Royal Oak Public Library Teen Blog

Halloween Happening!

2011-10-24T09:45:00.002-04:00

Teens: Thursday, October 27
ROPL 6:30 - 7:30
Wear your costume!
Vote for the Best Costume!
Karaoke! Snacks!
Fun! Fun! Fun!

Tonight: Chocolate!

2011-10-13T13:29:00.003-04:00

Youth Activity Room
6:30 - 7:30
call 248.246.3725
or
register on line here

Teen Volunteer Opportunity Tonight 10/6

2011-10-06T12:47:00.003-04:00

Who: Teens ages 11 - 18
What: Volunteer: help prepare crafts for programs
Where: Check-in at office, lower level
When: 6:30 - 7:30 October 6
Why: Because it's fun!

Time Capsule 2011: Make History Happen

2011-08-25T11:11:00.006-04:00

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15
7:00 - 8:00

This is the last opportunity
to contribute ideas and artifacts
to the Royal Oak Time Capsule!
Use this time to create your art for the Art Contest!

Thursday August 11 - Time Capsule Meeting

2011-08-09T14:25:00.004-04:00

Time Capsule Meeting @ 7:00 pm in the Youth Activity Room
Be part of the future: contribute your ideas to the Royal Oak Time Capsule!

2011-08-04T12:29:00.006-04:00

Teen Summer Reading Finale: Stuck in the 80s
Thursday, Aug 04
7:00 PM - 08:30 PM / Friends Auditorium

Ice Cream Sundaes, Karaoke, Games, Crafts, Prizes!

Teen Crafts Tonight! Air-Dry Clay

2011-07-27T12:08:00.005-04:00

Use air-dry clay to create pinch-pots,
animals, embossed boxes and more!

In the Auditorium from 7:00 - 8:30.

Teens: Cosplay tonight! 7:00 - 8:30

2011-07-21T12:13:00.007-04:00

Do you love everything Manga and Anime? Tonight you'll learn the how-to's of making costumes, props, accessories and more. Learn about Cosplay conventions and culture, and how to make it work on a budget. Make a plushie! Come in costume!

Snacks, music and videos. Presented by Leanne Check.

Teen Video Games Tonight!

2011-07-20T16:01:00.005-04:00

Wednesday July 20

7:00 - 8:30

Youth Activity Room

You Are Here: A Map of Your Life -- Tonight!

2011-07-14T12:05:00.006-04:00

Explore some ways that people have created personal maps of their lives, their towns, and their worlds. Then create your own! A variety of mediums including collage, paint, and drawing will be available. Feel free to bring personal memorabilia like photos, ticket stubs, etc. to include in your map. Presented by Susan Sheiner, photographer and collage artist.

Tie-Dye Wednesday night 7:00 pm

2011-07-12T21:01:00.002-04:00

TEENS:
bring a t-shirt to tie-dye
tomorrow July 13 7:00 pm.

We'll be outside on the lawn.

Magical Molas Thursday

2011-06-29T20:44:00.002-04:00

Teen Program
Thursday June 30
7-8:30 pm

Molas: textile art of the Kuna Indians

Ours is a no-sew version with felt & glue.

Royal Oak Time Capsule-Teen Program

2011-06-22T12:38:00.003-04:00

Thursday, June 23, 7-8:00 pm

Be a part of the Time Capsule Team! What represents Royal Oak of 2011? Plans are being made to bury a time capsule in the library lawn and you can make decisions about what to include in it and help gather those things. Come and find out more about it. Pizza provided.

Just In...

2011-06-22T12:15:00.002-04:00

August Issue of MAD Magazine

Inside: Our Moronic Green Lantern Spoof

Sewing His Wild Oath Department:

"Green Lunkhead" pg. 12

Joke and Dagger Department:

Spy vs. Spy pg. 30

It Was App To Happen Department:

Angry Birds-Special Nave Seals Edition (A Mad Parody) pg. 39

Just In: July GameInformer

2011-06-16T09:14:00.002-04:00

GameInformer

In this issue:

Cover Story

Darksiders II - pg. 36

Disaster Report: PSN's Problems Could Be Just the Beginning - pg. 12

Previews: BioSchock Infinite - pg. 56

Reviews: L.A. Noire - pg. 82

Just in: July J-14

2011-06-09T14:05:00.003-04:00

In this issue:

Cover Story

Shocking Summer of Love

16-Justin's First Heartbreak

20-Is Miley Using Liam?

38-Miranda's Painful Struggle

42-Selena: Too Much Pressure from Dating Justin?

