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AUGUST 31, 2012
Take a Break

Take a break this fall at some of these upcoming festivals:

Arvada Harvest Festival

September 7th - 9th

Celebrate the harvest with a parade, carnival rides, music and a movie.

Egewater Celtic Festival

September 15th and 16th

Celebrate all things Celtic with flyball dog races, sword fighting and fantastic music including one of my favorite bands Colcannon. 

Lakewood Cider Days

October 6th and 7th

This festival does charge a fee to attend.  There are wagon rides, music and trick pigs (yes, that's right, trick pigs).

 

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posted by Arra, Lakewood Library

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AUGUST 29, 2012
Classic Teen Titles

There are some books I love to read over and over.  Here are some of my favorite 'classic' teen titles and also some recommendations from the Lakewood Library Teen Advisory Board:

The Blue Sword by Tamora Pierce

Harry, bored with her sheltered life in the remote orange-growing colony of Daria, discovers magic in herself when she is kidnapped by a native king with mysterious powers.

 

 

Forever by Judy Blume

Katherine and Michael meet on New Year's Eve and their attraction is instantaneous. They become completely involved with each other they are filled with all the wonder of first love.  When summer comes Katherine and Michael are separated.  Will their love endure "forever?"

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery  - recommended by Vallen

Anne, a spunky orphan,  is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm.  Anne relies on her wits to get out of countless scrapes.

 

The Princess Bride by William Goldman - recommended by Catie

The timeless love story between a farm boy named Westley and the beautiful Princess Buttercup, along with the author's comments on life and art as he attempts to edit the children's classic.

Find more classics in our Teen Classics book list.

What is your favorite classic book?

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posted by Arra, Lakewood Library

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AUGUST 28, 2012
Read This! Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Orphaned by the Border Wars, Alina Starkov is taken from obscurity and her only friend, Mal, to become the protegé of the mysterious Darkling, who trains her to join the magical elite in the belief that she is the Sun Summoner, who can destroy the monsters of the Fold.

This book had everything: a compelling, engaging heroine, believable love story, gruesome monsters, devious villains, fascinating landscape, the whole shebang. Bardugo takes a lot from Russian culture and infuses it in a completely unique way creating a fantastic new world. She has a wonderful style to her writing and really brings you into Alina's doubts about herself and her burgeoning confidence and power. Good, good stuff. Really looking forward to the next one!

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posted by Erin, Golden Library

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AUGUST 27, 2012
Movie Monday - Perks of Being a Wallflower

The trailer made me laugh - A LOT! I definitely want to see the movie after watching it! It’s the latest coming of age movie based on a great book, perhaps (hopefully) as funny as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off only updated for the 21st century! Emma Watson stars in the movie which is a big plus in my book. This movie is for anyone who ever had a rough day of high school. Does that include everyone? It comes out on Sept. 21st.

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posted by Pam, Standley Lake Library

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AUGUST 26, 2012
Back to School Books

Get into the school spirit with some of these teen fiction books:

Messed Up by Janet Nichols Lynch

R.D. is repeating the eighth grade and this year he plans to graduate.  After his grandmother walks out  and her boyfriend is no longer able to care for him R.D. must fend for himself.

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Charlie writes letters to an anonymous receiver detailing the painful and poignant moments of his freshman year of high school.

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks

After an idyllic childhood of homeschooling with her mother and three older brothers, Maggie enrolls in public high school.  Fitting in is complicated by the melancholy ghost that has followed her throughout her entire life.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Naomi hits her head after falling down the stairs at school.  She has no memory of the last four years and finds herself reassessing every aspect of her life, including her friendship with the school rebel, James.

Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia

The lives of Leticia, Dominique, and Trina are irrevocably intertwined through the course of one day in an urban high school after Leticia overhears Dominique's plans to beat up Trina and must decide whether or not to get involved.

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posted by Arra, Lakewood Library

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AUGUST 25, 2012
Science Saturday - Green Flash

 

I am currently reading the book "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein.  In the book the main characters are flying a plane and observe a green flash.  I had not heard of this so decided to investigate.  Rarely, a green flash may be observed at either sunrise or sunset.  It is an optical illusion where a green ray of light is observed caused by differential refraction of light waves.  Observation is easier over the ocean where the horizon is not obstructed by trees or hills.  It is also usually seen on a still day with clear air. 

