Teen Talent Show @ SouthShore Regional Library

Think you've got an unusual, unique, or highly-skilled talent? Want to perform in front of people for a chance to win cash? Sign up for our Teen Talent Show! Single and group (up to 5 people) acts are welcome. Any type of talent accepted for judging... just keep it clean and under 5 minutes. Registration will be limited ot a maximum of 20 acts, so get your name in early. If you just want to watch the show, spectators are more than welcome.

Prizes:
1st Place: $100.00
2nd Place: $50.00
3rd Place: $25.00

Registration forms are located on the Teen Book Display @ SouthShore Regional Library. We will hold the Teen Talent Show at SouthShore Regional Library on January 16th, 2010 @ 3:30pm. Program sponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library.

Anime Club at 78th Street Community Library

When: Wednesday, November the 18th, at 4PM.

Where: 78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road, Tampa.

What: Anime Club!

Yes, boys and girls! The 78th Street Community Libary now has an anime club! Join us for our second meeting on Wednesday the 18th at 4. If you like anime, this is the place for you!

ASTRO BOY!

You may have already seen the movie, but, did you read the book?

Before Astro boy made it to the 'bit screen,' it was in your library as a Graphic Novel.

Not sure if the movie will be worth you time? Check out an Astro Boy DVD or Graphic Novel from your library. If there none on the shelf, place it on hold, have it sent to your library with your name on it.

Watch the trailer         Read the books

Show your stuff in Teenz Ink!

Do you write short stories? Want to win some great prizes? Enter our third annual Teenz Ink short story writing contest and try your best to impress our judges!

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.

Details & Entry Form

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library

How's that for a Thrilling Saturday night?!??!

Around 60 people zombies of all ages gathered at the North Tampa Library on Saturday to Thrill the World.  Some dance instruction and warm-ups led by Natalie Jackson of the Kuumba Dancers prepped everybody for the main event... joining with thousands other dancers at  400+ events in 42 countries in the annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson's “Thriller.”  And at 8:30 our time ("after midnight" GMT), it began...

Welcome to Teen Central!

The winning entry was announced on Saturday evening at our fabulously fun Thrill the World event at North Tampa Branch Library.  Teen Central was suggested by Narayan, a member of the Teen Advisory Board at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library.  He and his family were on hand at Saturday to accept our thanks and a $50 gift card supplied by the Friends of the Town 'N Country Regional Library (which, by the way, has a pretty large & comfy Teen Central).

Thanks to everyone who participated by nominating space names and voting in the poll!

The Zombie Invasion begins!

North Tampa Library - Sat 10/24 - 8:30pm

Register & practice 6:30-8:30

Dancers prepare to "Thrill the World'' first time since Michael Jackson's death - St. Petersburg Times

Attention Wrestling Fans!

The Wrestlemania Reading Challenge kicks off this week.  Stay tuned here to learn how you could win!

Let the voting begin!

The number of teen rooms in Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries is growing and we need your help naming them! These teen spaces need a name to be used in all public libraries that can help identify them as COOL places just for teens (students in grades 6 – 12).

Vote for your pick in the poll
<<<<< OVER HERE
during TEEN READ WEEK, Oct.18-23. Voting will close Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m. (And, yes, you may  vote more than once.)

The winning entry will be announced at the THRILL THE WORLD event, which will be held at the North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard on Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. The winner will receive a $50 gift card and credit for naming teen spaces in all Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries!

LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT YOUR NAME FOR LIBRARY SERVICES’ TEEN SPACES

You've only got until tomorrow to enter the Library's Teen Space Naming Contest!

• Nomination deadline Thurs Oct. 15 at 11:59 pm

• Win $50 Gift card

The number of teen rooms in Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries is growing and we need your help naming them! These teen spaces need a name to be used in all public libraries that can help identify them as COOL places just for teens (students in grades 6 – 12). Entries can be placed online or by visiting any Hillsborough County public library by Oct. 15.

Then the voting begins! Voting will take place online during TEEN READ WEEK, Oct.19-23. Voting will close Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m. Teens may vote more than once.

