Thank you Centerbrook Pizza!

Thanks to all the participants who turned out for our fabulous Breaking Dawn Party. We had a blast playing Twilight Scene It and talking about the series!

We wanted to send out a major THANK you to Centerbrook Pizza for providing our dinner! As you can see, we really enjoyed ourselves.

For those of you who are interested in our Midnight Sun Book Discussion, stay tuned! Our program release dates will be announced this week!

Breaking Dawn Party Tonight!

Stop and join us for our Breaking Dawn Discussion and Twilight Book Club Party! We've got a bunch of awesome raffle prizes and will be playing Twilight Scene it to test your trivia knowledge.

6pm in the Program Room @ the Essex Library! Any last minute questions, feel free to call 767-1560.

December Givaway Contest

What doesn't our YA Collection have that it should? Come on in or look through our online catalog. Know of an incredible book, movie or magazine that we're missing? Make a suggestion and add just a few sentences on why we're missing out. A lucky winner will receive a gift card to Essex Books and we'll buy a copy of your suggestion for our own collection!
Email your suggestion to jbranciforte@essexlib.org or stop in to fill out a slip.
This contest runs from December 1st - January 1st

2009 Teen's Top 10 Titles are in!! Do you agree??

2009 Teens' Top Ten

More than 11,000 teen voters chose Paper Towns as their favorite book in the 2009 Teens' Top Ten! The online poll took place from Aug. 24 through Sept. 18, with the winners announced during Teen Read Week by WWE Divas Brie Bella and Nikki Bella, with a special appearance by John Green. Check out these titles...do you agree?

• Paper Towns by John Green (Penguin/Dutton)
• Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic)
• City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry)
• Identical by Ellen Hopkins (Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry)
• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins)
• Wake by Lisa McMann (Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse)
• Untamed by P.C. and Kristin Cast (St. Martin's Griffin)
• The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (Disney-Hyperion)
• Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

You still have time to read Eclipse!

Our much awaited Eclipse book discussion will be occuring on Tuesday November 17th...just three days before the debut of New Moon on the big screen!

Come in for discussion, snacks, a contest or two....and a lucky winner will make their way to the film for free at the Westbrook movie theater, on us!

If you haven't had a chance to finish the book, but want to come anyway, please do!! Just know that out may slilp a spoiler or two....

We've got copies of Twilight the DVD on hand and we'll be preparing for our season finale, the Breaking Dawn discussion and fiesta in December.

Can't WAIT to see you there!!!

Spots are filling...call to register at 767-1560 or email Jessica @ jbranciforte@essexlib.org

Happy Teen Read Week Everyone!!!

Teen Read Week is October 18 - 24, 2009!

So happy reading holiday! Enjoy!

Twilight Series Book Club Meets Again!!! Join us for New Moon Tues October 20th

Join us for our second meeting of the Twilight Book Club! Tuesday night we'll discuss New Moon...play a little trivia and win some delectable New Moon prizes. Of course we'll take a sneak peak at the newest previews as we await the official film release!

There's still a bit of room for those of you who missed our first meet! We would love to hear what you think of book II and the characters they chose for the films....be sure to call in and stop by!

If you'd still like to register, call 767-1560 or email jbranciforte@essexlib.org today!

Win a Treat...

Wanna win 5 BRAND NEW PAPERBACKS from Hachette Books as a little Halloween treat???

It's easy. The titles will include:

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro

When Ghosts Speak By Many Ann Winkowski

BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

You have until November 15th!!!

We want a way to stay in touch with you, and thought a little givaway would do the trick. In order to win, you can sign up at the Library or email us your information.

To email you info, include your:

Name

email

and address

and send it to jbranciforte@essexlib.org.

or call 767-1850

GOOD LUCK!!

Book Trailer Contest!

Teen Read Week is October 18-24th 2009!
To celebrate, the Essex Library is having a book trailer contest. Winner will have their work posted to the Library web page, teen blog and You Tube. A valuable prize will be awarded to our first place winner (hint hint.) The book that you represent in your trailer will be selected for a teen book discussion where your work will also be aired. So…have a favorite book? Make a trailer!

Here’s an example of The Graveyard Book narrated by author Neil Gaiman


Book trailers are similar to movie trailers, in that they are designed to build interest in an upcoming or current novel. These quick 1-3 min segments encourage people to check out a title they might not otherwise. They’re also a great way to express your creativity! If you’re comfortable with taking pictures or filming quick video shots, this is sure to be an activity that you’ll enjoy. One of the best parts? You can use free software programs like One True Media to make them for free.

Check out this fan-made trailer for Catching Fire, the sequel to Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. (If you don't like spoilers........DON'T watch this one!!!!)


