YAB - YA Blog @ Independence Public Library

2012-01-28T11:04:00.004-06:00

Independence Public Library has been selected as the 2012 Best Small Library In America! Through the hard work of the library director Julie Hildebrand, staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library, and board members, as well as, the support and partnerships created with local businesses and legislators we were able to be one heck of a library! Seen above is the cover of Library Journal Magazine where Independence Public Library stands in the spotlight on the cover of the magazine. That's not all though. We also are mentioned in the Editorial by the Editor-in-chief, and displayed in a whopping 4 page article that discusses the difficult (but well worth it) journey to success in serving our community.

Let's hear it for the Independence Public Library, as well as our community! Way to go!

For more information about Independence Public Library, or the article, stop in and ask the library staff, or visit us on Facebook, twitter, or Flickr!

2012-01-24T17:21:00.005-06:00

Are you a fan of The Hunger Games trilogy? Have you been eagerly waiting for the release of the movie to see if it can measure up to the book? Have you been in the depths of despair trying to figure out what to read next, and how it can possibly be as good as The Hunger Games? Never fear Legend is here...... That's right Legend.

With Legend we find ourselves once again in a nation torn apart, in a place that used to be the United States. We have the wealthy Republic who clashes with its poorer counterpart the Colonies. Our two main characters are Day and June, who come from opposite sides of the track. June is a wealthy military prodigy, and Day is the country's most wanted criminal. They have no reason to ever cross paths, until one day, June's brother is mysteriously murdered and Day is the prime suspect. It becomes a game of cat and mouse, until they realize the seedy truth as to why they have been brought together, and the lengths their government will go to protect their disturbing secrets.

For more information visit the Independence Public Library's teen Department. Legend will be hitting our shelves soon, so be sure to come check it out. If our copy is checked out we can always put another copy on hold and get it here as soon as the next day. Feel free to share your thoughts about the novel, and to visit us on Facebook!

2012-01-11T15:44:00.007-06:00

Has anyone ever watched Channel One News? Channel One is a news program for teens that lasts approximately 12 minutes, and broadcasts via satellite to schools. It is based out of New York City, and owned by Alloy Media & Marketing.

Channel One News is beneficial because it is designed to briefly deliver local and global news to teens. Also, it is broadcast to schools, so this allows students to talk about what's going on in an open collaborative environment. It also utilizes younger anchors/correspondents to deliver the news, so it is more on the teen level. The current hosts of Channel One are pictured below.

Chanel One has also received much criticism due to the commercial content of the show. The commercials are viewed as a waste of class time and tax dollars. Supporters argue that the ads are necessary to keep the program running, as well as provide for many of their commercial free educational videos offered through Channel One Connection.

Do you think Channel One should be offered in schools? Do you think you would benefit from this program personally? Or do you think it is a waste of time and tax dollars and should be kept out of schools?

2012-01-03T16:07:00.002-06:00

Pictured above is Benjamin Raich, the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games Ambassador. The First Inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games will be held January 13-22, 2012. You can expect an international multi-sport event including approximately 1,100 athletes from over 60 different nations. Competitors will display their skills in events such as: Alpine Skiing, Bobsleigh, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding, Speed Skating, and much more.

2011-12-16T16:44:00.007-06:00

We live in a vortex of information. What we learn today, may not be true tomorrow. Here are some interesting statistics I found.

Over 50% of the World's Population is under 30 years old.

Facebook tops Google for weekly traffic in the U.S.

1 in 5 couples meet online.

An education study revealed that online students out performed those receiving face-to-face instruction.

As children we learned on chalkboards.Today many Kindergarteners are learning on iPads.

By population, if Facebook were a country it would be the 3rd largest in the world. ( 1. China, 2. India, 3. Facebook 4. United States)

eReaders have surpassed traditional book sales.

There are 1.5 million farmers. There are 80 million Farmville Farmers.

Youtube is the 2nd largest search engine in the world.

The top 10 in-demand jobs in 2010... did not exist in 2004.

It is estimated that there are 2 billion searches on Google every day.

Today the number of text messages sent and received each day, exceeds the total population of the planet.

There are approximately 5 times the amount of words in the English language as there were during Shakespeare's time.

It is estimated that a week's worth of the New York Times contain more information than a person was likely to come across in a lifetime in the 18th century.

For more information watch this cool video:

Did You Know? "We are living in exponential times" (A Must Watch, Really)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUMf7FWGdCw

Do you believe the statistics offered in the video, and on this post? Can anyone prove or disprove these numbers? Let me know what you find out, or what you think after reading this, and/or watching the video.

2011-10-19T15:41:00.002-05:00

The Independence Public Library is seeking interested teens to join the teen advisory group. Help develop fun and interesting programming ideas, organize the YA Space, and make the library a better place for teens all around! We meet the last Tuesday of each month. If you or anyone you know would be interested in joining, please e-mail the teen library clerk at allison.merritt@iplks.org or stop by the library and pick up your TAG application. We look forward to seeing you!

PS- Teen Advisory Group members will be provided with pizza, or other snack foods, at each meeting. :)

2011-10-06T12:16:00.006-05:00

Have you ever wanted to know how to create your own website or blog for free? Here are a few websites you may not have heard of before that allow you to do just that. These are all free, and some of the most user friendly websites that are available.

http://wordpress.com/

As of July 2011, there were 24 million individual blogs listed on Wordpress.com. In September 2010 Microsoft closed its previous blogging service and instead partnered with Wordpress.com for current blogging services. For an example of a wordpress website visit our online book discussion blog and check it out. You can find us at http://iplonlinebookclubs.wordpress.com/

http://www.weebly.com/

One of the easiest to use web-site creators, Weebly.com utilizes a widget style format that allows uses to drag and drop text, images and interactive content directly onto the page.

http://edublogs.org/

If you are interested in creating an educational blog, then you might have the best luck with edublogs.org. Free of advertisements, and capable of launching podcasts is just a few of the perks of this blog spot.

http://www.blogger.com/

And then there is blogger.com ... That is the blog creator site used for this very blog. The Google hosted site is simple to use, and capable of providing all of the necessary functions of blogging. According to Mashable.com, as of July 2011, Google intends to change the name of the service from "Blogger" to "Google Blogs," as part of a larger plan to re-brand or retire all non-Google brands in its portfolio of products and services.

