BrainyFlix video contest

Got a video camera and some spare time? Want to win some cash while scoring some SAT vocab help? Make some...
Create a video that’ll help students remember an SAT word for BrainyFlix.com, a new website with the goal of helping high school kids prepare for the SAT by offering fun and free videos about SAT vocabulary—made by students themselves. Contest winners will receive $600.

Video submissions to BrainyFlix.com will begin January 1, 2009 and end February 23, 2009. Voting will take place between March 1-14, 2009, and the winners will be announced on March 20, 2009.

For more details check out this article by School Library Journal. And don't forget... your local library branch offers computers and software like Movie Maker that you can use!

My picks for December

Fiction Book: The Alphabet of Dreams by Susan Fletcher

Mitra and her younger brother Babak have been hiding since their family's plot against the tyrannical ruler was foiled. Mitra, disguised as a boy, protects little Babak- who has the ability to predict the future through dreams! Now a local magus has taken them under his wing. Babak has dreamt about the birth of a king who will change the world forever- so now two more wise men join them in their journey from Persia to the west. What are the scholars reading in the stars, and how will this new ruler affect Mitra and Babak?

Non-fiction book: The Everything Career Tests Book

If you are having difficulty deciding which career field to pursue, or you simply want to know yourself better, or perhaps see what other cool options you may have- this book is right for you. Test yourself to see whether your interests are more social, artistic, or conventional (among others). Find out what your optimal location would be. And what works best whether you are outgoing or reserved. And more.

Manga: The Legend of Zelda by Akira Himekawa

Young Link did not have his own fairy- unlike the rest of the Kokiris in the forest. Now that he's 10 years old he has found out why- he is not really a Kokiri, but a Hylian. Like Princess Zelda of Hyrule. Yes, that little girl whom he was helping hide was really Princess Zelda! And Link is now the Hero of Time. Each song he plays in his Ocarina results in a new magic- but why exactly has he been called the Hero of Time? And what is Ganondorf hiding? Based on the popular video game series.

Anime: Fancy Lala

Miho is a young girl with a big imagination. One day she finds two new stuffed animals- who turn out to be fairies in disguise! And with the pen they give her she can make anything she draws materialize...including the beautiful singer she drew. Nope, Miho did not create a new person- SHE becomes the singer, AKA Fancy Lala!

Website: Like Totally 80s

You probably were not around during the 80s- but I was! Take a look at what things were like when I was a little girl. The music, the fashions, the popular movies and TV. All this and more from this awesome decade.

I Love Twilight ... but what else is there???

Many teens have been checking out the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer since the movie came out in late November. Some of you might be having Twilight withdrawal. Never fear ... the SouthShore Regional Library has a book display with books that are similar to Twilight. Some examples include The Wish List, Looking for Alaska, and Tears of a Tiger. Come by our teen area and check out our Twilight book display.

And of course, don't forget that we have our last Teen Advisory Board meeting for 2008 on December 15th at 7pm.

My picks for November

Fiction book: Stranger with my face by Lois Duncan

Laurie's friends have been telling her that she was at certain places on given dates- but she certainly was not there! Who could it be? Turns out Laurie has a twin sister she did not know until now! And what is this secret that her twin has- what could astral projection be all about?

Nonfiction book: Great Jobs for Environmental Studies Majors

Do you want to save our planet? There are many ways to make your love and concern for the environment into a career. From watershed ecologist to geologist to hydrological engineer to environmental health specialist and more! This book gives you all the resources you need in order to find out what is the best college major and career field to apply your ecological interest in.

Manga: La Corda D'Oro by Yuki Kure

Kahoko was a regular student in her academy- until she is granted a magical violin! Now she has qualified for her school's annual musical competition. What will she play now? How will she make it?

Anime: Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water

Nadia and Jean are orphans in Paris- Nadia is a circus performer from Africa and Jean a budding scientist. After Jean rescues Nadia from the Grandis Gang- who were pursuing the blue jewel that hangs on her neck- they end up with Captain Nemo and the crew of the Nautilus. Now Nadia and her new friends search for her family and her mysterious origins, and who knows what else awaits them! Based on Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne.

Website: Anime Music Videos

Want to find that cool anime music video that you saw at an anime convention? Or perhaps you want to learn how to make one of your own. This website not only contains many AMVs from nearly every anime series out there- but also many tips, tutorials, and forums to assist you in creating a masterpiece

Geek Update!

The Quest for the Holy Grail has now hit the 21st Century! Monty Python has added their entire show library, coupled with several movie clips to YouTube. Yay wackiness!



Check out their YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/montypython (or watch them old skool dvd style with these discs).

Choose Your Own Adventure

Guess what I found an awesome article about the other day while I was surfing the internet:

Yeppers, Choose Your Own Adventure!

You probably have read many books written in first person viewpoint from the protagonist. Or third person by a narrator. But how about second person, where YOU make the choices. Where you can pick from two or more options and the ending will depend strictly on what you decide to do!

Back when I was a teen, these were my favorite books. I must have had over 20 of them. I would even make checkmarks on the choices I made and endings I reached so that I would know what to do next in order to read all the possible finales! They are so famous that I bought 3 of them translated into Spanish during my trip to Europe in 1990.

You can check out many of Choose Your Own Adventure books right here at our library system.

And here is the official Choose Your Own Adventure site.

Life Size Origami!

Wednesday, November 19, is an early release day for Hillsborough County Schools! If you are looking for something fun to do when school lets out, come to the Jan Platt Library for some exciting programs. Starting at 2pm, we will be showing a movie and playing Guitar Hero. Then we will be having an exciting Origami Alive program with Leonor Rosser. Learn how to make all kinds of fun origami shapes, including life-size origami!

Leah's Cartooning: How to Draw Manga

Do you want to learn how to draw your favorite manga and anime characters?

