Mountain View Public Teen Blog

Let's hear it for vacation!

2011-12-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of school before winter break here in Mountain View, and I know lots of people who are thrilled to have some time off school.

After a couple of days of sleeping in and watching crummy TV you may start to get bored; if so, you can come to the library for something to read (or play, or listen to!)

The library will be closed some days during the break (12/24 through 12/27, 12/31 through 1/3) but other than that we're open for business as usual.

There are lots of great new books on the shelves, some new manga series, and I've ordered a bunch of music lately that should be coming in soon (and you can place a hold on once they are in the catalog).

Just today I got in:

Bronxwood by Coe Booth, the sequel to Tyrel

Tegami Bachi volume 7

A Web of Air by Philip Reeve, the sequel to Fever Crumb

Ashfall by Mike Mullin, a dystopic novel set after the eruption of Yellowstone

Click on any title to see the catalog entry. These won't be on the shelves today, but hopefully will be there over the weekend. You can place a hold on them while the status still says "at processing"

Homework Help - here's the scoop

2011-12-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

It's getting close to the end of the semester, and with final projects and exams coming up you may need some help.

You can get free help with your homework in the Teen Zone, did you know that?

Here's the info:
Who: we hire high school students to help anyone (in grades 6-12) who needs help with homework.
Where: in the Teen Zone
When: Monday - Thursday 3:30 to 6:00, ALSO Monday and Thursday evenings 6:00 to 8:30

There's no need to sign up, just come in and ask!

There's even more Teen Zone!

2011-12-01T20:04:00.001-08:00

If you come to the Teen Zone and look around you may notice a change - we got more shelves! The graphic novels and the teen fiction books now have a lot more room, it's much easier to find things (plus it's much easier to put the books away!)

We haven't updated the signs yet and things may be in a different spot than where you're used to finding them, but keep looking, it's all there!

Plus, there's more new manga coming in all the time, I keep finding new series to buy!

Free College Financial Aid Program

2011-11-30T16:00:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow night is the last of our FREE College Application Seminars.

Thursday, December 1, 7:00 to 8:30 in the Community Room at the Mountain View Public Library, Think Tank Learning will present a seminar on Navigating the Financial Aid Process.

This program is open to teens and their parents.

Advance registration is required, click here to register.

Who is Erin Hunter?

2011-11-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

And how can she write so many books so fast?

Erin Hunter, in case you've been living under a rock or don't pay any attention to YA books, is the author of the book phenomenon known as The Warriors series. (She is also the author of the Seekers series, which isn't as numerous or as popular).

If you include the novels, the field guides, the Super Editions, and the manga, there are currently 41 Warriors books, with four more scheduled to be published in the next 18 months. And they've all been published in the last 8 years!

I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like I can barely read that many books in that amount of time, never mind write that many! So how does she do it?

Easy. "She" is actually five different people!

Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Tui Sutherland and Victoria Holmes write the novels, and Dan Jolley writes the manga.

They chose the last name "Hunter" because it works with the notion of feral cats, and because the books would be shelved on bookshelves near the books by Brian Jacques, another author of wild animal novels!

Great Music Links - by Stephanie

2011-10-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Interesting Songs For Teens:

Speed Over Beethoven - Have you ever heard Beethoven? Have you ever felt that his songs would be better if they were played at a faster speed? Well, then hear this remix and you will be amazed.

Love You Like a Love Song- Selena recently published her new song. The video effects in this video are much more complex than in her previous music videos.

Chipettes version of " Hips Don't Lie" - Do you like the chipmunks or chipettes? This is the chipettes' really cute famous song.

These links are courtesy of Stephanie, one of the Library's fabulous Teen Advisory Group members!

Art Contest - win some bank!

2011-10-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

As part of Mountain View Reads Together the Mountain View Library is calling all artists to enter an art contest in connection with the book "Eearth" by Bill McKibben.

Click here for more information about the contest.

There will be prizes awarded in three age ranges, with prizes as follows:

Children to age 12 - $50
Ages 13-17 - $100
Ages 18 and up - $100

The contest deadline is October 31st.

Copies of the art contest flier are available in the Teen Zone.

Sailor Moon! Really?!

2011-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, the Library has just ordered the first couple of volumes of the Sailor Moon manga!

People have asked for this series many times, but with so many volumes out of print in this older series it wasn't something we were going to order.

But now the publisher is releasing a new edition, with Japanese names (no Bunny here!), back to front order, honorifics (princess-sama!) and more.

The first volume was published last month, volume 2 is set to come out next month, and we're going to order both. Assuming they are popular with the library crowd, we will order them all as they come out!

Click here and here for more information.

Check the library's catalog in coming days for the listing, once it appears you can place a hold, even before the book is in the building.

A to the N equals what?

2011-10-08T13:31:00.001-07:00

If your math skills need some tender loving care (mine surely do) then come to the Teen Zone on Sundays from 1-5 for fantastic free math help! Kiran Vodrahalli is a big fan of math and he's great at explaining things to those of us who could use some extra help.

The program is free and is open to kids in grades 6 through 12. No need to sign up, just come on down and say hi!

New books by Stephenie Meyer

2011-10-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

Everybody's favorite teen vampire author (ok maybe not everybody's, but she has certainly made her mark!) is coming out with two sequels to her novel The Host. There's no official publication date yet, and they'll probably be purchased in our adult Science Fiction collection, but we'll order them just as soon as we can!

New Program - Free Math Help!

2011-10-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Are you trying hard to figure out your math homework but just can't make sense of it? Do you need help getting to the next level of understanding of math concepts?

Introducing a new program for Teens at the Mountain View Public Library. On Sundays from 1-5 we're hosting Kiran Vodrahalli, a math enthusiast and recent high school graduate, who will be here to help with math questions.

The program is free, open to 6th through 12th graders, and no appointment necessary.

Look here for more information and a printable flyer.

Questions? Contact marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Reminder - college application essay seminar on Monday the 26th!

2011-09-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, remember we've got a free seminar next Monday (the 26th) on writing the best college application essay you can!

It's a free program for high school students (and their parents) from 7:00 to 8:30 in the Teen Zone.

For more information click here.

Homework Help - limited time for now

2011-09-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's time to say good bye to Victoria and Jasmine - two of our fantastic Homework Assistants who have gone off to college! We will miss them at the Library, but I'm sure they will go on to do fabulous things!

We are busy recruiting for the two open positions and hope to have two fantastic new Homework Assistants on staff in a few weeks.

