Posts by Kathlyn, Teen Librarian

Hoopla Creative Writing Resources

Writing can be a cathartic and stress-reducing activity, making it well suited to our current reality. Just as reading a good book can be a comfort right now, getting lost in a writing prompt can also be a portal into another world. Luckily, Hoopla offers a wealth of resources for writers of all ages, from children to adults. I’ll start by recommending a creative writing book by one of my favorite authors, Gail Carson Levine. I’ve loved her books since middle school, when I read Ella Enchanted, an original fairy tale about a girl who is cursed with the gift
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Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.

Star Wars YA Fiction

I am something of a latecomer to the Star Wars universe. In fact, a couple of years ago I assembled a Halloween costume from a Stormtrooper helmet and a lightsaber, blissfully unaware of my error. But recently my preschooler has begun reading Star Wars graphic novels, helping me become more familiar with the setting and characters. For example, he now refers to his baby sister as “a Sand People from Tatooine”—that’s a good thing, right? He adores Kylo Ren and celebrates the accomplishments of “Separatist Leader General Grievous.” Actually, I’m afraid my child might be turning to the Dark Side.
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Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

Arab-American Heritage Month

For this month’s column highlighting titles by Arab-American authors, I leaped at the chance to open a book from my to-read list: Darius the Great is Not Okay, by Adib Khorram. When Darius’ grandfather is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, his parents take Darius and his little sister on their first trip to Iran. Even the pronunciation of Darius’ name is different in Iran, but the change frees him to try new experiences, discovering a talent for soccer and making new friends. The book addresses a range of issues in Darius’ life: the medication he takes to treat his
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Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

DIY Masks and FAQ

Over the past few weeks, recommendations on the use of fabric masks have evolved rapidly. At first, there was skepticism that homemade alternatives were effective. However, since the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that everyone should wear a fabric face cover in public, I’ve seen an explosion of mask-making information online. With Governor Cuomo's new decree requiring everyone to cover their mouths and nose in public, we will likely see even more. Sorting through the sheer number of patterns, and the contradicting information about the effectiveness of various filter materials, has been overwhelming and even
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Categories: COVID-19, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.

Autism Acceptance Month

While browsing available ebooks on the Libby app, I was pleased to find a Big Library Read selection that complements Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. The current selection is a memoir: Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic, by comedian Michael McCreary. I enjoyed reading about McCreary’s experiences, beginning with his diagnosis at age five and continuing along his path to success as a stand-up comedian. McCreary shares hilarious anecdotes of relatable social awkwardness and moments of self-discovery. He also has a knack for explaining autism—at least, his experience of it—in an approachable way. As McCreary says, not every 22-year-old might feel
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Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

Lynda.com for Teens

By Kathlyn Carroll, Edge Librarian. As we enter week three (has it only been three weeks?) of quarantine, you may find yourself with some extra time on your hands. Now’s the time to get the hang of that new skill you’ve always wanted to learn, or spend some serious time on a project you’ve been hoping to finish. I’ve selected some beginner-friendly videos on a range of topics from Lynda.com. If you don’t see your specific interest here, feel free to browse the list of subjects. Once you login here, you can search for the courses listed below. Photography Photography
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Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

Lynda.com Writing Resources

By Kathlyn Carroll, Edge Librarian. Like many others suddenly working from home, I’ve been focusing on professional development opportunities that would otherwise go on the back burner. While browsing a Library database, Lynda.com, I came across a surprising variety of writing tutorial videos that would also help teen writers. Whether you’re struggling through ELA essays assigned virtually by your teachers, or using the extra time to tackle a personal creative writing project, one of these videos may guide you on your quest. Once you login at the link above, you can search for the learning paths and videos below. ELA
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Categories: eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

Battle of the Books Inspired Reading List

As part of the book selection committee for Westchester’s Battle of the Books trivia competition, I spent January and February reading and considering books for the 2020 reading list. Librarians across Westchester nominated titles for the teen division and I tried to read as many as possible. While this year’s reading list hasn’t yet been finalized, I had so much fun with the nominated titles that I wanted to share a few of my favorites. These are all available in eBook format through Westchester Library System. Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan Libby: eBook only A very light summer romance
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Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

Dive Into Diversity: Black History for Teens

White Plains is a wonderfully diverse community! Parents, children and teens have expressed an interest in titles that reflect the diversity in the community, and Ashley, Kathlyn, and Raquel's “Dive Into Diversity” column will spotlight noteworthy children's and teen titles that are inclusive, diverse and multicultural to fulfill that interest. Kathlyn‘s portion is aimed at readers in grades 7-12. Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America, edited by Ibi Zoboi Grades 9 and up “No collection could represent the entire spectrum of blackness, however, the presence of trans, Afro-Latinx, and physically disabled characters is missed: a clarion
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Categories: Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

Doing Good in the Edge: Project Linus

Kathlyn's “Doing Good in the Edge” column highlights projects from the Do Gooders teen community service group agencies and organizations in the community Doing Good. The Allstate Foundation supports the Do Gooders in their work. Sewing handmade blankets for Project Linus has been one of the Edge’s longest-running service projects, even before the Do Gooders community service group formed. Project Linus is a nationwide, volunteer-led organization that collects handmade blankets and distributes them to children in hospitals and shelters. Adele Shapiro, Chapter Coordinator for Project Linus in Westchester, says the handmade blankets bring warmth, love, and security to children in
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Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Evergreen, Library News, and Teens.

