DPL Teens

Probably the most surprisingly fun teen program we did this summer was called White It Out.  Participants brought in old clothes and went at them with bleach pens.  Drawing designs on the fabric with the bleach pens was like tye-dying in reverse.  The results were hard to predict, as both the color and texture of the various clothes factored into the final outcome.  For instance, some of the black garments turned red after applying the bleach, some tan, and others a rusty tone.  Decorating green t-shirts seemed to be the favorite, as the designs quickly turned a bold blue.  This was such a fun and inexpensive craft, anyone could do it.  The bleach pens are only about $2 a pop.  It’s also a fantastic way to recycle old duds.

At this year’s Bix Porch Party, the teen volunteers (pictured above) helped to raise nearly $350 for teen programming at the library.  That’s $115 more than last year.  Awesome job!  They sure did put in a lot of elbow grease selling all those hot dogs and drinks.  The money raised will be spent by the teens on whichever aspect of programming they choose.  It really is the teen’s money. 

The last purchases made by the Teen Volunteer Council were that of a Wii, PlayStation 2, and additional gaming equipment so they can play their favorite games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero III, and Dance Dance Revolution.  These purchases have really opened up the door for teen programs at DPL.  We were able to start a weekly free-play videogaming program, as well as run specialized tournaments.  Furthermore, we now have lots of new teen patrons attending our programs, signing up for cards, and checking out a variety of items that the library has to offer.  What a fantastic way to make a difference!  What will the Teen Volunteer Council come up with next???

If you’re interested in becoming a teen volunteer you can always call 326-7832 for more info, or stop in at either location and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.  Also, feel free to join us at the Teen Volunteer Council meetings which meet on the second Tuesday of the month, from 5:30-7:30, at the Fairmount Library.  We always take a summer break, so the next meeting is Sept. 9th.  Council members have the chance to offer up their ideas for programming, let us know which items we should add to the library’s collection, and help decide how to spend the teen funds.  Oh, and don’t forget it looks great on a resume or college application.  Once the casual meeting is over, we crank up the videogame systems.  Snacks, too.

The Teen Summer Reading Program ended on Thursday, July 24th.  However, you can still claim your free book as your finishing prize, at either library location, through next week.  Stop in soon!  There are still plenty of great titles to choose from. 

The winners for the Grand Prizes were drawn today and are as follows:

Chelsea Tamerlinck-Winner of Tickets to Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom Huck Jam at the i wireless Center

Albert Mullen and Elizabeth David-Winners of the iPod Shuffles

Congratulations to all finishers for a job well done!

That’s right…30 days ’til AnimeIowa 2008!  The popular convention is slated to take place just outside of Iowa City, at the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, on August 15th-17th.  At last year’s convention, over 2000 crazed anime fans attended the festivities.  I know that several of our Anime Club regulars attended last year and have the cool pics to prove it.  If you’re an Anime lover and you’ve never been, be sure to check out this unique gathering.  Participants can choose from a variety of entertaining events like an anime dance, scavenger hunt, cosplay, art show/auction, music video contest/exhibition, and live action role playing, just to name a few.  And if you do make the trip, we want to see the pics.�

The last Anime Matinee of the summer will be this Friday at the Fairmount St. Library.  The film will begin at 2:00.  We’ll also have free popcorn and drinks for sale.  The Anime Club will resume its normal schedule, meeting from 5:30-7:30 on the first Tuesday of the month, in September.�

This Tuesday’s Teen Night Transformation is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.  No joke.  Guest henna artist, Michele Donner-Ramsey, will be on hand to show us the ins and outs of all things henna.  She’ll apply detailed designs on volunteers and also teach you how to apply the semi-permanent tattoo goo on yourself and your friends.  She also has great tips on how to care for your application and the best way to get lasting effects out of your henna designs.  So, bring in your own artwork, school symbol, or favorite band logo to use as a design template and be prepared to get a bit messy.  The program takes place this Tuesday, from 3-5, at the Fairmount St. location.�

Today will be the last Metamorphic Matinee.  We’ll be showing Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants at 2:00.  Free pizza, too!  Looks like it might be quite a rainy day, so grab your friends and head on over to the Fairmount St. Library.