The winning entry will be announced at the THRILL THE WORLD event, which will be held at the North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard on Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. The winner will receive a $50 gift card and credit for naming teen spaces in all Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries!

Find Your Wonderland Essay Contest

The Patel Conservatory at the Tampa Bay Performing Art Center challenges students in grades 5-8 to Find Your Wonderland in an essay contest inspired by upcoming show, Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure.

Winners will receive An Evening in Wonderland that includes: four (4) tickets to the Broadway Family

Night performance of Wonderland: Alice’s New Musical Adventure on Wed., Dec. 2, 2009, dinner at

Maestro’s Restaurant, complimentary valet parking, a free class at the Patel Conservatory (restrictions apply) and a Wonderland prize pack.

 
The details are here, and the deadline for getting entries to the Patel Conseratory is November 6.
 
Good luck!

Are you ready to Thrill the World?

Sat 10/24
North Tampa Library

Registration opens 6:30pm
Rehearsal begins 7pm
World Record Attempt 8:30pm

A FREE event for zombie & Michael Jackson lovers of ALL AGES

Thrill the World is a simultaneous worldwide attempt to break the World Record for the largest simultaneous dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Thousands of people around the world will learn “Thriller” and dance and perform it together on October 24, 2009.

All ages are welcome to participate, and costumes are encouraged. Come early to learn the dance and be ready to Thrill the World at 8:30pm!

You can also learn the dance at this special event:
Sat 10/17 @ 2pm
College Hill Branch Library

Visit the Thrill the World page at teens.hcplc.org to get a registration form (a MUST to count towards the world record!) or watch the instructional dance videos. To get more info, email libraryteens@hillsboroughcounty.org.

Vote Now!

The polls are open! Vote for your favorite books of the past year in YALSA's annual Teens' Top Ten!

The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose the winners. Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country. Readers ages twelve to eighteen can vote right here, online, anytime between Aug. 24 and Sept. 18; the winners will be announced in a webcast featuring WWE Superstars and Divas during Teen Read Week.

School starts soon...

Make sure you're ready:

- Small Step. Take care of your health! Tips about eating right, exercising, and feeling good about your body.

- Teen Driving. Many hints about learning how to drive, driving (and parking) safely, and even buying a car.

- Florida Scholarships. The Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Program. So many sources- there is probably one that is right for you!

And don't forget to have fun:

- Teen Rock Concert. Right here at our own Jimmie B. Keel Library. Friday, August the 21rst at 7PM.

- New Moon Movie. Yeppers, the official movie website. Complete with blog, official trailer, wallpapers, and more.

Upcoming anime conventions

Anime Festival Orlando- July 31 to August 2, Wyndham Resort, Orlando.

Anime Festival Orlando returns for its 10th year!!!


Mini MegaCon- August 23-23, Orange County Convention Center Hall E1, Orlando.

For the first time ever! A miniature version of the huge yearly MegaCon will be taking place.

Two days. Five movies. Two librarians. Almost 30 teenagers.

Harry Potter Movie Madness Marathon

South Tampa teens prepared for the release of Harry Potter and the Half –Blood Prince in theaters by watching the first five movies in the Harry Potter series, marathon style, at the Jan Kamanis Platt Regional Library.

The teens were sorted in their respective Hogwarts house and Harry Potter trivia filled the space between the movies, with the houses competing against each other. Ravenclaw was the winner of the trivia contest on both days. Wands were constructed out of paper, as well as edible wands from pretzels and frosting. The teens put their name in the running for a chance to win hardcover Harry Potter books, provided by the Friends of the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library . Seven lucky teens went home with a book. They had another chance to win by seeing who could guess the number of jelly beans in a jar. The lucky teen whose guess came closest got to take the entire jar home. The teens spent their time drooling over Sirius Black, debating whether or not the book or the movie was better and discussing the various characters.

A big thank you goes out to Elizabeth Payment from the Library System's School Age Services Department (SAS) who came to assist with the program, as well as to the Friends of the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, who provided the refreshments, including pizza delivered by Westshore Pizza.

--by Michelle F. , Librarian at Jan Platt

School not your thing?