In the meantime, our remaining fantastic Homework Assistant Ken will be available to help with homework on Wednesday afternoons from 3:3o to 6:00, and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30.

College Application Help

2011-09-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

If you're a high school senior (or will be soon) you're probably thinking a lot about college applications.

Maybe you're dreading writing the essay - what to say? What's going to catch the eye of the admissions officer?

We've got help for you!

On Monday, September 26th from 7 to 8:30 in the Teen Zone we'll be hosting Think Tank Learning, offering a seminar on "Outstanding Essays: Making YourCollege Application Stand Out”.

Follow this link for more information.As always, email marie.richardson@mountainview.gov if you need additional information.

yup, I'm THAT kind of dork

2011-09-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

It may be an occupational hazard, but I'm a sucker for library humor.So this made me crack up:

For those of you who aren't devotees of 90's rap music, check out the video for Sir Mix-a-Lot's "I Like Big Butts":VideoThanks to Hilary Price of Rhymes with Orange (check out her blog here for more humor, library and otherwise), just about everything she does makes me laugh!

Look at what this kid did!

2011-09-12T18:35:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're too young to make a difference, or do something new and cool?

Then look at what this kid did.

13 years old and he's learning new things about solar energy that nobody had figured out yet, and earned himself a patent in the process!

So, what will you do with your free time?

(Thanks to Loretta with the Teen Advisory Group for sending me this link!)

Today's the Deadline

2011-09-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

For the Homework assistant job at the library.

If you are interested in working at the library, helping kids with homework, we've got a job for you! The deadline is today, so you need to contact me to let me know you're interested, so email marie.richardson@mountainview.gov if you want to apply.

More Manga, More Manga!

2011-09-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

I just spent several hours ordering more manga, so keep your eyes on the Teen Zone graphic novel collection for piles of new books.

Much of what I ordered is just getting caught up on series that I had missed a few volumes on (or more than a few!) such as Arisa, Itazura Na Kiss, Fairy Tail, to name a few.

I have also been ordering a few new series - 7 Billion Needles, Afterschool Charisma and a few others.

Also, later this fall we're going to be adding some more shelves in the Teen Zone area, mostly to give us more space for graphic novels, so that section will be even bigger! Wahoo!

Hunger Games - the movie!

2011-09-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Now that the last Harry Potter movie has been released, what's next on your radar?

I know what I'm looking forward to - the movie version of The Hunger Games.

I have mixed feelings about this: if it's good it will be fantastic! But it could stink...

Long weekend - wahoooo!

2011-09-03T14:05:00.001-07:00

It's Labor Day weekend, and the forecast is fine!

Enjoy the good weather, have fun with your friends, but don't plan on coming to the library on Sunday or Monday, 'cause we will be closed!

We will re-open on Tuesday with our regular hours, so come on back for all your favorite books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, etc.

We're Hiring!

2011-09-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Teen Zone is looking for two new homework helpers.

If you are:

-a high school junior or senior
-good at school
-outgoing, like to help people
-available to work some afternoons or evenings
-interested in making $12/hr

then you should apply!

Go here for more information, and go here for the application.

Email marie.richardson@mountainview.gov for more information or if you have questions.

Hurry, the deadline is Friday, September 9th!

We're Hiring (maybe you?)

2011-08-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

The school year is almost here and we're looking for new homework assistants.

If you are a high school junior or senior, have great grades, are outgoing and like working with people, and want to earn $12/hr we've got a job for you!

You need to be available to work two shifts per week, either afternoons (3:30 to 6:00) or evenings (6:00 to 8:30).

If you're interested please fill out an application (available at the Welcome Desk at the library) and turn in, attention Marie Richardson.

You'll also need to turn in your school transcript and two letters of recommendations from core subject teachers.

Questions? Email marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Teen Advisory Group - first meeting of the year!

2011-08-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hey, do you like the Mountain View Public Library?

Do you think it could do a better job for teens?

If you answered yes to either of those questions we want you to join the Library's Teen Advisory Group.

The TAG is a group of kids who meet once a month with the Library's Teen Services Librarian (that's me!) to help plan programs and activities, and to recommend books, music, magazines and more.

The TAG is open to kids in grades 6 through 12, and you don't have to be a Mountain View resident.

The first meeting of the year will take place on Monday, August 22nd from 6:45 to 7:45 in the Teen Zone. This is a great chance to come to a meeting and find out what it's all about, meet last year's returning TAG members, and pick up an application if you're interested in being in the TAG.

(This meeting date is a change from what is on the summer program flyer, so make note in your calendar if you're planning to come!)

The rest of the meetings during the year happen on the second Monday of the month, 6:45 to 7:45 in the Teen Zone.

TAG members earn community service hours, and it looks great on college applications and job applications!

As always, if you have any questions drop me a note at marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Get your Game on!

2011-07-18T20:57:00.001-07:00

We've got a great game program this summer that's worth checking out. On Wednesdays from noon to 2:00 in the Teen Zone we've got all sorts of games: chess, backgammon, Uno, and a lot more, some you've never even heard of!

Come on down, bring a friend, play a game (or two or three) and have fun! What more could you ask for?

Henna - it's fabulous!

2011-06-23T12:32:00.001-07:00

You've seen it before, now get it for yourself!

Darcy Vasudev of HennaLounge will teach this great class on decorating your body with henna. We provide the supplies, you provide the creativity and ideas!

Registration is required, go here to register.

A signed permission slip is required, please be sure to bring a parent with you to sign the permission slip.

It's Summer Time (almost...)

2011-06-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is almost here, and we've got things to do! Some of your favorites are back - jewelry, henna - and some new programs too - decorate your T shirt, watercolor painting!

Registration is required for most of the events and will all be done online this year. Go to the library's summer reading teen page

Look under "Upcoming Events" and find the program you want to register for. Click on the title, follow the steps to register, and voila! Summer fun for you!

If you want to get a free book at the end of the summer sign up for Teen summer Reading on the same web page and track your reading online.

As always if you have questions contact marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Great Opening Line

2011-05-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

I just started a new book today, and I was totally grabbed from the very first lines:

"I've confessed to everything and I'd like to be hanged. Now, if you please."

I have no idea if this is going to be a good book, or even what it's about, but I've got to find out. Because of those opening lines.

Ear Worms? - Yuck!

2011-05-25T10:56:00.001-07:00

Some songs just stick in your head, no matter what.

