RPL Youth

Northview Family Game Night

2011-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Jester and M'Lady will be at Northview Thursday evening, 5:30 - 7:00, for a few games, puzzles, and general high jinks for Family Game Night.

We invite you to join us as we launch a quest for a summer of great reading with "A Midsummer Knight's Read."
Come one, come all, as we travel back in time to the magical days of knights and damsels, kings and queens, fairies and dragons.

Summer Reading kicks off with an Open House at the Library on Tuesday, May 24, 2-5 pm.
COME ONE, COME ALL! COME BACK IN TIME TO THE AGE OF CHIVALRY!

HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY

2011-01-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

The first book's action takes place in a short period of time, so it would be best to read it quickly to maintain momentum--not like I read it over a period of several weeks! I'd really like to see a movie made of this book (if only to see Katniss' and Peta's competition dress). The imagery is very well done, I can imagine being there, but can't imagine the pain they must have gone through. What a cruel world. Definitely CGI material.

Now if I could get my hands on the 2nd book ('Catching Fire') -- can't tell you why, it would spoil the first book's story for you -- but it's been named the most popular book for teenagers

NARNIA

2011-01-13T09:51:00.001-08:00

Please post your 'Narnia' comments here. Other comments are attached to previous post (see December)

Has anyone seen the newest movie? One review I read said it was too-oo-oo slo-o-o-w, but I still want to go!

BookSpace and S/F BookSpace is HERE!!

2010-12-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Have I got your attention? Really, wouldn't it be cool to have a space to write and discuss your thoughts on the latest and greatest books?

Well, why not HERE?!! What book would you like to start with?
I'm going to go ahead and suggest: THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY . . . . did you know that the 2nd book in the trilogy was recently voted the favorite teen book? Yep, it's CATCHING FIRE . . . followed by MOCKINGJAY, all by young adult author Suzanne Collins. Adventure, Science Fiction-- in a Dystopia of the 22nd century.

Although this is also in the S/F genre, I'm really excited about the new movie VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, based on C.S. Lewis' Narnia books. I thought we could start another book discussion at the same time. We can start with THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, then continue with the other Narnia books.

If you have a suggestion, respond to this post. Let's have an online discussion over the holidays as we read and re-read our fave books. Read, Stop by often and contribute often!

Japanese Culture Club

2010-09-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we had an Open House in May . . . then summer happened!

This Friday, September 24, at 4:00 - 6:00
We have a great guest speaker lined up--Tammy Pfrang--who lived on Okinawa with her husband. She'll talk about the culture she experienced there, and possibly give us a demo of her black belt skills in karate.

Her husband is also a black belt, and we hope that he can drop in later. I believe they are active in the Rantoul dojo run by the Ostranders, so you can follow up with them on that, if you're interested in their style of karate!

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU CAN HELP SET UP FOR THIS MEETING (@ 3:30)

Wave Club reading non-fiction

2010-07-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

What are you reading now?

TEENS WANTED for Summer Committee

2010-05-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

What are you doing this summer?

Want to be a member of the Teen Advisory Committee for Summer 2010? We're looking for Teen Readers, Actors, Writers, Artists, Musicians, and other interesting people! You'll help the group decide on a teen program, help organize it, and help put on the program!

We need your input right away, so don't wait. Call Krista at 217-417-9143, or email her at kruud2@illinois.edu. She'll get back to you to see when you're available to meet with the group.

So tell your friends, okay? Any teen of high school age and up is eligible.

American BOYS & Girls Craft Club

2010-04-06T20:15:00.001-07:00

Please call me to register for the next meeting, Tuesday, April 20th, 4:00 - 5:00. This meeting could run until 5:30, please plan accordingly.

I need to know how many will be attending to have enough supplies available. Thanks!

American BOYS & Girls Craft Club

2010-02-10T23:29:00.000-08:00

Did you ever wonder what it was like to be a kid in George Washington's time?