I just saw a great article about a program for high school students who want to learn the skills needed to succeed in a career... especially students who might not be headed to college.

There are apparently 4 Career Centers in Hillsborough County that offer students the opportunity to earn their diploma while training for careers in fields like nursing, auto repair, web design, culinary arts, construction, or law enforcement (plus many others too!).

Check out the programs at these schools!
Bowers-Whitley Career Center
D.W. Waters Career Center
Simmons Career Center
South County Career Center

Pretty cool, huh?

Fantasy & Faeries & Earth

Want to Read a book about Faeries? How about a trilogy about girls who haven't had an 'easy' life? Try the books in this series.

Read Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr...

Aislinn was told, never let the Faeries that surround her know that she can see them. The only problem is, now they are stalking her, is she being hunted by Summer King Faerie. Aislinn must come to grips with love, immortality.

Read Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr...

Leslie, Aislinn's friend, is drawn into the Faerie world by a dark, shadowy presence. it seems every one wants to claim her, even the Tattoo that she wants to use to claim her independence. The power struggles of the Faerie world draw her in. Her life, full of turmoil, and a shadow presence, She is offered and escape, but should she...

Read Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr...

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.
Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.
In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

These are not your typical fairy tales.

It's a whole other story in manga...

Avatar: The Last Air Bender

If you are like me you were glued to your TV watching the "Nick" series. Avatar: the last Airbender. In my house Aang, Appa, Kitara, Sokka... well you know the rest, they are household names. We eat it up. We checked out the books and watched the DVD's for missing episodes. (Did you?).

You've got 1 year to read the books and get familiar with the series because... Next summer they will release the movie in theaters. "The Last Airbender"

For those who don't know what I'm talking about... The story follows the adventures of Aang, a ten year old successor to a long line of Avatars, who must put his childhood ways aside and stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water, Earth and Air nations. (But it is so much more interesting than it sounds).

While you wait for the movie... Play the game at Nick.com and check out the books and DVD's. from your library.

Metrocon is here!

What: Florida's Biggest Anime Convention!
Where: Tampa Convention Center
When: June 19-21

For more information, visit the Metrocon website at:

www.metroconventions.com

Enjoy!

Most popular manga today...

Overall top manga

Ladies first: Top Shoujo Manga

And now for the blokes: Top Shonen Manga

Here is my favorite licensed manga: Magic Knight Rayearth part I and part II.

And my other favorite manga is La Rose de Versailles. I read it in French. Hopefully someday it will be licensed in the USA too.

New Tampa Regional Library Has a TAB

The New Tampa Regional Library has a TAB(Teen Advisory Board). We are planning big things. We are still a small group looking for your participation. But we are up and running. We meet the third Monday of the month at 6:00 pm.





(Ask how you can get credit for certain scholarships.)

Cool Apps on the Web

The web is full of cool, FREE applications... tools that let you make avatars, remix music and pictures, and generally just get creative. Have some fun and try some of our favorite sites to Express Yourself on the web.

Avatars

• Meez - Make 3D animated avatars that you can use anywhere! (Requires site registration.)
  
• Simpsonize Me - What would you look like if you lived in Springfield?


• South Park Studios - It’s you… as a South Park kid!


• Voki - Get your own *speaking* avatar! (You don’t have to register to use this! Just click “create”.)

Sound Mixing

• Jamglue - Upload or record your own tracks, create an original mix and show off your music.
• mixStudio - Customize or remix your favorite songs, create original music and show your work to the world!

Image Editing

• BeFunky - Turn your photos into incredible artwork with one click!


• PhotoFunia - Upload any photo and watch as the site automatically finds the face, adds cool effects and creates funny face photo montages.


• picnik - “photo editing awesomeness, online”… fix photos, remove red-eye, apply effects, and more!


• piZap - Easily create wacky images with this fun, free, MySpace-friendly photo editor.

Wikis, wikis, and more wikis!

It seems that now there is a Wiki for everything! And with their being so easy to create and edit, it is no small wonder there are so many nowadays. I remember back when Wikipedia was a newfangled invention- but now anyone can create a wiki about any subject you wish!

