April in the Teen Zone

It’s all about the arts this month in the Teen Room! Join us for lots of programs that will get your creativity flowing and inspire you to create. On Fridays April 4th, 11th, and 18th from 4-5pm, we will be having our first sessions of Studio Art 101, taught by local artist Nancy McBride. Nancy will teach students over the three-week course about painting with acrylics. This class requires registration and students are asked to attend all three sessions. Register at the Teen or Children’s Room Desk by April 3rd.

April is also National Poetry Month, so we will be welcoming back poet Alex Charalambides for a Poetry Slam on April 16th from 6-7:30pm in the Banx Room. Come listen to other teens perform their poetry, or prepare something of your own to share in this friendly and supportive environment. All teens are welcome!

On April 25th from 3:30-5 in the Teen Room we will be crafting with recycled materials to celebrate Earth Day. Recycling whiz Carmen Barbosa will teach us how to upcycle used materials into awesome new items, including earrings, wallets, and purses. She will also give insight into the importance of recycling, so make sure to thank Mother Earth this month by coming to this crafty program!

If you are in the mood for something a little more palatable, come to our Edible Art program on April 18th at 4pm in the Teen Room. Everyone can create a work of art using some very tasty ingredients, and then eat it! And don’t forget about our Learn to Draw Manga classes on April 11th and 25th from 3-4pm in the Banx Room. These classes are taught by talented graphic artists Andy Fish and Jamie Buckmaster, and open to all teens for free and without registration. Join us!

And, of course, don’t forget about our other ongoing programs including Level Up: Video Gaming on Wednesdays from 4:30-6, Chess Club on Thursdays from 3-5, Teen Reads Book Club on April 15th from 5:30-6:30, the Teen Advisory Group meeting on April 8th from 4-5:30, the Spilled Ink writers club on April 30th from 6-7:30, and more! For more information about any of these programs, please email Teen Librarian Samantha at sbodine@worcpublib.org or call 508-799-1671.

 

March 2014 Book Recommendations

March 31, 2014

How to Get into the Twin Palms
By Karolina Waclawiak

While compiling a list of exceptional immigrant literature, I came across this title, energetically praised by Gary Shteyngart, author of the highly esteemed Little Failure: A Memoir. Admittedly, the cover peaked my interest too. (So much for not judging a book by its cover).

Suggestive of Joan Didion with a sense of humor, Waclawiak tells an L.A. story about an alienated Polish girl living the so-called American dream in a rundown Russian community of rentals with crocheted curtains, nosy neighbors, and apteka, stores selling everything from medical supplies to herring. Single, unemployed and abandoned by her newly Texan parents, Anya decides everything will be alright if she can just make it past the bouncers at the glitzy Russian nightclub down the street. This requires a bit of reinvention, including hair dye, wardrobe enhancement, and Lev, a homely, unavailable, yet irresistible gangster.

Capturing the crushing loneliness and disillusionment often depicted in a tales of immigration in a thoroughly modern way, this novel also brilliantly portrays the heartbreak and self-loathing involved in being “the other woman.” For tragi-comic effect, Anya’s stand-in mothers, the opinionated ladies at the local bingo parlor, and the Californian wildfires and their ubiquitous falling ash provide a fitting accompaniment for Anya’s painful yet ultimately cathartic path of destruction as she finally get what she wants—into the Twin Palms.

--Christina

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March 17, 2014

Fire Base Illingworth
By Philip Keith

Fire Base Illingworth is a very tense story of an infantry battle fought near the Cambodian border in Tay Ninh Province in the darkened early morning hours of April 1, 1970 towards the end of the Vietnam War. Mr. Keith, author of the acclaimed account of another related Vietnam battle, Blackhorse Riders, is a Harvard graduate and decorated Vietnam War naval aviator. Keith’s account is both an analysis of Fire Support Base strategy – using ground troops as bait to lure the enemy into attacking - in the waning years of the controversial war, and also a story of personalities and their reactions in a harrowingly dangerous combat situation. Moving beyond any political context, the story is also, inadvertently, an examination of courage, luck, and fate involving the combatants on both sides.