This morning I heard Black Eyed Peas' song "I Gotta Feeling" (you know the one, "tonight's gonna be a good good night") and now I can't stop hearing thhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifat bit over and over again.

I think I need to listen to something else, just to drive it out before it drives me crazy!
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On the other hand, I heard Christina Perri's new song "Arms" and I just want to listen to that over and over and over again.

By the way, the library owns copies of these CDs, and many, many more. Search the catalog, ask for help if you can't find what you're looking for, and place a hold if all copies are checked out!

If the Library doesn't own something you want to listen to, ask for it! Use the AskMV system to make a request and there's a good chance we'll add to it to the collection.

Fabulouse Party!

2011-05-23T20:12:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the Teen Zone After Hours party last weekend - if you weren't there you missed a great time!

Food was eaten, contests were won, prizes were given, music was played (really, really loud music) and dancing was done - awesome!

Many, many thanks to the hardworking, fun-loving members of the Library's Teen Advisory Group for making the party happen!

What's next for the Teen Zone? SUMMER PROGRAMS! Stay tuned to this space for more information on our fabulous lineup of programs this summer...

Are you ready to party?

2011-05-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

Have you got your Library card?

That's all you need to gain access to the FREE party for teens at the Library on Saturday night.

That's right, Saturday night. Come do things you can't usually do in the library - eat food, listen to loud music, play games - we'll be having fun!

Just remember - you've got to have a library card, so get it today!

We're Having a PARTY!!!

2011-05-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

We're having a party at the Library and YOU'RE INVITED!!!

[*If you're in middle or high school and you have a Mountain View Public Library Card!]

On Saturday, May 14th from 7-10 pm in the Library. Yes, that's right, Saturday night in the Library!

We'll have food, games, prizes, henna, music, Wii - tons of fun!http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

It's FREEEEEEEE!!!

So the deal is you have to have a Mountain View Public Library card to come to the party. Get one before, or get one at the party. The rules for getting a card are as follows:

To apply for a free library card, fill out this application form online (here's the link). Please bring your current photo identification and address verification to the Welcome Desk in the Library or Mobile Library vehicle within 30 days to receive and activate your card. If you are under 13 years of age, you cannot use this form. You must apply in person and come with your parent or legal guardian to sign your application.

Questions? email marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Sexting - everybody does it? or really, really bad idea?

2011-03-30T11:40:00.001-07:00

What do you think?

Read this article, and see if you have a different opinion.

The End is Here!

2011-02-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

Not the end of the world, but certainly the end of an era.

The Library just received the final volume of Rumiko Takahashi's InuYasha manga series.

Yes, after 56 volumes the story has come to an end.

I've got two copies and there are only two holds, so these should be back on the shelves soon, come take a look (or place a hold if they're out!)

So, what new series are you looking forward to reading now that InuYasha is all done?

Young Adult Author web sites

2011-01-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

If I had all the time in the world I would spend way too much time reading author blogs, especially YA authors! I love finding out more about the people who have written some of my favorite books, so I'm going to start sporadically posting links to favorite author blogs.

Today's is for Laurie Halse Anderson, the author of "Wintergirls" and "Speak", two of the most powerful, most devastating novels I have read in the past ten years. Anderson also writes amazing historical fiction for teens and children, such as "Fever 1793" and "Chains".

Anderson's work is frequently challenged and/or banned in the more conservative parts of the country, and she frequently writes about these situations. Sometimes her blog posts are about her books, sometimes they are about her life, sometimes they are about other people's connections to her books.

What author's blogs do you read?

Enjoy!

If you loved "If I Stay"

2011-01-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

you'll be happy to know that there's a sequel coming out in April of this year called"Where She Went".

I read "If I Stay" a few months ago and was blown away by this book about a girl in a coma who has to decide if she wants to stay in the world where her parents and brother have died but she still has her boyfriend and her talent for playing cello or if she wants to "go" where her parents and brother have gone.

Although it's a tearjerker it is a lot more than that, a thoughtful and emotional look at what makes life worth living. I loved the character and the way she thought about life and death.

We're going to be pre-ordering the sequel later this week so look for it in the catalog next week and place a hold if you're interested.

New Series by author of Vampire Academy series

2011-01-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

The Last Sacrifice, book 6 in the Vampire Academy series, is the last book in the series, but that series' author has announced a new spin-off series to be published later this year.

Bloodlines will be the first book in the new series and is scheduled to be published in August of 2011. We'll be pre-orderedering a couple of copies this week, so check the catalog next week and place your hold now to be first in line!

Click here to read an article with Richelle Mead about her work.

(Oh, and don't worry if you look at the number of holds on The Last Sacrifice - we've got two more copies coming in any day now).

Library Closed Thursday November 11th

2010-11-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Library will be closed on Thursday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day. Enjoy your day!

We will be open regular hours on Friday, November 12th, and we will have our regular Friday afternoon Knit & Crochet Club meeting from 3:30 to 5:30. If you've got the afternoon off bring your project and join us for some stitching! (And if you don't have a project join us and learn how!)

Teen Book Club - TONIGHT!!!

2010-11-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Join us for the first meeting of the new Teen Book Club TONIGHT!!!

Our new Teen book club will meet the first Monday of every month, and each month will have a different theme. There's no assigned books, no "homework", just come and talk about your favorite books.

The theme for our first meeting is "The Hunger Games" trilogy, and other dystopic fiction. If you've read the Hunger Games and are looking for more ideas, or you want to know what all the fuss about Hunger Games is all about, join us to talk it out!

Monday, November 1st from 6:45 to 7:45 in the Teen Zone.

Teen Movie Review - Back to the Future

2010-10-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

Written by Monisha, 10th grade, Teen Advisory Group Member

Ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time? What it would be like to see your parents when they were your age and how they first met? Well you get all that and much more in the film Back to the Future (1985) starring a young Michael J. Fox.

The first time that I heard about this movie was when I went on the Back to the Future ride at Universal Studios, LA. Back then all I knew was that there was this movie with an awesome 3-D ride which actually makes you feel like you're moving through space. But then, many years later in my 10th grade history class, both my teacher and the kid sitting behind me tell me that it was one of their favorite movies. Remembering that as I came home, I thought "What the heck" and got a copy of the movie to watch.

When I learned that the movie was going to be two hours long, I was shocked. What was this movie about? Well, basically, it's about a teenage boy Marty McFly; he has a wimp for a father and an overweight whiner for a mother. Add to this his band just got rejected from playing at the school dance and he can't take his girlfriend out on a date because his car is crashed and you get a gloomy kid. But wait! His friend, Doc, calls him up at night and asks him to come to the mall parking lot to see an amazing invention. It's a time machine! But oh no, Marty accidentally gets sent back to the past! Will he make it back? And what does he find out about his parents? Well, you just have to watch this funny, suspenseful movie to find out.

