Posts by Kathlyn, Teen Librarian

Dive into Diversity: YA Graphic Novels

Dive into Diversity: YA Graphic Novels

In 2021, my Dive into Diversity posts about young adult books will focus on a different genre each month. I’ll highlight books with characters that represent a range of experiences and identities. I’ll also feature #ownvoices authors, or authors who share an aspect of their characters’ identity, as much as possible. In honor of Free Comic Book Day on May 1, this month’s column is all graphic novels. If you love graphic novels, stay tuned for more information about our upcoming summer graphic novel book club for grades 4-8. This month, I read a new Project LIT pick, Flamer by
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April 27, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Dive into Diversity, Free Comic Book Day, graphic novels, staff picks, staff recommendations, YA Fiction, and YA literature.

April and May Book Discussions for Kids and Teens

April and May Book Discussions for Kids and Teens

Calling all readers! Join our Youth Services librarians in reading and discussing some truly awesome books. Each month, we host two Project LIT book discussions: one for kids, and one for teens. Note: you must have a Zoom account to attend these programs; sign up for a free account here. Project LIT Book Club for Kids and Tweens In April, our Project LIT Kids Book Discussion group will be meeting on Wednesday, April 14th at 4:30 p.m. We will be reading The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez! Children in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to
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April 23, 2021 9:27 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: book club, book discussion, kids book club, Project Lit, and teen book club.

Grab & Go Craft Kits for Teens: Paper Beads

Grab & Go Craft Kits for Teens: Paper Beads

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab & Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick up a kit with project supplies at the Library, then follow along with the instructional video below to make the project. Or, you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. Kits are first come, first served, and will become available on Monday, April 19th. When you arrive at the Library to pick up a kit, just call 914-422-1490 and ask for the Grab & Go Craft Kit
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April 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: arts and crafts, Grab & Go kits, and teens.

Grab & Go Craft Kits: Earth Day

Grab & Go Craft Kits: Earth Day

As part of our Earth Day celebration, we’ve put together a special kit to help you grow a few seeds. Kits are first come, first served, and will become available on Monday, April 19th. When you arrive at the Library to pick up a kit, just call 914-422-1490 and ask for the Grab & Go Earth Day kit. The kits include newspaper, potting soil, and a few each of basil and purple coneflower seeds. You’ll need to provide scissors, tape, a shallow plastic container, and a cylinder (an empty toilet paper tube or small can will work.) Both plants are
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April 15, 2021 11:27 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books and Library News.
Tags: Earth Day, gardening, Grab & Go kits, Observances and Celebrations, and sustainability.

Earth Day

Earth Day

Celebrated each year on April 22, Earth Day is a time to think more mindfully about caring for our planet. Earth Day brings awareness to the environmental issues that can be hazardous to the planet as well as our livelihood and health. Learning about Earth Day and caring about our environment allows us to take small actions. Recycling, reusing shopping bags, composting, and carpooling are small ways that we can protect our planet and ourselves. By raising awareness we can begin to see the interconnectedness of all living things and work together within our own communities, and globally. To celebrate
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March 29, 2021 4:41 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: children's programs, Earth Day, Grab & Go kits, Observances and Celebrations, programs, staff picks, staff recommendations, and sustainability.

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, and the month of April has been deemed Autism Acceptance Month. Let’s Light it Up Blue and support acceptance and inclusion of people with autism! Unfortunately, despite its prevalence in today’s society, many people still don’t understand this spectrum disorder. So what is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? It is a range of conditions typically characterized by challenges with social skills and communication difficulties. It affects 1 in 54 children in the United States today. Since it is a spectrum, people with autism can range anywhere from needing significant support in everyday life to
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March 24, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Autism, Autism Acceptance Month, book recommendations, children's books, Observances and Celebrations, picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, and YA books.

Dive into Diversity: YA Books in Verse

Dive into Diversity: YA Books in Verse

In 2021, my Dive into Diversity posts about young adult books will focus on a different genre each month. I’ll highlight books with characters that represent a range of experiences and identities. I’ll also feature #ownvoices authors, or authors who share an aspect of their characters’ identity, as much as possible. This month, in preparation for Poetry Month, I’m highlighting novels (and one memoir) in verse. I love reading books written in this format. In addition to being quick reads, they’re often beautifully written and convey emotion in a unique way. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo Grades 10
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March 23, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Dive into Diversity, national poetry month, novels in verse, Observances and Celebrations, Poetry Month, staff picks, staff recommendations, teen books, and YA books.