What did kids do? What did they eat? What games did they play? What was life like for them?

Check out this website, then come to the "American Boys & Girls Craft Club" next Tuesday. Washington Crossing Historic Park:
http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/kids/index.htm

We'll be talking about taking part in a reenactment of the French & Indian War period (1755) this summer. Come find out about a girl's pocket and mobcap, and a boy's "possibles" bag.

Please call to register for the first meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 4:00 - 5:30 pm. (217-893-3955) or respond to this post.

High School Study Space (dates corrected)

2009-12-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

My mistake . . . the days for the study space are Tues., Wed., Thurs., this week, and
Mon., Wed., Thurs., next week (finals week).

We will not have the study space today! Sorry!

High School Group Study Space

2009-11-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

Need a place to study--alone or with your study buddies--here it is. I've reserved space in the library for group study on the following days from 5:00 - 7:30 pm:

Week before Final Exams -- Dec. 8-10 (monday thru wednesday) and
Finals Week -- Dec. 14, 16, and 17 (monday, wednesday, thursday)

Free snacks to keep up your energy levels!

It would be helpful to know how many are coming . . . respond if you can

Free Family Film Night

2009-11-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

It's "Monsters Vs Aliens" this Friday night at 7 pm.

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

I just watched this great video . . .

read the review--very enlightening-- and see the video here:

Reelviews Movie Review

I want to see those 9-foot monsters on the big screen! Seen it? Tell me what you thought.

Recommended Teen Titles

2009-10-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's Teen Read Week . . . Read Beyond Reality@your Library! Read something out of this world, just for the fun of it.

Pick up a bookmark of this year's Teen Read list. If we don't have what you want, ask a librarian to request it for you, or
go online to our webpage, click "Find a Book" to log in to your account, where you can request a book yourself.
Remember, you'll need your pin.

Want to vote for next year's theme?
To VOTE for the 2010 Teen Read Week theme, click here

What are you currently reading? Let me know . . .
I'm currently reading . . . (listening to) "The 39 Clues, Book 1. The Maze of Bones," by Rick Riordan, recommended for the pre-teen crowd--I'm enjoying books that I wish I'd had when I was that age!

It's a G.A.S.!

2009-10-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Games After School, that is, meets Mondays at 4:00 pm for all 5th through 8th graders.

Board games, music, refreshments. Hang with friends and make new ones.

New American Girl Book Club Forming

2009-10-10T19:54:00.001-07:00

The next meeting will be this coming Tuesday, October 13 at 4:00 PM

Call or email me for more info

We're he-ee-er-rr!

2009-04-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

Blogging from Lincoln Trail's Tech Marketing Seminar. Learning some new tricks and tweeks!

Hoping to have a new look to RPL Youth soon . . .

American Girl Book Club: It had to happen . . .

2009-02-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

. . . we're just so popular, we have to split ourselves in two--two groups, that is!

Currently reading "The Secret in the Old Attic," by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Mysteries series)

Next meeting, Feb. 24, we will split into two groups so everyone can have a chance to be heard.

As of this writing, I have 3 girls who are interested, but I'm not sure if they can commit. So. . . if someone new is interested, please ask them to talk to me first!

See you next Tuesday.

American Girls Rock!

2009-01-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

American Girls, the next book up for discussion is "Meet Josefina," on Tues, January 27.

Since we had to close our group to new membership, it's possible that we could start a new group.
If you're interested in being in a small group book discussion, contact me and we'll see what happens!

The group does not have to read only American Girl books; any book could be considered.

We could have a genre group, such as historical fiction, fantasy/science fiction, realistic/humorous, or whatever the group decides.

Email me at amdavster@gmail.com

Home School Club - Kanji Rocks!

2008-11-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

If you missed this last meeting, you will want to check out the Bulletin Board on

Japanese Kanji Script.

Next meeting, December 1st - we'll try some brushwork. . . chance to learn some Chinese symbols too!