June/July Magazines

2011-06-01T16:58:00.001-04:00

SEVENTEEN

TEEN VOGUE

SKATEBOARDING

TEEN INK

Just in: June Magazines

2011-05-23T11:52:00.011-04:00

gameinformer

ASSASSIN'S CREED REVELATIONS

Destinies Converge In Ezio's Final Chapter

May Cicada

2011-05-10T20:26:00.001-04:00

this just in:

May CICADA magazine

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

2011-05-05T13:56:00.003-04:00

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY SATURDAY MAY 7!

Participating Stores:

COMICS & MORE. 28059 John R. Rd. Madison Hts. MI (248)399-3213

DETROIT COMICS.23333 Woodward. Ferndale, MI (248)548-2669

TIME TRAVELERS 3277 West 12 Mile Rd. Berkley, MI (248)548-7213

WARP 9. 21 West 14 Mile Rd. Clawson, MI (248)288-5699

TJ'S CARDS & COMICS. 28679 Ryan. Warren, MI (586)558-7757

COMIX CORNER. 32032 Utica Rd. Warren, MI (586)296-2758

2011-05-04T15:01:00.007-04:00

Just in May 4 -- May & June Magazines:

J-14
Shonen Jump
Transworld SKATEboarding

Just In: May Magazines

2011-04-27T15:53:00.002-04:00

SEVENTEEN

TEEN VOGUE

GAME INFORMER

2011-04-13T17:53:00.000-04:00

TEENS: Want to Work with Animals? Bowers School Farm will be here Thursday April 14 @ 6:30 to demonstrate preventative care of farm animals. Hands-on activities include immunizations (on oranges!).

“Saturday Morning” Cartoons, Games & Toys

2011-03-24T12:37:00.005-04:00

Be a kid again and come hang out to watch your favorite cartoons,

and play favorite games and toys.

Put your responsibilities on “pause” for one hour.

Tonight's snack is sugary cereal!

Tonight! Thursday March 24.

Youth Activities Room. 6:30-7:30 pm.

TAB Meeting 3/24

2011-03-23T13:33:00.002-04:00

Teen TAB meeting

Thursday 3/24 6:00 pm

Let's make SILLY PUTTY

2011-03-14T10:20:00.003-04:00

Find out what it takes to be a rock star!
The Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music
will be at the Royal Oak Public Library
this Thursday, March 17 @ 6:30. BE THERE!

Chinese New Year

2011-01-28T13:18:00.003-05:00

2011 is the Year of the Rabbit.

Celebrate with traditional crafts, activities & snacks.

Thursday February 3. 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

2011-01-13T12:40:00.006-05:00

What: Latin Dance Aerobics
with Melanie from the YMCA.

When: Tonight, Thursday January 13
from 6:30 - 7:30.

Where: The Royal Oak Public Library,
in the Youth Activity Room.

Frushi & Origami

2011-01-05T15:12:00.005-05:00

Teens: come celebrate Japan through culinary delights & paper crafts! We'll be making Frushi with sweetened sticky rice & fruit,
and exploring the craft of Origami.

The program runs from 6:30 to 7:30 or 8.
Thursday, January 6 in the Youth Activities Room.
Registration requested. All materials are provided.
Bring a friend!

All Harry - All the Time

2010-11-10T18:59:00.003-05:00

Harry Potter Program @ ropl!
Thursday November 11!
6:30-7:30 or 8
Wear a costume--win a prize!

Kickboxing October 7. 6:30 - 7:30.

2010-10-04T09:41:00.001-04:00

TAB Meeting & Pet Crafts Thursday 9/23

2010-09-22T18:41:00.002-04:00

TAB Meeting: 6:00 - 6:30 Youth Activities Room

Pet Projects: 6:30 - 7:30 Youth Activities Room
Bring a friend!!

Teen Program Thursday September 16

2010-09-08T16:11:00.002-04:00

Stamped Folk Art Box

These unique miniature boxes look like authentic, hand-carved Aztec treasures. Air-dry clay, rubber stamps and gold paint make the process simple! 6:30-7:30.

Teen Summer Reading Finale!

2010-08-04T10:14:00.007-04:00

Tomorrow!
Thursday, August 5, 7:00-8:30.
Water games, closet-clean-out crafts (make things with our leftover craft supplies) along with ice cream sundaes and the grand prize drawing!

Water Art tomorrow night 7/22

2010-07-21T17:04:00.002-04:00

Create watercolor paintings informed by your memories and impressions of bodies of water. The poetry of Pablo Neruda will inspire us as we explore the many "moods" of lakes, rivers and seas.
Traditional and nontraditional art materials and tools will be used. Presented by Mary McGeehan. Limit 30.