Keith does not avoid crucial issues such as drug use, command competition, personality clashes, and the darker psychological traps that intense combat can produce. However, he also portrays the fierce loyalty and selflessness ground troops had for each other in battle even in the final years of the war. Keith imbues his book with detailed narratives of American troops to personalize the combat. These are very human people from all over the United States. One Illingworth soldier, Peter Charles Lemon, however, was born in Canada and is the only Canadian born U.S. citizen to be presented with the Medal of Honor for fighting in the Vietnam War. Keith’s book updates the reader in a fascinating epilogue about many of the soldiers and their lives after Illingworth. He includes a number that were killed in the fighting and the very poignant written commemorations left at the Virtual Wall by strangers, friends, and family members. Peter Lemon is included in the epilogue and his is an amazing story in and of itself.

Readers who liked Blackhorse Riders will not be disappointed by recently published Fire Base Illingworth and can be assured that it will live up to its subtitle as “…an epic true story of remarkable courage against staggering odds…”.

--Bill

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March 10, 2014

Winger
By Andrew Smith

Oh, so you think you can just read a book like Winger and then go on with your life like nothing happened? You think that this is a lighthearted coming- of-age tale with some rugby thrown in? Wrong! If you choose to pick up this YA novel, you may find yourself giggling uncontrollably at the protagonist, Ryan Dean’s irrational fear of Mrs. Singer and her dreadful diarrhea hex. You may learn some things about the fringe sport of rugby including the very real possibility of catastrophic penis injuries. And you most likely will find yourself rolling your eyes at Ryan Dean West’s inability to stop thinking about every female around him as a possible mate. But after all this…when you’ve been lulled into false security…this book will wreck your life. I mean that in the nicest way possible. You’ll cry, you’ll curse, you’ll spend the rest of the day in a dark room shaking slightly. Or not. Is this enticing you to read the book? Maybe I should take another approach.

Andrew Smith has created a completely believable and original character in Ryan Dean West. The 14-year-old high school junior is treated like a little boy by the other members of his class. He attends Pine Mountain, a boarding school dedicated to reforming troublemaking rich kids. This year Ryan Dean has been assigned to Opportunity Hall, the dorm for the school’s worst offenders. He’s determined to change his life, get tougher, and finally win over his long time crush and best friend, Annie. He doesn’t anticipate getting into a fight with one of his best friends, bonding with the rugby team’s biggest jerk, or losing someone he cares about. This book is unabashedly real; it ignores typical narrative conventions and presents life (as viewed from inside the head of an excitable 14-year-old boy) as it really happens.

On March 18th at 5:30pm, the Teen Reads Book Club will be discussing this book. This event is open to all teenagers regardless of whether you’ve read the book. Join us to talk about Winger or to talk about the kinds of books you love to read. We’ll be meeting on the third Tuesday of each month. And depending on how things play out, this first meeting may turn out to be more a post-Winger support group. ; )

--Chelsea

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March 3, 2014

The Diviners
By Libba Bray

“Deep in the cellar of the dilapidated house, a furnace comes to life with a death rattle like the last bitter cough of a dying man laughing contemptuously at his fate. A faint glow emanates from that dark, foul-smelling earthen tomb. Yes, something moves again in the shadows. A harbinger of much greater evil to come. Naughty John has come home. And he has work to do.”

Libba Bray’s series-starter, The Diviners, is an addictive, thrilling young adult novel. It is somehow a perfect mix of mystery, horror, humor, and a touch of romance; there is so much going on in this book that I don’t know where to begin. The lowdown: Evie O’Neill is sent to live with her Uncle Will in Manhattan after a scandal in her hometown that revolves around the secret power she possesses. Will is the owner of the Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult—or the “Museum of the Creepie Crawlies”, as it is generally known. When Will is called in to assist in the investigation of occult murders happening in the city, Evie tags along and finds that her gift is good for more than just parlor tricks, it might actually help catch a killer.

So what’s going on in this book besides a murder mystery? Set in the 1920s, this novel features flappers, jazz, theater, prohibition and organized crime. Bray addresses issues like racism and homophobia without being heavy handed or a jot less entertaining. And over the gleaming light of 1920s Manhattan is a fog of terror: a haunted house, a Ouija board, séances, prophesy, and an evil spirit. The book benefits from Bray’s obviously extensive research. The dialogue flows with 20s slang and Bray effortlessly weaves historical context into the plot. For fans of paranormal fiction, this is a must-read.