Then come to the Jan Platt Library on Wednesday, November 12, at 4:30pm!

Leah's Cartooning will be here giving free manga drawing lessons. All supplies provided. Check it out!

And the Winner is...

Were you one of the 8,000+ teens who voted on the YALSA Teen's Top Ten during Teen Read week?? Want to know who won?

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Want to see the rest of the Teen Top 10? Check them out here!

Want to win $100 at Best Buy?

Thinking about entering our Teenz Ink short story writing contest? Want to know what you could win?

Grand prize is a $100 BEST BUY gift card and the runner-up prize is a $50 gift card to Borders or Barnes & Noble. A winner and a runner-up will be selected in each of two categories: Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12).

Get more Teenz Ink info here!

YouTube Contest!

It's that time of year again! Ask a Librarian is holding their Director's Chair video contest. The contest is open to Florida high school students.

If you like making videos for YouTube, this is your chance to win some great prizes. The grand prize is a digital video camera!

For a complete list of rules, click this link.

My picks for October

Fiction book- The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Princess Anidori has the gift of communication with animals. She especially likes talking to her horse, Falada. When she is betrothed to the prince of Bayern, her place is taken by her lookalike maid in waiting. Now Ani has to become a goosekeeper in order to make ends meet- and makes quite a few allies along the way. A fantasy novel remake of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

Nonfiction book- The ABC's of Writing Fiction by Ann Copeland

How should you name your characters to fit their roles? What should your story's beginning be like? Where should it take place? All these tips and more can be found in this book- yes, in alphabetical order- about writing fiction. See what awesome characters and plots you can come up with!

Manga- Cantarella by You Higuri

Cesare Borgia is obsessed with power- he will obtain what he wants at any cost. Aided by his friend the assassin Michelotto, he will do anything to conquer the kingdom. Cesare has only one soft spot- his younger sister Lucrezia, who will not remain in an arranged marriage and who yearns for true love. A historical fiction manga about the Italian Renaissance with beautiful illustrations.

Anime- Maria watches over us

Yumi has entered the Lillian Academy for girls. What the shy and introspective Yumi would have never imagined is that Sachiko, a member of the prestigious Yamayuri Council, would want to be her "big sister". Now Yumi gets to meet the Student council- from rebellious Satou Sei, to cousins Rei and Yoshino who do everything together, to the softspoken Shimako who feels just as out of place as Yumi. One of my favorite series- which does not require big robots or power-ups to grab and keep your attention.

Website- Explore Health Careers

What does a physician assistant do? How much training do you need to become a physical therapist? Exactly what does an epidemiologist investigate? What is the difference between an MD and a DO? Which professionals can prescribe medications? All this and more can be found in this fantastic resource for those who are looking into becoming health care professionals.

It's almost Teen Read Week... get ready to vote!

Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country.

If you read nominated books throughout the year, you’ll be ready to vote for your favorites during Teen Read Week, October 12 - 18, 2008. Readers aged twelve to eighteen can vote right here, online, anytime that week.

Still need to check out some of the books on the list? Don't worry! We've got you covered.

Do you KnowHow2GO?

Looking to head to college, but not sure how to get there? Worried you can't afford it, won't find the "right" school, or just won't make the grade? Here's some help:

KnowHow2GO provides low-income students, and those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education, with the information and resources they need to prepare for college. KnowHow2GO took the extensive to-do list for college planning and created four simple steps
that students can follow with the help of adult mentors to make their college dreams a reality.

The 4 Steps to College:
1. Find Someone To Help.
2. Push Yourself.
3. Find the Right Fit.
4. Put Your Hands on Some Cash.

Check out www.KnowHow2GoTampaBay.org for more information on getting into college.

It's time...

... for our 4th annual

• The deadline for entries is Saturday, November 15, 2008.
• Short story must be 500-1000 words in length.
• Open to Hillsborough County teens in grades 6-12.
• Prizes will be awarded to a winner and a runner-up in two categories: Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12).
• Grand prize is a $100 gift card and the runner-up prize is a $50 gift card.

Entry forms and more details are available at your local library or in Hillsborough County Middle and High Schools. Or click here to submit your story online!

My Picks for September

Fiction Book- I am the Cheese by Robert Cormier

Adam Farmer was having a normal day- until his girlfriend Amy calls and lets him know that a reporter has found out that there is nobody by the name of Farmer in the town that his father supposedly came from! Turns out that his father had uncovered a scandalous conspiracy, and now the Farmer family has to hide in order to save their own lives. Adam's memories slowly come back to him- who really is he?

Nonfiction book- The Teen Brain Book by Dale Carlson

How does your brain change when you are a teenager? Aren't you glad you can plan ahead now? Isn't thinking abstractly wonderful? Then why are you so confused about the many things in your life? All this and more in one simple and fun book.

Manga- Duklyon: CLAMP School Defenders by CLAMP

Kentarou, Takeshi, and Eri may seem like normal students of the CLAMP school who run a bakery. But they are also superheroes who dress up in armor to battle when necessary! Especially when it comes to keeping the Imonoyama Shopping District from taking over CLAMP School!

Anime- Saint Seiya

Seiya is the Knight of Pegasus. He and his comrades the Bronze Saints are now to protect Saori Kido, who is the reincarnation of the Goddess Athena. Now they must channel the power of the Cosmos and reach the mystical Gold Cloth of Sagittarius! Another fantastic old school anime.

Website- Chem4Kids

What are the noble gases? How does a catalyst affect a chemical reaction? What is the most common element on the Earth's surface? How are lipids, amino acids, and carbohydrates different? Find out all this and more at Rader's Chem 4 Kids. Also includes sister sites for astronomy, biology, earth science, mathematics, and physics.

Got Art?