Alice in Wonderland - tonight! July 14 @ 6:30 pm

2010-07-14T16:24:00.005-04:00

19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror. Directed by Tim Burton. 2010.

Teen Summer Reading Program

2010-05-20T13:28:00.003-04:00

Teen Summer Reading begins

Saturday June 12 with walk-in

registration. On-line registration

begins Monday June 14.

We need teen volunteers for

SR Opening Day 6/12 and more!

Contact Amy @ amy@ropl.org

or phone 248-246-3725.

Magnetic Poetry: Thursday April 15th

2010-04-13T16:19:00.010-04:00

Thursday April 15. 6:30 pm. YAR.
Celebrate Poetry Month with your own creations!
Make your own set of Magnetic poetry;
Create Spine Poetry;
Write your own Six-Word Memoir.
All participants receive a personal journal & pen.

Henna Tattoo (Mehendi)

2010-03-08T11:18:00.007-05:00

Thursday, March 18. 6:30-8:00.

SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP IS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM!

Don't forget to bring it with you!

Download the permission slip, & bring it with you the night of the program. It must be signed by a parent or guardian!

Download the permission slip.

Valentine-Shmalentine

2010-02-05T07:03:00.002-05:00

Come write on our Valentine Graffiti Wall, make some Valentine Cards, tissue-paper flowers: we'll have games, snacks and more...

Thursday, February 11 from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Youth Activities Room.

Volunteer Opportunity Tomorrow

2010-02-03T10:28:00.007-05:00

There is still time to sign up to help
with the Library Book Sale on
Thursday, February 4th from 5-8 pm.

Contact Youth Services @ 248-246-3725.
Volunteer applications are available here

2010-01-26T11:24:00.001-05:00

teen video games.
this Thursday.
January 28th.
6:30 - 7:30.
be there or be square.
bring your friends.

Fencing Demonstration Thursday, January 21. 6:30pm

2010-01-16T09:47:00.003-05:00

In anticipation of the premier of Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, the

Renaissance Fencing Club will be @ the ROPL to demonstrate fencing skills & techniques.

Join us in the Youth Activity Room, lower level @ 6:30, Thursday 1.21.

Don't miss this exciting program!

Keychain Kritters: Thursday, January 14, 6:30-7:30 pm

2010-01-13T09:40:00.008-05:00

Make a Keychain Kritter. With a nod to the Ugly Doll™, create your own plush creature key fob. Be as weird or whimsical as you want. You can sew or glue. All materials provided.

Memory Box Craft

2009-12-30T15:48:00.005-05:00

Begin the new year by making a memory box to store your treasured keepsakes. Bring photos and/or special trinkets to personalize your box. Materials provided.

Thursday January 7, 6:30-7:30

2009-12-09T14:47:00.013-05:00

CHECK IT OUT!
New Teen Magazines just in:

Game Informer: December
J-14: January
Teen Inc.: January
Wizard: January

Tie Dye Thursday night--November 19 @ 6:30

2009-11-16T09:38:00.002-05:00

Bring a plain T-shirt or socks to transform into a multi-colored masterpiece of tie dye. Please be on time because the item being dyed has to be pre-soaked and then rubber-banded before the coloring can begin. Registration is required @ ropl.org or phone: 248-246-3725, or in person.

2009-11-10T14:36:00.007-05:00

Teen Video Games

Thursday November 12th

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

in the

Youth Activity Room

enjoy snacks & video games

with other teens!

Duct Tape Creations for Teens -- Tonight @ 6:30pm

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Join us tonight from 6:30-7:30pm to experiment with various duct tape crafts. Try your hand at creating one of several useful items such as a wallet or a purse, a CD holder, roses, or anything else you think up! Duct tape and snacks are provided. Registration is requested.

Teen Halloween Party TONIGHT @ 6:30pm!

2009-10-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

Join us for some ghoulish games, freaky fun, and frightening food! Activities include pumpkin painting, donuts on a string contest, festive Mad Libs, and more. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and best decorated pumpkin. Please register so we have enough pumpkins!

Teen Movie Night: Coraline in 3-D

2009-10-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Watch the movie Coraline in 3-D and spot the Detroit connection in the movie.
Register here.

Jewelry Making for Teens

2009-10-12T10:30:00.003-04:00

Jewelry Making for Teens.

Make artwork you can wear! Create necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and more!

We provide the supplies, you provide the creativity.