--Chelsea

Get a text from the library!

Our online catalog now allows you to place a hold on an item, then get a text message when it's in! You can also look up the call number of a book, DVD or audiobook that we have available, then get a text with that information to make it easier to find.

Watch our video below to learn how!

Computer Classes at the Main Library

   ————————–—— Level 1 ——————————

Computer & Internet for Beginners (4 sessions) Fridays, 9:30-11 am, 3rd Floor lab

The first two weeks of this class will build your basic computer skills by teaching the parts of the computer and practicing with mouse and keyboard. The second two weeks will teach you how to go online and perform basic Internet searches. Register on the 2nd Floor Reference Desk or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

New!  Clase Básica de Computadora (4 sessions)

Jueves, 1:00-2:00 pm , 3rd Piso, Laboratorio de Computadora

Si necesitas ayuda con computadoras, esta clase es para ti.  Cubrimos la información más básica: cómo usar el ratón y el teclado, abrir programas, y usar el internet para buscar información. Cada mes empieza un nuevo semestre de 4 clases. Para registrarse, llame al 508-799-1655 ext. 3 o registrarse en persona en el escritorio de consulta en el segundo pisa.

                            ———————–——–————–— Level 2  ——————————–—————

Open Lab with Staff Assistance (Drop-in) Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor lab
Audience: Students, Job Seekers and Adult Learners with basic computer skills
Drop-in lab designed for people who need extra computer time to work on job applications, Microsoft word documents, or those who need assistance setting up a library account, email, downloading ebooks or audiobooks. No registration required.

College Admission Essays, Resume & Job Assistance, Research Help 
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 2nd Floor Ref. Desk
Audience: Students, Job Seekers, Adult Learners
Assistance with writing resumes and cover letters, finding information on a topic, editing, content organization and citations.  Register on the Events Calendar on the library’s website or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

Resume Help 
Wednesdays, Walk in 9:00-10:00 am, or by appointment, 10:00-11:30 am, 2nd Floor

Audience: Students, Job Seekers, Adult Learners with a draft of a resume and basic computer skills

Bring your typed resume on paper or flash drive and receive feedback from Dr. Terry Chapman, volunteer professional career consultant. Register at the 2nd Floor Reference Desk or call us at 508-799-1655 x3.

                   —————–——–————–— Technology Demystified!——————————

**These are one session intermediate classes, for adults who have taken the Level 1 class, are comfortable with keyboard and mouse, and have a working e-mail address.  Register online by going to www.worcpublib.org and clicking “Events and Activities,” then searching for the class using the calendar on the right.

Linked-In: Friday, May 9, 11:30—1, 3rd Floor lab

This class will teach you how to create an effective, eye-catching profile on the networking site Linked In. It will also cover job search techniques using Linked-In and other free websites.

Facebook: Friday, May 16, 11:30-1, 3rd Floor lab—additional Friday sessions June 6 & July 11

Explore the uses of Facebook, set up an account, find “friends,” and understand privacy settings.

PowerPoint: Friday, May 23, 11:30-1, 3rd Floor lab—additional Friday sessions June 27 & July 25

When you go to almost any lecture today, you will notice that the speakers have organized their information into PowerPoint slides. If you are working or in school, you will eventually be asked to give a talk using these slides. This class will prepare you, start to finish. The only thing left is dealing with your nervous butterflies!

———————–——–————–— Always available ——————————–—————

Drop-In eBook Help

Audience: Anyone interested in downloading e-books to their personal computer or devices

Stop by any reference desk to ask questions and get help downloading eBooks to your eReader or Smartphone. Please bring your device! No registration required.

Tutor.com

The library is excited to offer a new service, Tutor.com. Tutor.com is two great study & career resources in one.

ONE Live tutors are available from 3 PM - midnight every day for one-on-one help, on any subject for students grades K-12 and for adults looking for resume assistance or career help. To start a session with a tutor, click here or start from our website, www.worcpublib.org, and click "Online Databases" then "Tutor.com." You can create an account which will allow you to login and save tutor sessions. All you need to create an account is your Worcester library card and an email address.

You will be asked to select a subject and grade level to start a tutoring session. While in the session, you can upload documents to work on with the tutor. They may also give you links to online resources which will be saved in your Tutor.com account.