Contest Info:
You will have the entire month of October to create one (or more)1-3 min. long book trailers! Submissions are due by Halloween, October 31st.
Save your submission to a cd (in Quick Time, if possible) with the following information:

Name:
Phone Number
Address
Date

Check in for updates!!!!

Celebrate Banned Books Week and test your Rebel Book Knowledge!

Celebrate Banned Books Week!!! Sept 26- Oct 3 2009

Are you a rebel book reader? We want to know!Post your favorite banned book in the comment section of this post - we want to build a display with your selections!

Better yet...test your knowledge of rebellious titles today with quiz written by teen librarian Jess Branciforte.
http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3845

Twilight Series Book Club - Tuesday Night!!

Join us for the first meet of our Twilight Book and Film discussion club!
We'll be having pizza, talking about Twilight the book and movie and raffling off prizes. We've got exciting prizes including books, posters and more! (There will be a grab bag or two as well....)
Don't forget to drop in to grab a bite and talk with friends. Can't wait to see you!

Tuesday, September 22nd - 6-7pm!

Twilight Series Book Club!!!

We've had so many requests for Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Series that we're starting a book and film club. The club will meet once a month from September to December. We've ordered tons of book copies and can get the film as well. Come get your copy today!!!

Twilight Book Club Meeting #1 Tuesday September 22 from 6-7pm (All ages welcome)We will be discussing the first novel of the series, watching clips from the movie and comparing two. We’ll be checking out Stephanie Meyer’s designated “book soundtrack” and the official soundtrack from the film. Snacks will be served and prizes will be given!! Haven’t read the books yet? Visit us and check one out today! Call to register a spot for yourself and your friends: 767-1650 or email Jessica at jbranciforte@essexlib.org.

Teen Book Review: Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

Reviewed by G.MP.

Kate Brown’s life is turned upside down when she starts high school. Her friend abandons her, Will, the boy who's hooked up with half the girls in the school now shows a sudden interest in her, her father loses his job and now works for “A Perfect You” Vitamin’s booth in the mall, and Kate is forced against her own will to work for him. Kate’s life is a mess. The things that are happening are making Kate hurt inside, but these bad things will turn into good things and would like to enter Kate to make life easier. Kate will have to let them if she wants. Will Kate want a good life with no problems, friends she can depend on and a happy going family? Or will she want friends who act like she doesn't even exist, and an awful family who has problems 24/7. Which will Kate chose the happy-going life or the heart breaking one? Read to find out!!!

The plot was totally amazing and the way the characters acted with each other was too. The characters acted everything out just wonderfully and it was great how they interacted and found what was actually happening to figure it out together. By far my favorite characters in the story were Kate and Grandma

Favorite quote: "Try? That’s your advice? Great, Granma. Thanks." "Darling the world doesn’t owe you anything." "Wow that so makes me feel better.""Its not supposed to" she said, “That part is up to you."

Teen Book Review: Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Reviewed by G.MP.
Luna is a breathtaking story about a seventeen-year-old boy named Liam O'Neill who's a straight A student and a girl's best friend. But Liam also has a secret that nobody knows could ever happen. Liam’s a girl named Luna at midnight. The only one who knows his secret is his sister Regan. Liam wants to be known for who he is on the inside not for what he looks like. Will Liam turn into a freak show perv that dresses up as a girl or will people see him for a boy who wants to be himself???????? Read to find out!

The plot was great and I liked how the characters interacted with each other and how they worked together. This story was really good - it has its sad and happy moments too. The story shows that while Liam is going through a rough time trying to show who he really is to everyone, Regan has flashbacks and sees her brother evolving so that he can be just like his little sister. My favorite characters were Regan and Liam "Luna." My favorite quote was “You're not leaving this house dressed like that. You look like a.....clown. Go downstairs and change." Luna’s spine fused. “No. This is who I am. This is how I choose to live the rest of my life."

If you like Luna you’ll like Far from Xanadu by Julie Anne Peters

Upcoming Teen Book Club!!

Brought to you by popular demand...

We're building a teen book club!

You choose the books, you choose the topics, you choose the time.

We'll have snacks, good company and a LOT to discuss.

We're hoping to start once school does, but first we need to know:

If you could choose ONE book to begin with, what would it be?

Are there any books that you think would cause a LIVELY discussion?

We would probably meet once a month or so. What would be the BEST day/time for you?

Leave a comment on the blog below!

If you prefer, you can always email Jessica at jbranciforte@essexlib.org to give ideas, suggestions or to ask questions.

Library Teen Film Contest Winners

It's official. After a long waiting period, the results from

our film contest are in. Winners are Monica Vandehei

and Michaela Indermaur - chosen for their "Forgotten

Felines" video. The girls will recieve gift cards to Best Buy

and will have their movie posted for all to see. Great work

- and thanks for participating in the Essex Library Teen

Film Contest!!!

