What's Going On @ Markham Public Library?

Blogger is done for the summer will be back again

2010-08-21T12:47:00.001-07:00

Hi,

We are still choosing contest winners and some people already have their prizes.

We will be in touch soon.

Thanks for your interest.

Dante, Aliki, Andrea, Amy and Catherine

New Moon and Twilight

2010-08-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Is there anyone left in the world who has not read these books?

We already have 100 requests for Meyer's new book.

Aliki, Dante and I have a couple of donated copies of each.

Would anyone like them?

First three to answer gets a copy of one or the other.

The question: I know but you tell us, the name of the new Meyer book.

Thanks.

Catherine
Angus

The Lord of the Rings Series

2010-08-12T09:21:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I had not a great rendition of the series donated to the library, recently.

Tell me your favourite sci fi author and the first one to answer will get the books.

Catherine
Angus

Chicken Soup for the Soul

2010-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I recently had a few copies of the Chicken Soup for The Soul series donated to the Library.

Anybody Interested?

To get the book you have to tell me who is special to you and why? Just a couple of lines.

Thanks.

Catherine
Angus

Quick Picks for Teens - Free Volunteer Hour!

2010-08-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I am hosting a "Quick Pick for Teens" this Thursday, Aug 12 from 7-8pm at the Unionville Branch's Programming Room.

There will be snacks, recommendations for good books to read, AND a free volunteer hour for those of you who have volunteered at the library before.

If you can't make it, let me know some titles that you recommend, since I also like to let people know what other teens are reading (not just what I think is awesome--though I am heavily biased towards The Hunger Games trilogy).

Aliki

CONTEST: The Book that Changed Your Life!

2010-07-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Recently, teen librarian Amy suggested hosting a "Books that Changed Your Life" event at the library for next year's Ontario Public Library Week. It would be a big affair, but I really love the idea and cannot resist asking you if you have a book that made any major impact on your life (e.g. how you saw the world, your identity, a new perspective on a relationship).

Some people argue that time is a critical factor in whether a book will "speak" to you or not.

For the record, the three books that changed my life as a teen are

Dune by Frank Herbert
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Hamlet by William Shakespeare

The first is epic in scope, philosophical and action-oriented, and shaped my idea of the kind of novels I would like to write one day--the female characters are strong and intelligent and every bit the equal of the men. They fight with their heads and their brawn.

The second captured my particular type of dreaming--the devil and his retinue come to Moscow and shake things up. It is funny but underlying it all is the sadness of the wise fool. I feel an affinity with wise fools.

Hamlet (I was 19 when I got to this one) captured every fear I had about the world. I felt, at the time, that I was Hamlet and knew exactly why he could not act and why he could not kill himself either.

THE CHALLENGE:

Tell me about the Book that Changed Your Life and there will be an awesome prize for the winner! This contest will be judged and awarded at the END of this blog on MONDAY AUGUST 16. Remember that we are interested in WHY this book is important to you. We can be swayed by the thought, care and quality put into a response.

Aliki ;)

Andrea from Markham Village picked this book as a favourite

2010-07-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

It was the White Pine Winner for last year, 2009. The story revolves around a group of tech sauvy teens who try to outsmart the government.
This year, the writer went on to another book about gaming called "For the Win." I just read this book which gave me great knowledge about gaming. I was astonished to learn some of the facts about what goes on in the world of gaming.

1. Who is the author?
2. What is the title?
3. Where does the story take place in the first book?

email cglynn@markham.library.on.ca

Thanks.

Catherine
Angus

Aliki loved this book we both read

2010-07-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

It is by Jocelyn Brown. There is a trick. We do not have a picture of this book and it is not on the Chapters website.
I need to know what Marcel is and what colour his eyes are?

This is a great book about a young girl who moves with her mother and sister to her grandmother's and finds out a great deal of history about her family. Her family is also intertwined with another family whose daughter she comes to know.

Great story! Must read!

Email your answers to cglynn@markham.library.on.ca

Catherine
Angus

Amy, Teen Librarian from Milliken loves a book about a girl spy

2010-07-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Amy loves a particular children's book about an eleven year old girl who loves to spy. This story has been made into a movie and we have an online book available to read.

Tell us:

1. The Name of the Book
2. Who reads the book on the electronic resource copy?
3. How many copies Milliken Mills has of the book?

A book prize pack will be coming to the winner.