TWO In addition to the live tutoring, there are other resources which are available 24/7. These include study resources such as flashcards, links and worksheets; test prep resources such as practice tests; and career resources.

PLUS - download the Tutor.com app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and receive free tutoring on the go.

Need help? Ask a librarian.

From the Children's Room

It’s hard to tell what happened in February from beneath the piles and piles of snow! Here in the Children’s Room at the Main Library, we’re digging our way out and hoping to find some spring weather as we tunnel into March. Whether or not Mother Nature heeds our cry, we have some exciting programs in

the works.

Start off the month right by saying “Happy Birthday!” to the man behind The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. Stop by for Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Bash on March 3. This month we’ll also kick off our new program series, Artist-at-Work, with a visit from painter and illustrator Nancy McBride. Her work will be on display all month, and she will demonstrate her craft on March 29th. Do you have artistic aspirations of your own? Learn to Draw Manga with graphic artist and teacher extraordinaire Jamie Buckmaster during our bi-weekly workshops on March 14 and March 28, or join us for an Equinox Craft on March 20.

Love stories? We have programs for all ages - our Spring Storytime Session starts the first week of March. Sign up for Toddler Time or Preschool Storytime, or drop by on Tuesdays for Baby Time or PJ Storytime on March 4 and March 18. Read to Nemo, our favorite Newfoundland, on March 11, or Act out African Folktales on March 15 with storyteller Laura Partridge. Older kids can join us for the final M.C.B.A Book Club of the season on March 12 to discuss Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai; if you can’t make it, be sure to vote for your favorite before the deadline on March 14! We’re also instituting bi-weekly Family Feature Films, so join us for movies on March 7 and March 21.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more details, including ages and times, keep an eye on our calendar and on Facebook. We hope to see you in March!

Teen Zone

The Teen Department is welcoming a new staff member this month, and with it even more teen programs! We are now offering both a book club and a writing club every month for teens. In March, the Teen Reads book club will be discussing YA novel Winger by Andrew Smith on Tuesday, March 18th from 5:30-6:30. The Spilled Ink writing club will meet on Wednesday March 26th from 6-7:30 for another writing workshop to improve skills and get the creativity flowing for aspiring writers!

                   

Another new program that is beginning this spring is a Studio Art 101 class for teens. We will be inviting professional artists to teach different forms of art for free at the library! On March 15th, registration will open for a series of classes taught by painter and illustrator Nancy McBride on April 4th, 11th and 18th. The classes are free but space is limited, so make sure you sign up! Additional teen programs in March include a Teen Advisory Group meeting on March 11th from 4-5:30, a Crafternoon on March 14th from 4-5, Edible Art on March 28th from 4-5, Learn to draw Manga classes on March 14th and 28th from 3-4, Chess Club every Thursday from 3:30-5, Level Up video gaming every Wednesday from 4:30-6, and many meetings of the Turtle Soup teen magazine group!

For more information about any of these programs contact Teen Librarian Samantha at sbodine@worcpublib.org or 508-799-1671.

February 2014 Staff Book Recommendations

February 24, 2014

The Creation of Anne Boleyn
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013
By Susan Bordo

Available as a digital download through Overdrive on the Worcester Public Library’s web page, Bordo’s book is a serious look at the religious, psychological, emotional, political, historical, fictional, non-fictional, and media interpretations of the relationship between Henry VIII and his doomed second wife, Anne Boleyn. Make no mistake: this book is not for the casual Anne Boleyn curiosity seeker that may hold a passing interest in reading about her, nor for any thin-skinned fan of some of the more popular Tudor period fiction writers. Bordo seems to have an overpowering aversion to seeing any fiction, with its interpretive creations, being construed as fact, especially facts that she does not see as facts, by readers. Bordo herself is a Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky and specializes in gender studies, feminist philosophy, and popular culture. Thus her interest in Anne Boleyn is very broad and certainly spans writings across time, and also the cultural context of each author and each author’s claims to their particular “spin” on Anne Boleyn.