Here are some Wikis you may enjoy:

WikiMoon- All about the hit Japanese manga and anime Sailor Moon.

Narutopedia- A wiki encyclopedia about Naruto.

CLAMP Wiki- My favorite mangaka finally have their own wiki! With currently updated info about their ongoing works (like Tsubasa and xxxHOLIC) and their classic series (like Magic Knight Rayearth and Card Captor Sakura).

Muppet Wiki- Revive your childhood memories with a wiki all about the Muppets and related shows such as Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock.

Zelda Wiki- Not just walkthroughs and strategies, but also character information and people behind the creation of the popular video games.

Final Fantasy Wiki- How could such a successful video game franchise not have its own wiki?

TMNTPedia- Cowabunga! Turtle Power! A wiki all about the Ninja Turtles.

American Girl Wiki- A work in progress about the American Girl dolls and books.

And if you look at any of those wikis, you will find links to even more fun and interesting Wikis.

Back by popular demand...

Teen BootCamp 2009

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 2009!

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!

Ages: Starting Grades 7-12 in Fall 2009

Dates/Times/Locations:
Mon-Thurs, June 15-18, 1:30-4:30pm at New Tampa Regional Library
Tue-Wed, June 23, 24, 30 & July 1, 3:30-6:30pm at Bloomingdale Regional Library
Mon-Thurs, July 6-9, 1:30-4:30pm at Southshore Regional Library (Ruskin)
Wed-Thurs, July 8, 9, 15, 16, 2:00-5:00pm at Lutz Branch Library
Mon-Thurs, July 27-30, 1:30-4:30pm at Seminole Heights Branch Library
Mon-Thurs, August 3-6, 1:30-4:30pm at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library (Carrollwood)

This program is FREE, but you've got to sign up in advance because seating is limited. Wanna register? Sign up here.

Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr and ...?

As you probably know Christopher Paolini decided to make the Inheritance Trilogy a Cycle instead. So, a fourth book is underway.

Follow this link to vote for Christopher Paolini as the "Teen Choice" Favorite Author. You can also upload what you think the Fourth Cover Should look like, at Random Buzzers.

Have Fun.

Science!

Do you like science? So do I! In fact, my undergraduate major was in the natural sciences.

Here are some spiffy links about girls and women in science:

Girls Go Tech : Discover the science and math all around us. And find out some nifty careers in math, science, and technology too!

Women's Adventures in Science : Meet 10current women scientists! Travel the timeline of women in science in the 20th and 21rst centuries as well.

4000 Years of Women in Science : Wonder who was the first known woman scientist? Find it out and more in this cool compilation.

Like science museums? Florida has its share:

Museum of Science and Industry : Tampa's own Science Museum, complete with its own IMAX theatre.

Orlando Science Center : Complete with live programs and a science lab where you can perform experiments.

Museum of Science and History : If you like both science and history class, you'll love this Jacksonville museum.

And for those of you thinking about future careers in science:

Cool Careers in Science : Studying taste, watching birds, taking a close look at volcanoes...find out about what these scientists do!

Life Works : Explore life science and medical careers with this site's interactive search engine.

Free Comic Book Day is Tomorrow!

Don't forget to visit one of your local shops to pick up some free comics!

And this year, you can even meet some comic creators at guest appearances in Tampa or Largo!

Celebrate Safe!

Prom Night, Grad Night, and Graduation are some of the most anticipated times in a teen's life. But all the fun and celebration comes with some dangers, too. Check out these tips from the Hillsborough County Criminal Justice Liason to help you stay during these special occasions.

Making Event Plans
• Make sure you have a safe plan for the evening.
• Have a responsible, trusted person available for a safe ride home or in case there is an emergency.
• Discuss your plan with friends and family. Remind each other about responsible decisionmaking and confronting peer pressure.
• Practice and discuss answers you can use to get yourself out of an uncomfortable situation.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol-poisoning and drug intoxication. Then be prepared to call 9-1-1 for assistance and immediate treatment if a friend exhibits those signs.
• Remember to charge your cell phone.

Getting Ready to Go
• Be sure to have your cell phone with you.
• Be sure to have printed copies of the directions with you.