Catherine
Angus

Dante the Teen Librarian from Angus is lost In progress

2010-07-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Each week, we will give you clues through the catalogue and internet to help you find Dante, the Teen Librarian from Angus. Prizes will be awarded. Remember, if you do not find Dante, he is lost forever or more lost than he usually is. (Just kidding)

Dante loves books and movies. He especially loves one movie about fighting and the psychology of fighting. This movie has a dvd as well.
Tell me the name of the book, the movie and why he cannot borrow Angus Glen's copy?

Email your answers to cglynn@markham.library.on.ca.

Catherine
Angus

Entries must be in by August 3rd.

Girl Prize Pack deadline for entries Tuesday after long weekend

2010-07-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi,

We have a beautiful girlie prize pack of bath soap, shower gel, etc. for some one.

The contest:

Make a title for a brand new book that you think would be popular and appeal to teens.

For example: How to get your homework done in ten minutes.

Make money while doing your homework.

Dating Advice to help you find Mr. Right or Ms. Right.

You get the idea.

The winner will be chosen by you the voters.

Catherine
Angus

Summer vacation is half way over

2010-07-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

My niece on her facebook page was listing all the events she still has to do. What do you still have to do or want to do?

I would like to go to the Ex this year.

I would also like to go to Niagara Falls.

Catherine
Angus Glen

The Wanderer

2010-07-21T08:39:00.001-07:00

This book by Sharon Creech is great for children all ages. Readers can connect to Sophie as she journeys with her uncles and cousins on The Wanderer. Sophie feels the sea calling to her, and she loves and fears it. I would recommend this book as it is exciting, moving, and full of secrets!

Hancock

2010-07-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

I thought that movie was pretty okay, there was some pretty funny moments in this movie.
For example, the part where he sneezed and then said "sorry i'm allergic to bull****.

Movie Review - Despicable Me

2010-07-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

The movie was great!!! The movie was hilarious, especially the minions. The movie was about a supervillain, Gru, who adopted three girls from an orphanage. After, his life was flipped upside down. I recommend watching this movie with your family or friends. It is really good!!!

Bob

Post Your 2010 Summer Movie Reviews Here

2010-07-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hello teens, TAG members, MPL teen volunteers,

Just finished watching the latest Hollywood had to offer this past weekend? Saw Twilight: Eclipse for the 10th time and want to write a review about it? Hated Iron Man 2? Then post your review - critical or not - of the last film you saw in the theatre. Or if you just watched a movie on DVD last night or a movie that was released last year or the year before, AND want to review it? Write it here!

Remember, every review posted is one entry closer to winning one of five prize packs....

Dante aka "The Angus Glen Teen Librarian"

2010 Teen's Top Ten Nominees

2010-07-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

What is your favourite book of 2010? The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has just released the nominees for the 2010 Teens' Top Ten List. The list has something for every reading interest. From the warewolves in Shiver, to the continuing struggle to survive in Catching Fire. Those interested in realistic fiction should try Wintergirls, or Along For the Ride. For the complete list of nominees, please visit your local MPL branch.

Of the 27 nominees, my personal favourites so far are Heist Society by Ally Carter and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

Heist Society is a fast, fun novel that reads like a movie. It is about a teenaged girl who is trying to leave behind her family's past of crime. However she gets called in for one last job, working with a group of teens she must steal a priceless work of art from a gallery in order to save her father's life.

Catching Fire is the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy, and continues the story of Katniss as she struggles with the consequences of the Hunger Games, and the role they play in her future.

Have a favourite nominated title, please share it with the rest of us.

Andrea
Markham Village

In 20 years, what will your day be like?

2010-07-07T08:45:00.001-07:00

Instead of the usual, what will you be doing in 5 years.

Flash ahead 20 years, what do you think the biggest changes will be?

Personally, I think there will be more and more people working from home. I also think that we will live more and more virtually. We are almost there now thanks to: all our games, facebook, blackberries, etc.

I think there will be less interaction with people but more and more with machines. I joke that in 15 years, it will be me and the robots in the library.

What do you think?

Catherine
Angus Glen

Prizes, prizes, prizes

2010-07-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hi,

We have some great prizes this year. I missed their meeting, this week when they decided on the final prizes.
There will be more details to follow.
We will have special contests along the way with smaller prizes.