SAT tips and strategies- raise your SAT score by 300 points!

Teens! Get ready for the Upcoming SAT’s and PSAT’s with PrepMe, an online test preparation service which focuses on the individual. This course will identify your strengths and weaknesses and create a custom weekly schedule for you to help you raise your score. Best of all…it's free through the library! However, you must have a library card to use this program.



To access the site, click the link below and enter your library barcode number. You will then be asked to create your own ID and password to create a test prep program customized just for you. www.prepme.com

We Need Teen Book Reviewers!

Summer reading season is underway....what have you read that you'd love to review?

Other teens want to know - what's worth reading and what's NOT! Fill us in on summer reading list items as well as the stuff you're reading for fun.We're looking for teen book reviewers who have a book they'd love to have posted in our shelfari book shelf here on the blog.

Oh - and P.S......submitting reviews and reading books earns you free ice cream @ Sweet P's this summer! That's right. Keep us posted and we'll send you out for ice cream!

To have your book choice and review posted on our blog, shelfari book shelf and facebook wall, email your 5-10 sentence review, your name, and age to jbranciforte@essexlib.org. You must be at least 12 years of age to submit. You can always remain anonymous - just let us know when you email your info!

D.I.Y. Projects in the Afternoon

Have a creative spirit and a little time on your hands now that school's out? Come in on Tuesday afternoons at 3pm and create projects such as....

Glass Bead Jewelry

Duct Tape Wallets

Bottle Cap Art

New-Sew Outdoor Pillows

Friendship Bracelets

Bleach Pen Art

Tie-Dying

Journal Making

Recycled Flowers

Tote Bag Decor and More

You can call in (767-1560) and ask for Jess to find out whch project will be offered on which date. Projects are decided on a weekly basis. Have something you want to try but don't see it here? Let us know! 

Summer Reading

We now have numerous copies of all the books on the high school and middle school summer reading lists. Come in and get what you need today! 

All books are on display along side the reading lists in our fabulous YA department.

GirlZone Phase II

We're still taking last minute sign ups for our second phase of GirlZone!

A Self esteem program for girls aged 13-17.

Returners welcome!

Includes amazing guest speakers from the community to present topics including:

Food Choices (Chef Andrea Issacs)

Looking Your Best (Staff @ Salon Crimson)

Etiquette & Manners (Ms. Susan Norz Saybrook Point Inn and Spa

Internet Safety and Predator Awareness (Tomiko Gold Paul & Lisa)

Monday Nights June 22nd - July 27th

Teen Film Contest!

Official Start date: May 12@ 3:30pm

Rules and Regs posted:

On the blog, in the Essex Library Facebook Group (join today!) and at the Library.

Be sure to REGISTER! Call or stop by today 767-1560

Winners recieve a prize and will have their film aired on television, as well as added to the library DVD collection, posted to our blog and our Facebook Group. Woo hoo!

Submission Rules:

Movies must be directed, filmed and edited by teens in grades 7-12.

Films cannot be longer than 10 min.

Films may be on any topic but must be G or PG in language and subject matter.

All editing must be done before submitting the film.

Title pages and credits should be included.

All music in the film should be original, in the public domain or used with permission of the copyright owner. (Use apple sound effects or windows media loops or check out www.publicdomain4u.com.

Films need to be submitted in DVD format.

Deadline for submission is June 15th @ 3:30pm!!

Stop in for a submission form today!!

GirlZone

The Essex Library Presents...

GirlZone

A Self Esteem Program for Girls aged 13-17

Tuesdays, April 21 - June 9 6:00 - 7:00 pm
@ the Essex Library

Participants must commit to all eight session!

Today's girls face a host of tough challenges and in their struggle to define themselves, life can get pretty tough. The GirlZone group is an eight week series of workshops designed to teach life skills and strenthen self esteem. Topics and workshops include: positive body image, nutrition, inner and outer beauty, etiquette, job interview skills, and fashion sense. Each topic will be presented by an expert in the field!

April 21st
Introduction
The Dove Campaign for Real Beaty - Self Esteem Fund
April 28th
Inner Beauty
Kathy LaBella R.D. of Peak Performance
May 5th
Skin Care
Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
May 12th
Hair Care
Salon Crimsan
May 19th
Etiquette
Susan Norz, Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
May 26th
Clothes Sense
Asiyi Kay, Asiyi's Boutique
June 2nd
Interview Skills
Joyce Metz, Preferred Travel
June 9th
Wrap up

Spaces limited...

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

860-767-1560

This 8 week program is made possible through a generous grant form the Middlesex County Community Foundation

April Programming is In!

April Programming has Arrived!

Mark your calendars...

Here are our upcoming events for the month of April at the Essex Library!

