Computer programming helps cultivate logic skills, problem-solving and creativity. To help youth enhance their coding skills in a fun and collaborative environment, the Columbia Public Library is hosting two sessions of “Hour of Code:”
- Tuesday, August 22, 6-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 30, 6-7 p.m.
Using Blockly, a visual programming tool, children and teens will learn to code using a variety of tutorials based on “Minecraft” and other popular computer games. Ages 10 and up. Registration required. To sign-up, please call 573-443-3161.
Even though summer is beginning to wind down, there is still plenty of warm-weather fun at the library. Later this month, we are hosting two sessions of our popular “Sphero-nauts” program at our Columbia and Ashland locations.
Using Sphero, a robotic ball that playfully introduces the basic computer programming, young engineers will paint their own masterpiece or create their own maze. Call today to register!
Wednesday, August 23, 5:30-7 p.m.
Columbia Public Library, Gene Martin Secret Garden
Young engineers will create their own abstract masterpiece using paint and computer code. Canceled if raining. Ages 10-14. To register, please call (573) 443-3161.
Thursday, August 31, 5-6 p.m.
Southern Boone County Public Library
Young engineers will navigate through a series of obstacles. Ages 10-14. Registration begins Thursday, August 17. To sign up, please call (573) 657-7378.
Saturday, August 12 is the final day for participants of all ages to claim rewards and enter into the final drawings for Summer Reading incentives. Those who have completed the Teen Summer Reading Challenge can claim their free book at any of our three libraries or bookmobile stops. You’ll also be entered into a drawing for other fun rewards including an Amazon Fire Tablet.
If you have questions, email us at teen@dbrl.org or call (573) 443-3161. Stay informed about upcoming teen programs and contests by subscribing to our our email newsletter!
What It’s About: “The Sun Is Also A Star” is a story about love and leaving. Natasha is desperate to find a way to keep herself and family from being deported back to Jamaica. Daniel has the biggest meeting of his life, an entrance interview for an Ivy League college that he doesn’t want to attend. Fate puts these two in each other’s path again and again on the day Natasha is scheduled to be deported. At first Natasha doesn’t believe in love, but as her feelings for Daniel grow it becomes too difficult for her to deny. Here’s the conflict: If she admits she is falling in love with him, how can she say goodbye to him in less than 24 hours?
What I liked about it: I liked that the story is told from both Natasha’s and Daniel’s viewpoints. During most of the book, Natasha is a very cynical young woman who cares more about facts and numbers than art and love. Daniel, a poet, is her exact opposite. At times it felt like this opposition was a bit contrived. Honestly, I didn’t like Natasha until the very end. However, the story is very good and the ending was my favorite part.
Similar Titles: If you like realistic fiction about love or multicultural relationships, here are a few books you should check out: “Something In Between” by Melissa De La Cruz, “Like No Other” by Una LaMarche, “The Orange Houses” by Paul Griffen and “You in Five Acts” also by Una LaMarche.
Art has the power to inspire new perspectives and build connections in our community. Express your creativity by submitting a work of visual art inspired by our Summer Reading theme, “Build a Better World.”
Enter a two-dimensional piece in one of four categories: photography, painting, drawing or collage. Winners will receive a gift card for art supplies. Artwork will be showcased on our website and at the library’s branches.
Submission
Entries must be submitted at the Callaway County, Columbia or Southern Boone Public Library. A completed entry form must be included with your submission. Continue reading “Teen Art Contest”
Daniel Boone Regional Library is challenging youth ages 12-18 to read for 20 hours, submit three book reviews, and do seven activities that make a positive impact. Complete Summer Reading, and beginning July 5, you’ll receive a free book. You’ll also be entered into a drawing for other fun rewards including an Amazon Fire Tablet.
Step One: Register for the Teen Summer Reading Challenge. Download a reading record to help you keep track of your reading, reviews and activities.
Step Two: Submit three book reviews.
Step Three: Complete any seven of these activities. Continue reading “2017 Teen Summer Reading Challenge”
The Gateway Readers Award honors a young adult novel that is selected by Missouri high school students. To be eligible to vote, students must read at least three of the finalists. Voting will occur at participating schools early next March, so you can use the summer months to get crack-a-lackin’ on this list! The winner will be announced in April 2018.
“Ruthless” by Carolyn Lee Adams
When Ruth is kidnapped, she’s determined not to become the serial-killer’s next trophy. She escapes, but her captor begins stalking her through the wilderness.
“Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction, if they don’t kill each other first.
“Emmy & Oliver” by Robin Benway
She’s lived a sheltered life, but when 17-year-old Emma’s childhood best friend reappears, after 10 years missing, Emmy’s hopes return. Continue reading “2017-18 Gateway Award Finalists”
The Truman Readers Award honors a book that is selected by Missouri junior high students. To be eligible to vote, students must read at least four of the finalists. Voting will occur at participating schools early next spring. While the winner won’t be announced until April 2018, this is a great list of summer reads for students in grades sixth through eighth.
“Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard
In a world divided by blood—those with common, red blood serve the silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare, a Red, discovers she has an ability of her own. To cover up this impossibility, the king betroths her to one of his sons as a lost Silver princess. But Mare uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard.
“The Fixer” by Jennifer Barnes
When her grandfather develops dementia, sixteen-year-old Tess, is whisked away by a sister she barely knows to Washington, D.C. and thrown into a world of power, wealth, love triangles and family secrets. Continue reading “2017-18 Truman Award Finalists”
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, they simply find the first available employee and let them know they 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 call (573) 818-8288, or text “SAFE” and your current location (address/city/state) to 69866. Continue reading “Safe Place: A Resource for Youth in Need”
The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list of recommended reading sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Sixteen young adult book clubs from libraries across the country are responsible for narrowing down a list of nominees for teens to vote on nationwide.
Below is this year’s full list of Top Ten nominations. Don’t forget that the library offers print, eBook and audiobook editions of these titles. YALSA also provides a downloadable booklist for easy printing and sharing.
“Nightstruck” by Jenna Black
Becket, an ambitious but ordinary teenager, was walking her dog one night when she heard a baby cry. Going to help, Becket is tricked into opening a door between worlds, allowing a dark magic into the mortal world. As the magic trickles in, you better be inside or you’ll face the changes in the night. Innocent everyday items and buildings grow fangs, tails and eyes. People become the Nightstruck. Continue reading “2017 Teens’ Top Ten Nominees”