New Homework Help Hours

2010-10-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

By popular demand, we have changed the hours when we offer help with homework.

Free Homework Help for middle and high school students is now available:

Monday - 3:30-8:30
Tuesday - 3:30-6:00
Wednesday - 3:30-6:00
Thursday - 3:30-8:30

Come by during any of those hours for help with your homework!

Games, games, come get your games!

2010-10-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

After a fabulous kick-off party (pics to follow later this week) the Library's DS and Wii games are now available to check out.

If you are looking for a particular title just do a title search in the catalog.

If you want to see which games we own you can do a call number search in the catalog and search on the word "game". This will give you a list of all of the games (remember it has to be a call number search. If you don't know how to do that just ask!)

The games that say check shelf are being kept at the customer services desk, so you have to go and ask for them. If you place a hold the reserves will also be at the customer services desk, not on the Holds Pickup shelves.

Enjoy!

Get Ready to Party!

2010-10-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

The Mountain View Public Library is getting ready to launch our new Video Game Collection, and we're having a party to celebrate!

This Saturday, October 16th, from 2-4 pm in the Community Room we will have video games to play, food, drinks, music, and more! We will have three game stations and lots of games to play. Bring a couple of friends and play Mario Kart, or try your hand at lots of other games, like Tiger Woods Golf, or Shaun White Snowboarding!

The party is free, open to kids in grades 6 through 12, and sponsored by the Friends of the Mountain View Library. Many thanks to the Library's fabulous Teen Advisory Group for helping plan the party and making the great fliers!

At the end of the party the video games will be available to teens at the party to check out. The Library's collection will include Wii and DS games that will check out for 7 days with one renewal (as long as there aren't any holds on the title). The games will be available to the general public starting on Monday, October 18th.

Click here for more info.

Homework Help is Here!!!

2010-10-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

The Teen Zone is happy to announce that we have hired a new Homework Assistant and we are back up to a full homework help schedule/

Mondays from 3:30 to 6:00, and also 6:30 to 9:00.
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6:00.
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:00.
Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:00, and also 6:30 to 9:00.

Come get help from our fabulous high school homework assistants on any subject you need some extra work on! No need to make an appointment, just come on in.

[I'll share a little secret with you - the evenings are the best time to come in, it's always much quieter and you'll get much more one-on-one time with the homework assistant!]

Mockingjay is Here!!!

2010-08-24T17:47:00.001-07:00

The first six copies of Mockingjay are here and waiting on the holdshelf for the first six holds (including me!!!)

There will be five FOL 7 day collection copies hitting the shelves later this week. The five extra copies I ordered are on back order since the publisher has run out of copies.

If you are far down on the hold list don't despair - it won't take long since this book is the kind you can't put down once you start it!

If you have a hold that you don't need anymore please cancel your hold so others won't have to wait as long.

If you are looking for other dystopic fiction books to read, take a look at some of these titles:

Exodus

Bertagna, Julie

In the year 2100, as the island of Wing is about to be covered by water, fifteen-year-old Mara discovers the existence of New World sky cities that are safe from the storms and rising waters, and convinces her people to travel to one of these cities in order to save themselves.

The Compound

S.A. Bodeen

After his parents, two sisters, and he have spent six years in a vast underground compound built by his wealthy father to protect them from a nuclear holocaust, fifteen-year-old Eli, whose twin brother and grandmother were left behind, discovers that his father has perpetrated a monstrous hoax on them all.

The Supernaturalist

Colfer, Eoin

In futuristic Satellite City, fourteen-year-old Cosmo Hill escapes from his abusive orphanage and teams up with three other people who share his unusual ability to see supernatural creatures, and together they determine the nature and purpose of the swarming blue Parasites that are invisible to most humans.

The Silenced

DeVita, James

Consigned to a prison-like Youth Training Facility because of her parents' political activities, Marena organizes a resistance movement to combat the restrictive policies of the ruling Zero Tolerance party.

Little Brother

Doctorow, Cory

After being interrogated for days by the Department of Homeland Security in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco, California, seventeen-year-old Marcus, released into what is now a police state, decides to use his expertise in computer hacking to set things right.

House of the Scorpion

Farmer, Nancy

In a future where humans despise clones, Matt enjoys special status as the young clone of El Patron, the 142-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire nestled between Mexico and the United States.

Gone

Grant, Michael

In a small town on the coast of California, everyone over the age of fourteen suddenly disappears, setting up a battle between the remaining town residents and the students from a local private school, as well as those who have "The Power" and are able to perform supernatural feats and those who do not. The sequel is Hunger.

Hole in the Sky

Hautman, Pete

In a future world ravaged by a mutant virus, sixteen-year-old Ceej and three other teenagers seek to save the Grand Canyon from being flooded, while trying to avoid capture by a band of renegade Survivors.

Children of the Dust

Lawrence, Louise

After a nuclear war devastates the earth, a small band of people struggles for survival in a new world where children are born with strange mutations.

The Secret Under My Skin

McNaughton, Janet

In the year 2368, humans exist under dire environmental conditions and one young woman, rescued from a workcamp and chosen for a special duty, uses her love of learning to discover the truth about the planet's future and her own dark past.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Ness, Patrick

Pursued by power-hungry Prentiss and mad minister Aaron, young Todd and Viola set out across New World searching for answers about his colony's true past and seeking a way to warn the ship bringing hopeful settlers from Old World.

Life as We Knew It

Pfeffer, Susan Beth

Through journal entries sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family's struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The companion novel is The Dead and the Gone.

Mortal Engines

Reeve, Philip

In the distant future, when cities move about and consume smaller towns, a fifteen-year-old apprentice is pushed out of London by the man he most admires and must seek answers in the perilous Out-Country, aided by one girl and the memory of another.

Unwind

Shusternan, Neal

In a future world where those between the ages of thirteen and eighteen can have their lives "unwound" and their body parts harvested for use by others, three teens go to extreme lengths to uphold their beliefs--and, perhaps, save their own lives.

Uglies

Westerfeld, Scott

Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all. The sequels are Pretties, Specials and Extras.

More food for thought about manga - now in Digital!

2010-08-24T13:54:00.001-07:00

Lots of people read manga online. OneManga and MangaFox are hugely popular for their online translations of Japanese manga.