Is anyone familiar with these websites? If yes, then which site do you think fits your needs the best and why? If no, do you think you would have an interest in checking these sites out and possibly becoming a blogger? Does anyone know of any other free blog-creator sites that are open to the public and easy to navigate? Please feel free to give us your feedback. We would love to know what you guys think about these wonderful resources at your disposal. :)

International Talk like A Pirate Day

2011-09-08T17:12:00.005-05:00

How To Be Speakin' Pirate-Like

Startin' Rules

Double up on all your adjectives and you'll be bountifully bombastic with your phrasing. Pirates never speak of "a big ship", they call it a "great, grand ship!" They never say never, they say "No nay ne'er!"
Drop all your "g"'s when you speak and you'll get words like "rowin'", "sailin'" and "fightin'". Dropping all of your "v"'s will get you words like "ne'er", "e'er" and "o'er".
Instead of saying "I am", sailors say, "I be". Instead of saying "You are", sailors say, "You be". Instead of saying, "They are", sailors say, "They be". Ne'er speak in anythin' but the present tense!

Hints an' Tips

If it be helpin', start yer sentence wi' a "Arr, me hearty," in a deep, throaty voice — ye'll find that the rest be comin' much easier.

Vocabulary

In which ye'll find words submitted by many pirates o'er the years, an' which comprise a loose piratical dictionary.

Ahoy: Hey!
Avast: Stop!
Aye: Yes
Black spot: to be 'placin' the black spot' be markin' someone for death.
Booty: treasure
Buccaneer: a pirate who be answerin' to no man or blasted government.
By the Powers!: an exclamation, uttered by Long John Silver in Treasure Island!
Cat o' nine tails: whip for floggin' mutineers
Corsair: a pirate who be makin' his berth in the Med-...Medi-...that sea 'tween Spain and Africa, aye!
Davy Jones' Locker: the bottom o' the sea, where the souls of dead men lie
Doubloons: pieces of gold...
Fiddlers Green: the private heaven where pirates be goin' when they die.
Furner: a ship which be yer own, not one ye steal an' plunder.
Gentlemen o' fortune: a slightly more positive term fer pirates!
Go on the account: to embark on a piratical cruise
Grog: A pirate's favorite drink.
Jack: a flag or a sailor
Jolly Roger: the skull and crossbones, the pirate flag!
Keelhaul: a truly vicious punishment where a scurvy dog be tied to a rope and dragged along the barnacle-encrusted bottom of a ship. They not be survivin' this.
Landlubber: "Land-lover," someone not used to life onboard a ship.
Lass: A woman.
Lily-livered: faint o' heart
Loaded to the Gunwales (pron. gunnels): drunk
Matey: A shipmate or a friend.
Me hearty: a friend or shipmate.
Me: My.
Pieces o' eight: pieces o' silver which can be cut into eights to be givin' small change.
Privateer: a pirate officially sanctioned by a national power
Scallywag: A bad person. A scoundrel.
Scurvy dog!: a fine insult!
Shiver me timbers!: an exclamation of surprise, to be shouted most loud.
Son of a Biscuit Eater: a derogatory term indicating a bastard son of a sailor
Sprogs: raw, untrained recruits
Squadron: a group of ten or less warships
Squiffy: a buffoon
Swaggy: a scurvy cur's ship what ye be intendin' to loot!
Swashbucklin': fightin' and carousin' on the high seas!
Sweet trade: the career of piracy
Thar: The opposite of "here."
Walk the plank: this one be bloody obvious.
Wench: a lady, although ye gents not be wantin' to use this around a lady who be stronger than ye.
Wi' a wannion: wi' a curse, or wi' a vengeance. Boldly, loudly!
Yo-ho-ho: Pirate laughter

Shiver Me Timbers! Think ye swashbucklin' Sprogs can Go on the account like true Privateers?

(Try to make a sentence using the pirate lingo above)

2011-08-30T11:24:00.004-05:00

So we had another exciting year at the VMA's! Lady Gaga abandoned her usual display of several wardrobe changes and, and instead adopted one outfit for the entire evening. Infact, she wasn't even Lady gaga at all, she was Jo Calderone, an alter ego of Lady Gaga. Britney Spears had a comeback, and won Best Pop Wideo for "Till the World Ends." Beyonce, who won Best Choreography for "Run the World (girls)," turned the finale of her performance into a birth annoucement. There was plenty going on this year, and throughout the show the audience experienced a somewhat retro falshback for the VMA's.
Best Female Artist went to Lady Gaga for "Born this Way," Tyler the Creator took home Best New Aritst for his work on "Yonkers," Best Male Artist went to Justin Bieber for his smash hit "U Smile," Best Hip Hop Video went to Nicki Minaj for "Super Bass," Foo Fighters took home Best Rock Video for "Walk," Best Direction when to the Beastie Boys for "Make Some Noise, and Adele took three awards for "Rolling In the Deep," which included; Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
Katy Perry took home the Video of the Year Award for "Firework." It was the first year for her to take home a trophy and she ended up taking home three; Best Video of the Year, Best Collaboration with Kanye West for "E.T.," and Best Special Effects for "E.T." as well. Her husband Russell Brand also made an appearance to pay tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, and to announce Tony Bennett who made an appearance to show a recent recording session he had shared with Amy Winehouse, and to also pay tribute to who he felt to be one the great jazz singers, up there with Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. She will be greatly missed.