Want to know more?  Check out our online database Science Online!

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posted by Arra, Lakewood Library

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AUGUST 24, 2012
YALSA Teens' Top Ten Voting

Here's your chance to help your favorite book get some recognition. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is a national organization that teen librarians participate in. It helps us figure out how to serve you guys the best we can.

One of the things YALSA does is create lists of great books. One of those lists is the Teens' Top Ten list. Here's where you come in. Let us know what books you love. Just click here to vote. And if you want to, post to the blog which books you voted for. 

Check out the 2011 winners!



 

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posted by Chandra, Belmar Library

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AUGUST 23, 2012
New stuff I just processed

Totally excited about the new books that came into Belmar today! Put a hold on 'em today!

 

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posted by Chandra, Belmar Library

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AUGUST 21, 2012
Read This! The List by Siobhan Vivian

The ListEvery year, a mysterious list containing the names of eight girls is posted around school. One girl from each grade is the prettiest, one is the ugliest. The List follows the eight girls and their (sometimes surprising) reactions to being singled out based on their looks. This book touches on some important teen issues, including the status conferred by physical appearance, and successfully juggles eight different points of view.

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posted by Briana, Evergreen Library

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AUGUST 20, 2012
Movie Monday - Classic Teen Movies You Must See

These classic teen films still hold up over time. Check them out from the library!

Rebel Without a Cause (1955) - James Dean plays the new kid in town and he's already making trouble when he arrives. He pisses the popular guy off at school by flirting with his girlfriend and it just escalates from there. Slightly dated in parts but well worth your time if for no other reason than to see James Dean at the height of his hotness. 

Splendor in the Grass (1961) - Oh the ANGST!!! Deanie and Bud are in love but Deanie doesn't want to go all the way. Bud can't wait and decides to try out the neighbor girl instead and kick Deanie to the curb. This does not sit well with Deanie who goes a bit batty. Check out a young Warren Beatty in his film debut. So dreamy...

Grease (1978) -The classic musical with good girl Sandy falling in love with bad boy Danny as they sing their way through high school.  There would be no High School Musical without Grease.

Sixteen Candles (1984) - The quintessential teen movie from the 80's and still as hilarious as it was back then. Sweet and sassy Samantha's (Molly Ringwald) 16th birthday isn't quite what she hoped. Her family completely forgets, her crush Jake Ryan (soooo cute) doesn't know she exists and the king of the geeks won't leave her alone. Can her birthday get any worse?

Clueless (1995) - Cher, a high school student in Beverly Hills, must survive the ups and downs of adolescent life. Her exterior at first seems superficial, but rather it hides her wit, charm, and intelligence which help her to deal with relationships, friends, family, school, and the all-important teenage social life.

Superbad (2007) -Seth and Evan are accepting the fact that they will be going to different colleges in the fall. Now, it seems more important than ever that they go to a high school party and achieve some of their long time goals. This includes, but is not limited to, losing their virginity with the girl of their dreams by getting them wasted and being their "regret hookup." Really funny film with hilarious performances by Michael Cera, Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. (Rated R)

Easy A (2010) - Most of you have probably seen this one but I think it is bound for the teen classics shelf. After little white lie about losing her virginity gets out, clean cut high school girl sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne's in The Scarlet Letter, which she is currently studying in school. Hoping to become popular, she decides to use the rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing with disastrous results. Emma Stone is wonderful in this funny and touching comedy.

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posted by Erin, Golden Library

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AUGUST 18, 2012
Science Saturday - Manhattanhenge!

Did you know America has its own Henge? Do you know what a ‘Henge’ is? Me neither, but we have one twice a year in Manhattan! Just recently (two weeks ago) the angle of the sun as it set created an almost magical experience for those lucky enough to see it.

Check out Manhattanhenge here!

The best part of this video to my mind, however, is watching Neil DeGrasse, director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, ‘raise the roof’ a bit… (a tiny bit, but still!) It’s cute when astrophysicists bust a move! Now all we need is a DENVERHENGE!!