International Transgender Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility

Each year, March 31st is celebrated as the International Transgender Day of Visibility. This is a day to honor the experiences and contributions of transgender and gender nonconforming people, and to recognize the discrimination they face. We’ve collected a bunch of children’s and YA books that reflect and celebrate a variety of transgender and gender nonconforming people. Find a collection of related titles on OverDrive here. The Human Rights Campaign Organization’s Welcoming Schools Project has a wealth of curriculum resources for teachers and parents. For further reading, I highly recommend their booklist: Great Diverse Children's Books with Transgender, Non-Binary and
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March 16, 2021 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's books, children's literature, International Transgender Day of Visibility, Observances and Celebrations, staff picks, staff recommendations, YA books, and YA Fiction.

Grab & Go Craft Kits for Teens: Blackout Poetry

Grab & Go Craft Kits for Teens: Blackout Poetry

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab & Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick up a kit with project supplies at the Library, then follow along with the instructional video below to make the project. Or, you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. Due to wintry weather and winds, Grab & Go Kits are now held inside the Library. Rather than having them sit outside to be picked up, when you arrive at the Library to pick up a kit,
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March 15, 2021 9:00 am | by | 1 Comment
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: arts and crafts, creative writing, Grab & Go kits, national poetry month, poetry, Poetry Month, and youth writing workshop.

Activist Academy: Disability Rights, Advocacy, and Education

Activist Academy: Disability Rights, Advocacy, and Education

Teens, looking for a community service opportunity? Join us for a lively presentation and Q&A with internationally acclaimed YouTuber Jessica Kellgren-Fozard on the topic of Disability rights, advocacy, and education! Jessica Kellgren-Fozard is a vintage icon and leading advocate for LGBTQ+ and disability rights. Her unique sense of personal style, coupled with her blend of creativity and intellect, has amassed her a legion of fans. Jessica’s unique and humorous take on life and forging on ‘when the going gets tough’ has seen her lauded by DIVA Magazine as a ‘Rising Star’ of the LGBTQ+ community, has won her awards including
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March 5, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: activism, community service, and teens.

Dive into Diversity: YA Romance

Dive into Diversity: YA Romance

In 2021, my Dive into Diversity posts about young adult books will focus on a different genre each month. I’ll highlight books with characters that represent a range of experiences and identities. I’ll also feature #ownvoices authors, or authors who share an aspect of their characters’ identity, as much as possible. Predictably, the February edition highlights books that feature romance as a central plot element. Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon Grades 9 and up OverDrive; Library Catalog I was excited to read David Yoon's next book after loving Frankly in Love when I read it in 2019, and
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February 23, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Dive into Diversity, romance, staff picks, staff recommendations, teen books, YA books, and YA Fiction.

March Book Clubs for Children and Teens

March Book Clubs for Children and Teens

Calling all readers! Join our Youth Services librarians in reading and discussing some truly awesome books. In March, we’re hosting two Project LIT book discussions: one for kids in grades 4-6, and one for teens in grades 7-12. Note: you must have a Zoom account to attend these programs; sign up for a free account here. Project LIT Book Club for Kids and Tweens In March, our virtual Project LIT Kids Book Discussion will be on Wednesday, March 10 at 4:30 p.m. Children in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join us for a discussion as well as
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February 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book club, book discussion, kids book club, Project Lit, and teen book club.

Grab & Go Craft Kits: Clay Valentines

Grab & Go Craft Kits: Clay Valentines

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab & Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick up a kit with project supplies at the Library, then follow along with the instructional video below to make the project. Or, you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. Due to wintry weather and winds, Grab & Go Kits are now held inside the Library. Rather than having them sit outside to be picked up, when you arrive at the Library to pick up a kit,
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February 16, 2021 11:46 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: arts and crafts, Grab & Go, Grab & Go kits, Observances and Celebrations, and Valentine's Day.