Art Builds Florida is a statewide student art contest. It is designed to encourage student artwork and promote Florida’s strategic plan to further the development of arts and culture throughout Florida, Culture Builds Florida’s Future.

The contest is open to all Florida high school students grades 9 through 12. Hillsborough teens can enter the Region 3 category, Learning and Wellness. Entries can be submitted between September 8, 2008 and November 7, 2008, by following these instructions.

Wizard Rock-umentary hits Mtv

This summer, we had rave reviews and a great crowd for our Wizard Rock extraviganza. Over 250 people turned up at John F. Germany library to rock out with The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, Draco and the Malfoys and Justin Finch-Fletchley, just a few of the bands out there inspired by the hit series of Harry Potter books written by J.K. Rowling.

Well, apparently we're not the only ones to think this blend of fandom and rock n'roll is pretty cool... Mtv reports that Wizard Rock is the subject of a "rockumentary" by two young fans. Check the story here...

Great Fantasy Series Article

10 Great Fantasy Book Series

Some of them I have read and enjoyed, others I was familiar with but had not had the chance to pick up yet, and there are a couple that I admit I had not heard of before but will be taking a look at soon. My favorite made third place!

My picks for August

Fiction Book- Sabriel by Garth Nix

Sabriel is a young necromancer journeying to the Old Kingdom. Along the way, she has found Touchstone- a young man imprisoned as a wooden ship's figurehead! Now they need to find the Abhorsen- but Sabriel only has her bells and sword so far! Part one of the Abhorsen trilogy.

Nonfiction Book- The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History

Curious about the inventions of the ancient Mayas? Wonder when and where did agriculture first begin? Trying to figure out what changes did the Norman Conquest bring? All this and much more can be found in this encyclopedia- complete with many internet websites if you want to learn even more about your favorite historical
period or event.

Manga- Godchild by Kaori Yuki

Earl Cain of Hargreaves lives in Victorian England. Cain seems to be always involved in solving mysteries- very often involving poison. But are they isolated- or perhaps connected to a certain secret society?

Anime- Vampire Princess Miyu

Miyu is the chosen one to banish the wicked shinma from the earth. Miyu passes herself as a regular schoolgirl- but her only true friend is her guardian Larva. This anime has both a 4 episode OVA and a 26 episode TV series- both of which are very good.

Website- Neuroscience for Kids

How do dreams happen? What does each lobe of the brain do? What exactly happens in your body when you touch something hot? Why are yawns so contagious? How do you get to see in color and three-dimensionally? These questions, and more, can be answered in this very informative and entertaining website. Also contains informations about the many careers related to neuroscience.

Upcoming Programs @ Jan Platt Library

Looking for something fun to do after school? If you live in South Tampa, Jan Platt Library will be having teen programs 3 days a week after school starting in September. Here's the schedule:

Tuesdays @ 4:30
Ophelia Project: Girls Circle
For grades 6-8. Sign up now for this exciting club just for girls. Come enjoy group discussions, crafts, books and special activities. This program will take place every Tuesday during the school year. Begins Sept 2.

Wednesdays @ 4:30
Anime-Manga Club
Join us for a discussion of your favorite anime and manga, an ongoing anime movie series, skits, games, and more! Learn how to draw characters, and speak phrases in Japanese. Begins Sept 10.

Thursdays @ 4
Game Zone
Get in the zone and join your friends for some gaming fun with Dance Dance
Revolution, Guitar Hero and other great games. Begins Sept 11.

We have even more planned for November, when we will begin our Teen Advisory Board and host two special teen programs at our library...Stay tuned!

Anime in America

Animenation's News Blog has a great article today about the history of anime in America. Check it out right HERE.

My favorite part of this article is when the author mentions Voltron premiering in 1984. Though I did watch my share of "Japanese cartoons" back then, I did not find out that Voltron was originally an anime called Go-Lion until many years later!!!

Brisingr

Coming soon- the third installment of the Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. This third book is called Brisingr. Inheritance was originally intended to be a trilogy...but there is just so much to the story, that the author has decided to write it in four books! Now we have a title- and on the 20th of September we will have the book in our hands! Check out the official site to see what "Brisingr" means in the language of Alagaesia and for more news about this long awaited book.

Summer Teen Saga @ SouthShore - Part I

On July 9th, a group of SouthShore Library Teens joined Leonor Rosser in learning about Origami and how to make large origami projects like Giraffes and Oritzuruses.

Everybody had fun and with poster board, tape, and markers, they were able to make these giant creatures. The teens were also able to make smaller origami dinosaurs to take home with them.

Next on the Summer long saga at SouthShore Library on Wednesday 7/23 at 3pm, come join us as a FBI agent tells us harrowing real-life stories as they fight terroists and the other evils of society.

See you then.....

Next Weekend: Metrocon and Red Bull Flugtag!

Next weekend brings 2 fun events to the Tampa Convention Center.

Metrocon: Florida's Largest Anime Convention
Since 2003, Metrocon has brought anime fans together with its amazing anime convention. Now, it's bigger than ever and has a great line up featuring many special guests. Metrocon will be held from July 18-20 at the Tampa Convention Center, so get your costume ready and join the fun!

And...

July 19 is Tampa Bay's Flying Day
Are you looking for something exciting and free to do? Check out the Red Bull Flugtag event happening at the Tampa Convention Center. This event will feature more than 30 crazy teams competing to see who can fly. What is Flugtag? It literally means "flying day." Click this link to see teams compete. You can even play the Flugtag Game!

My picks for July

Fiction Book- The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

Fifteen year old twins Sophie and Josh are working summer jobs to save money to buy a car. When a mysterious guest comes to the store Josh works at and asks for a codex, Josh finds out that his boss is no ordinary human being. He is no other than Nicholas Flamel, the famous alchemist from the middle ages! What is causing Flamel and his wife Perenelle to be immortal? And is why Dr. John Dee searching for this particular codex?