Getting There and Home Safely
• Know where you are going and drive on well-lit roads. Along the way, pay attention to where
you are.
• After your red light turns green, wait a second before pulling into the intersection.
• Keep an eye on oncoming drivers - impaired drivers tend to drive towards light.
• Make sure your date/driver does not drink any alcohol.
• Keep the radio volume turned down low enough that your driver can concentrate on getting you to and from the fun and festivities.
• If your plans change call your parents and let them know.
• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has alcohol, drugs, or weapons. It is dangerous and everyone in the car is at risk.
• Trust your instincts – if you feel threatened, endangered or uncomfortable, call someone and
leave immediately.


And don't forget to HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!

Live Rock Concert

Place: Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library
Date / Time: May 28, 2009 - 7:00pm

Place: SouthShore Regional Library
Date / Time: June 4th, 2009 - 3:00pm

SouthShore Regional Library & Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library are proud to bring you ENVY. They were the winners of the Hillsborough County Teenage Battle of the Bands contest. ENVY has many local fans in the area so be sure to check out this fantastic rock band.

Maximum Ride in Manga?

James Patterson has been very busy. He's got a new website!

http://www.max-dan-wiz.com/

This site is host for 3 teen book series, Maximum Ride, Daniel X and Witch and Wizard.

It has great hints, tips, and other fun stuff.

You can also get a look at Maximum Ride in Manga (The Angel Experiment), Maximum Ride videos, and read the prologue to Daniel X. There is more stuff but you just got to see for yourself.

Check Out Maximum Ride Books from your library.

Maxiumum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

Max

Maximum Ride: School's out forever

Maximum Ride: Final Warning

Daniel X: Alien Hunter

Dangerous Days of Daniel X

Daniel X: Watch the Skies

These books are available in Paper, CD and Down-loadable Audio.

Earth Day is today!

No matter who or where you are, there are many ways to honor our planet today. Check out these Earth Day links for more events and ideas.

- Earth Day Network

- Environmental Protection Agency

- US Government Earth Day Portal

- Earth Day Crafts and Games

Take care of our planet, so that she can take care of us!

Wizard Rock Returns!

Saturday June 27, 2009
6:00pm
John F. Germany Library

Back by popular demand, Wizard Rock is back at the library. The Remus Lupins and The Whomping Willows will entertain muggles and wizards alike with their Harry Potter-influenced tunes while doing a live podcast for the award-winning PotterCast.

Do good!

- Today is Earth Hour. Remember to turn off the lights and electric appliances for one hour starting at 8:30 PM. Why? Not only this helps save fossil fuels and thus energy and money, but also helps reduce gas emissions that contribute to global warming.

- Click at The Hunger Site to donate food. Also features 5 other sites where you can click to save the rainforest, feed hungry pets, donate books, and more!

- Test your vocabulary skills at Free Rice and give food through the World Food Programme. You can also test your geography, math, and chemistry, among other subjects.

New One From Meg Cabot (not a princess book)

Airhead!

Em Watts is 16 and totally down-to-earth. She is a very real girl, not like those people, that to her, seem very "plastic". She is the victim of a cruel twist of fate, when she wakes up, an finds... She is no longer in the real world. Okay, she is in the real world, but she is no longer who she was. Em Watts, is somehow transformed into being what she despises. She now has to work at having glitz and glamour.
How does she get her life back?!
Does she even want it?!
www.megcabot.com

CLICK FOR PICTURE

It's coming...

Zowie! Doesn't that sound cool!

Tomorrow's Game Tourney Schedule!

Come join us for loads of fun! It's FREE and open to everyone 13-18!

Click to see the full size page!

Happy Square Root Day!

What's that? Today's a holiday? Who knew?

Square root day is a humorous holiday celebrated on dates where the day and the month are both the square root of the last two digits in the current
year. For example, the last square root day was March 3, 2009 (3/3/09), and the next square root day will be April 4, 2016 (4/4/16)...

Want to know more? Read on here.

What's up with the Game Tourney?

Today we'll be doing the last of the band qualifier events at 1pm at Jimmie B Keel Regional Library so we can find a band to represent that library at the Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands next Saturday.