Catherine
Angus

TAG Groups in the Library

2010-07-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

Last week, our TAG group (TEEN ADVISORY GROUP) helped to stage an amazing party for our children's summer reading party.
Tag members at Angus are typically volunteers who have done half their hours who work with Dante, our Teen Librarian on special events like one or the Spelling Bee.
It is a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills and fulfil your community hours.

Amy at Milliken Mills and Andrea at Markham Village also have teen advisory groups that they are just building. If you are interested in learning more about these groups, visit either library and talk to Amy or Andrea.

Catherine
Angus

Is there a graphic series you wish the library would carry?

2010-07-05T05:53:00.001-07:00

We have all kinds of graphic novels. I read one recently called, "Tyranny" about a girl's perception of her eating disorder. Is there a graphic or series out there, we should order for the library?

Catherine
Angus

Fireworks and Summer Day Trips

2010-07-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was watching the Fireworks from the United States for their Fourth of July.
I cannot go to the Fireworks because my older dog, Leo is afraid of the noise. He cannot be left home alone. They are one of my favourite memories so it was exciting to see all the different fireworks and music on t.v.

What is your favourite thing to do in Markham during the summer?

Catherine
Angus

Games and social networking

2010-07-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

One of our mild, mannered librarians is a lover of Mafia Wars. Some of our TAG members love Mall World.

True confessions, I am into Frontierville now thanks to a couple of friends. It drives my husband crazy.

There was one game, I think Fishville that my daughter made me join because she needed neighbours. I could not go anywhere because I had to constantly feed the fish. The responsibility was too much and I quit.

What is your favourite game of the moment?

Catherine
Angus

Facebook Sites

2010-07-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

We all know them, silly sites we go to again and again. Megan, the children's librarian posted this site with some humourous notes. It is called Passive/Aggressive Notes. The one I read the other day was about notes to and from teachers.

What site do you go to everyday or have bookmarked?

Catherine
Angus

Magazines from Stores you shop in

2010-07-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

Lately, my daughter and I have been receiving a magazine because we made a number of purchases from this drug store.
When I first received this magazine, I wondered was there a charge?
My daughter quickly pointed out that 75% of the magazine was advertising for beauty products.
The articles are not that great.

Do you read any magazines that you like?

Catherine
Angus

Some Girls are by Courtney Summers

2010-07-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

I read this book recently with a group of other people. This story is like "The Lottery" by Beth Goobie but much worse. In "The Lottery", one girl is terrorized by a group of girls for an entire year.
"Some Girls Are" is a frightening story about a bunch of girls who control the fate of others in a high school. The events in this story seemed far fetched but in talking with teachers, they said that this portrayal is realistic. They do things to one girl in an attempt to break her. One teacher said her school has a huge bullying problem.

Has anyone read this book? Is bullying a problem in your school?

Catherine
Angus

Old and New Movies

2010-07-05T05:20:00.000-07:00

On the weekend, my son had some of his friends over. They went through the dvds and came across Batman with Christian Bale. Even though, it was an old movie they still enjoyed the experience.
Do you have a movie you could watch again and again?

Is there a new movie that will be your summer classic?

Catherine
Angus

Funnel Cakes and Summer Food

2010-07-05T05:17:00.001-07:00

My kids love funnel cakes as does my husband. We went away and they had a belgian waffle that my husband made into a funnel cake.

My kids were thrilled when they found out different restaurants are carrying funnel cake type items, all year long.

I love Mount Ranier cherries. They are yellow and red and terribly expensive but they are the best.

What is your favourite summer food?

Catherine
Angus

Worst Summer Memory

2010-07-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Years ago, all I waited for every year before they had Wonderland was the Exhibition. I was about 7 and got sick while the Ex was on and was not well enough to go.
My sister and brother felt so guilty they brought me back all kinds of presents and neat stuff.

What is your worst summer memory?

Catherine
Angus

Little Brother and For the Win

2010-07-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

Cory Doctorow writes some amazing stories aimed at real life. Little Brother was written about a post 9/11 event in San Francisco. I read over a year ago and it was amazing.

For the Win is what I am reading write now. It is about the world of gaming.

Has anyone read these stories?

Catherine
Angus

Did anyone catch Eclipse on the weekend?

2010-07-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Post your review and tell us what you thought!

The whole cast was on Jimmy Kimmel last night.

Catherine
Angus

Summer 2010 at MPL for Teens

2010-06-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a brand new reading program for young adults this summer! We've moved from Facebook to Blogger.com. Visit daily to get the inside scoop on what's cool this summer @ your local library!