Thursday, October 15, 6:30 pm.

Teen Video Games, TONIGHT @ 6:30pm

2009-10-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight from 6:30-7:30pm, come and play video games and hang out with friends and meet new ones. You can register here.

Anime and Frushi Tonight @ 6:30 pm

2009-10-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

Watch some anime and create (and eat) some frushi. Never heard of frushi? It is sushi made from fruit. Registration is requested here.

Locker Magnets Tonight @ 6:30 PM

2009-09-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

Make your own locker magnets to decorate your school locker. We will have supplies, but bring any small personal pictures you might want to include in your locker magnet. Also, join us for a Teen Advisory Board meeting before the event at 6:00. Give us your input. Decide which books, movies & magazines the library should own, and help create programs for teens. The decision-making is all yours!

Alice in Wonderland

2009-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland comes out in March 2010. Have you seen the movie trailer yet? What do you think?

Tell Me Who - Featured Title

2009-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tell Me Who by Jessica Wollman - Molly's father is getting married to a terrible woman (nicknamed "the Claw"), and Molly feels helpless in trying to change it. "The Claw" is on a tear to change everything, and even takes over the basement at their house to store her collection of antiques. Molly isn't allowed down in the basement, but one afternoon she and her best friend, Vanna, venture down there to see what all the junk is. Life takes an exciting turn when Molly and her friend discover the Who-Meter, an old game that will predict the name of the person you are going to marry.

Before she knows it, everyone in Molly's class is lined up outside of her house to use the Who-Meter. But is knowing the future a good idea? Molly's left to decide whether this instant form of popularity is worth the potential problems that come with knowing one's future. Recommended for grades 4 and up.

Vote for your favorite book @ Teens' Top Ten!

2009-08-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Voting for the TEENS’ TOP TEN sponsored by the American Library Association is now open! Vote for your three favorite books out of an awesome list of 2009 nominees picked by teens from all across the country. This is your chance to help shape a 2009 booklist that will be used by teens, YA librarians, and others for years. There are some amazing choices to sort through. So, get over to ALA’s website and start voting while you still can – polls are open until September 18th.

Help save the future of Michigan libraries!

2009-08-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Every day more and more people walk into their public library to search for a job online, write a resume or file for unemployment. This is not only a reflection of our hard economic times but also an indication of Michigan moving forward. We are no longer a state that can rely on the manufacturing industry to support our residents, we are moving toward a knowledge-based economy and with that comes the necessity for access to technology for everyone.

Recently, MI Governer Jennifer Granholm has proposed a $10 million budget cut to the state libraries, and the entire elimination of the state library department. Library funding is currently less than half of what is required by law, any further cuts will be detrimental to the entire library system. Please contact your local representative to let them know that you oppose this detrimental cut!

Exclusive Look: 'New Moon' Trailer

2009-08-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't seen it yet, the trailer for 'New Moon' is out! The movie will be released to theaters on November 20th.

What do you think?

Teen Summer Reading Finale: TONIGHT @ 7pm

2009-08-06T09:00:00.001-04:00

Video games and closet-clean-out crafts (make things with our leftover craft supplies) along with ice cream sundaes and the grand prize drawing! You can register here.

Tech Time: TONIGHT @ 7pm

2009-08-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

Come and see a variety of techie treats brought to you by Best Buy's Geek Squad. Try some things out, ask questions, or just come and see what technological wonders are available. Event runs from 7-8:30pm, and you can register here.

Teen Volunteer Opportunity: Summer Readers' Fair

2009-07-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for volunteer hours? Do you enjoy working with children? Then help with the Summer Readers' Fair from 10:30-12:30pm on the Library lawn. Volunteer registration is required. Contact Mary Karshner or call her at 248-246-3725.

Teen Movie Night: Hancock @ 7pm

2009-07-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

Will Smith is a superhero gone astray. Sarcastic and misunderstood, Hancock seems to do more harm than good when he comes to the rescue. Enjoy the laughs and adventure. 92 minutes. You can register here.

Altered Books: TONIGHT @ 7pm

2009-07-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

Tonight from 7-8pm, try your hand at creating an altered book -- recycle your books by creating a new one! Change a book using collage, cuts, tears, glues, paints, rubber stamps, and ribbons. Alter its form and alter its meaning. Books and materials provided. You can register here.

TONIGHT @ 6:30pm: TAB mtg & Teen Video Games

2009-07-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight at 6:30pm, come to the TAB meeting and be part of the Library's Teen Team: Voice an opinion about teen programs, books, magazines, DVDs, etc. at the Library. Help with the TAB Newsletter and teen blog. Come and see what TAB is all about.