2011-08-26T16:20:00.003-05:00

Does anyone here like the to watch the MTV Video Music Awards? Sometimes called the "Oscars for Youth" they are always fun to watch. Audiences tune in to watch some of the freshest new musical talent, learn of the upcoming overnight super celebrities, watch the videos that shook the world, and let's face it, sometimes we just like to see the off-the-wall antics some of these celebrities dream up. I don't think Lady Gaga even understood why she was walking out on stage in a dress made entirely of meat, but she definitely had everyone's attention.
Last year was a pretty good show. It was hosted by writer/comedian Chelsea Handler, and the 2010 Video of the Year Award went to Lady Gaga for "Bad Romance." There were also many great performances throughout, and some of those performances made a pretty good impression and are nominees in the upcoming ceremony. There will not be a host this year, and it looks like the lineup for video of the year will be between Adele for " Rolling In the Deep," Eminem feat. Rihanna for "Love the Way You Lie," Foo Fighters for "Rope," Katy Perry for "Firework," and Lady Gaga for "Born This Way."
Interestingly the Beastie Boys are making a comeback and are going to be nominees for Best Hip-Hop Video. Running against icons such as Kanye West for "Monster," Lil Wayne for "6 Foot 7 Foot," Lupe Fiasco for "The Show Goes On," and Nicki Minaj for "Super Bass." Nominees for Best Male Video include artists Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Eminem, Justin Bieber, and Pitbull. Best Female Video nominees include Adele, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Rihanna.
What do you guys think of this year's lineup? Anyone think they know who will take home the 2011 Video of the Year Award? Is there anyone who should have been a nominated, who isn't on the list? Is there someone who should not have been nominated?

Joplin Schools Reopen On Schedule Despite Disaster

2011-08-18T10:47:00.007-05:00

So far it has been reported that 160 people died from the tornado that devastated over one third of Joplin, MO, making it the 7th most deadly tornado in U.S. history, not to mention one of the costliest. When Joplin officials promised the upcoming school year would begin on time, after nine schools were destroyed, it didn't seem very plausible. After just 55 days of building, schools reopened in temporary buildings Wednesday August 17, on schedule as promised. Senior citizens cheered the students on as they entered the schools, demonstrating yet another sign of hope that the city will regain its footing. Grades 11-12 will be attending school in what used to be an empty department store in the back of Northpark Mall (pictured above). The new students had fun features to enjoy with their make-shift schools, including flat-screen TV's that decorated the walls, and new laptops for the students. All of which were provided from the many donations sent from around the globe.

What do you guys think about that?

2011-08-11T16:55:00.002-05:00

Mount Etna (pictured above) is an active stratovolcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It happens to be the tallest active valcano in Europe, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world as it is in an almost constant state of activity. It has been erupting off and on since July of this year, and shooting flames sometimes 75 stories into the air, according to CBS news. If you lived next to Mount Etna, what would you do in this situation? Do you think you would be scared? Would you stick around to watch the eruptions or would you get the heck out of there!?

2011-07-20T11:49:00.006-05:00

Twisted Ring in Space!? What!?

Observations with Herschel have revealed unprecedented views of a ring in the center of our Milky Way galaxy. The ribbon of gas and dust is more than 600 light years across and appears to be twisted, for reasons which have yet to be explained. The origin of the ring could provide insight into the history of the Milky Way.

For more information visit :

http://www.universetoday.com/87616/herschel-telescope-sees-a-twisted-ring-at-our-galaxys-center/#more-87616

You can also stop by and check out one of the cool books we have here at the library all about space. We have many different books to choose from. They are filled with fun and interesting facts with some really great pictures of all the amazing stuff in our galaxy and beyond!!!

All About Anime

2011-05-26T11:02:00.003-05:00

Do you enjoy drawing Anime? If you are interested in trying to draw just ask Haley the Teen Librarian to show you a super cool book that is very easy to follow! You will be an Anime pro in no time! We found a link that you might be interested in viewing...you can watch tons of Anime videos for FREE online. Just click HERE!

Did You Know...

2011-05-19T12:18:00.002-05:00

Did you know that you are now able to check out DVD's? You are limited to 4 per household and they are due back one week from the checkout date. You can also request movies from other libraries. Just ask your friendly teen librarian for more details.

Borrow with caution....if they are late or you fail to return them, it could result in loss of computer and checkout privileges.

Here is a link to some of the newest movies added to our collection.

Countdown to Summer!

2011-04-30T13:12:00.003-05:00

This summer IPL will be offering its FIRST EVER teen summer reading program! Join us @ 1:00pm on Friday, May 27th for a fun afternoon and program sign up! Comedian Kevin Horner will be performing and we will be serving cookies from around the world! Tell you friends....mark your calendars!
Who can read the most this summer?

What Are YOU Reading?

2011-03-31T17:52:00.003-05:00

This is a great new addition to our collection. KJ Carson lives in West End, Montana, population 948. Her father is a fishing guide and the owner of a local fly shop, and KJ spends all of her free time working with him. When a new student, Virgil Whitman, joins her newspaper class, KJ agrees to write a column about the local wolf population that his mother is studying. But the wolves in Yellowstone are still a sensitive topic with the local population, and KJ and Virgil find themselves caught in a storm of controversy that endangers both their new relationship and their very lives. Come by and check it out TODAY!!

Are You Ready For Prom?

2011-03-31T17:41:00.002-05:00

Have you been up to the YA Space to see our latest teen magazine's? They have some great hairstyles for prom and unique dress ideas. You can also click on this link to Seventeen magazine!