P.S. If you come to Arvada library and can tell me what a ‘henge’ is, I’ll give you a piece of candy. Points for creativity!

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posted by Tana, Arvada Library

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AUGUST 17, 2012
TAB Book Swap and Open House at Evergreen

Attention Evergreen Teens: are you curious about the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)? If so, stop by the library from 3 to 5 pm on Tuesday, August 21. The Evergreen TAB will be hosting a Book Swap and Open House. Stop by and trade a book or two, learn about the TAB, and meet some super-cool TAB members. Teen Librarian Briana will provide some frozen treats, too.

TAB Book Swap and Open House
Tuesday, August 21
3-5 pm
Evergreen Library

 

 

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posted by Briana, Evergreen Library

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AUGUST 15, 2012
My Holds List

So I was just thinking how cool it would be to be able to see what some of you guys are waiting to read and it occurred to me that you guys might want to know what I'm excited about.

Here's a selection of books I have on hold right now:


The sequel to Anna Dressed in Blood. If you haven't read the first one yet, put a hold on both books now!

Cas has the ability to "kill" ghosts. He travels around, seeking out violent, dangerous spirits to send on. In the first book, he goes up against the most violent ghost yet, Anna Dressed in Blood.











An assassin jailed in the salt mines, Celaena is called before the Crown Prince, who offers her a chance to earn her freedom by competing to become the next court assassin. When two competitors are murdered, it's up to Celaena to find the killer or risk being the next to die. 





 

 



Phyre has a crush on her high-school drama teacher, a woman. She's trying to figure that out by talking to her best friend, whose name she never says. 

I put this on hold because I read that it's written as a screenplay, like a script for a movie. 

 

 

 

 



A long-awaited sequel to Unwind!!! 

If you loved Hunger Games, you'll love Unwind. In the future, there's a war between people who are pro-life and pro-choice. The war is settled by an agreement that says no fetus can be aborted but once a child is between the ages of 15 and 18, a parent can choose to have them unwound (taken apart and used for their organs). When Connor discovers his parents plan to unwind him, he must hide for three years until he's 18 and safe again.



I put this on hold with no idea what it was about. But it's by John Green, so I'm pretty sure it'll be excellent. 

Further research shows it's about a kid who is also a boat. I have no idea.




 

 



Georges moves to a new school and a new apartment building. There's a kid in his building that wants Georges to help him spy on another neighbor. I do love spy books!

 

 

 

 

 



I found this one on a blog entry called "The Hangover for Teens." I love one epic night sorts of books (like Will Grayson, Will Grayson or Graffiti Moon). I hope this one's good!

 

 

 

 

 


New Whitby, Maine is a town founded by vampires trying to escape judgement by humans. Mel lives there, but she's human and doesn't like vampires. When people she cares about start caring about vampires, she starts to rethink her stance on the supernatural residents. I put a hold on it because I read an article that says it's "a high-school vampire novel [that] doesn't suck." 

 

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posted by Chandra, Belmar Library

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AUGUST 14, 2012
Read This! This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Barricaded in Cortege High with five other teens while zombies try to get in, Sloane Price observes her fellow captives become more unpredictable and violent as time passes although they each have much more reason to live than she has.

Not your typical end-of-the-world-zombie novel. This book is actually really engrossing because the main character, Sloane, is such a damaged character that the whole zombie issue seems to be rather trivial in comparison to the whole rest of her life.

She is fascinating; suicidal, strong, fragile, willful and strangely, one of the most reasonable characters in the whole book. I loved the idea that someone’s crappy life could actually prepare them for whatever dangers lie ahead. It gives me hope.

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posted by Tana, Arvada Library

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AUGUST 13, 2012
Teen Health & Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers

Did you know there are FIVE types of loneliness? Did you know that one million boys have eating disorders? Do you know the difference between simple interest and compound interest and which one will grow your money faster?

These types of questions and answers can be found on the Teen Health and Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers database. This database is really amazing – financial literacy, nutrition, safety, sexual health, friendship, Green living, teen brain development, life skills and much, MUCH more!

The website is written with Teens in mind, to give you answers to the questions you might not even know you have. They even have a free app.

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posted by Tana, Arvada Library

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AUGUST 12, 2012
Book Crossing

BookCrossing is a fun way to get rid of those books you bought, read, and want to get rid of.