Then from 7-8:30pm, come and play video games and hang out with friends and meet new ones. You can register here.

Teenage Rockstar Workshop, TONIGHT @7pm

2009-07-16T09:00:00.002-04:00

Do you want to learn to remix songs or record music? Are you in a band? Do you need to record a demo? Local recording artist and producer, Mr. Seley, will visit the library from 7-8:30pm to teach us how to write, record, and mix our own songs. You can register here.

Teen Movie Night: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist @ 7pm

2009-07-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight from 7-8:30pm, we will be showing the movie Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. When bass player Nick's ex-girlfriend shows up at his gig with her new man, he quickly asks Norah to pose as his girlfriend to save face. This leads to a sleepless night of adventure in the indie rock world of New York City. 90 minutes.You can register here.

Monetary Expression for Teens: Tonight @7pm

2009-07-09T09:00:00.002-04:00

Amongst the design features of paper money are various security features. Can you spot them? Can you create them? Can you recognize counterfeit bills? What security features do you need to protect yourself from identity theft? Tonight from 7-8pm, Janice Quigg of OUR Credit Union will lead the monetary activities and hand out some prizes! You can register here.

Girls -- Consider a Career in Engineering!

2009-07-03T09:00:00.002-04:00

Have you considered a career in engineering? Jobs in this market are often highly paid, secure, and great for individuals who love math or science. If you're wondering what a typical day is like for an engineer, try checking of the gallery of women engineers or the Engineering FAQ.

You can also find out which classes to take in high school in order to prepare yourself for a career in engineering, or enter an essay contest for a chance to win up to $500!

Water Rockets, TONIGHT @ 7pm

2009-07-02T09:00:00.002-04:00

Join us tonight from 7-9pm as you create your own water-powered rocket and launch it on the library lawn. Bring a two liter plastic pop bottle and your creativity. Marc Center and his able assistants will be our launch experts. This is a two hour program, and you can register here.

Teen Movie Night: Inkheart @ 7pm

2009-07-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

Join us tonight from 7-8:30pm for the showing of Inkheart. Meggie's father, Mo, has the power to bring characters from books to life just by reading those books aloud. When he sets free some nasty characters, it is up to Meggie to set things right. 106 minutes. You can register here.

10 Outdoor Activities for Teens

2009-06-30T09:00:00.003-04:00

Looking for something to do now that school is out? Try doing a few outdoor activities.

Ride a Bicycle.
Go Rollerblading.
Play Soccer
Play Basketball
Play Football.
Ride a Skateboard.
Go Jogging.
Go for a Hike.
Go Swimming.
Climb Trees.

I Am the Messenger - Featured Title

2009-06-29T09:00:00.004-04:00

I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak - Between a boring job as a cab driver, a disjointed family, and a sorry group of friends, ninteen-year-old Ed Kennedy has little in his life to look forward to. After stopping a bank robbery, Ed begins to receive playing cards with puzzling messages in his mailbox. Most of the messages tell Ed to be at a certain address at a certain time. Following these instructions, Ed has filled an empty church, created a loving bond between two brothers, stopped a husband from abusing his wife, and created confidence in a young girl who enjoys running.

Strangers were easier to help, but the the biggest challenge occurs when Ed realizes he must enact change in his friends as well. The mysteries in Zusak's novel are appropriately dark and meaningful, keeping readers engrossed and waiting for the next playing card to arrive in Ed's mailbox. This book was great and has encouraged me to read Zusak's other books, including the well-received Book Thief. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

2009 Michigan Thumbs Up! Award Announced

2009-06-26T09:00:00.003-04:00

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce that Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins and published by Scholastic Press, is the winner of the 2009 Thumbs Up! Award.

In Hunger Games, Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

TAB Meeting @ 6:30, then 'Expressive Creatures' with Dan Briere

2009-06-25T09:00:00.003-04:00

Tonight at 6:30pm, we will be having our Teen Advisory Board meeting. Be part of the Library's Teen Team: Voice an opinion about teen programs, books, magazines, DVDs, etc. at the Library. Help with the TAB Newsletter and teen blog. Come and see what TAB is all about. No registration necessary.

Then from 7-8pm Dan Briere of the Little Creatures Company brings some of his animal friends for you to see and touch. Dan provides the inside story on how these creatures express themselves and you decide if owning an exotic pet might be a way to express yourself! You can register here.