Gaming 24/7

2011-02-10T17:30:00.003-06:00

Do you enjoy video games? Check out this cool blog that is ALL about gaming! What games would you like to see the library get?

Join FOG (Free Online Gaming)

2011-02-10T17:25:00.003-06:00

Check out this super cool link for FREE online gaming!

You Can Make a Difference!!

2011-01-27T18:49:00.002-06:00

Check out this cool webite! By playing word games, you are able to feed people that have no food! Just think...if you played for 5 minutes a day...you might be able to feed a whole family each day!

Are You Stressed Out??

2011-01-27T18:44:00.002-06:00

We all get stressed at times.....that is just part of life! Here are a few things to think about and remember when you are stressed:

Setting small goals and breaking tasks into smaller manageable chunks
Exercising and eating regular meals, and avoiding excessive caffeine
Focusing on things you can control and letting go of things you cannot control
Talking about problems with others, including parents, older adults and friends
Lowering unrealistic expectations
Scheduling breaks and enjoyable activities, such as music, art, sports, socializing
Accepting yourself as you are and identifying unique strengths and building on them, but realizing no one is perfect!

Come to the library and check out a good book to read! We have a lot of great books to choose from! We also have fun programs and computers to take your mind off the things that are stressing you out! Take a time out and come the library!!

Facebook

2011-01-27T18:30:00.005-06:00

Have you became a "friend" on our YA Facebook page? If not...you should! Click on the link below to see what is happening every day at the library! We offer a variety of programs including Wii Gaming, origami, movies and more! Check us out! Don't be a stranger!

YA Facebook Page

Did You Know??

2010-11-02T16:20:00.003-05:00

You can read Teen Vogue online? Click the link to go directly to the magazine. Now you can read from school, home, your friends house and more! Wherever you have the internet you have Teen Vogue!

After School Cooking Class

2010-10-15T15:51:00.003-05:00

Join Nowa Littleson on Wednesday, October 17th @ 3:30pm. He is going to show you how to make this delicious snack! Bring your friends and learn how to cook! Nowa Littleson is the Food Service Director at Independence Community College.

Upcoming Monthly Program

2010-10-11T11:53:00.003-05:00

Join us the 3rd Wednesday of each month for our After School Cooking Class with Nowa Littleson. Learn how to prepare healthy after school snacks. You will get to prepare and enjoy your creation! Class starts at 3:30pm. See you HERE!!

Do you Need Help With Homework??

2010-10-08T12:55:00.002-05:00

HomeworkKansas is an after school tutoring service that connects Kansas students one-on-one with live tutors.

It is targeted at students in Kindergarten through 12th grades, college introductory students, adult GED students, and other adult learners.

Click here to connect to Homework Kansas

Students can connect to tutors from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. HomeworkKansas is also available in Spanish everyday from 1:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.. Help is available in the following subjects:

Math: elementary, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry and calculus
Science: elementary, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics
Social studies: American History, World History, Political Science and more
English: spelling, grammar, book reports, essay writing and more

If you are unable to access HomeworkKansas through the link above, you might need a Kansas Library Card which is available at local public and school libraries. For more information about HomeworkKansas please contact the State Library of Kansas between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m Monday - Friday.

Do You Have Poetic Ambition??

2010-10-05T15:25:00.004-05:00

Teen Ink is an awesome magazine that you can submit your poetry to for an ongoing contest. Winners will get a copy of their published poem in Teen Ink and some super cool Teen Ink merchandise. What are you waiting for? Click on the link below to submit your poetry today!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - Annimated Fruit and Veggie Edition!

2010-09-20T15:39:00.001-05:00

check out this cool animation created by ICC's very own Lily Morgan!

Animated Twilight Video - Fruit and Veggie Style!

Hamlet: Monsters of Literature

2010-09-20T15:28:00.002-05:00

What a fun way to learn about Hamlet! Check out this great animation video. Thanks Lily!

Hamlet: Monsters of Literature Video

Read off your fines!

2010-09-17T14:40:00.004-05:00

ATTENTION KIDS!

The Library is now offering you a chance to pay off your fines by simply reading!

We will write off $1 for every 15 minutes you read!

Must have returned all overdue materials or payed for missing/damaged material.

Must be under the age of 18 years old

Must show good library behavior

Children must come to the front desk where they will fill out a form showing time completed and total fines. Reading must be done under staff supervision.

We The People

2010-09-09T11:15:00.009-05:00

Join us tonight for the We The People Bookshelf Kick-off Event. Come watch as Representative Jeff King and Mayor Tim White talk about "A More Perfect Union" and what it means to them . Then join us for Mary Jane Richie and The Underground Railroad in Kansas, a special presentation by historical performer Anne Hawkins. Refreshments will be served.

we will also have underground railroad in Kansas buttons available for only $2! We will have a limited supply so get your one of a kind button tonight!

Rain Rain Go Away!

2010-09-08T16:53:00.002-05:00

Oh well! The library has so much to offer on a rainy day! Come use one of our computers for homework or bring your friends to play a game! We have new books and magazines, and Wifi for your laptop.

For updates on programming and all that we offer for teens @ the library Friend us on Facebook!

2010-09-05T09:58:00.001-05:00

Quick and Easy School Lunches!

2010-09-04T10:33:00.005-05:00

~Tortilla Roll-Up~

Spread Cream Cheese on the tortilla, lay down a layer of your favorite lunch meat, some lettuce and roll it up! Wrap in Plastic to keep Fresh until Lunchtime! Great Substitute for a sandwhich anyday and much tastier too!

~Mini Subs~

Another easy lunch is to make a miniature submarine sandwich out of a hot dog bun. Use pepperoni slices and other favorite meats. Slice regular sized deli meat into thin strips. Add cheese and shredded lettuce. Pack a small container of salad dressing to pour on top at lunchtime.