They are also, however, largely illegal. Much (if not most) of the manga scanlations on these sites are unlicensed, and the publishers are cracking down.

OneManga has removed all of their scanlations (click here to see their FAQ about this change) and are now focusing on their series lists and online discussion forums.

MangaFox continues to host some licensed and unlicensed scanlations, but it's not clear how long that will continue.

It looks like the next step is for paid subscription websites to offer licensed scanlations, but things are still moving in that direction.

How does this affect you? Where will you get your latest and greatest manga?

How does this affect the Library? Will there be more manga published in English now that fewer people will be reading illegal translations online? Will there be more demand for the Library's collection?

What do you think?

More Mockingjay

2010-08-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I've been re-reading Catching Fire and I figure I'm not the only one who's a little obsessed with Mockingjay.

In case you just can't wait for your Library copy, or you just have to own it, or maybe you just want to go someplace and hang out with other Hunger Games fans, here's some info on the Kepler's Bookstore Launch party.

Check out the bottom of the entry for information on Suzanne Collins' planned visit to Kepler's in November.

MOCKINGJAY RELEASE PARTY - WITH PIZZA!

Tuesday, August 24, 6:30 p.m.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

When you read The Hunger Games you become obsessed. And if you are anything like as obsessed as we are, then you will be counting down the days until you can lay your hands on Mockingjay, the final installment in this fabulous series.

And the wait is almost over. Mockingjay will be released on August 24^th. Have you preordered your book yet? Preorder from Kepler’s and we will serve you pizza as you come to pick up your book. Really, we’ll have pizza and a place to chat if you come to pick up your copy of Mockingjay after school on August 24^th at 6.30 p.m.

Sound good? Well, it gets better.

Suzanne Collins is coming to Kepler’s on November 3^rd! We can’t tell you how excited we are to meet her. And you can imagine how long the signing lines will be. SO – and here’s the good part - we are giving a signing-line ticket with every book Kepler's pre-sells. And these tickets will be numbered. So you will get to be right at the front of the line - it can’t get better than that!

So don’t wait, preorder your copy of Mockingjay right now and know you’ll be right near the front of the line to meet and get your book signed by Suzanne Collins, who was named among the 2010 TIME 100 Most Influential People.

Must. Have. More. HUNGER. GAMES!

2010-08-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

The third, and final, book in the Hunger Games trilogy is due to be published on August 24th. That's less than two weeks away and I can hardly wait!

It took me a while to get around to reading the first book, and then I ended up listening to it on audiobook. This took me a while because I have a pretty short commute, and it was torture to have to get out of the car and turn it off!

I tore through Catching Fire in two days and now I'm dying to know what happens to Katniss and Peeta.

I just pre-ordered another 5 copies so I now have eleven copies on order. If you'd like to place a hold don't be put off by the number of reserves ahead of you, with 11 copies it won't take very long. I know I'll be staying up all night to read my copy!

Best Teen Advisory Group meeting EVER!!!

2010-08-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

Huge thanks to everyone who came to the first meeting of the new Teen Advisory Group meeting last night - so much fun! You guys had so many great ideas for making the Teen Zone so much better - I'm really excited about what we are going to get done in the next year!

If you couldn't make it last night but you are interested in being a part of the TAG it's not too late. Just come to the next meeting (September 13th at 6:45) and check it out!

The Mountain View Library needs YOU!

2010-08-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Teen Zone at the Mountain View Library needs your help!

For us to make sure the Library is doing the best job it can for teens I need to hear from teens and have your input on what we do. To do this I am starting up a new Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG), and I invite you to be part of the team (if you are a kid in grade 6 through 12 in the Mountain View/Los Altos school district area!).

The TAG will meet once a month to talk about what the Library does for teens and what we’re planning to do in the future. Some of the topics that I’m planning to work on in the next year include:

*Social networking. The Teen Zone finally has a blog and a Facebook page, but there’s so much more we could do with this as a way to reach teens in the community. I need teens to help me make our social networking much more fun and interesting to teens.
*Special programs – we’re planning to have a special game party with Wii and Xbox games in September, we need help planning the party and helping during the party.
*Vacation workshops – should we offer any special programs during the winter break? Maybe a jewelry class so teens can make presents for friends?
*Magazines – so many magazines have shut down, I need help finding more magazine to have in the Teen Zone.

So what’s in it for you?

*Have fun with your friends (or make some new friends!)
*Have a voice in your community.
*Earn community services hours.
*Looks good on college applications!

The first meeting of the Teen Advisory Group is next Monday, August 9th at 6:30 in the Teen Zone. This first meeting will be a casual chance to get to know each other and for you to learn more about what the TAG will be all about. I’ll have drinks and snacks the meeting will last for about an hour.

I hope to see you next week!

Can you imagine living like this?

2010-07-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

What if your whole home looked like this?

It's one thing if the garage (or closet) gets a little cluttered, but think about what it would be like if every room in your home looked like this.

For many people this is reality. Hoarders are people who can't throw away anything that might have value - newspapers, clothing, empty medicine bottles - anything.

I just went to a fabulous author forum, and one of the author's was C. J. Omololu, whose novel "Dirty Little Secrets" tells the story of Lucy, a girl whose mother is a hoarder. When Lucy finds her mother has died under a stack of magazines, she has to decide how to deal with a lifetime's worth of secrets.

The author talked about how she was inspired to write this story after reading an article about hoarding, and how she's become friends with some people she met and talked to while researching for the book.

C.J. Omololu is a local (Bay Area) author and it was great to meet her in person. Even though she never planned to be a writer she says she read a ton when she was young - let's hear it for reading!

I really enjoyed this book. Lucy is a really compelling character, and I understood her wanting to keep her mother's hoarding a secret.

Some of the descriptions of the filth in their house left me feeling kind of itchy, but it did inspire me to throw out some old newspapers I'd been planning to read!

If you, or someone you know, has a hoarding problem there's a lot of good information available on the web. Try:

Children of Hoarders

The International OCD Hoarding Center

and

The Mayo Clinic on Hoarding

Special Game Event!!!

2010-07-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

Are you a fan of strategy games like chess and backgammon?

Would you like to learn a new game?

This Wednesday, from 2-4 pm in the Teen Zone, we will be hosting Brandon Middleton, the inventor of Tic Tac Toe Ten, a brand new strategy game that is a mashup of chess and Tic Tac Toe.

Come by and check it out!

Program is free and limited to kids in grades 6 through 12.