I'll be back soon with the updated schedule for next Saturday's Grand Tournament and the line-up of bands selected at the 8 regional qualifying events!

Til then, keep practicing for the big event ...

There'll be lots of DDR, Guitar Hero and Rock Band prize challenges to win

PLUS open gaming all day

AND a LIVE concert appearance by ENVY

(And in case you were wondering, it's ALL FREE!)

My picks for February

Fiction Book- Ever by Gail Carson Levine

Kezi may be a mortal girl. Olus may be the Akkan god of the wind. But it did not prevent them from falling in love with each other! Unfortunately, Kezi is destined to be sacrificed. But Olus will not allow that. Now Kezi and Olus embark in an adventure- hoping to enable Kezi to become immortal and escape her cruel fate...


Nonfiction Book- 1001 Ways to Do Good by Meera Lester

Want to make the world a better place? Here are many simple ways in which you can make a difference! And these will not only benefit others- but will also be great for you.

Manga- Suki by CLAMP

Hinata lives on her own, even though she is only in high school. But one day Hinata gets a handsome new neighborhood! Not only that- but he turns out to be a new substitute teacher at her school! Will Hinata's feelings be returned?

Anime- The Story of Saiunkoku

Shurei teachers in the temple and her father is the Imperial Librarian. But Shurei's true dream is to work in a government position- which so far women have not been able to do. One day Shurei is offered to be the Emperor's consort and be paid very well for it- but can she teach the Emperor to be a good ruler?

Website- Money Talks

What will work best for you- a checking or savings account? When are you ready to obtain a credit card? What is your money personality? How do you save enough money to buy a car? Find out the answers to these questions and more at this savvy website!

Prizes! Prizes!! Prizes!!!

Coming to the Game Zone Teen Tournament on March 7? Want to know what you could win by playing?

The 4 players in the winning band in the Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands will each receive a...

$50 Gift Card for Best Buy

Want to get in on the action? We've got 2 more qualifier events this week... we'll be selecting "bands" on Thursday at 5:30pm at Jan Platt Regional Library and Saturday at 1pm at Jimmie B Keel Regional Library.

If a Battle of the Bands isn't your thing, head over to Town N Country for the Grand Tournament... in addition to the Battle of the Bands finals, we'll have 12 prize challenges in Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. These are open to all teens and the prize for each is a...

$10 Gift Card for Best Buy

Scholarships to HCC?

Who knew that HCC offered scholarships? Not me! Take a look...

Seems to me that this would be part of that whole Know How 2 Go thing... Step 4 is all about figuring out how to "Put Your Hands on Some Cash." Scholarships like this would be one way!

ENVY at the Game Zone Teen Tourney Finals!

We're pleased to announce that local band Envy, winners of the 2008 Teenage Battle of the Bands, will be the guest judges for the finals of our Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands at the Game Zone Teen Tournament!

Not only that, they've agreed to perform a FREE live concert at the event!

Check them out on MySpace, then come to the Game Zone Teen Tournament to see their show, play some games and have a great time!