Mini Muffins!

for only a few dollars you can pick up a mini muffin pan. Just use a "just add water" muffin mix from the grocery store and place a few in a bag for your lunch its a great substitute and can be much healthier for you than a bag of potato chips!

Tired of the same old Sandwhich routine...take a salad!

Salads can be easily thrown together and stored until lunch period. Your options are endless with salads too!

For more great School Lunch Ideas Check Out http://www.school-lunch-ideas.com/

Welcome September!

2010-08-28T16:09:00.002-05:00

Coming up this week.....

Wednesday September 1st Knitting for beginners @ 1pm and Wii @ 3:30pm

Thursday September 2nd Sheep on a stick @ 6pm, ESL @ 6:30pm, and MEET ME IN AUSTRALIA @ 7pm

Friday September 3rd Knitting for Beginners @ 1pm

Saturday September 4th Girls Day In all day Scrapbooking

Wii Turny, August 24 & 25

2010-08-23T12:57:00.001-05:00

Don't miss out of the End-of-Summer Wii Tournament!

Tuesday, August 24th at 3:30 pm

and

Wednesday, August 25th at 3:30 pm

Join the fun, enjoy the snacks, and experience a great competition!

Family Shenanigans: Braille Craft

2010-08-10T10:39:00.003-05:00

Today @ 2pm Bring your family and enjoy a braille name craft with Haley! Learn about braille and learn how to write your own name on a braille poster!

OPEN SCRAP AT THE LIBRARY!

2010-08-06T16:19:00.003-05:00

Please join us tomorrow morning starting @10am for a library open scrap. Bring your supplies and projects and enjoy a fun, relaxing day of scrapbooking and making friends!!!

Constitution Day Poster Contest

2010-08-04T10:36:00.001-05:00

All Kindergarten-12th grade students are invited to participate in the 2010 Constitution Day Poster Contest. Entrants must create a poster that demonstrates how the freedoms embodied in the U.S. Constitution affect their daily lives. Entries will be judged on both artistic merit and relevance to the U.S. Constitution. Entries must be post-marked or uploaded by October 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.ConstitutionFacts.com.

Have a cool weekend!

2010-07-31T13:51:00.003-05:00

The Library is winding down for the week and we would like to take a moment to thank you all for your support! We strive to make your experience at the library better everyday! We wouldn't be the library we are, if it wasn't for the wonderful community we live in!

Animation Station

2010-07-28T14:12:00.003-05:00

Starting in August the Library will be hosting an Anime Club Every 2nd Wednesday @ 3:30pm
Come learn fun facts about anime, how to draw it, and watch clips and movies on anime.
Its gonna be a blast! We hope to see you there.

Movies!

2010-07-16T13:32:00.004-05:00

Its Friday! Which means we have a great new movie showing here at the Library! Today @ 3:30pm we are going to be showing Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Bring your friends and enjoy a movie and popcorn! We are looking forward to seeing you all there. (If you haven't read the books then may I suggest you click on the picture above and get your name on the lists for the books because we can't keep them on the shelves!)

>>>>Don't forget that we also have 3 new movies coming up in august

Friday, August 13th we have Diary of a Wimpy Kid @ 3:30pm

Friday, August 20th we have Alice in WonderLand @ 3:30pm

And Friday, August 27th we have Hachi: A Dogs Tale @ 3:30pm

Family Fun @ the Library!

2010-07-06T10:54:00.002-05:00

Weekly Bulletin

Family Shenanigans!
Every Tuesday @ 2pm
runs through till August 24th

TODAY >>> Today we will be having Wii Family Gaming! Bring your family out and enjoy a fun rainy day event!

Wednesday >>>Wii gaming. Open to kids of all ages, come and hang out with your friends and put your skills to the test! The library has a great selection of games and have recently added some brand NEW games!

Every day Activities

Still going on until July 23rd everyone is welcome to attend Marisa Fritzemeier in Jump into Summer a hands on learning program. Go on a new adventure everyday and learn fascinating facts about culture and science!

The library has added tons of NEW books to the collection and if books aren't your thing then we have games and computer access!

Review Books that are of interest to you and get your thoughts posted here on the blog!

Teens Review The Library

2010-06-25T16:22:00.004-05:00

Read a good book lately? Maybe you have seen a movie that blew you away!?!?! Well guess what, we wanna hear about it. If you have an Item you would like to review and have posted here on the blog (we would eventually like to set up a patrons choice display here at the library) then let us know! You can come in at any time and fill out a review form located in the YA area or feel free to email your review to me at kriztina.smith@iplks.org. Please remember this is for teens and children, and inappropriate content will not be accepted. Reviews must include Your Name, Title of the book, author, and three or four sentences about the book.

Book Discussions

2010-06-15T12:26:00.004-05:00

We have 2 new book discussions coming up in July!

Thursday, July 8th @ 7:00pm

The Next Thing on My list:

June Parker's life is meandering along until a freak car accident leaves Marissa, her 24-year-old passenger, dead and June wracked with guilt. June discovers a list Marissa had been keeping of 25 things she wanted to do by the time she turned 25. After a run-in with Marissa's brother, June resolves to complete the list. Kissing a total stranger and throwing away her scale prove far easier than pitching an idea at work or changing someone's life. But June approaches the list with aplomb, daring to speak up about being passed over for a manager position, and becoming a Big Sister to a quiet, studious Latina teen named DeeDee. But when June uncovers a secret of DeeDee's, she realizes changing someone else's life might involve changing her own as well. Clever and winning, Smolinski's novel will have readers rooting for June as they eagerly turn the pages to keep up with her progress on the list.