Questions email marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Talk about changing your look!

2010-07-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga - love her or hate her, you can't help but be amazed by her ever-changing look. Check out this slideshow of how her look has changed over the last few years.

What do you think - does how someone looks relate to how famous they are? In this day and age of media saturation is it possible to achieve fame and success as a pop singer if you aren't beautiful, or at least striking?

Would Lady Gaga be as interesting if she was still just Stefanie Germanotta?

What do you think?

Using the Library's computers

2010-07-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Good news for those of you with big fines!

For the past couple of years the Library has blocked any patron with high fines from using the computers in the Library. As of now, anyone with a current library card can use the computers in the building, even if you have high fines. You just need to know your library card number and your password, which is usually your last name.

Of course, we'd still really like you to pay your fines (and bring back any books that are overdue!) Wouldn't you really like to be able to check out books and music and DVDs again???

More Books! More Books! More Books!

2010-07-03T13:50:00.001-07:00

We just got in a whole BIG bunch of new Teen books today, look for these on the shelves after the holiday weekend:

Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson (author of 13 Little Blue Envelopes)
Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter (this one has a bunch of holds so you'll need to place a hold and get in line!)
Destiny's Path - the second book in the Warrior Princess series by Frewin Jones
The Light - the first book the new series Morpheus Road by D.J. MacHale, author of the Pendragon series
Passing Strange - the third book in the Generation Dead series by Daniel Waters

This is just a sample - there are too many to list!

Also, the latest volumes of Fairy Tail (11), Samurai Deeper Kyo (37/38 - and the final volume in the series) and Soul Eater (3).

Each of the titles above is a link to the catalog entry for that book, in case you want to check the status or place a hold.

If you come to the library and you can't find what you are looking for just ask for help!

Click here to fill out a video game survey!

2010-07-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Video games coming to the Library!
Teens, here is your chance to help the library build a video game collection.
What are your favorite video games?
Click on the link above to fill out a short online survey, or ask for a paper survey at the teen desk.
Thanks for your help!

New Manga!

2010-06-30T12:04:00.001-07:00

New Manga titles are on order and coming in to the shelves:

Black Butler - volume 1 just arrived today, look for it on the shelves!

Ultimo - just ordered volume 1, should be here soon.

Bizenghast - just ordered volumes 1-6, should be here soon.

Tegami Bachi and Pandora Hearts - volumes 1 and 2 on order, should be here soon.

Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys - volumes 1-9 on order.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm excited about getting some new series on the shelves.

Remember, once a title is in the catalog you can place a reserve, even if it hasn't actually hit the shelves yet. Some of these titles aren't in the catalog yet, but they will be soon!

4th of July Holiday

2010-06-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

4th of July Holiday -

The Library will be CLOSED, Sunday, July 4th and Monday, July 5th for this holiday. We will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, July 6th at 10am.

Get Your Knit On!

2010-06-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

Your crochet, too!

Come to the Library's Knit & Crochet Club, held in the Teen Zone every Friday afternoon.

Special summer hours - we start at 2:00 and go until 5:00.

The program is free and open to anyone aged 8 and older.

No need to buy any supplies if you are a beginner - we have yarn to share and needles for you to borrow.

Questions? Email marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Library Gaming Survey

2010-06-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

We're building a gaming collection and we need your help! Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey. Your responses will help us decide what kind of games to buy for the library. Rockband tournament anyone?

What are you doing with your summer vacation???

2010-06-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in doing something other than letting your brain rot away come down to the Teen Zone and play a strategy game!

We've got Chess, Backgammon, Fox & Geese, Mill and more. Learn something new or play an old favorite!

Wednesdays, 2-4 pm in the Teen Zone. Free and open to kids in grades 6-12.

Join us!

Summer vacation - wahoo!

2010-06-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is here and we made it through another school year! Whew!

I know it seems now like all you want to do is kick back and relax, but believe it or not at some point you are going to get antsy - or your parents will get antsy with you. Either way, if you are looking for things to do this summer check out the programs we are offering this summer in the Teen Zone for kids in grades 6-12:

Teen Summer Programs

Some of the programs are drop-in, some require registration.

Drop me a line if you have any questions at marie.richardson@mountainview.gov

Our first program is coming up on June 14th at 7:00 in the Teen Zone - Teen Book Club! Hope to see you there.

It's Here!!!

2010-06-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

The latest book in the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer is here!!!

"The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, an Eclipse Novella" is about one of the newborn vampires from "Eclipse" and it's newest book in the series.

We have lots of copies in the Young Adult collection and in the Friends of the Library 7 day collection. Go to http://mountainview.gov/library to place a hold or check the Friends Display the next time you come to the Library.

It's not just me!

2010-05-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

So I've been feeling a little worried about our manga collection lately. You see, we have a HUGE manga collection and it's always been really popular. Really, really popular. Kids would come up and ask for new series, let me know if I'd fallen behind in my ordering (which does occasionally happen!) or just to tell me about their favorite books.

But in the last year or so I'd noticed a real drop in activity related to manga here in the Library. I wasn't seeing as many rabid manga fans (although there's always plenty of people reading manga) and I just wasn't hearing the buzz about new series like I used to. I check the New York Times best seller lists, I check recommendations on Amazon, I read the journals, but I just wasn't finding the new "Bleach" type of manga. I thought I'd somehow completely lost touch with the manga world.

It turns out the manga world is shrinking. According to an article in Publisher's Weekly, manga sales have dropped by a third since 2007. That's huge. Manga used to be one of the fastest growing segments of the publishing industry, but not anymore.

So on one hand I'm relieved that I'm not totally out of touch, but on the other hand I'm bummed that there's so much less manga being published. It's so popular, it's so accessible, and so much fun, I hope that things settle down and begin to rebound soon.

One of the possible factors given for the drop in manga sales in the PW article was "younger readers are turning to Twilight rather than manga for their fix." Interesting idea.

What manga are you reading, if any? What are the latest series to come out that you can't live without? Or are you breathlessly awaiting the release of the next Stephenie Meyer book and couldn't care less about manga?

At the risk of beating a dead horse...

2010-05-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

I know that I blogged about Facebook and privacy before, but I think it's worth bringing up again.

Consumer Reports has released a list of 7 Things to Stop Doing Now on Facebook, and it's pretty basic and straightforward. Most of it is just common sense, but it made me go back and check some of my profile settings. I'm still going to keep using Facebook but I have more concerns than I used to.

