I hated when teachers required certain books for class. It didn’t matter if it was a best-seller or an award-winner—if it was assigned, I hated it. However, upon reflection, I have decided that some of the dreaded high school classics merit reconsideration. Below are some books and plays I believe deserve a second chance at love. You can also view this list within the library’s catalog.
“Anthem” by Ayn Rand
Man rediscovers electricity and society rejects him. Everything just goes downhill from there. As a student, the narrator’s internal dialogue bored me to tears. Now, it’s fascinating to compare our current values to the values of this dystopian society.
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
Morrison writes the story of a woman who makes the ultimate choice to save her children from the horrors of slavery. The book moves past her choice into the present and how it affects her family. This novel is often criticized for its references to violence. Continue reading “Books I Hated in High School, But Loved Later”
2018 Teens’ Top Ten Booklist (PDF)
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has announced the 2018 Teens’ Top Ten titles. Teens voted worldwide from August 15 through Teen Read Week, October 7-13. Thousands of ballots were cast for the 25 nominees. The finalists are listed below.
The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year. Nominators are members of teen book groups in 15 school and public libraries around the country.
Teens aged 12-18 can nominate their favorite titles to be considered as a 2019 Teens’ Top Ten nominee via the public nomination form. Submit a book title now through January 1, 2019 to be included in the pool of possible 2019 candidates. For books to be eligible for consideration, they must be published between January 1– December 31, 2018. Continue reading “2018 Teens’ Top Ten Titles Announced”
Looking for something creepy or uncanny to read this Halloween season? Here are some fun choices to get into the spooky mood! You can also view this list within the library’s catalog.
“Asylum” by Madeleine Roux
Dan Crawford is excited to be spending his summer at a college prep program at New Hampshire College. Upon arriving, he learns that his dorm was once an asylum for the criminally insane. Dan and his friends begin sneaking around the building’s old passageways, uncovering long-buried horrors.
“Cuckoo Song” by Frances Hardinge
In this book, Triss awakens from an accident and finds herself misplaced in the world as she remembers it. She senses that something has changed, but there is no evidence that anything is different—except everyone is afraid of her. Continue reading “Creepy YA Reads”
On average, 2.8 million teens runaway from home each year. Rainbow House, a local emergency shelter for youth, receives 10-15 calls each month from teens who have either been abused or kicked out of their homes. To help combat this serious widespread problem, the Youth Community Coalition partnered with Rainbow House to launch the Safe Place Program.
How does Safe Place work?
Youth can stop by one of 20 Safe Place sites, including the Columbia Public Library. Then, find the first available employee and let them know you are in need of a safe place. Young adults will be connected to emergency shelter and other supportive resources available through Rainbow House.
If you’re in trouble and can’t make it to a Safe Place site, you can text “SAFE” and your current location (address/city/state) to 4HELP (44357). Within seconds, you will receive a message with the closest Safe Place location. You will also have the option to text interactively with a professional for more help. It’s quick, confidential, and safe.
Continue reading “Safe Place: A Resource for Youth in Need”
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the primary form used by all colleges and universities to determine your eligibility for grants, loans, work-study and scholarships. More importantly, this application is mandatory for all those planning to attend college.
The Missouri Department of Higher Education has an assistance program called FAFSA Frenzy to help high school students and their families successfully complete this online application process. They will be hosting several sessions of this free event at mid-Missouri high schools. If you are planning to attend college in the fall, mark your calendars now for one of these five sessions.
Where are FAFSA Frenzy events being held in Boone & Callaway counties?
| Location: |
Address: |
Date & Time: |
| Columbia College, Buchanan Hall |
1001 Rogers St., Columbia |
Sunday, October 7 from 1:45-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 2 from 1:45-4:00 p.m. |
| Hickman High School |
1104 N. Providence Rd., Columbia |
Monday, October 8 from 5-7:00 p.m. |
| Fulton High School |
1 Hornet Dr., Fulton |
Tuesday, October 16 from 5:30-8 p.m. |
| Rock Bridge High School |
4303 S. Providence Rd., Columbia |
Tuesday, October 16 from 5-8:00 p.m. |
What to bring:
- Student and parent FSA ID information.
- List of schools to which the student has applied, been accepted, or is interested in attending.
- Student and parent 2017 W-2 forms and/or tax return copies. Parental information is required for dependent students (most undergraduate students under the age of 24). Determine if you are an independent or dependent student.
Don’t forget that the library has dozens of resources to help you prepare for the ACT exam, research potential colleges , write your application essay, and learn more about adulting after high school.
DBRL is hosting three different programs at the Callaway County Public Library and Columbia Public Library to help you prepare for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. These events provide great opportunities for teens to get their words into the world, connect with other local authors and hone their craft.
NaNoWriMo Launch Party
Saturday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Callaway County Public Library
Get ready to write a novel in 30 days with a group of other writers stepping up to the National Novel Writing Month challenge. We’ll talk about the process and enjoy light refreshments. Open to all, from the curious beginner to seasoned writers. Co-sponsored by NaNoWriMo of Missouri and Well Read Books. No registration required. Continue reading “Calling All Young Writers!”
Printable Flyer (PDF)
The Columbia Public Library is excited to once again partner with Project LIT Battle, a student book club from Battle High School, to offer a fall community book discussion.
On Thursday, October 18, we will discuss “Allegedly” by Tiffany Jackson. When Mary, a teenager living in a group home, becomes pregnant, authorities take another look at the crime for which Mary was convicted when she was nine years old. This haunting, suspenseful novel is available for free as a hardback, eBook and downloadable audiobook with your DBRL library card.
The discussion will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. It is geared toward students entering grades 7-12, though adults are welcome, too! No registration required. Did we mention that pizza will be served? 😉
Do you need help preparing for the ACT test? We have compiled a list of resources to help you navigate this important college entrance exam.
What is the ACT?
The ACT exam is a standardized test required for admission at many colleges and universities. The exam covers four skills areas: English, mathematics, reading and science.
How much does it cost?
It costs $50.50 take the ACT exam; this cost increases to $67 if you are required to take the writing test as well. A fee waiver is available for low-income students; however, ACT requires that you meet with your guidance counselor to see if you qualify.
Where can I take the ACT exam?
The ACT test is offered at dozens of locations throughout Boone and Callaway counties, including most public high schools. Search online to find a testing location near you. Continue reading “ACT Test Prep Resources”
Each year, more than half a million students, encouraged by thousands of teachers nationwide, participate in the National History Day contest. On Thursday, September 20, Shelly Croteau and Maggie Mayhan, National History Day coordinators, will share how you can you take part in this competition by producing a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. They will showcase student’s past films, exhibits and stories beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbia Public Library. This event is recommended for ages 10 and older.
Even if you can’t make this special program, don’t forget that DBRL has dozens of print and online resources available with primary sources like letters, petitions and speeches. As you begin your project, we encourage you to visit any of our three branch locations for assistance. You can also review our online guide to History Day research.