You register your book on the site, then print a label or write a note with a unique number on it to explain what's going on. Then release it! Leave it on a bench, at a playground, the mall, anywhere another reader might find it. You could even donate it to the library. 
 

When someone finds it, they follow the instructions on the label to let the website, and you, know who got it and where it's headed.  

If you're younger than 13, you'll need a parent to register on the site with you.

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posted by Chandra, Belmar Library

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AUGUST 11, 2012
Science Saturday - Dig Those Crazy Bugs

Okay, so technically millipedes are not true bugs – they’re Arthropods, Class Diplopoda, sometimes referred to as a Myriapod— and you might have one under a rock in your backyard right this very minute, BUT… I’m guessing yours do not trip the light fantastic like these babies do! 

The fluorescing blue millipedes shown here courtesy of Science Friday are strangely beautiful. I’m not sure I would want them crawling across my bedroom ceiling at night, but then again… since they typically only eat decaying leaf matter and sprouts, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad!

Learn more about these and other bizarre insects and animals at – you guessed it—the library!

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posted by Tana, Arvada Library

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AUGUST 10, 2012
Bad library jokes that are oh so good!

I love a good bad joke! Here's some groaners to perk up your day:

Why was the library so messy?
It was full of litter-ature!

Why did the mummy go to the library?
To get all wrapped up in a good book!

Why did the vampire need a drawing book?
To learn how to draw blood, of course!

Why did the librarian slip and fall?
She was in the non-friction section!

Ok, ok, I'll quit punishing you! But if you love awful jokes as much as me there's plenty more where that came from. Pick up a joke book today!

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posted by Jessie, Columbine Library

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AUGUST 9, 2012
Cool off with these cold treats

Looking for a way to beat the heat?  Try these cold cooking ideas:

Try some of these links to websites with cold recipes:

Make Ice Cream in a Ziplock Bag 

Popsicle Recipes and Ideas 

Or these library books:

Sundaes and Splits by Hannah Miles

Ice Cream: 52 Easy Recipes for Year-Round Frozen Treats by Sally Sampson

Ice Cream Treats by Charity Ferreira

 

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posted by Arra, Lakewood Library

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AUGUST 8, 2012
I LOVE this band!!!!!

I LOVE this band!!!!! They are called The Bots – they remind me of old school music I love and also Black Keys….

They were 15 and 12 when they started their band just a few years ago-talk about teens that rock!!

They are opening for one of my favorite bands, Blur in the UK this summer.

Anyways, check them out!

 

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posted by Amy, Edgewater Library

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AUGUST 7, 2012
Read This! A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan

Digit is super smart with an amazing knack for numbers. She is so smart, in fact, that she has never really been able to make friends or live a normal life. She changes schools, goes by her real name, Farrah, and pretends to be dumber than she is in hopes that she can finish off high school as a regular teen. And it works perfectly! Until one night when she’s watching TV with her friends and sees a series of numbers flash across the bottom of the screen. And then the next week, another series of numbers. And then the next week, again. Soon after, a bomb goes off at JFK airport and Digit realizes that the attack was related to the numbers she saw. Next thing she knows, she is on the wrong side of a very deadly terrorist organization with nothing but a swoon-worthy FBI agent and her own smarts to save her.

A Girl Named Digit has romance, great characters, a page-turning mystery, and it’s funny! What more could you ask for?

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posted by Jessie, Columbine Library

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AUGUST 6, 2012
Evergreen Teen Time

Origami! Join us in the Evergreen Library meeting room at 4 pm on Wednesday, August 8. We will be making origami and talking about what we are currently reading. All supplies will be provided. I hope to see some of you there!

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posted by Briana, Evergreen Library

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AUGUST 5, 2012
Get the FIRST copy of Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Really, I couldn't say it better than her, so check this out:

"There are now officially exactly three copies of Requiem in the world. Just three. In the whole world. One is mine. One is for my dad. And the other... well the other is for one of you!  

