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 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”
Printable Flyer (PDF)
Celebrate your favorite book with a hand-carved or painted pumpkin and be a part of our Pumpkin Parade on October 16! Kid judges will vote for their favorites and three winners will receive a gift card to The Candy Factory.
Turn submissions in all day Monday, October 15 or before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16. Artists need not be present to win. We’ll provide flame-less tea light candles for carved pumpkins.
Adults and youth ages 12 and older.
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.
To celebrate this year’s Summer Reading theme, “Libraries Rock,” we invited teens to capture images of how music inspires their lives. DBRL was grateful to receive nearly 20 submissions from young photographers throughout our service area of Boone and Callaway counties.
Our winners are Ayla Kian Mehr, Grace Whitaker and Jayla Kemp. Check out their photos below and the stories that inspired their submissions. Each will receive a gift card to Barnes & Noble.
Coming up this fall we have many exciting programs planned for young adults including a stop-motion animation challenge, mock Newbery book club, pumpkin art contest, and more awesome escape rooms! Stay informed about these events by subscribing to our our email newsletter. Continue reading “2018 Photo Contest Winners Announced”
Mock Newbery Book Club Flyer (PDF)
The Newbery Medal is awarded each year to “the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” This award is to children’s literature what the Oscar is to the Academy Awards. Some popular Newbery award-winning titles include “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman.
About our Mock Newbery Program:
Throughout the fall, we are inviting youth in grades 4-8 to join us twice per month to discuss this year’s potential Newbery finalists. This is the seventh year that DBRL has offered this unique book club opportunity and we hope that you will consider signing up. Continue reading “Mock Newbery Book Club”