One of Bordo’s focal points is body image and its language, so she is very critical of Hilary Mantel’s and Phillipa Gregory’s descriptions of Anne’s supposed physical flaws, such as small “duckies”, moles, a third nipple, and jaundiced complexion all of which indicate or imply satanic connections. Her mission is to restore Boleyn to her proper historical significance, as a strong, independent woman, free of the myths of any creative baggage hoisted upon her by historians, creative writers, playwrights, and filmmakers and directors. She is not a big fan of the very popular but soap opera-like Tudor series with its wonderful period clothing, constant drama, and frequent bedroom romps. However, she does like Natalie Dormer’s brainy interpretation Anne Boleyn, while hating Natalie Portman’s bitchy Anne in The Other Boleyn Girl. Bordo’s book is a very interesting critique and cultural interpretation on the subject of Anne Boleyn, but you should be prepared to have done substantial homework on recent print and film interpretations of her life and fall from grace with Henry VII. Additionally, be prepared for scathing remarks about novelists and movies that you might have really enjoyed. If you haven’t done the homework, her criticisms will be lost but the language she dresses them in can be enjoyed nevertheless.

--Bill

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February 18, 2014

My Age of Anxiety: Fear, hope, dread, and the search for peace of mind
By Scott Stossel

“According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some forty million Americans, nearly one in seven of us, are suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder at any given time, accounting for 31 percent of the expenditures on mental health care in the United States.”

Among these anxious millions is author Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic, great-grandson of a well-respected and mentally ill Harvard dean. In this book, Stossel thoroughly yet concisely summarizes the concept of anxiety as it has been observed throughout the ages. Despite the modern development of SSRIs and benzodiazapenes, philosophers and physicians have wrestled with both the soul’s unrest and its possible cures for many centuries. 

Stossel describes the history of mental illness treatment in a well-researched, page-turning style. While the title suggests a heavy, depressing read, it is the reader’s good fortune that Stossel possesses a wry, self-deprecating sense of humor that he uses to full effect while chronicling his own lifelong battle with anxiety. Highlights include a hilarious tale of incontinent mayhem while visiting the Kennedy compound in Hyannis in a chapter entitled “The History of My Nervous Stomach”, which details his still-continuing journey toward lasting serenity. Also examined is the nature-versus-nurture argument, weighing the roles of each in developing neuroses. 

Admittedly written to help save himself, Stossel does an admirable job of educating and entertaining on a devastating topic. Similar to the work of contemporary science writer Mary Roach, My Age of Anxiety will teach you tons and make you laugh out loud.

--Christina

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February 10, 2014

Rose Under Fire
By Elizabeth Wein

Elizabeth Wein’s historical fiction novel follows protagonist, Rose Justice, an American flygirl working for the English Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II. Rose, a pilot, a poet, a friend, a daughter, is captured by the German Luftwaffe while flying over France following D-Day. She was not strictly supposed to be flying in Europe as a female civilian pilot. She is escorted over the front line and into the Third Reich’s territory where she’s imprisoned in the infamous women’s camp Ravensbruck.

This is a book about life and death and the evil of which humans are capable. Though Wein’s book is fictional, it is exquisitely researched, and as a result, it reflects the true horror of what happened to millions of prisoners during Hitler’s regime. Wein relied on actual witness testimony to fill in the details of her story and bring it to life. Rose’s poetry, as well as excerpts from Edna St. Vincent Millay, lend a lyrical beauty to a bleak story. This companion to Code Name Verity stands on its own as a beautiful, page-turning piece of literature.

--Chelsea

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 February 3, 2014

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
By Benjamin Alire Saenz

“Maybe we just lived between hurting and healing. Like my father. I think that’s where he lived. In that in-between space. In that ecotone. My mother, too, maybe. She’d locked my brother somewhere deep inside of her. And now she was trying to let him out.”

This lyrical novel tells a story of friendship, family, and self-discovery. Ari is angry and sad all the time and doesn’t know why. His brother is in prison and his parents won’t open up to him. Dante is enlightened, intelligent, and keeping a secret from his parents. Though Ari seems emotionally closed off, the reader discovers that this boy hides a deep well of confusion, curiosity and pain beneath his cold façade. In contrast, Dante is an open book. He shares his feelings freely and cries over injured birds and friends alike. But he is hiding a truth from his family that he fears will disappoint them. The two boys seem like opposites, but when they meet at the pool one day, they form a friendship that will endure trials, pains, and revelations.