What I want to know is why YOU should get that one Requiem ARC! Send me your stories! Are you a crazy Delirium fan? Do you have a great and and funny story that occurred because of your obsession? Happy/sad/good/bad/funny/serious/long/short... I want to read them all! Convince me! Send all your stories to laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com , and put "Requiem Giveaway" in the subject line. I'll post my favorite stories up here on the blog, and even if you don't get the one copy, you might get on the list for future ARCs or other Lauren Oliver swag."

Read all about it on Lauren Oliver's website.
 

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posted by Chandra, Belmar Library

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AUGUST 4, 2012
Science Saturday - SPIDERS!

They're creepy and crawly and most of us shriek when we see one but really spiders are one of the most helpful bugs around.  Here are some interesting spider facts:

Spiders have little arms next to their fangs to hold prey.  These are called pedipalps.

Most spiders have 8 eyes but some do have fewer. 

Male spiders are generally smaller than female.

The large 'Bird Eating' spider is native to South America and can catch prey as large as small bats in it's web.  This spider is part of the tarantula family.

Some spiders will fish with their silk.  They swing it through the air with a sticky bit on the end to catch prey in mid-air.

Some spiders like the European Water Spider and the Fishing Spider will swim.  The Fishing Spider will row across the water with it's front four legs.

Want to know more about arachnids?  Check out our online database International Wildlife.

 

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posted by Arra, Lakewood Library

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AUGUST 3, 2012
Read n’ Rant at the Arvada Library

Over at the Arvada Library, Tana, the Teen Librarian is putting together a Young Adult book group that will try to have intelligent and profound discussions about stimulating and meaningful books. Or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look for YA FICTION COLLINS

 

This book discussion group is really about opinions. We’ll talk about books; whether the movie versions hit the mark; whether we should be worried about the direction civilization is clearly heading because of these crazy books we love? Or hate? Love to hate? Hate to love? Whatever.

Thursday September 6th is the first Read n’ Rant and the book we will be discussing is The Hunger Games, so you have time if you haven’t read it yet. If you’ve seen the movie, great! If not, no worries! Questions to consider: Are there parallels between Suzanne Collins dystopic world and ours? Is the United States like ‘the Capitol?’ Is self-sufficiency a form of power? Defiance? Does the end justify the means? Ever?

Bring a friend. Bring a snack. Bring an opinion.

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posted by Tana, Arvada Library

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AUGUST 2, 2012
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3: Dog Days

If you are a big fan of the Wimpy Kid in all his glory, than you are probably like me-- very excited for the upcoming Dog Days movie to be released during the dog days of summer – or August, as it’s typically known! 

Based on The Last Straw (book 3) and Dog Days (book 4) in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series of books by Jeff Kinney, this movie follows Greg Heffley as he endeavors to have a great summer playing video games and watching TV… Of course, his mom has other plans, which inevitably means chaos will ensue. Yay! Chaos!

If you get a kick out of Greg, his family, and of course Rowley, look for this Book-to-Screen adaption coming out tomorrow, August 3rd!

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posted by Tana, Arvada Library

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AUGUST 1, 2012
It could be your Lucky Day!

The library is starting a new Lucky Day program today. I'm sure you have experienced something like this before: The Mark of Athena, the 3rd book in the Lost Hero series by Rick Riordan is coming out in October and you just found out about it and you're going to get yourself on the hold list right now and be one of the first people to read it and hooray! it's in the library catalog and it only has...dun dun dun...341 holds?!?!

The Lucky Day collection is going to be a selection of very popular books that do not go out on holds, which means it just might be at the library when you get here! Here's what you need to know:

1. The Lucky Day collection starts today, August 1.

2. It includes popular Adult, Teen and Children's fiction titles, as well as feature films and Adult non-fiction. (Hint, hint: all the Hunger Games books are included, along with many other great books you might be waiting for.)

3. You can check out up to 3 Lucky Day items at a time and they check out for the normal amount of time (3 weeks for books, 1 week for movies). You can't renew these books.

4. We will still have all our regular copies of a title as well, so you can place a hold in case you never see the Lucky Day copy. If you end up getting a Lucky Day copy your hold will cancel automatically so you don't have to worry that you will get it twice.

5. We cannot set aside Lucky Day books for you, which means you just have to come in and see what's here. Say hi to your teen librarian when you're in--we get lonely sometimes.  :)

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posted by Jessie, Columbine Library

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