Teen Video Games, TONIGHT@ 7pm

2009-06-24T09:00:00.004-04:00

Come and play video games and hang out with friends and meet new ones, tonight from 7-8:30pm. You can register here.

Read & Vote for Your Favorite Teen Books!

2009-06-22T09:00:00.004-04:00

Teens' Top Ten nominations are now available online at the Teens' Top Ten website. Read as many of the 25 nominees as you'd like before August 24. This year you'll be able to vote online for the Teens' Top Ten anytime between Aug. 24 and Sept. 18 at www.ala.org/teenstopten.

You can view the nominated titles for the 2009 Teens' Top Ten here.

Living Dead Girl - Featured Title

2009-06-19T09:00:00.004-04:00

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott - This book is a terrifying tale of a 15-year-old girl, Alice, who is kidnapped by Ray, a man who changes her name, threatens her, and physically and sexually abuses her for the past five years. Alice was not the first girl that Ray has kidnapped, though the first girl was murdered by Ray once she outgrew her child-like body. Alice can tell that Ray is growing tired of her, and she worries that he will kill her once he does. In an effort to save herself, Alice agrees to steal another little girl for him in hopes that he will let her go once she does.

The harrowing details are not for the light of heart; this story is raw and full of emotion. Though the reading material is best suited for mature readers, anyone who reads this book will find the character's to be authentic and hard to forget. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Dr. Seuss' Oh the Places You'll Go: College Scholarship Program:

2009-06-16T09:00:00.002-04:00

Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! College Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who understand and value the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a scholarship award. In order to qualify for the scholarship, entrants must be 12th grade high school students graduating spring 2010, age 21 years or under. You can read the full rules here.

Here's the essay question: Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! delivers an important message about the chances and the troubles that life presents. Thinking about the book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, what kinds of opportunities and challenges do you think your education will present in the future?

Entries must be postmarked by Februrary 15, 2010, and the winner receives a $5,000 scholarship -- good luck!

Shift - Featured Title

2009-06-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury - During the summer before college, Chris and Win make plans to go on a cross-country biking trip. Starting from their hometown in West Virginia, the boys make it all the way to the west coast and are only a few days from Seattle, their final destination, when Win deserts Chris for no apparent reason. Rather than call his parents or Win's family, Chris angrily decides to complete the rest of the bike trip and catch a bus ride home on his own.

The story actually begins with Chris starting college in Georgia and being met by an FBI agent who demands to know what happened to Win. The chapters alternate between Chris's present situation with the FBI and telling the story of the bike trip over the summer.

This is a great quick read with an engaging plot and great details about bicycles and cities across America. Perfect for the summer or for a teenage boy who is reluctant to read for fun. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

Express Yourself @ Your Library

2009-06-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

While many of you might be counting down the days until school ends, at the library we have been counting down the days until our summer reading program begins! Today is the big kick-off at ROPL for children & teen summer reading program. From now until August 6th, teens can register their reading time and enter in our grand prize giveaway (a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble!). On Wednesday nights, join us for video games or teen movie nights. Thursday nights will have activities for teens such as exotic animals, water rockets, altered books, and even a rockstar workshop!

Free Park Passes to Michigan Readers!

2009-06-12T09:00:00.002-04:00

Park & Read allows library-card holders the ability to "check-out" a one-day pass into any Michigan state park or recreation area in lieu of the resident daily motor vehicle permit. This is a $6 savings and free access to the more than 500 events taking place in local parks this summer.

Plus, many parks will have a hammock available for the Park & Read participants to borrow while on-site for the day so they can fully enjoy a great book in Michigan's great outdoors. Passes are valid for seven days from check-out and can be used for one day at any one of Michigan's state parks. Hammocks are subject to availability. This program runs through September 25.

Ordinary Ghosts - Featured Title

2009-06-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

Ordinary Ghosts by Eireann Corrigan - 16-year-old Emil is a student at Caramoor Academy, a prestigious male boarding school. After his mother dies of cancer, his older brother mysteriously disappears and his father is too busy with work and business trips to seem to care. Feeling lost and a little forgotten, Emil decides to search his brother's room to find clues about where he could have gone. Emil doesn't find any clues, but he does find a secret key to Caramoor that he thought only existed in myths.

The key, which has access to every room in the school, typically is passed down to a senior student every year that will pull a noteworthy prank. Emil decides to use this key for after-hours access to explore the school and figure out a prank. Instead of discovering an idea for a prank, Emil runs into the art teacher's daughter, Jade, working in the art studio late at night. The two spend a great deal of time flirting and getting to know one another before a relationship begins between the two.