Non-fiction Book- 100 Careers in the Music Business by Tanja L. Crouch

Do you play a musical instrument? Write songs? Never miss your favorite band or singer in concert? Want to make music videos? You could turn your passion into a profession. Check out many cool careers described in this book- from sound engineer to concert promoter and more.

Manga- Suikoden III by Aki Shimizu

Lady Chris Lightfellow is a knight- and now the leader of the Zexen knights. Hugo is the son of the chief of the Karaya clan of the Grassland, who wants a truce with Zexen. And Geddoe is the head of the Harmonian mercenaries- but can he remain just a neutral observer of the conflict between Zexen and the Grassland? Who is the true hero? Who is good and who is bad? And who will recruit the 108 stars of destiny? Based on the video game of the same name.

Anime- Case Closed

Teen detective Jimmy Kudo has been poisoned by villains. Now he looks like a 7 year old boy and lives with Dr. Agasa until he can find the antidote. But that does not prevent Jimmy- now disguised as Conan Edogawa- from teaming up with his friend Rachel Moore and her detective father Richard and helping Inspector McGuire solve even the most perplexing of crimes and mysteries.

Website- Test Your Geography Knowledge

Know how to read a map and the capitals of all 50 States? Now you can go beyond that and challenge your geography skills in the fun and engaging quizzes of this site.

Temple Terrace Too

Hello everyone, I'm the new young adult librarian at Temple Terrace. Perhaps you may not know but Temple Terrace is not just for the Terracians. We welcome all teens! We have a couple of Teen Advisory Boards coming up (June 26th and July 24th), which I'm hoping to draw some forward-thinking teens with suggestions for programming and materials. My main event is coming up July 31st - Created Equal poetry contest. First prize is a $30 gift certificate to University Mall! The poems can be any style, but they have use the Created Equal theme. Created Equal emphasizes the common threads people share, no matter what ethnicity, men or women, rich or poor--we're all created equal. Submit your poems by July 30th. For more information email me: tharris@templeterrace.com

We Want More!

Want more and newer video games in your library programs? We’re hoping to be able to order some new ones soon. Help us get the games you want by telling us what you recommend in the comments!

When making your suggestions, keep these criteria in mind:

1. Must be available for the PlayStation 2.


2. Must be rated E, E10 or T. (I know... Halo’s fun, but no M, means no M. Sorry, guys!)


3. Must allow at least 2 players to play, preferably 4 players with the Multitap.


4. Positive reviews (of the content) in Common Sense Media and gaming websites are a plus! (It helps me demonstrate to my bosses that the games you guys want are ok!)

Want to see what games we already have? Here’s the list…

Creating a life sized Oritzurus

I know what you are thinking, what is an Oritzurus? We are going to create a few of them at our Origami Project on July 9th at 3pm at SouthShore Regional Library. We are also going to create a 6" flying dinosaur that you will be able to take home.

Don't forget about our Teen Advisory Board and Game Zone at SouthShore Regional Library. I know many of you are looking to catch up on your community service hours during the summer and here is your chance. Our next TAB meeting is June 16th at 7pm. Our next Game Zone is June 23rd at 5:30pm. The most popular game right now is Rockband. Free pizza and soda is provided at both programs.

And you have to show up to find out about the Ortizurus :)

See you there....

My picks for June

Wow, I can't believe it has been a year already. Here's the anniversary edition.

Fiction book- Flight to Freedom by Ana Veciana-Suarez

Yara Garcia and her middle class family live in Cuba. It is their last chance to escape before Fidel Castro's government takes over the island. Now the Garcias have fled to Miami. The kids in Yara's school can do so many more things than what she was accustomed to in Cuba. For her fourteenth birthday, Yara wants to take a road trip to St. Augustine with her American friend's family. And Yara's older sister Ileana has a boyfriend with a car. How will her parents adjust to all the changes while still remembering their traditions.

Non-fiction book: Amazing Space by Ann-Jeanette Campbell

How does a rocket work? Are meteor showers dangerous? What is the Great Red Spot of Jupiter? Find the answer to all your questions about space right here in this fun to read book.

Manga- Le Chevalier D'Eon by Tou Ubukata

It is the year 1742. Young women are disappearing mysteriously all throughout France. When Lia De Beaumont is found dead with the word "Psalms" as the only clue as to this mystery, her younger brother D'Eon decides to take things in his hands. Based on the real Chevalier D'Eon story.

Anime- Rurouni Kenshin

Kenshin Himura has been wandering for the past 10 years, carrying his reverse blade sword, hoping to atone for the days when he was the Battosai. Now he has come across Kaoru Kamiya's dojo- and a whole new world of adventures. Soon Sanosuke Sagara joins the dojo, as well as young Yahiko Myojin and the doctor Megumi Takami. Kenshin tries to forget the past, while looking towards the future- protecting his new friends while maintaining his vow to never kill again.

Website- Select Smart

Which historic era do you belong in? What Greco-Roman deity are you? Which Disney park fits your personality best? Many many amusing and thought-provoking quizzes- all collected on this website.

The Return of the Kings and Queens

The Kings and Queens of Narnia, that is!

The long awaited sequel to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is finally here!

Journey back to Narnia with Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. Meet new friends- Caspian the 10th, Reepicheep the Mouse, and more! But beware Lord Miraz and his minions! And where has Aslan been?

Watch The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian to find out. Now playing in theatres near you.

Links about Prince Caspian:

- Official Prince Caspian Movie Website
- Narniaweb
- Narniafans
- Prince Caspian at our library
- Fandango: Check out movie schedules and buy tickets online.

It's all fun and games... @ the library!