If you want to go the more extreme route, read Dan Yoder's Top Ten Reasons You Should Quit Facebook. I'm not ready to go that far, but I know people who are. And even if you decide to quit Facebook it isn't that easy - they don't want to let you go!

If you are on Facebook, check out the Teen Zone's Facebook page and become a Fan!

Increase your Google-fu

2010-05-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Think you are a Google search master? Think you know all the inside tricks?

Or maybe you are a newbie and want to learn some cool new search skills.

Either way, check out this article for the Top 10 Things You Didn't Know Google Maps Could Do. There's some really cool tricks and a few truly useful tools.

What's your favorite Google search trick?

Quote for the day

2010-05-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, granted I'm biased, but I think this is brilliant:

"Cutting Libraries in a Recession is like Cutting Hospitals in a Plague".

Too true.

Listen up!

2010-05-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

We just received a large order of teen audiobooks and there are some great titles here! This has always been a small collection for the Teen Zone (compared to our huge music CD collection!) so I'm trying to get the word out.

Here are just a handful of what's come in recently:

"Along for the Ride" by Sarah Dessen. "On a whim, Auden decides to spend the summer with her father and his family. Despite her desire to remain emotionally distant from the drama that is in the house, Auden finds herself lending her stepmother a reluctant hand. Rachel Botchan brings Auden to life. It is as if Auden herself is sharing the story of her summer over a cup of coffee in a late night diner." (review quoted from YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks list).

"Newes from the Dead" by Mary Hooper. "Anne Green regains consciousness at the beginning of her autopsy after being hanged for infanticide. Rosalyn Landor and Michael Page’s expert narrations capture this unusual and historically based story." (YALSA review).

"The Spectacular Now" by Tim Tharp. "Perpetually drunk and high on life, Sutter Keely struggles to maintain his “live in the now” mantra despite the changes that threaten his relaxed existence. Macleod Andrews’s drawl injects the reading with the happy go lucky, laid back charm that makes Sutter the guy everyone wants to hang with."

If you've never listened to an audiobook give it a try! A good audiobook can really bring a book to life, and it's a great way to make a road trip (or yardwork!) much more entertaining!

It cost how much?

2010-05-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Under the category of "oh-my-god my parents are going to KILL me" 22-year-old Bryan St. Germain managed to rack up an $18,000 cell phone bill on his parents' Verizon account.

According to the article he had tethered his laptop to his cell phone because it had a faster data connection, without realizing that the service charged per kilobyte. His parents are disputing the charge (duh!)

This is an extreme case, but the way teens use phones you can bet there are plenty of parents out there who aren't happy with their cell phone bills. Studies have shown that teens are texting more than ever, and that many teens prefer texting over talking face-to-face or on the phone.

In February 2008, Pew estimated 38 percent of teens were "daily texters," compared to 54 percent in September 2009, when the study was conducted. Pew said half of teens send 50 or more text messages a day; one in three send more than 100 messages a day; and 15 percent send more than 200 text messages daily, or more than 6,000 texts a month.

What about you? Do you text more than you talk? Is email old-fashioned?

How should the library adapt to this new reality? Should we have "Information by IM" services so you could ask a question of your local librarian by text message?

Or how about the ability to send a text message of the call number for a book from the library catalog to your cell phone so you don't have to write it down before you go wandering into the stacks?

I like that last idea, mostly because my handwriting is so bad by the time I get into the stacks I can't read what I wrote!

Tired

2010-05-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

I only got five hours of sleep last night. Once upon a time I thought that was enough, but now I recognize that it's just not enough, and I'm tired.

Which probably puts me right on the same page with most teenagers, especially at this time of year. Last week teens in our area had STAR testing, this week the high school kids are taking AP tests, some Juniors took the SAT test last Saturday, and the list goes on. The only ones who might be getting enough sleep are the seniors, since many of them have made college decisions already, but they're probably too busy celebrating and having fun to get enough sleep!

Conventional wisdom has long held that teens need less sleep than younger kids, but research has shown over and over that this isn't the case - teens should be getting at least nine hours of sleep per night, according to one study. Getting too little sleep can lead to an increase in depression and thoughts of suicide.

So what's to be done? Many argue that teens should get to be earlier, but with homework and after school activities that isn't always possible. Some argue that school should start later in the morning, maybe at 8:40 instead of 7:15.

This may not seem like a big deal, but lack of sleep may have very serious long term health concerns. Some researchers believe that lack of sleep may be a cause of Alzheimer's disease.

There's even an incredibly rare disease called Fatal Familial Insomnia where a person simply cannot sleep and eventually dies. There's a fascinating book about one Italian family who have been dealing with the disease for the past two hundred years!

What do you think? If you're a teen, how much sleep do you get on average? Do you think it's enough?

Saturday is Free Comic Book Day!

2010-04-30T14:32:00.001-07:00

Hey all you comic book fans - check it out!
Saturday, May 1st is Free Comic Book Day. Head over to your local comic book to pick up a free comic book.

The closest participating store? Lee's Comics on Rengstorff, next to Costco.

The come by the Library and show us what you got and what we should be ordering for our graphic novel collection!

How Books are Made

2010-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

For any of you book fans out there take a look at this graphic description of how books are made.

So, so cool.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

2010-04-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's coming!

The latest book in the Twilight saga is scheduled to be published on June 5th and we expect to have the Library's 15 copies ready on that day. So if yours is one of the first 15 reserves you'll (hopefully) get your copy on release day!

The Amazon listing describes the plot as follows:
Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Did you know that you can place a hold on books the Library has ordered but haven't come in yet, or haven't even been published? You can place a hold on what we call an "order record", so go ahead and reserve your copy of The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner today!

Does chocolate cause depression?

2010-04-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Or does depression cause consumption of chocolate?

Researchers have been studying the link between chocolate and depression and have found that people who eat more chocolate are more likely to be depressed. They don't know if the chocolate causes depression or if already depressed people eat more chocolate, but there's definitely a link.

What do you think? Was the Easter Bunny just a tragically depressed rabbit?

Seriously, if you are depressed there are lots of resources to help, including plenty of books about the subject:

Non-fiction:
When Nothing Matters Anymore by Bev Cobain (a cousin of Kurt Cobain): A guide to understanding and coping with depression, discussing the different types, how and why the condition begins, how it may be linked to substance abuse or suicide, and how to get help. A guide to understanding and coping with depression, discussing the different types, how and why the condition begins, how it may be linked to substance abuse or suicide, and how to get help. Written for teens with depression -- and those who feel despondent, dejected, or alone -- this powerful book offers help, hope, and potentially life-saving facts and advice.