Teens will love this book because of the complex characters and spot-on use of language and scenes. Emil is an honest character that teens will be able to relate to regardless of whether the reader has faced his exact issues. Recommended for grades 9 & up.

Get Creative @ Saving for College!

2009-06-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

All across Michigan, libraries are helping children be creative at their library with programs and events. Get Creative @ Saving for College gives parents a chance to win $1,500 that can be used toward their child's college education.

Here's how it works:

Sign up your child for the Be Creative @ Your Library summer reading program.
Fill out an entry card and return it to your librarian for the grand prize drawing of $1,500 that can be used toward your child's college tuition.
If your child wins a grand prize, your library will also win $1,000.

Entries must be postmarked by August 21, 2009, and received by August 28, 2009. Visit misaves.com/library for official rules and prize details.

I Know It's Over - Featured Title

2009-06-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin - Nick had the perfect summer planned and expected to spend his carefree and fun-filled months with his friends. Plans changed, however, when he met a complicated and gorgeous girl named Sasha. Nick decides to forgo an uncomplicated 'friendly' relationship with Dani in order to be with Sasha. When summer turns in to fall and they return to school, Sasha decides to end things with Nick in order to concentrate on the 'important' things in life.

The two stop talking and seeing each other, until Sasha shows up on Nick's front porch one snowy winter afternoon. His world changes when Sasha tells Nick that she's pregnant. Teens will be drawn in to this story by the raw emotions that Nick shows as he tries to work through this unexpected situation. A must-read for teens and parents alike. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

The Postcard - Featured Title

2009-05-26T09:00:00.003-04:00

The Postcard by Tony Abbott - A trip to Florida during summer break sounds pretty great, right? Not to Jason. He's stuck helping his father clean out his deceased grandmother's house, who he's never even met. The weather is unbearably hot and the neighbors are weird, making the whole trip seem like a chore until Jason discovers a postcard.

After receiving a strange and anonymous phone call about the postcard, Jason decides to follow the clue listed on it in hopes of finding something more entertaining than packing boxes. Through various clues on other old postcards that Jason finds, he discovers a manuscript written by a man named Emerson Beale, detailing a wild adventure and an ill-fated romance with his grandmother. Could Emerson be Jason's unknown grandfather?

The adventures and discoveries that ensue from this mystery are entertaining, though sometimes a little far-fetched and contrived. Even so, tweens and teens will enjoy this story, especially as summer begins to arrive. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Sweethearts - Featured Title

2009-05-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr - Jennifer Harris grows up as a lonely girl who is bullied by her peers for being overweight. None of her classmates at her elementary school will even talk to her -- except for Cameron. They become best friends and share every moment together, until Cameron and his family suddenly disappear. Though her mother tries to convince Jennifer that they likely moved away, she knows that Cameron wouldn't leave without saying goodbye, leading Jennifer to believe that he is dead.

After losing Cameron, Jennifer Harris switches schools, gains a new stepdad (and a new last name), and becomes Jenna Vaughn, a pretty and popular girl without a care in the world. That is, until Cameron suddenly shows up at her school, years later.

Zarr eloquently switches between past and present tense, giving great background into the reasons Cameron suddenly disappeared. It would be easy to make a story about childhood sweethearts seem trite or fluffy, but the character depth included in this novel will have teens relating to the difficulty of Jenna/Jennifer faces when she isn't accepted by her peers for who she truly is. Recommended for grades 6 & up.

Creature of the Night - Featured Title

2009-05-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

Creature of the Night by Kate Thompson - Despite his mother's good intentions, 12-year-old Bobby can't help getting in trouble and running with a bad crowd. Bobby is soon stealing cars, drinking booze and getting noticed by the Dublin police. In a desperate attempt to save Bobby from ending up in juvenile custody, his mother moves the family to the Irish countryside.

But there's something not quite right with the house they move into. Bobby's little brother claims to see fairies and the last tenants mysteriously disappeared. Thompson's latest novel is sure to please teens that are looking for a creepy, hair-raising tale to read late into the night. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

My Mother the Cheerleader - Featured Title

2009-05-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow - School segregation has always been taken for granted by Louise and her mother, as well as the majority of the white residents living in the Ninth ward of New Orleans in the 1960's. And when it is ruled that schools should become integrated, Louise is pulled from school to protest and her mother becomes part of a vocal group, the Cheerleaders, which disagrees with integration and harrasses the school's first black student. Louise doesn't have much of an opinion either way until a visitor arrives at their boardinghouse, questioning their beliefs and way of thinking. Will Louise and her mother see the issue of integration in a new light once this Northern visitor shares his life with them?