Come play with us at the many Game Zones offered at libraries around the county. We bring the video games; you bring the fun! Some branches also offer online PC gaming or other activities, too. Check the event schedule or talk to your librarian to find out when the fun is coming to a branch near you!

Want to see some of the games we have? (Keep in mind, some of these games were picked for the younger kids... sometimes we like to play with them, too!)

And 1 Streetball
ATV Offroad Fury 4
Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest
College Hoops 2K7
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2
Dance Dance Revolution
In the Groove
Dance Dance Revolution Max
Dance Dance Revolution Supernova
Dance Dance Revolution Supernova 2
Eye Toy Play 2
FIFA 07 Soccer
Flushed Away
Gauntlet Seven Sorrows
Gran Tourismo 4
Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero III
Katamari Damacy
Lego Star Wars
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Madden NFL 07
Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Muppets Party Cruise
Namco Museum 50th Anniversary Collection
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2
NASCAR 07
NBA 2K7
NBA Live 07
NFL Street 3
NHL 07
NHL 2K7
One Piece Pirates' Carnival
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Ratchet: Deadlocked
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Shrek Smash and Crash
Shrek Superslam
Sly 3 Honor Among Thieves
Sonic Riders
Soul Calibur III
SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, Pants!
Star Wars: Battlefront
Star Wars: Battlefront II
Super Monkey Ball Adventure
Teen Titans
Thrillville
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
We Love Katamari
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse

Teen Boot Camp Update

Online registration is NOW AVAILABLE for Teen BootCamp!

Want more info? Try here or leave me questions in the comments!

More Summer Fun!

Announcing our...
Wizard Rock Extravaganza

On July 10, 2008 @ 6 p.m., Wizard Rock hits the Library. Some of the best bands in the Wizard Rock world- The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, Draco and the Malfoys and Justin Finch-Fletchley- will entertain Muggles and Wizards alike with their Harry Potter-influenced tunes.

John F. Germany Library
July 10, 2008
6 – 9 p.m.
Free Admission

Visit The Remus Lupins’ MySpace page for more info on the band.
http://www.myspace.com/theremuslupins

Anime Club Party

Wednesday, May 14, was the last day of the Anime-Manga Club at Jan Platt Library until September. We had a really great year, and it was sad to say sayonara to everyone. So we decided to have a party!

First, we made some yakisoba noodles:


Then we picked up the cake:


Added some desserts:


And we couldn't forget the Ramune!


Then it was time for skits:


The artwork was on display:


We had a great party with over 25 teens attending. Thanks, everyone! See you in September!

Looking forward to summer?

We are, too! And we're excited to be launching our newest teen program...

Teen BootCamp 2008

Ages: Starting Grades 7-12 in the fall
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Dates/Locations:

• Mon-Thurs, July 7-10 at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library (Carrolwood)
• Mon-Thurs, July 14-17 at Southshore Regional Library (Ruskin)
• Mon-Thurs, July 21-24 at New Tampa Regional Library
• Mon-Thurs, July 28-31 at Brandon Regional Library
• Mon-Thurs, August 4-7 at Jan Kamanis Platt Regional Library (South Tampa)

Do you want to rock Microsoft Office? Develop some mad tech skills and learn some cool computer tricks in just 4 days at Teen BootCamp 2008!

Design a CD case for your favorite musical group… whether it’s at the top of the charts or in your own garage. Discover ways to promote your group with custom flyers, mailing lists and business cards. Learn ways to customize your space on the web with some easy html. Plus several more skill-building activities using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, etc) and the internet that can be used to promote your band, your business or to get ahead in school!

Online registration will begin soon at http://teens.hcplc.org.

Summer Program for Teens

Do you have friends from all different backgrounds? Can you talk to your
friends about sexuality, race, faith and feel safe? Have you ever
hesitated to say something because someone would think you are racist or
ignorant? Community Tampa Bay envisions a community free from all forms of
discrimination, where everyone can be treated with respect and
understanding. Where you can be yourself and build safer schools and
communities. They want you to come and join them, help them, strengthen
their efforts. Community Tampa Bay would like to talk to you about a GREAT
program they have called Anytown.

If you are in high school and live in Hillsborough county, then you are
eligible to come to and are invited to be part of Anytown. The focus is on
developing youth leadership and diversity awareness. It is a residential 5
day/4 night program. All meals and transportation are included in a $25
fee. The program itself is valued at over $800! It's nationally recognized
and looks great on college applications. There are two Hillsborough sessions
this summer: June 15th through the 19th, and August 3rd through August 7th.
You can visit their website or call 727.568.9333 for more details.



The Hillsborough Youth Collaborative (HYC) is a partnership of Community
Tampa Bay with the Children's Board of Hillsborough County. In its fourth
year now, the program empowers adolescents to strengthen the lives of
children and families through service and effective youth-adult
partnerships. HYC is an amazing leadership experience that equips a diverse
group of potential leaders between 14 and 20 years old with the tools and
skills to become advocates for youth issues and children's rights. As the
word gets out about the program, new members from all areas and backgrounds
of Hillsborough County have applied to join the program. The Hillsborough
Youth Collaborative’s main goal is to represent the youth voice and advocate
for the consideration of their opinions in major planning initiatives and
policy design/reform. The HYC is a YOUTH-LED group. We meet to discuss
YOUTH’s concerns, opinions, and priorities for change, and how YOUTH want to
go about affecting that change in our community. We meet twice a month for
our working meetings, and have other community service events and
opportunities throughout the month. We also provide trainings, leadership
development, and a stipend at the end of the summer for completed hours. All
of our events count as community service hours and truly provide students
with opportunities to prepare for college and a civically-engaged adult
life.

All you have to do to get involved is live in Hillsborough County, be
between 14 and 20, and have lots of ideas about how to help your community!