Living With Depression by Alan Miller: This book is a teen's guide to living and coping with depression. Major depressive disorder is caused by a combination of brain chemistry, family history, distorted thinking, and a person's emotional environment, according to most experts. Depression affects as many as one in eight teens, yet many young people with depression don't receive the help they need. With medication and therapy, depression can be treated and controlled.Written in clear, straightforward language, "Living with Depression" provides teens with the information they need to understand the nature of depression and its treatments. Sidebars, appendixes, and further reading guide additional exploration of this timely topic. This accessible guide is ideal for readers living with depression or those who have family members or friends who are coping with it.

Fiction:
Black Box: A Novel by Julie Schumacher: When her sixteen-year-old sister is hospitalized for depression and her parents want to keep it a secret, fourteen-year-old Elena tries to cope with her own anxiety and feelings of guilt that she is determined to conceal from outsiders.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini: A humorous account of a New York City teenager's battle with depression and his time spent in a psychiatric hospital.

Damage by A.M. Jenkins: Seventeen-year-old football hero Austin, trying to understand the inexplicable depression that has drained his interest in life, thinks that he has found relief in a girl who seems very special.

And there's plenty of books on chocolate too!
The Healing Powers of Chocolate by Cal Orey: Did you know?...Known as Mother Nature's 'food of the gods', the medicinal benefits of chocolate were recognized as far back as 4000 years ago. Eating chocolate can help boost the immune system, lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes-even obesity! - and increase lifespan. A 1.5 ounce bar of quality chocolate has as much antioxidant power as a 5 ounce glass of wine-without the side effects of alcohol. Chocolate is chock-full of mood-enhancing ingredients, including phenylethylamine (the 'love drug') and serotonin. Chocolate can relieve a host of ailments, including depression, fatigue, pain and PMS, as well as rev up your sex drive! Drawing on the latest scientific research as well as interviews with medical doctors and chocolatiers, this fascinating book reveals how to live longer and healthier while indulging in one of nature's most decadent and versatile foods.

The Golden Book of Chocolate by Carla Bardi: Presents over three hundred recipes featuring chocolate along with step-by-step instructions and color photographs of the finished dish.

Scenes from the latest Twilight movie

2010-04-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

For all you fans of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga scenes from the movie version of "Eclipse" were posted on Oprah's web site earlier today.

The movie's release date is June 30th and this is the third movie in the series.

In more Twilight news, Meyer has announced the release of a new book, "The Short, Second Life of Bree Tanner" which tells the story of one of the newborn vampires who first appears in "Eclipse".

The book goes on sale on June 5th and our copies will be available on that date. The Library will be ordering 15 copies, so check the catalog, place your hold quickly and you just might get your copy on the 5th!

Top 10

2010-04-23T13:09:00.001-07:00

Looks like YALSA or Young Adults Library Services Association put out this year’s nominations for their top ten teen books for 2010. It might be a good idea to pick-up a couple of these for the family road trip. Luckily, MVPL has most of them:
Watersmeet by Ellen Jensen
Wintergirls by Anderson Laurie Halse
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Fire by Kristin Cashore
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins(Read this good can't wait for the third.)
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
hush, hush Becca Fitzpatrick
I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb (this one is on order. Funny title, going to put this on my to-read list.)
The full list can be found here and if you've read any of them tell us what you think.

Signed The Evil Intern

How well does Facebook know you?

2010-04-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

And do you care?

Once again, Facebook is reducing user's ability to control how their personal information is shared.

"Certain parts of users' profiles, "including your current city, hometown, education and work, and likes and interests" will now be transformed into "connections," meaning that they will be shared publicly. If you don't want these parts of your profile to be made public, your only option is to delete them."

Some people think this is a really bad idea, others don't seem to care.

Librarians are generally advocates for protecting the privacy of library users - we don't share any information about what books you check out or anything like that.

Teens are a huge part of the Facebook community - what do you think?

Too fat to fight?

2010-04-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

A bunch of ex-military brass have announced that the nation' obesity epidemic is a threat to national security, as too many young adults are too heavy to enlist in the military.

"Mission: Readiness urged Congress to pass a new childhood nutrition law to remove school junk food, improve nutritional standards and quality of school meals, and to open access to anti-obesity programs for children."

If you're interested in learning more about what you eat check out "Fast Food Nation" by Eric Schlosser, "Supersize Me" starring Morgan Spurlock or any of Michael Pollan's books about food and how it gets to our tables.

What do you think? Does your school lunch provide a healthy meal or is it all empty calories?

Life Imitates Art

2010-04-16T15:31:00.001-07:00

The news today about the volcanic ash that is covering much of Europe is reminding me of the story in Susan Beth Pfeffer's "Life As We Knew It" and it's kind of freaking me out. [Plot summary - Through journal entries sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family's struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.]

We just got the sequel, "This World We Live In", which takes place one year after the asteroid contact with the moon in the first book. I haven't had a chance to read it, but I'd love to hear from any of you who have!

Neil Gaiman is my hero

2010-04-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Aside from being an amazing author, Neil Gaiman seems to be a genuinely good guy.

I've been reading his blog lately and enjoying it. If you are curious about what the life of a writer is like there's some good nuts and bolts there.

Plus, Neil gave props to librarians on a radio interview recently and I like that!

We've got copies of all of Neil's books (including his Newbery Award Winning "The Graveyard Book") at the Library so come on in and check 'em out!

And we're live!!!

2010-04-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Teen Zone blog is now officially live! If you've landed here instead of the old Teen Zone web page we hope you like the new look.

If you landed here from somewhere else, welcome!

Things are busy in the Teen Zone, although with next week being Spring Break around here it will be a quiet time to be in the Library. If you're looking for something to do on your vacation come by and say hi. We can help you find something to read and enjoy your time off from school.

We are putting the final touches on our Summer program lineup - if you've got suggestions or ideas for things you'd like the Teen Zone to offer please let us know by leaving a comment here on the blog.

Welcome!!!

2010-04-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the brand-new Teen Zone blog from the City of Mountain View Public Library!

This is the place to find out what's happening for teens at the Library. Check here for info on programs, the latest books and CDs to hit the shelves, great websites to check out, and more.

We'll be posting reviews of the latest great books, and updating the links whenever we find something great to add.

Your input is welcome - teen book reviews, suggestions, and comments will help us make the Library even better for you!