Throughout the novel Dante and Ari ask themselves philosophical questions about life, the universe and everything. Each struggles with his identity; Dante feels at odds with his Mexican heritage, while Ari clashes with his family and denies the transforming nature of his friendship with Dante. This beautiful and compelling young adult novel will appeal to readers young and old. Its emphasis on self-discovery and coming-of-age make it particularly appropriate for older teen readers.

--Chelsea

OverDrive’s Big Library Read is back in 2014!

OverDrive has announced the next title for the Big Library Read project! This year patrons from around the world can borrow “Keys to the Kitchen” by Food Network star Aida Mollenkamp starting February 17th through March 5th by visiting the digital catalog page. Patrons will be able to select a lending period which begins at the date of checkout. The eBook will be available for simultaneous use, meaning no holds or waitlists for users. Title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees!

To borrow the title simply go to Worcester Public Lirbary's digital downloads page and click on OverDrive. You’ll see the title on the home page ready to checkout. A valid library card is required.

Big Library Read is an international program that gives libraries and library patrons unlimited simultaneous access to a popular title during the program, creating a virtual, global book club.

Winter in the Teen Room

This February in the Teen Room we will be welcoming the return of many programs that took a hiatus over the winter! Learn to Draw Manga classes resumed on January 31st and will run every other Friday through April 11th from 3-4pm. Crafternoons will be returning on Fridays, and we will be trying out a new program, Edible Art! Teens can come make edible creations on the last Friday of every month, starting on February 28th.

We will also be welcoming middle grade author Anna Staniszewski to our Spilled Ink writing club on February 26th from 6-7:30. Anna will run a writing workshop for aspiring teen writers, talk about her latest book, and answer questions about pursuing writing as a career! Our chess club, which meets on Thursdays from 3:30-5:30, will welcome instructor Donna Alarie to our meeting on February 20th. Donna will do an in-depth workshop on strategy, catering to all ability levels.

And don’t forget about our teen magazine: Turtle Soup! This magazine features articles, poetry, stories, photography and artwork by Worcester teens. If you are a teenager who would like to get involved or submit a work to the magazine, contact Teen Librarian Samantha at sbodine@worcpublib.org.

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In 2014, make your New Years' resolution to read more! We have brand new copies of all of the best series including The Hunger Games, Divergent, Beautiful Creatures, Skip Beat!, One Piece and an expanding manga section!

We had lots of fun programs in December, including a gingerbread house workshop that yielded many amazing gingerbread fortresses! Make sure to check out our calendar of events for January, as we continue to have a great series of teen programs!

Don't forget about our Spilled Ink writers group for teens which meets on the last Wednesday of every month. Our January meeting will be held on the 29th at 6pm and we will have poet Alex Charalambides come in to conduct a poetry writing workshop! This program is free and no registration is required.

January 31st will be the first class in the new session of Learn to Draw Manga classes taught by artists Andy Fish and Jamie Buckmaster. These teen drawing classes take place every other Friday from 3-4pm and are free and open to all teens.

February Fun in the Children's Room

 
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It may be cold out, but school is clearly heating up! Are you working on your science fair project? Researching a famous individual? We’re here to help! Of course, we have books (beat out the competition and besure to place a hold) but also consider using our online databases. All you need is your library card to access reliable resources. Need help? Ask a friendly librarian at the desk or call 508-799-1671.

For your scientific needs, we recommend Science Online, which has a section dedicated to Science Experiments. Browse this database for project ideas. They’re organized by area, from Biology to Weather and Climate, and each suggestion includes the procedure, materials, and background information.

Try Biography in Context to get the facts about historical figures, athletes, and celebrities -- the famous and the infamous. Find articles, videos, and photographs from encyclopedias, journals, and other excellent sources.

We want you to take full advantage of our online resources, but we’d also love to see you in the children’s room! We’ve had a blast in January, with storytimes, story-acting, legos, videogames, valentine-making, and more. In February we’ll be celebrating the Chinese New Year, watching the Winter Olympics, learning to draw manga, playing board games, and staying warm. Keep an eye on the calendar and on Facebook for up-to-date information. Also, come by and meet our new Youth Services Coordinator, Chantell McDowell! She will be joining us in early February. Hailing from North Carolina, she’ll need a warm welcome! We hope to see you soon!