My picks for May

Fiction Book- Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

Shawn McDaniel is afraid that his father may have something planned for him- something quite unpleasant. Problem is, Shawn has severe cerebral palsy and is unable to tell anyone of his suspicions. If he could only focus his thoughts on the girl he likes- one of the very few people who talks to him as a peer and not with baby talk. Part of Shawn wishes for a release- and part of him fears the worst.

Nonfiction Book- The Book of Lists by David Wallechinsky and Amy Wallace

What are some ways cats talk with their tails? Who were the most popular presidents of the USA? What are the nations visited by the most tourists? Find the answers to these questions- and many more!

Manga- Pita Ten by Koge Donbo

Misha is trying to become a full-fledged angel. Shia is a demon apprentice. Both compete for Kotarou's attention and affection. Who will win?

Anime- Book of Ys

The land of Esteria has been taken over by the forces of the evil priest Dark Fact. It is up to Adol to come and save Esteria. With the help of Leah and Vina, can Adol undertake this quest?

Website- Similar Minds

Find out more about your personality type! Featuring the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Enneagram, Big Five, and many more.

Game Zone Event in Plant City, FL

Game Zone
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time: 5:00-7:30 pm

Get in the zone and join your friends for some gaming fun with games such as Guitar Hero and other great games!

Snacks & Drinks Sponsored by the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library
Prizes Sponsored by Papa John’s Pizza on 1820 James L. Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33563

TOMORROW IS FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

SATURDAY MAY 3RD IS THE 7TH ANNUAL FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

Thanks to Diamond Comic Distributors and all their sponsoring comic publishers, almost 2,000 comic book stores across the U.S and around the planet are planning to give away 2 million comic books absolutely free on Saturday, May 3! With over 40 titles to choose from, the selection of books on May 3rd will include comic books for all ages and tastes!

FIND A PARTICIPATING STORE in Tampa or ANYWHERE

• GREEN SHIFT, 5226 N. NEBRASKA AVENUE, TAMPA, FL (813) 238-4177
• YUMMY GEEK, 19651 BRUCE B DOWNS BLVD.STE # E-1, TAMPA, FL (813) 991-7700
• WONDER WATER CARDS & COMICS, 14743 NORTH DALE MABRY HWY., TAMPA, FL (813) 269-8859
• READ MORE COMICS, SUITE A115 BRANDON BLVD, BRANDON, FL (813) 655-7838
• THE COMICS CLUB, LA VIVA PLAZA, 714 WEST LUMSDEN ROAD, BRANDON, FL (813) 653-4111
• DEMOLITION COMICS, 4049 S. DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL (813) 832-2692

MAKE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY YOUR FRIEND
Go to http://www.myspace.com/freecomicbookday, the FCBD MySpace page that provides a wealth of information on the event.

Updated Manga Page

Last week during the Anime-Manga club at Jan Platt Library, club members came up with 10 new picks for our website.

You can check them out here!

Thanks Anime-Manga Club! You all rock! And to anyone who would like to join the club, we have some great events planned for our next few club meetings. We'll be doing Manga trivia, origami, drawing, skits and more!

My picks for April

Fiction Book- Catherine, called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Catherine is thirteen and the daughter of a knight. She does not want to be married off- she prefers spending her time raising her pet birds. In her diary Catherine writes all about things like counting flea bites, the medieval cure for a toothache, how much she dislikes detailed embroidery, and how she certainly does not want to be married at such a young age.

Non-fiction book: Who Knew? by Beth Mayall

This book has 25 quizzes to get to know yourself better. It's written with girls in mind, but many of the quizzes can be useful for boys as well.

Manga: Manga Messiah

The most fascinating story ever told about the most controversial human being who has ever lived. Now in graphic novel format. With stories from all four Gospels.

Anime: Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040

The Boomers are out of control in the year 2040. Not even the AD Police are able to take care of them. Linna Yamazaki has come to Tokyo simply searching for a job- but now she has joined the Knight Sabers along with 3 other women who will save the world from technology gone amok.

Website: Listverse

Top 10 lists. Fun lists. Crazy lists. Popular lists. List of things that you did not even know existed. Corrected misconceptions. Learn many new things in this compilation of lists of everything from animals to music and then some.

More power to YOU!

Remember last year's article about Captain Planet?

Well, when I went to search in GoodSearch this morning, guess what was today's spotlighted charity:

The Captain Planet Foundation

Not only does the Captain Planet Foundation provide grants for environmental projects in schools, but it also provides volunteer and intern opportunities. Not to mention it has many informational pages about preserving our environment- and even some fun eco-quizzes, a Planeteer interactive game, a schedule of ecological events, and cool downloads such as computer wallpapers. You can even view the Planeteer Alerts from the Captain Planet cartoon episodes.

Go Planet!

New Graphic Novel series at Bruton Memorial Library

New graphic novels at Bruton Memorial Library:

Phantom Story by Ki-Hoon Lee and Art by Seung-Yup Cho
Battle Angel Alita Story and Art by Yukito Kishiro,
Battle Angel Alita Last Order Story and Art by Yukito Kishiro,
.hack//Legend of the Twilight Story by Tatsuya Hamazaki and Art by Rei Idumi.

Anime & Manga Websites that Rock

Anime & Manga Websites that Rock:

Each of the website contains reviews about old and new manga publications and anime movies.

Anime News Network: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/

AnimeNfo: http://www.animenfo.com/index.php

Protoculture: http://www.protoculture.ca/Proto/index.htm

Tampa's own Anime Nation

Did you know that there is an anime company right here in Tampa? Yeppers, Animenation is headquartered right here!

Animenation is one of the coolest and biggest anime sites ever. You can buy anime through its online retail store, as well as rent anime through their Rent Anime program. You can talk to other otaku like you on the Animenation Forums. Or you can read the latest anime news and even ask the resident expert a question on the News Blog. . Hey, you could even listen to the PodCast or subscribe to the newsletter.