Discussion Leader Haley Dunn

Thursday, July 15th @ 7:00pm

Invictus:

After being released from prison and winning South Africa's first free election, Nelson Mandela presided over a country still deeply divided by fifty years of apartheid. His plan was ambitious if not far-fetched: Use the national rugby team, the Springboks-long an embodiment of white supremacist rule-to embody and engage a new South Africa as they prepared to host the 1995 World Cup. The string of wins that followed not only defied the odds, but capped Mandela's miraculous effort to bring South Africans together in a hard-won, enduring bond.

Discussion Leader John Long

Be sure to come pick up a copy before they are all gone!

Teen Volunteers!!!!

2010-06-11T11:17:00.005-05:00

How exciting! The Hands On Summer Learning Program is going great! We have had an outstanding turn out and we have had some wonderful volunteers. I thought I would post some pictures of two teens that volunteered some time helping the kids make Balloon Globes! Thanks guys for all your help! Don't forget we still need volunteers so come down and talk to us about setting up a day. The program starts at 10am, Tuesday through Friday. Hope to see more of you come out to help the kids!

You can check out more pictures and learn more about the Hands on Summer Learning Program w/Marisa Fritzemeier, at their blog.

2010-06-10T10:32:00.003-05:00

Twilight News Update!

Twilight Stars lock lips at the 2010 MTV Music Awards after being awarded Best Kiss Award.

Check it out Here

Also We have the Series By Stephanie Meyers available for checkout here at the library. So get caught up on the books before Eclipse hits theaters on June 30th!

(P.S. For those who have yet to experience the twilight movies we have Twilight and New Moon)

2010-06-09T09:34:00.006-05:00

Here is a great link to free YA/Teen Audio at AudioFile Magazine!

Eiffel Tower Record Breaker!

2010-06-02T15:42:00.004-05:00

Jump Into Summer

2010-06-01T10:20:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Today is the start of the Jump Into Summer Hands-On Learning Program with Marisa Fritzemeier! Its from 10am to Noon and Marisa has so much planned for 3rd to 5th graders, so if you have a child or sibling that might be interested bring them out cause its gonna be tons of fun! Don't forget too, we are still looking for volunteers and teens are welcome.

Awsome Teen Crafts! Im gonna try some of these out as gifts!

2010-05-26T10:32:00.003-05:00

http://www.onehourcraft.com/?cat=22

Make your own Bleached Jean shorts, Shredded Tees, Bath salts, Scarves ands more! Explore the site for more craft ideas!

2010-05-25T11:03:00.003-05:00

http://als.lib.wi.us/Teen.html

So here is a pretty cool website for everyone to check out!
It is a link to the Arrowhead Library system in Wisconsin and they have links to so many websites online for teens. Check it out!

(be sure to leave comments and feedback so we know what you want to hear about or see on this blog! Think you have a program idea that would interest teens in our community? Tell us! All ideas and feedback are welcome.)

-Kriztina (Front Desk)

Volunteering

2010-05-21T17:44:00.002-05:00

We are looking for some volunteers to help with the big programs this summer, Teens are welcome to apply, you can help for just one day, one week or the whole program. This would be a great opportunity to help out your community, so if anyone is interested stop by the library and fill out an application!

Smallest Horse in the World

2010-05-14T10:21:00.002-05:00

Grilled Hot Dogs, Music, and Free Plants on Earth Day @ the Library!

2010-04-20T13:45:00.001-05:00

Thursday, April 22 starting at 3:30pm

Celebrate Earth Day @ the Library

* Exciting News will be Announced!

* Listen to Ty Hagar Live on Tallgrass Radio!

* Grilled Hot Dogs!

* Win Plants from Winklemans' Greenhouse!

Learn a New Language

2010-04-16T05:29:00.000-05:00

Learn Chinese, Spanish, German, Greek, Hebrew, Russian, English...even Farsi, for free! We just got Mango languages at the library! Click on the Mango link and log in with your library card number. You can take lessons on 22 different languages from any Internet connection.

Hard to Believe!

2010-04-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

Girls, aren't you glad things have changed since 1938!

Funny Signs

2010-04-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

2010-04-01T14:20:00.000-05:00

Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Friday, April 2nd at 3:30pm

The Library will be Closed Thursday & Friday

2010-03-22T10:55:00.002-05:00

The library will be closed 0n Thursday, March 25th from 10:00 - 6:00 and all day Friday, March 26th.

Wii Games After School Wednesday, March 24th

2010-03-22T10:48:00.007-05:00

Come play Nintendo Wii Wednesday after school. Have fun competing with your friends.
Let us know what new games you would like to play at the library.

Unseen Footage of Twilight and New Moon

2010-03-22T10:39:00.002-05:00

Check out these film clips that never made it to the big screen on YouTube.

Friday, March 19th we will show The Princess Frog at Noon

2010-03-18T11:53:00.003-05:00

Enjoy Pizza and a Movie during Spring Break!

Free Music!

2010-03-15T15:43:00.001-05:00

Check out Pandora for free tunes!

New Moon @ The Library Saturday, March 20th at Noon!

2010-03-12T15:35:00.003-06:00

Enjoy Pizza and a Movie for Spring Break!

Rated PG13

New Moon @ the Library Saturday, March 20th at Noon!

2010-03-12T15:33:00.001-06:00

Gotta Keep Reading

2010-03-08T15:20:00.001-06:00

Wii During Spring Break at the Independence Public Library

2010-03-02T17:10:00.002-06:00

Play in a Wii Tournament
During Spring Break!
Tuesday, March 16th
and Wednesday, March 17th
1:30 - 2:30
Win Prizes!

New Books!

2010-02-19T07:59:00.001-06:00

Here are some of our new books.

Click here to see them all!

