Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 by Megan
Ugh. It’s fine. Not every book you read will change your life. Not every book on BookTok is earth-shattering. Sometimes the movie IS better. These are all books our readers thought were ok. We’re sharing them in November because it’s probably dreary or whatever. Read these books or don’t. They’re probably better or worse books out there. *shrugs and pulls hoodie over face*
Continue reading “Meh Teen Reader Reviews: Books with ★★★ or less”
Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 by Dana
It’s getting colder, the leaves are falling, the days are getting shorter.
That’s right kids, it’s sad people music season.
Sad people music is a mood. A vibe. It’s songs for when you want to feel your feelings. Wallow in bed and be miserable for a little while. Let someone else perfectly describe the angst of existing as a sentient creature on a rock hurtling through space. There is a kind of joy in knowing that other people have felt like us, have worried like us, have cried like us. Continue reading “Sad People Music”
Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 by Laura W
I’ve wanted to cosplay for many, many years. Before this year, however, I never had the courage. I always assumed that I would take up too much space, that people would look at me too much. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that taking up space is not actually a bad thing. If people judge me adversely for cosplaying, that’s their problem, not mine. With this in mind, I recently created my first costume! One of the absolutely hardest parts for me was starting. With many projects, it can seem incredibly daunting at first. Luckily, we have many resources here to help with that. Regina made an absolutely wonderful list of costuming books. Though it’s labeled as being for Halloween, many of the titles work year-round! If even a book is overwhelming, keep reading for my list of how to get started. Continue reading “First Time Cosplaying Tips”
Posted on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 by Megan
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
Anne Shirley, “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
Just like Anne (with an e) we love October at the library! Our teens love this spoopy, leafy, ghostly time of year too! Check out our readers’ reviews below. We’ve got everything from classics to some downright grisly reads!
Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 by Grae
Is there something strange in your neighborhood? 🤔
Or something weird and it don’t look good? 😳
That might be because it’s *checks watch phone* spooky season, y’all!!! Many sinister salutations for this most ghastly of times, when all of the delightful frights come out to haunt the moonlit, fog-filled corners of the night with tricks and treats in equal share. If you, like me, wish October took up 301 days of the year instead of the usual 31, welcome to yet another installment of Spooky, Not Scary™, a watch-list for any and everyone who absolutely adores Halloween and its eerie, phantasmagoric cheer, but also may be a bit of a Halloweenie at heart. 🖤🐣🖤
For those just joining in, I give you the following titles that are avowedly Spooky, Not Scary™. Each title is rated on a scale of 0-5 smashed pumpkins. The more smashed pumpkins (which I’ve metaphorically dropped out of terror), the closer the tv show/movie/video is to being truly frightening.
Note: no gourds were harmed in the making of this list, though some may have been consumed. I just found out about St. Louis-based craft soda maker Fitz‘s newest flavor, Pumpkin Pop. Move over, PSL, you are soooooooo 2003. 🎃
You can access the full list here (and volume one here and volume two a.k.a. boo! here); what follows are some of my not-so-fearsome favs with minimal spoilers. But first, Google/Siri/AI being of choice, play “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker, Jr.! #Iain’t’fraidofnoghost #👻 Continue reading “Spooky, Not Scary™ Watch-List: Volume Threeeeeek 🦇”
Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 by Megan
Are you here for the tea? Do you pop popcorn to eat as you watch things unfold? Do you often hear the phrase “Stop being so dramatic?”
If you answered yes to any of these questions then we can be friends because we are also here for the DRAMA! Our local teens have some book recommendations just for you. Check out the list below. And don’t forget you can submit your own reader reviews here. Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews for the Drama”
Posted on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 by Megan
Are you headed to Mid-Missouri Pride Fest on September 28th & 29th, 2024, and need to spruce up your ‘fit with a fun accessory? Then keep reading! You can create a beautiful rainbow work of art by using things you probably already have at home. With a bit of glitter and glue, you’ll be on your way to looking fabulous in no time! Continue reading “DIY Rainbow Headband”
Posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 by Anna
In 2008, in the basement AV room of the public library, my dad handed me a couple CDs he thought I might like: Paramore’s Riot and Taylor Swift’s Fearless. It’s been 16 years, and I love my public library (and Taylor Swift) more than ever. If you, like me, have never been able to go to one of her shows and you, like me, wish her merch was a bit more accessible ($75 for a t-shirt, Taylor?), we hope you’ll enjoy making these Taylor-themed scrunchies and headbands! Continue reading “DIY Swiftie Scrunchies and Headbands”
Posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 by DBRLTeen
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 skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science.
How much does it cost?
It costs $69 to take the ACT exam; this cost increases to $94 if you are required to take the writing test. 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 several 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 @ DBRL”
Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 by Megan
We had so many excellent book reviews lately that we just had to share! This time we are highlighting the classics and one classic retelling. Even though a few of these books have been around for a while our teens still loved or at least tolerated them. What classics have you picked up recently? Tell us about them in the comments or submit your own reader review. Remember if you include your email address and we use your review in a blog post we’ll send you a coupon for a free book!
5/5 Stars ★★★★★ Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: Classics”