ALA Youth Media Awards

ALA Youth Media Awards

Each winter at the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting, ALA honors outstanding books and authors with a variety of awards for excellence. You’ve probably heard of the Newbery and the Caldecott, but did you know that there’s also an award for debut authors writing for teens? Or an award for a children’s book written in a foreign language and published in a foreign country, and later translated into English for publication in the US? Each January, we look forward to seeing which authors and books are honored in these ALA awards. It’s so exciting to see a favorite book
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January 27, 2021 2:12 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: ALA awards, ALA Youth Media Awards, awards, children's books, children's literature, staff picks, staff recommendations, YA books, and YA literature.

Dive into Diversity: YA Science Fiction

Dive into Diversity: YA Science Fiction

In 2021, my Dive into Diversity posts about young adult books will focus on a different genre each month. I’ll highlight books with characters that represent a range of experiences and identities. I’ll also feature #ownvoices authors, or authors who share an aspect of their characters’ identity, as much as possible. For January, we’ll start off with science fiction books, including adventures in outer space, humanoid robots, and questions about the multiverse. Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland Grades 9 and up OverDrive; Library Catalog I added this book to my To Read list
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January 26, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Dive into Diversity, science fiction, staff picks, staff recommendations, YA Fiction, and young adult books.

Announcing the 2021 Project LIT Book List

Announcing the 2021 Project LIT Book List

Since becoming a Project LIT chapter last summer, we’ve enjoyed reading and discussing Project LIT books with kids and teens. Last month, we were thrilled to see the announcements of new titles in the 2021 Project LIT book list. We’re excited to share the list with you!  You can find the new Project LIT book lists for Middle Grade and Young Adult, as well as the lists from previous years, on our Reading Lists page. Highlighted below are a couple titles from the new selections that are of particular interest to our librarians. Stay tuned for future book discussions and
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January 23, 2021 4:43 pm | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's books, Project Lit, Project Lit Chapter, Project Lit Community, and teen books.

Grab & Go Grades 7-12 Kit: Paper Chain Wall Hanging

Grab & Go Grades 7-12 Kit: Paper Chain Wall Hanging

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab ‘n Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick supplies up at the table outside the Library's main entrance, then follow along with the instructional video below to make the project. Or, you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. This month we're using making a brightly colored paper chain wall hanging. The kit includes a wooden dowel, string, and strips of paper in ombre sunset colors. You’ll need to provide tape (or a stapler, or
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January 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: arts and crafts, Grab & Go, Grab & Go kits, and teen kits.

February Project LIT Book Club for Teens

February Project LIT Book Club for Teens

Calling all middle and high school students for a monthly virtual book club for teens. Each month, join librarians Kat and Lauren to discuss a Project LIT book and compete against friends in a mini trivia game. On Friday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m., we’ll discuss Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess. A novel in verse, Solo is a quick read. At the beginning of the story, Blade’s trying to convince his girlfriend’s parents that he won’t follow in the footsteps of his rock star, drug addict father. When he discovers a family secret, he heads off to
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January 15, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book discussion, book group, book groups, Project Lit, and teen book club.

Sit Down and Write

Sit Down and Write

In November, librarians Caroline and Kat hosted a series of creative writing sessions for kids and teens. We enjoyed talking about National Novel Writing Month, fan fiction, and fairy tales. But the quiet time to write was everyone's favorite part of each session. So, we've decided to set aside some more time for creative writing with a new weekly program starting in January. On Thursdays at 4:00 p.m., we'll sit down “together” on Zoom and write for a half hour. While this program is intended for grades 4-8, teens who would like to attend are welcome to do so. See
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January 11, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: creative writing, trove events, virtual events, writing workshop, and youth writing workshop.

Grab & Go Grades 7-12: String Art Snowflakes

Grab & Go Grades 7-12: String Art Snowflakes

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab & Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick supplies up from the Library lobby, then follow along with the instructional video below to make the project. Or, you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. This month we're using string art to make a snowflake. The kit includes a cork square, white embroidery thread, pins, and a paper template. You’ll need to provide clear glue or clear nail polish, and you may also want to
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December 21, 2020 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: arts & crafts, crafts, crafts at home, Grab&Go Kits, The Edge, tutorials, and winter crafts.