Murder at the Library

2010-02-13T09:44:00.003-06:00

Sisters in Crime announced the first “We Love Libraries” lottery. Monthly grants of $1,000 will be awarded from January through December 2010. At the end of each month, a winner will be drawn from entries received at our website atwww.sistersincrime.org.

Here is our entry…wish us luck! Poor Haley got it with a hammer in the Library!

New Amazon Windowshop is Ripped Up!

2010-02-10T12:31:00.002-06:00

Amazon's Windowshop is in Beta, but you can try it out now. It is pretty slick as an interactive screen on what's hot, what's new, and what's interesting.

Wordle is Fun!

2010-02-08T11:40:00.004-06:00

Something you might like to check out: Wordle where you can create some really cool graphics with word clouds. It is fun!

Here are some word clouds based on the words in this blog:

How Long it Takes to Bio-degrade

2010-02-07T14:16:00.006-06:00

Here is how long it takes for some common things to bio-degrade, when they are thrown out as litter:

Cotton Rags: 1-5 Months

Paper: 2-5 Months

Rope: 3-14 Months

Orange Peels: 6 Months

Wool Socks: 1-5 Years

Cigarette Butts: 1-12 Years

Plastic Coated Paper Milk Cartons: 5 Years

Leather Shoes: 25-40 Years

Nylon Fabric: 30-40 Years

Tin Cans: 50-100 Years

Aluminum Cans: 80-100 Years

Plastic 6-pack Holder Rings: 450 Years

Glass Bottles: 1 MILLION Years!

Plastic Bottles: FOREVER!

Please Recycle! Learn more about recycling in Independence at Recycling Works

ONLY WE CAN SAVE OUR PLANET!

Download our new free iPhone app: IPLibrary

2010-02-04T13:45:00.002-06:00

IPLibrary, our new iPhone app, is available to keep you up to date with

Library News, Trixie's blog, Kids Buzz, Teen Tech blog, and YAB.

You can download it from iTunes for free, just search for IPLibrary

Win Money! Win a Trip to New York! Win Cash for Your School!

2010-02-03T13:02:00.002-06:00

Google is partnering with Smithsonian’s, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum to offer a competition for students K-12 to design a Google doodle with the theme, “If I Could Do Anything, I Would…”

“The National Winner will win a $15,000 college scholarship to be used at the school of their choice, a trip to New York City for an event on May 26, 2010, a laptop computer, a Wacom digital design tablet, and a t-shirt printed with his/her doodle on it. We’ll also award the winner’s school a $25,000 grant towards the establishment/improvement of a computer lab. The winning doodle will also be featured on the Google.com homepage on May 27, 2010.”

For more information visit www.google.com

Super Bowl Hashtag

2010-02-02T14:16:00.002-06:00

Super Bowl XLIV Gets an Official Hashtag: #SB44

Check out all the tweets and pics of Super Bowl content on the new Official NFL Tag the Super Bowl website! Tag your Super Bowl party pics and tweets for all the world to see!

SQUEE !

2010-01-29T07:35:00.001-06:00

Check out SQUEE

Do You Love to Cook?

2010-01-26T11:18:00.002-06:00

This is one of our favorite cooking blogs, check it out!

TasteSpotting

Dramatic Animal Photography

2010-01-23T15:34:00.003-06:00

Check out these dramatic animal photographs.

Which one is your favorite? Mine is the baby penguin looking down at the human footprints.

If your a techie you may like to follow Noupe.

Big Cat Rescue

2010-01-22T17:28:00.000-06:00

Get the New White House App

2010-01-22T16:11:00.003-06:00

Stay up to date on what is happening at the White House with the new White House App. It offers live video feeds, you will even be able to view the State of the Union address on Wednesday, January 27th 8PM Central. How cool is that?

If you don't have an iPhone connect to The White House Live.

To find out more visit the White House Blog.

Coming this Fall

2009-08-06T08:31:00.004-05:00

What do you want to do after school when you come to the library? Aaron has some great ideas! Wednesdays at the library will be full of fun, exciting activities... look for the program calendar at the Independence Middle School this fall!

Henna Tattoos for Teens

2009-06-09T09:37:00.001-05:00

2009-05-30T13:11:00.001-05:00

Lots of New Books In for Teens!

2009-05-30T12:05:00.004-05:00

Check out our new books by clicking here.

2009-05-15T16:05:00.001-05:00

Find Out Which Twilight Character You Are

2009-05-15T15:59:00.004-05:00

Click Here to Find Out What Twilight Character You Are!

2009-05-15T15:56:00.000-05:00

Make 'Em Laugh

2008-12-30T12:30:00.001-06:00

Enjoy a whole century of great comedy on PBS Wednesdays starting January 14, 2009!

PIZZA PARTY !

2008-12-23T12:30:00.002-06:00

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival 2008

2008-12-10T12:37:00.022-06:00

2008-12-03T11:43:00.001-06:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

READ A BOOK... EARN A BUCK !

2008-11-07T12:47:00.010-06:00

Did You See All The Cool Gifts On Display?

You can earn them by reading in November.

For every book you read either from school or the library

you can earn a Christmas Library Buck which

you can bring to the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

on Saturday, December 6th and buy presents

for your friends and family!

How cool is that?

Talk about cool... check this out:

Come into the library and put your name in a drawing to win two movie tickets to see Twilight!

All you have to do is read one of the books in the Twilight series!

Books with Bite

2008-10-06T13:04:00.003-05:00

Teen Read Week is Oct. 12 - 18
There will be lots of Books with Bite at the Independence Public Library Including the new Twilight series! Enjoy fun programs all week long...come check it out!

Kids Movie: Evan Almighty

2008-09-24T12:20:00.002-05:00

Enjoy a movie @ the library:

Evan Almighty starring Steve Carell

Tuesday, September 30th

3:30-5:00 PM

Refreshments will be served!