Teen Tourney Rules

Game Zone Teen Tournament 2009 The 2009 Game Zone Teen Tournament consists of 2 types of events. At 8 regional Tournament Qualifier Events, we'll be searching for the top Rock Band 2 "bands" to represent their libraries at the Grand Tournament. At the Grand Tournament, those 8 "bands" will compete head-to-head in a Battle of the Bands, while Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution challenges are offered throughout the day. Rules Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands: Tournament Qualifier Events Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands: Grand Tournament Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Dance Dance Revolution Challenges General Rules of Play / Event Conduct Tournament Qualifier Events At each Tournament Qualifier Event, 4-player bands compete in a single round of game play to determine one winning band to compete in the Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands at the Grand Tournament. Open play (just for fun) gaming opportunities may be available. Registration: Teen Tech Week events are limited to teens ages 13 - 18 only. A completed tournament registration form must be presented at registration prior to all events in order to compete. One form must be completed for each participant. Registration forms are available online at http://teens.hcplc.org/ or at each event. Registration for each event will be held on-site at each event, beginning 30 minutes prior to the event's posted start time. Due to space and time constraints, a limited number of participants will be able to compete, determined on a first come, first serve basis. Participants may register individually (to be placed in a band at random) or as part of a 4-player group, but each participant may only register once and may only compete in a single band. Game Play: The library will provide Playstation 2 gaming equipment for the use of all players. Each band will complete 2 songs pre-selected by the judges. Bands will be ranked by the highest total combined scores for the 2 songs. In the event of a tie, bands may be asked to participate in a Tie-Breaker Round in which each band selects 1 song to be played by both bands. Highest total combined score wins. The winning band at each qualifier will progress to compete in the Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands Finals, held at the Grand Tournament event. Grand Tournament ROCK BAND 2 Battle of the Bands Finals Registration: Registration is limited to the winning bands from each of the 8 Qualifying events. In the event that a member of a band is unable to attend the Grand Tournament, the band may register 1 substitute player. At least 3 of the 4 original band members must compete. If a winning band is unable to compete in the Grand Tournament, the next runner-up may be invited to compete. Game Play: The library will provide Playstation 2 gaming equipment for the use of all players. Each band will complete 2 songs pre-selected by the judges. Bands will be ranked by the highest total combined scores for the 2 songs. In the event of a tie, bands may be asked to participate in a Tie-Breaker Round in which each band selects 1 song to be played by both bands. Highest total combined score wins. Competition Format Each band needs to put together a 3 song set list; no downloadable songs can be used. The band's final score will be an awarded based on all judging criteria. Your band will have 5 minutes before and after your band is called to setup and tear down sets. Any band intros are included in these 5 minutes. During play if a band member fails in the middle of a song, band members can save him without penalty, however if the band fails a song you will be given a score of 0 to be averaged into the other 2 songs, so make sure you know your skill level and get in some practice before the tournament. Judging Criteria: A panel of 3 judges will score musicians in each category using a point system: "Technical Score" Each band will play a three 3 song set, and Technical scores will be applied to each song. The game automatically calculates how many notes you hit, so the percent completed for each member will be added up for a combined maximum of 400 points per song. These points will be averaged to get to one score up to 400 points. "Costume Score" is judged on how it applies to your band and how you use it as part of your show. Each band member has the potential to earn up to 25 points each, for a combined maximum of 100 points. "Stage Presence" This is what this tournament is all about! It is worth a combined maximum of 500 points (100 per band member's style and difficulty plus 100 for working together as a band). This is also where difficulty factors in, so if you think you can handle a song on expert, it'll pay off huge. On top of that, what makes a rock band memorable is how you perform on stage, so feel free to dance, ad lib, props (including real instruments), lights, fog, and whatever else you think will add to the act. This is the big one… anyone can dress up and play a song, but it's HOW your band plays that makes the difference, so practice those scissor kicks and know when it's time for more cowbell, 'cause people come for the music, but they stay for the show'. Props must be supplied by the band and approved before use; Pyrotechnics are NOT allowed. ***Example Points Break Down*** ROCK BAND, GUITAR HERO and DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION Challenges at the Grand Tournament Event Registration: Teen Tech Week events are limited to teens ages 13 - 18 only. Registration for each challenge will be held on-site, beginning 30 minutes prior to the posted start time. Due to space and time constraints, a limited number of participants will be able to participate in each challenge, determined on a first come, first serve basis. For Rock Band group challenges, participants may register individually (to be placed in a band at random) or as part of a 4-player group, but each participant may only register once and may only compete in a single band for each challenge. Game Play: The library will provide Playstation 2 gaming equipment for the use of all players. In the event of a tie, the challenge judge may ask participants to compete in a Tie-Breaker Round. General Rules of Play / Event Conduct Competitors who fail to report to their tournament arena, ready to play, within 2 minutes after being called may forfeit. No song modifications. No shoes are permitted on the DDR controllers; socks and bare feet only. Disinfectant wipes will be available for use between competitors. Competitors and spectators are required to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times and behave in a manner that complies with the Library Code of Conduct. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and/or removal from the event. A scorekeeper / judge will oversee each tournament arena and be responsible for enforcing tournament rules and ensuring fair play. If you have a complaint regarding your game, please speak to your scorekeeper / judge. If that does not resolve your complaint, please notify the lead staff member at your tournament event. His/her decision is final. Rules subject to change at any time. Event standings and winners may be posted at the event, in library print materials and online at teens.hcplc.org. Special thanks to the Ballers and Gamers for supplying the tourney format and some of the rules we're using for this event.