Were you aware that Animenation has licensed a few anime series? Yeppers, that would be Risky Safety, Miami Guns, and Hare + Guu.

www.animenation.com

Anime-Manga Trivia

At a recent Anime-Manga Club meeting, we had fun with trivia. Everyone got a chance to answer questions and received points based on the difficulty of the question. We had time for about 100 questions, which was pretty cool. Once a club member got 5 points, they received a free manga book. The books were kindly donated by one of our club members.

Want to test your knowledge? See if you can answer these questions, which were written by club members...

One Piece
What animal is Tony Tony Chopper?
Who gave Luffy his trademark straw hat?
Name 4 members of Luffy's crew (not including Luffy)!

Bleach
What is Isshin Kurosaki's occupation?
Kisuke Urahara was formerly the captain of which company?
Shinji Hirako is part of which faction?
What is the name of Captain Aizen's Zanpukuto?

Naruto
Zabuza Momochi of the Hidden Mist is highly skilled at which type of fighting style?
What is the name of the organizaion that is trying to capture Naruto?
What is Orochimaru's goal in life?
What is the name of Kisame's sword?
At what age did Kakashi achieve the rank of Jonin?
Name the members of Kakashi's childhood team.

Inuyasha
What is Sango's profession during her travels?
What is the name of Inuyasha's sword?
Naraku is usually seen wearing the pelt of what animal?

We'll be having more trivia fun at upcoming Anime-Manga Club meetings!

New magazine in town

Where's Newtype? Where did it go?

Did you notice that there was no Newtype Magazine for March? Yeppers, February was the last issue of publication for the English Newtype Magazine.

But have no fear! The end of Newtype USA does NOT mean the end of anime news!

Guess what- PiQ magazine is here! ADV's newest venture is called PiQ. It will now be bringing you all the anime, manga, video game, cosplay, and Japanese popular culture information that you enjoyed back in Newtype. PiQ's debut issue features articles about xxxHOLIC and Fullmetal Alchemist, among many others.

Not only does PiQ have so much great content- but the PiQ website also features a blog, RSS feeds, and even a podcast you can listen to.

And in case you were wondering, our library system does carry PiQ. So make sure to check it out!

www.piqmag.com

Poetry Bookmark Contest 2008. Deadline 3/29/08.

Poetry Contest for Teens (13-17) and Adults (18 & up). This contest is being sponsored by the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library. Any person aged 13 and up can enter. It does not matter where you live. You are welcome to mail your entry. The entry must be posted marked before or on the date of March 29, 2008.

If you are currently using a HCPLC library computer use the following website to gain access to the entry form and more information: http://172.30.183.21/poetrycontest.htm

If you are currently not using a HCPLC library computer use the following website to gain access to the entry form and more information: http://bml.hcplc.org/poetrycontest.htm

Corrected link: Teen feedback needed by YALSA

YALSA is collecting teen feedback to help guide future programs and services we develop for library workers who serve teens. Please complete a brief online & anonymous survey. The survey will be available through March 31st.

Here is the correct link:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=aRxCPNSXnOQfqHb2Zx4veg_3d_3d

Please note that this survey is meant for teens, not adults.

My picks for March

Fiction book- Perfect by Natasha Friend

Thirteen year old Isabelle Lee is having a hard time coping with her father's death. When her younger sister catches her purging herself, she gets sent to an eating disorders support group. But nothing would have prepared Isabelle for who came to the group as well- the most popular girl in the whole eighth grade class!

Non-fiction book- Paid to Play: An Insider's Guide to Video Game Careers

Do you like video games so much that you cannot imagine working on anything else? Then this book is right for you. Whether you want to work on character designs and be the next Yoshitaka Amano, or if you prefer to compose the soundtrack and be the next Nobuo Uematsu, does not matter. You can find many video game related careers right here.

Manga- Angelic Layer by CLAMP

Misaki Suzuhara has just moved to her aunt's house in Tokyo. She watches the Angelic Layer match on TV- and decides she wants an Angel of her own! Misaki finds the perfect Angel doll for her and decides to compete in Angelic Layer- whose creator, Icchan, takes special fondness of Hikaru and Misaki. But Misaki's life is not perfect- where could have her mother gone? And who is Oujiro? And why does young Hatoko know so much about the Layer?

Anime- Azumanga Daioh

Miss Yukari's new first year class could not be more bizarre! Chiyo-chan is a 10 year old child prodigy. Sakaki loves cats, but they do not love her back. Osaka is as absent minded as can be. Tomo is beyond hyper. And Yomi is the most normal one of the group- but still one of them! Hilarious comedy that will make you laugh and laugh some more.

Website- Elouai Doll Maker

Make paper dolls that look just like you- or your friends, or your favorite celebrity. Add your favorite accessories, place them on the landscape of your choice, and even had a pet. And yes, they have both girl and boy dolls.

GRAND TOURNEY RESULTS

How was the Grand Tourney at MOSI, you ask? EXCELLENT!



We estimate that almost 250 people came... some to play, some to hang out and watch, some just to check out all the commotion.
We started the day by selecting 4 wildcard players to join the 12 pre-qualified regional winners in each Grand Tournament. We ran double-elimination tournaments, playing one random song per match, until we ran our 16 contestants down to the top 2, who headed to the Finals.

<--- In the GH3 Finals: Johnny AK and The Raw

The Finals were Best 2 of 3. As the undefeated player, Johnny AK got the pick the 1st song, Raining Blood, which he won. As the challenger, The Raw, selected Number of the Beast as the 2nd song, which he also won. This brought us to a nailbiter of tiebreaker, selected by the judges... Metallica's One. And the winner... The Raw!