Meet the new YA Library Associate, Lona Reeves, PhD

2008-08-22T09:20:00.005-05:00

From the Young Adult Desk
Ankh, Wejeb, Seneb (AWS)

Or as the Ancient Kemetians (Egyptians) would say today … Life, Health, & Prosperity. I am Lona L. Reeves, PhD, the library’s new Young Adult Associate. As an Indy native, I appreciate the availability of Indy Pub and love its new and enlarged location. It is a pleasure and privilege to serve the young adult patrons of the Independence Public Library. I am looking forward to a positive and fruitful participation with and from our teens.

One of the first things I will be doing is getting to know you and helping young people to better utilize Indy Pub. I have two of the most awesome security professionals helping me to make this area and the entire library safer for everyone, especially you. We all look forward to getting to know you. Look for and complete the Young Adult Survey. Let me know about your favorite activities and programs. Tell me what’s on your mind.

Another important project for me at Indy Pub is the Youth Advisory Council. Consider being on the Youth Advisory Council and help us help you more directly. There is space to make your participation interest known on the survey. The Youth Advisory Council at Indy Pub can help plan programs and displays, choose books, host discussions and just in general make life even better for Young Adults (ages 12-17) at Indy Pub.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”

Greatest Movies based on YA Books

2008-07-29T16:06:00.023-05:00

1. Twilight by Stphenie Meyer
Release Date December 12, 2008. When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back. . . .

2. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
Ponyboy can count on his brothers. And on his friends. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect–until the night someone takes things too far.

3. The Clique by Lisa Harrison
Release Date November 11, 2008

The most privileged middle-school girls navigate social minefields in this over-the-top, dramatic series set in suburban New York City's Westchester County.

Massie Block: With her glossy brunette bob and Whitestrip smile, Massie is the uncontested ruler of The Clique and the rest of the social scene at Octavian Country Day, an exclusive private school in Westchester, New York.

Dylan Marvil: Massie's second in command who divides her time between sucking up to Massie and sucking down Atkins shakes to try to get rid of the extra fifteen pounds that won't seem to leave her hips alone.

Alicia Rivera: As sneaky as she is beautiful, Alicia floats easily under the adult radar because she seems so "sweet." Would love to take Massie's throne one day. Just might do it.

Kristen Gregory: She's been dying to fit in ever since her parents went broke. She's smart, hardworking and will insult you to tears faster than you can say "scholarship kid."

And then there's Claire Lyons, the new girl in two-year old GAP overalls from Florida, who is clearly not Clique material. The only problem is that Claire's family is staying in the guest house on the Blocks' massive estate while they look for a new home! Claire's future looks worse than a bad Prada knock-off, but with a little luck and a lot of scheming, she just might come up smelling like Chanel Mademoiselle....

4. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
When her passionate poet mother, Ingrid, is jailed for killing her ex-lover (with poison brewed partly from white oleander flowers), Astrid Magnussen navigates her way to adulthood through a series of Los Angeles foster families and juevenile homes. Astrid's strength and resilience makes this compelling novel an inspiration

5. Girl Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
In 1967, after a session with a psychiatrist she'd never seen before, eighteen-year-old Susanna Kaysen was put in a taxi and sent to McLean Hospital. She spent most of the next two years on the ward for teenage girls in a psychiatric hospital as renowned for its famous clientele--Sylvia Plath, Robert Lowell, James Taylor, and Ray Charles--as for its progressive methods of treating those who could afford its sanctuary.

Kaysen's memoir encompasses horror and razor-edged perception while providing vivid portraits of her fellow patients and their keepers. It is a brilliant evocation of a "parallel universe" set within the kaleidoscopically shifting landscape of the late sixties. Girl, Interrupted is a clear-sighted, unflinching documnet that gives lasting and specific dimension to our definitions of sane and insane, mental illness and recovery.

6. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Carmen got the jeans at a thrift shop. They didn’t look all that great: they were worn, dirty, and speckled with bleach. On the night before she and her friends part for the summer, Carmen decides to toss them. But Tibby says they’re great. She'd love to have them. Lena and Bridget also think they’re fabulous. Lena decides that they should all try them on. Whoever they fit best will get them. Nobody knows why, but the pants fit everyone perfectly. Even Carmen (who never thinks she looks good in anything) thinks she looks good in the pants. Over a few bags of cheese puffs, they decide to form a sisterhood and take the vow of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . the next morning, they say good-bye. And then the journey of the pants — and the most memorable summer of their lives — begins.

7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

8. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia have enchanted millions of readers over the last fifty years, and the magical events described in C. S. Lewis's immortal prose have left many a lasting memory. For here is a world where a witch decrees eternal winter; where there are more talking animals than people; and where battles are fought by Centaurs, Giants, and Fauns.

9. Eragon by Christopher Pagolini

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands....

10. Holes by Louis Sachar

As further evidence of his family's bad fortune, which they attribute to a curse on a distant relative, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a hellish boys' juvenile detention center in the Texas desert. As punishment, the boys here must each dig a hole every day, five feet deep and five feet across. Ultimately, Stanley "digs up the truth" -- and through his experience, finds his first real friend, a treasure, and a new sense of himself. Winner of the 1998 National Book Award for young people's literature, here is a wildly inventive, darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment -- and redemption.

What is up with that?

2008-07-03T13:07:00.001-05:00

July 03

Whats Up? Why Only Two Computers for Kids Under 18?

Well, we have had kids driving us crazy...loud, not listening to staff, rude, abusive, destructive...

If you have a better idea on how to keep things under control we are all ears!

Too bad a few kids ruin it for all the rest!

Greensburg KS Tornado. Pics and Radio Clips

2008-06-26T17:20:00.001-05:00