Free Spirit Publishing comes the Real Teen Voices series; personal stories about real life issues.

From the introduction of Pressure:

The stories in this book offer a window into many teens’ lives.  You are sure to find within its pages people and experiences you can identify with and relate to.  You might find that you can get more out of the book by applying what the writers have learned to your own life.  The teens who wrote these stories did so because they hope that telling their stories will help readers who are facing similar challenges.  They want you to know you are not alone, and that taking specific steps can help you manage or overcome very difficult situations. 

Find even more Life Stories in the Teen Collection.

~Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

Countdown to Halloween Continues

Have you selected or made your costume yet?
Zombies are popular? this year.  “Being” a zombie is mostly about the make-up and the attitude.  Tattered clothing will do for the costume part of the zombie look.  I was a zombie a few years ago.  I found this great flesh/scar make-up at the costume store that helped me create the look I wanted.  Otherwise, I just used regular make-up to zombify myself.

Other easy costume ideas:

• Knight
• Pirate
• Princess
• Super Hero
• Vampire

Looking for some terrifying treats to make for Halloween?  Many of the cooking and women’s magazines have great idea for Halloween sweets.

I found Gruesome Green Toes in A Taste of Home Magazine.  Super easy and very creepy.

There are so many Halloween related events going on at the libraries this month!  Check out this great list of teen events.

Creepy Cupcakes @ CLP–Mt. Washington

Scary Story Filmmaking Challenge @ CLP– The Labs:  Allegheny, Southside, Main and East Liberty

Special Effects Makeup @ CLP–Brookline

Check out the Teen Events page on the library website for even more fun things to do this month.

~Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

Countdown to Halloween

There’s 36 more days until Halloween!  Sure, Trick-or-Treating is mostly for younger kids, but Halloween is also the time for haunted houses and hayrides, costume parties, parades and dances.  Now is the time to plan and make costumes and decorations. 

• Glitter Pumpkins

Perfect for parties and dances, glitter pumpkins add some glamor to your decorations.  You can use real or fake pumpkins.

• Costumes

Make your costume out of duct tape!  The library has a lot of  books on how to make halloween costumes. 

• Duct Tape Mummy Pumpkin

No carving needed!  This Mummy Pumpkin is on page 33 of Stick or Treat by Patti Wallenfang.  Other duct tape pumpkins include the Eyeball pumpkin, the Witch pumpkin, The Rollin’ Pumpkin, the Diva Pumpkin, and  the De-bone-aire Pumpkin.

For more decorating ideas, check out Creative Costumes and Halloween Decor:  50 Projects to Sew and Craft.  Learn how to carve and decorate pumpkins and squashes, make a lighted swag, make a harvest wreath, make creepy mummy hands and more.

Let’s keep sharing ideas until the big day!

Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

Go Crazy with Duct Tape

We just got this new book at the library, Go Crazy with Duct Tape by Patti Wallenfang and it made me go CRAZY for Duct tape.  Not only was I filled to the brim with duct tape crafting ideas, but I needed to know everything that I could about duct tape.  I know that I am not the only one that thought it was actually called DUCK Tape.  Lots of people called it that.

Duck Tape

As a matter of fact, ShurTech Brands, LLC, a company in Avon Ohio has trademarked the term.  So, you can call it duct tape, but if you call it Duck Tape®, don’t forget the registered trademark symbol.  Duct tape does have a long history.  According to Joe Wilson, author of Ductigami: The Art of the Tape, duct tape was developed by a division of Johnson and Johnson Co during World War II.  The military needed a strong mending material that was waterproof and tearable by hand.  Of course, this tape was drab olive-green in color.  The post-war housing boom brought a new use for the tape:  connective material for the ductwork in the new houses.   The color was changed to sheet-metal gray and the name duct tape was born. Now, duct tape has entered the fields of crafting and fashion, so color, lots of colors and patterns are in demand.

You can make things using duct tape:

• Book Bags
• Wallets
• Aprons
• Vests

You can decorate things using duct type.

• Boots
• Bracelets
• Computer Cases
• Sunglasses

Go Crazy with Duct Tape

You can find a ton of instructional videos on You Tube.  Here is a tutorial for making duct tape bracelets:

I can barely wait for Halloween.  Duct tape is the perfect material for making decorations and costumes.  More about that in my next post.

Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington

Teen Trivia Quiz

For this trivia quiz–all of the answers can be found in books located in the teen nonfiction section.

What are the school colors for William McKinley High School (Glee)?

a) blue and gold

b) red and white

c) red and blue

d) green and white

What is Finn Hudson’s football jersey number?

a)  7

b) 12

c) 16

d)  5

Which faculty member at William McKinley High School is the Glee Club Director?

a) Shannon Beiste

b) Will Schuester

c) Sue Sylvester

d) Emma Pillsbury

McKinley Thunderclap

How many districts make up the nation of Panem?

a) 16

b) 10

c)  9

d) 12

What district does Katniss come from?

a) Lumber (7)

b) Power (5)

c) Mining (12)

d) Agriculture (11)

Which of the following is not the name of one of the tributes?

a) Thrash

b) Rue

c) Peeta

d) Glimmer

What was Marvel’s weapon of choice?

a) knife

b) sword

c) spear

d) bow and arrow

Name the director of The Hunger Games:

a) Christopher Nolan

b) David Yates

c) Gary Ross

d) Jason Reitman

Who composed the haunting and memorable score for the Hunger Games?

a) John Williams

b) James Horner

c) Danny Elfman

d) James Newton Howard

In what state was The Hunger Games filmed in?

a) South Carolina

b) North Carolina

c) West Virginia

d) Virgina

Glee will be returning to the air on September 13, 2012.  The release of The Hunger Games on DVD is scheduled for August 18, 2012.

~Marian

CLP–Mt. Washington