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

End of Summer- BOO! End of Summer Party- YAY!

When I was a teenager, I couldn’t stand those back-to-school advertising campaigns that seem to kick in while summer is still in full swing.  And how about the stores that start selling fall jackets when it is still 90 degrees outside?  For me personally, the count down to the new school year was such a drag that even a full scale-gratuitous-shopping-binge didn’t prove therapeutic.  So now that the Teen Department at CLP Main is hosting an End of the Summer Celebration on Friday 8/24 from 2 pm to 5 pm, I feel like such a traitor.

But really- we’re on YOUR side.  We’re not trying to pour salt in the wound, we simply want to reward you all for your participation in this year’s Teen Summer Reading program (which, by the way, it’s not too late to sign up for….).  And the truth is, we’ll use any excuse to throw a party here in the Main Teen Department.  So, come- despite yourself- and just try to enjoy the last sliver of summer….

Friday, August 24

2pm to 5pm

CLP Main- Teens

4400 Forbes Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA

• Video gaming!
• TWO bad movies- one about a crazy summer and one about going back to school!
• Button making!
• iPad photo booth!
• Light snacks!

All teens in middle or high school welcome.  For more information, contact teensmain @ carnegielibrary.org or 412.622.3121.