WE NEED YOUR VOTE!

Ask a Librarian's The Director’s Chair video contest is in its final stages, and the finalists need YOUR vote!

Ask a Librarian, your favorite reference chat service, received many creative videos from high school students around Florida. Judges narrowed the entries down to five finalists, now it’s up to you to help choose the winner by voting for your favorite video.

Visit www.askalibrarian.org/thedirectorschair and click on “vote” to see the top five videos and to vote for the one you think deserves to win.

**Polls will be open until Feb. 7 (11:59 p.m. EST).**

2009 Game Zone Teen Tournament

Teen Tech Week 2009 is coming! That means that it's time once again for the Game Zone Teen Tournament! And this year we're featuring a...

Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bands

Want to compete? Enter one of the qualifying events to win a prize pack and an invitation to play in the Grand Tournament.

• Thursday, 2/5 @ 5.30pm - Southshore Regional Library
• Saturday, 2/7 @ 6:30pm - Brandon Regional Library
• Saturday, 2/14 @ 1pm - Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library
• Sunday, 2/15 @ 1pm - New Tampa Regional Library
• Thursday, 2/19 @ 5.30pm - Bloomingdale Regional Library
• Saturday, 2/21 @ 1pm - Town 'n Country Regional Library
• Thursday, 2/26 @ 5.30pm - Jan Kamanis Platt Regional Library
• Saturday, 2/28 @ 1pm - Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library

Just want to play for the fun of it? Drop at any of these events for some open game play!

Keep an eye out here and on the teen website for rules , weekly tournament standings and more info or call the library at 273-3652.

My picks for January

Fiction Book- Story Time by Edward Bloor

Kate and George are niece and uncle- even though George is two years younger than Kate! One day they are invited to enroll in the prestigious Whittaker Magnet School. George thinks he has it made, though Kate is not too eager given all the tests she would have to take. But it's not just the tests that are making Kate anxious. The Whittaker family has a big ego, Pogo the Librarian speaks only in nursery rhymes, and one too many people have died under mysterious circumstances!!!

Nonfiction Book- The Everything Games Book

Would you like to learn how to play chess? Trying to figure out how exactly billiards work? Want to know the difference between poker and bridge? And what exactly croquet is? This book has everything and more about all the games people play!

Manga- Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

Based on the popular video game series. In this installment, a young man named Todd and a nun have rescued an injured man...who turns out to be Hector, one of Dracula's minions! Meanwhile, Dracula has several others searching for Hector. A prequel to the video game featuring beautiful artwork and an intriguing storyline.

Anime- Sakura Wars

Sakura Shinguuji has moved to Tokyo in order to join the Imperial Flower Troupe. But she will not only be an actress- she will be defending the city from the Black Santum Council's evil plans, just like her father did long ago. Together with her castmates and their leader Ichirou Ohgami they will fight for good to protect the shrines of the city- while at the same time performing on stage for guests.

Website- Hybrid and Mutant Animals

Do you know what a mule is? Ever seen a liger? Heard of beefalo before? All these curious critters and more in this fun site complete with pictures.

Okay so it's not new but...

Okay, so it's not new but... I just discovered Sabriel. A book by Garth Nix. It's the first part of the Old Kingdom Trilogy.



I absolutely loved it. It's about a girl who has to leave boarding school to discover what happened to her father. As she travels she must leave her body and traverse the land of the dead. She comes across many creatures, one of which is hunting her, and will stop at nothing to destroy her, in life and death. It's an exciting tale filled with adventure and maybe even a touch of romance.




Lirael and Abhorsen are the titles to the other books in the series.

If you've already read them, visit the writer's webpage. He has a contest, a chance for you to win a 4GB ipod nano.

http://www.garthnix.co.uk/