In the DDR SN2 Finals: maxninja and Matt -->

The Finals were also Best 2 of 3. The undefeated maxninja selected Volcano as the 1st song, which he won. Matt, the challenger, picked next: Calico Cat Rock, which he also won. As the tiebreaker, the judges picked Wind it Up. And the winner... Matt!


As the 1st Place winners of the Grand Tournament, Matt and The Raw each took home Rock Band! Johnny AK and maxninja each received a (PRODUCT) RED iPod Shuffle. (Our thanks to everybody who voted in our poll for helping to choose the prizes!)

More photos and more about the Tourney day fun to come soon!

Teens 13-19 we need your feedback!

YALSA is collecting teen feedback to help guide future programs and services we develop for library workers who serve teens.
Please complete a brief online & anonymous survey. The survey will be available through March 31st.

Here is the correct link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=aRxCPNSXnOQfqHb2Zx4veg_3d_3d

Please note that this survey is meant for teens, not adults.

There's more than a few sad Rogues in the world today...

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (AP) -- Gary Gygax, who co-created the fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons and helped start the role-playing phenomenon, died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva. He was 69.

www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/03/04/obit.gygax.ap/index.html

Thanks, Gary! The world is a better place for the fantasy and fun you inspired!

Teen Tech Week at Riverview Library!!!

Today we celebrated our first day of Teen Tech Week at Riverview Library. We shared various websites that were great alternatives to Myspace. At first, the teens were not happy about a "Myspace free zone" but once we started looking at some fun blogging, music, and just plan fun websites everyone was thrilled.

If you missed today's class, please join us March 6th at 4 pm for another eventful day of learning more about whats on the web and how to use it.

SouthShore Regional Library Qualifiers

Last night at SouthShore Regional Library, we named the final set of Qualifier Event winners for the Teen Game Tournament!

Each competitor played the same 2 songs (selected at random), and the 2 with the highest total scores won a seat in the Grand Tournament at MOSI on March 1, and prize packs filled with library goodies and gifts from local sponsors, including Greenshift Music & Comics, Wendy's, Checkers, Pizza Hut, and more.

And the winners were:

Dance Dance Revolution Supernova 2
18 competitors, basic difficulty
Song 1: Rockafella Skank by Fatboy Slim
Song 2: Electified by SySF

1st Place: Lifrierisaurus 1,855,860
2nd Place: Epic Ed 1,839,240


Guitar Hero 3
31 competitors, hard difficulty
Song 1:
Song 2:

1st Place: Trogdor 460072
2nd Place: Joe Smo 431259

Haven't tried your luck yet? There's one Qualifying Event left...
SouthShore Regional Library, next Monday (2/25) @ 5:30pm for both

SouthShore Regional Complete Standings

Dance Dance Revolution Supernova 2
18 competitors, basic difficulty
Song 1: Rockafella Skank by Fatboy Slim
Song 2: Electified by SySF

Lifrierisaurus 890130 + 965730 = 1855860
Epic Ed 890160 + 949080 = 1839240
Joe Smo 861250 + 875070 = 1736320
Joupa 842020 + 851450 = 1693470
Spencer 790730 + 871610 = 1662340
Im Raw 790960 + 790960 = 1581920
Nicole Starr 732820 + 824510 = 1557330
Kaptain Karnival 671940 + 878360 = 1550300
Mexican Seafood 726320 + 770750 = 1497070
Sicky 694690 + 774240 = 1468930
Gigglez 691340 + 774330 = 1465670
HXC KID 662550 + 797720 = 1460270
King 678670 + 680370 = 1359040
Marlla 521770 + 774290 = 1296060
Fluffy 563340 + 636780 = 1200120
Tinkerbell 419260 + 710500 = 1129760
Hi 288190 + 288190 = 576380
Moose 556920 + x = 556920

Guitar Hero 3
31 competitors, hard difficulty
Song 1:
Song 2:


Trogdor 211390 + 248682 = 460072
Joe Smo 195865 + 235394 = 431259
Honest Abe 191804 + 227540 = 419344
Mexican Seafood 200744 + 202860 = 403604
Epic Ed 174673 + 184190 = 358863
Jake the Snake 155950 + 162191 = 318141
Couch 151083 + 146437 = 297520
Eric 179508 + 113502 = 293010
The Burninator 175264 + 107410 = 282674
Fatius Jargan 158095 + 112663 = 270758
Kaptains Karnival 137590 + 120921 = 258511
Neo Zork 131175 + 96008 = 227183
Chris 107212 + 75364 = 182576
Mr. T Ferguson 150711 + xxx = 150711
Spencer 81545 + 63753 = 145298
ZOD 84700 + 58421 = 143121
Zachattack 125301 + = 125301
Joupa 57218 + 57141 = 114359
Lifrierisaurus 108725 + xxx = 108725
Flatulence 40110 + 67142 = 107252
Guitar Hero 106971 + xxx = 106971
Jeff 41841 + 45140 = 86981
Taylor 77618 + xxx = 77618
Sicky 27733 + 29841 = 57574
Urmom 53040 + xxx = 53040
Reaper 20435 + 29159 = 49594
Tinkerbell 13210 + 29293 = 42503
Gigglez 6722 + 12898 = 19620
Fluffy 16782 + = 16782
Broken Finger 10237 + xxx = 10237
Dummy 7053 + xxx = 7053


Afraid you missed your chance to play in the Tournament?

Nah! You've got one last chance! Try to win a Wildcard seat in the Tourney... Registration begins at 9:30am this Saturday at MOSI and we'll be letting as many competitors try their skills as we can until 11:00am (first-come, first-served).

And even if you're not in the main tourney, they'll be plenty of chances to win prizes in our mini-contests, plus lots of time for open play. Come join the fun!