Jelly Bean Bangles

Tuesday, April 7th, @ 3:30pm

(the first of many snacktivities for young adults)

Movie Making Software Class (Take 2)

Tuesday, April 14th @ 3:30 pm

Watch a demo, get some hands on experience and take home some info to get you started.The Spring Movie Contest and Film Festival Dates will be announced at this program!

Music Swap

Saturday April 18th @ 12:00 pm

Once you've got your music into your computer, bring in your old CDs for a swap...one of the best ways to discover new artists and add to your Itunes Library.

Have an awesome playlist you're dying to share? Burn it to a disc and create your own album art for the cover.

Celebrate Earth Day with some Green Teen Programming.

Tuesday April 21st @ 3:30 pm

Join us as we make D.I.Y. paper towel roll seedling pots. Make them with us in April and give them to Mom for Mother's Day in May. And...if there's time - create recycled notebooks and decorate them with style.

If interested in any of the above - call to hold your spot! 767-1560

Email: jbranciforte@essexlib.org

Teen Advisory Board in the Works!

Like it when your voice is heard?
We're now building a

Teen Advisory Board

at the Essex Library.

For You, Run By You

All time spent with us earns you community service hours, and helps us to run the programs and get the supplies that YOU want.

Drop by to get involved, or give us some ideas.Our first meeting is planned for Tuesday May 5th @ 3:30pm

Help us plan our next:

Coffee House, Movie Film Festival, Photo Contest and D.I.Y. Project Night.

Bleach Art Program

Ever try Bleach Art?

Drawing designs on fabric with bleach pens is like tie-dying in reverse.

Join us at the Essex Library on Tuesday, March 31st @ 3:30 pm.

Drop in after school to check it out, and bring your old favorites that need a little sprucing up. We'll be using bleach - so be ready to experiment!

It's a fantastic way to recycle old duds and learn a great new art form.
Chat with friends, listen to some music and enjoy a snack. Call the library or use our facebook page to sign up today.

Call 767-1560

2009 Teen Nutmeg Award Winner Announced!

The Connecticut Nutmeg Award is proud to announce this year's winners:

Intermediate Level: MVP* Magellan Voyage Project by Douglas Evans

Teen Level: Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

2010 Teen Nutmeg Book Award Nominees are:

Accidental Love by Gary Soto

Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney

Crackback by John Coy

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

Epic by Conor Kostick

Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Pieces of Georgia by Jen Bryant

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Stop by the Essex Library to check out one of these books today!

College Prep Series

Wednesday, February 11 from 7-8p.m. Joanne Carter of Educational Solutions

of Essex, will return with her awesome professional advice on preparing for college and figuring out how to find the best school for you.

Be sure to let us know if you will be attending so that we can put together enough information packets.

Books with Bite!

Love the Twilight Series? Can't get enough of the vampire craze? Join us for our next book discussion on Stephanie Meyer's Eclipse on Tuesday, February 3rd @ 6:00pm.

During our book discussion we'll have snacks, sneak previews, and perhaps a prize or two.

Haven't been with us for previous books in this discussion series? Not a problem! Come and join us and invite every Twilight-adoring friend that you know!

P.S. (Check out our new facebook group for more information on upcoming events, to see who's signed up for programs and to join our discussion board! search words "Essex Library" while in Facebook.)

Book Trailers Are The Greatest!

Have you read "Airman" by Eoin Colfer? Whether you have or not, this book trailer is awesome! Click Here to view the video.

‘An homage both to the 19th-century science fiction of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, and to the superheroes of Marvel and DC comics, Colfer’s latest brims with boy appeal. Artemis Fowl fans will flock to this novel, and the polished, sophisticated storytelling here deserves an even wider audience than that bestseller. Conor Broekhart’s superpower is his brain, and he uses his smarts to fight tyranny. A tour de force.’ – Publishers Weekly

College Prep Series

Thursday, January 8, 6:30-7:30pm

A Student Panel of recent VRHS graduates will answer all the nitty-gritty questions that both teens and their parents have about planning for college throughout high school, figuring out how to look for the right college for you, applying and getting in to college, and then starting college.

This is a nice informal discussion session that will hopefully put everyone's stress about college at ease. The college process is not a scary thing, especially if you are prepared.

Teens Screen!

Come in to the library on Tuesdays for the entire month of January to check out some of the top rated teen movies. Movies will be aired on our projector in the program room.  No registration required - just drop on in.  Popcorn will be served! Must be in grades 6 and up to attend.  Each movie screening begins at 3:30pm!

Here are the dates and the screenings - hope to see you there!  

January 6th - Fantastic 4

January 13th - Enchanted

January 20th - Juno

January 27th - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

Have a favorite movie that you'd like to see on the big screen? Let us know! You can email ideas to jbranciforte@essexlib.org or drop in give us some ideas. We look forward to hearing from you!