The Edge Launches New Community Service Group for Teens

On Monday, September 18, the Edge, the White Plains Public Library’s teen library, will hold its first Volunteer Interest Meeting for the “Do Gooders,” a new community service group for teens. “Do Gooders” follows the announcement that The Allstate Foundation awarded the White Plains Public Library a $25,000 grant for teen programs through “Good Starts in the Edge.” With the launch of “Do Gooders,” teens can earn volunteer hours for school or clubs, or just work to make a difference in their community. The library will provide resources and assist the teens in planning their own projects, such as learning
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Categories: Events and Teens.

Battle of the Books in the Edge

All tweens and teens entering grades 6-10 in September 2016 are invited to join The Edge team for the Battle of the Books competition! Teams from libraries throughout Westchester will compete by answering trivia questions based on five different books. Participants will read the pre-selected books over the summer, attend team meetings in the fall, and compete (as a team) in the Westchester Library System Battle of the Books tournament. The tournament takes place on Saturday, October 15, at Ossining High School. Team practice will be held on Wednesday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. in the Edge Media Lab, beginning on August
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Categories: Authors & Books, Events, and Teens.

Resume Workshop for Teens

Prepare yourself for the summer job hunt with this workshop taught by Pace University career counselor Susan Eisman on Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. You'll learn how to present yourself during the job search, starting with creating a resume that showcases your experience. You'll also hear valuable advice for a successful job interview and learn about networking.  This workshop is open to teens in grades 7-12; space is limited so registration is recommended. This event is supported by The Allstate Foundation. 
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Categories: Classes and Teens.

Introduction to Babysitting Class

Saturday, May 7, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Looking to earn some spending money babysitting this summer? Sign up for this four-hour class taught by instructor Amanda Tucker, a kindergarten teacher with degrees in early childhood education. You'll learn interviewing tips, communication skills, ages and stages of young babies and toddlers, safety and first aid tips, and how to feed and care for children. At the end of the class, there will be a simple test and certificates will be distributed.  This event is open to teens in grades 6-12; registration is required. Light snacks will be provided. Bring paper and pencil, and a
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Categories: Classes and Teens.

WLA/WLS Mock Book Awards

WLA/WLS Mock Book Awards Thursday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. Start the new year with a conversation about some of the best children’s and young adult books of 2015. The Westchester Library Association and the Westchester Library System are hosting a discussion of potentially award-winning books published in the last year. This is a great opportunity to meet other readers and deepen your knowledge of Youth Literature. Breakout groups will consider mock nominees for the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz awards. Adult community members interested in children’s and young adult literature, librarians, teachers, and publishers are invited to attend. However, this
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Categories: Authors & Books.

How to Find the Right Colleges for You

If you're a high school student thinking about applying to college, you have a lot of schools to consider. We're hosting a workshop to help you navigate this process. On Monday, October 19 at 7 p.m., join us in the Edge Media Lab. You'll learn how to evaluate potential schools to determine which one is the best fit for YOU, and you'll even get some tips on how to have a successful college visit. This event is open to high school students and their parents. Light refreshments will be served. This workshop is presented by Katie Sprague of Collegewise.
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Categories: Events and Teens.

TV Production Workshop Screening

This year is the second Summer TV Production Camp, a collaboration between the Library and public schools. Teens will be producing their own TV news segments focusing on local issues. There will be screenings of the videos on the last day of each session in The Edge at noon on Thursday, July 16th and Thursday, August 20th.
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Categories: Events, Technology, and Teens.

Sewing on The Edge for Teens

Interested in learning to sew…and making your own beach bag and pencil case to take home? Join Sewing on The Edge with sewing instructor Kate Perri. You will learn the basics of sewing, discover how to use a sewing machine, and become familiar with the University of Fashion web resource. Teens in grades 7-12 are welcome; no sewing experience is required. This class takes place in three sessions: Tuesday 7/28, Tuesday 8/4, and Tuesday 8/11, from 3:00-5:00 pm. Students must register for the first class through the Library's online calendar, and must attend all three sessions. This event is supported
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Categories: Classes and Teens.

Battle of the Books in The Edge

  All tweens and teens entering grades 6-9 in September 2015 are invited to join the Edge team for the Battle of the Books competition! Teams from libraries throughout Westchester will compete by answering trivia questions based on five different books. Participants will read the pre-selected books over the summer, attend team meetings, and compete (as a team) in the Westchester Library System Battle of the Books tournament. The tournament takes place on October 17, 2015, at Ossining High School. The first meeting takes place on June 23 at 4 p.m. in The Edge Media Lab. We will be discussing
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Categories: Authors & Books and Teens.

Flashy Edgy Smart You

Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to learn how to apply makeup that is appropriate for job interviews and internships. Jill K. of JKFlashy will lead a discussion of makeup techniques for a professional look. During the last hour of the workshop, teens will have the opportunity to practice their new skills. Teens can bring their own makeup to get specific recommendations for using their own products, but this is optional; makeup will be provided for practice. Registration is recommended. Light refreshments will be served. This program is supported by a grant from The Allstate Foundation.
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Categories: Classes and Homepage.