This novel is thought-provoking and was hard for me to put down once I started reading. The issue of integration and racism during the 1960's is shown in an interesting and eye-opening way which will make the subject material appealing to teens. This title was nominated for the 2008 Michigan Thumbs Up! award. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

Teen Craft Night: Picture Frames TONIGHT, 6:30-7:30pm

2009-04-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

Join us as we make our own picture frames. Your creation is only limited by your imagination! We'll provide the picture frames, along with paint, buttons, bottlecaps, and other decorations to design your own frame! Registration is requested.

Teen Earth Day Event: TONIGHT, 6:30-7:30pm

2009-04-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

Please join us for some awesome Earth Day crafts and activities, tonight from 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is requested.

Michigan Thumbs-Up -- 2009 Nominees

2009-04-22T09:00:00.005-04:00

The time is now to vote for your favorite book for the 2009 Michigan Thumbs-Up award! Last year's winner was Evolution, Me, & Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande. The Thumbs Up! Award is given annually by the Teen Services Division to an author for an outstanding contribution to teen literature having both literary quality and teen appeal. Click here to view the MLA website for further information on the Thumbs Up! award.

To vote for this year's winner, check out the Thumbs Up! ballot and display at the Teen Dropspot in the Royal Oak Public Library. But hurry, voting only lasts until May 23!

The Spectacular Now - Featured Title

2009-04-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp - I read this book and thought, "Wow!" I found it very difficult to be able to synthesize what this book is about, so I'm posting the Booklist review of this book in hopes that the book's plot would become a little more clear to those interested in reading the book. This book was the runner-up for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature -- it was very well-written and Sutter, the main character, had an authentic teen voice. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

(Booklist Review): All the seniors in Sutter Keely’s high school are planning for the future, except for him. The Sutterman is the original party boy, with a perpetual 7-Up and whiskey in his hand and a story to entertain all who will listen. He is a ladies’ man, but he loses interest when the ladies demand that he pay attention to them, instead of himself, or make other unreasonable requests, such as remember dates or call when he promises. But it is Aimee, a social outsider, who gets under his skin and loves him in spite of his flaws. Tharp offers a poignant, funny book about a teen who sees his life as livable only when his senses are dulled by drink and only as fodder for the next joke or story. Lulled into believing he is happy in spite of his father’s abandonment and his mother’s emotional neglect, Sutter is an authentic character, and his unsteady sense of himself, as well as his relationships with his friends, will strike a chord with teen readers. --Frances Bradburn

Teen Video Games: Tonight @ 6:30

2009-04-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Come play video games, hang out with friends, and meet new ones. Try your hand at Rock Band, Super Smash Brothers, and more!

Teen Movie Night: Tonight @ 6:30pm, Twilight

2009-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight at 6:30 we will be showing the 'Twilight' movie. Please join us in the Youth Activity room in the lower level of the library. You can register here.

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) doesn't expect much when she moves to the small town of Forks, Washington, until she meets the mysterious and handsome Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson)-a boy who's hiding a dark secret: he's a vampire. As their worlds and hearts collide, Edward must battle the bloodlust raging inside him as well as a coterie of undead that would make Bella their prey. Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling sensation by Stephenie Meyer, Twilight adds a dangerous twist to the classic story of star-crossed lovers. Run time is 122 minutes.

Teen Video Games: Today @ 2:00

2009-04-07T09:00:00.002-04:00

Come play video games, hang out with friends, and meet new ones. Try your hand at Rock Band, Super Smash Brothers, and more!

April TAB Newsletter is now available!

2009-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

The April/May issue of the Teen Advisory Board newsletter is now printed and available at the Royal Oak Public Library! Make sure to grab your own copy when you stop by. You can also view a PDF version of our latest newsletter by checking out the Royal Oak Public Library website, and clicking on the "Teen" button on the green dropdown menu.

There will be no TAB newsletter printed in May, but we will resume in June once Summer Reading has started!

Teen Board Games: Tonight @ 6:30

2009-04-02T09:00:00.002-04:00

Show off your skills and have fun playing board games, such as Apples to Apples, Cranium, and more!

Families And Financial Well-Being For Teens, Tonight @ 6:30pm

2009-03-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

The current economy affects the whole family. Teens feel the pressure of tight family budgets and greater difficulty finding part-time work. Join Melanie Daugherty, a member of the Royal Oak Community Coalition and Bank Manager from National City Bank, in a session for teens and their parents to examine ways everyone can be a part of the solution. Registration is requested.