Call or email me for more info (annette.davis7@gmail.com) I heard we may have some new members in December, so don't miss it!

American Girl Book Club UPDATE

2008-11-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

We decided not to meet during the week of Thanksgiving, so the 25th is cancelled.

Next two meetings are December 2 and 16. Briana Gilyard will lead the discussion of "Meet Kit."

We now have the movie too! Let's plan on watching it together during the Christmas holiday break.

A.G. Book Club Meets Tomorrow

2008-11-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

We're on our 3rd book, "Kaya's Escape." Discussion Tuesday, Nov. 11 (no school day!) at 4:00. Grace Hanson leads this discussion.

Our next book will be "Meet Kit" in two weeks, Nov. 25. Briana Gilyard will lead that discussion.

"Meet Addy" today at 4

2008-10-14T07:25:00.001-07:00

Our American Girl book club meets today. We'll share some items of clothing, props and stuff we found at home that remind us of one of the characters. See if you can guess which character it is.

Cornbread (just a taste), but better than Addy and her mother had on their journey. . . popcorn, lemonade, and good book discussion. These girls have what it takes to make a great book club!

Hello, Pokemon Fans!

2008-07-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

It's been great to see all the Trading Card Fans coming out to the weekly games . . . the word has gotten out that we are still meeting during the summer!

Meetings are Wednesdays at 10:00 am - 12:30 (or when finished)

Starting the week of August 20, still on Wednesday, we go back to our school-year time of 3:30 - 5:30. Be sure to tell your friends. See you there . . .

Summer Storytimes

2008-07-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

We're into the second week of Storytimes for the Summer Migrant Education Program. Three groups of mixed ages are visiting the library three times a week for three weeks.

Last week we told Trickster Tales and placed the characters on a world map: Anansi the Spider, Zomo the Rabbit, Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox, Coyote , and Jabuti the Tortoise.

This week, we enjoyed a few of the many collected fables: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, The Fox and the Grapes, and the Milkmaid and her Pail, to name just three. And just for fun, a tale of Renard the Fox called "Renard and Crow."

My favorite moral: Said the country mouse to the town mouse: "A humble life with peace and quiet is better than a spendid one with danger and risk." --Aesop

You are Invited . . .

2008-06-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hear ye, hear ye!

This is the week of the "Mad Hatter" Tea Party --
make a hat, enjoy a treat, and play a card game with your friends!

Tuesday at 2pm for Grades K-2
Thursday at 2 pm for Grades 3-6.

Please register 24 hours in advance by calling the library at 893-3955.

Winner receives prize to "Get in the Game" this summer!

2008-06-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ashley Harris, 4th grader, for her winning essay, "The Lion in Love."
She received a beautiful wood and glass game chest containing six games donated by Rural King. Way to go, Ashley!

Essay Contest Deadline Extended

2008-04-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Aesop Fable Essay Contest has been extended until April 30 (Wednesday). Kids, 3rd through 5th grade, may enter and win prizes:

Please be sure to read the GUIDELINES, either online at www.rantoul.lib.il.us/Aesopfablescontest.html
or pick up a copy at the Children's Desk in the Library. (Or read on...)

For ideas, check out Aesop's Fables website at www.aesopfables.com --
about 1/2 way down the index list, there is a link to "Selected fables" -- or check out the longer lists divided into four parts. These fables are really very short--something like a "summary" which is what you need to answer question #1. I suggest that you pick your fable, then find another source (print or online) to read a longer version. This will help you answer the 2nd and 3rd questions.

Don't know the questions? Here they are:

State the title of the fable and summarize it in your own words; do not repeat the entire fable.

Tell why you think the author chose the particular animals for this fable and how the choice of animal helps tell the moral or lesson. For example, why choose a Lion and a Fox in “The Old Lion and the Fox.”
Give an example from life where you might learn such a lesson.

That's it! Now hurry and turn in those essays so you can be eligible for the prizes!

Tell me what you know about a fable . . .

2008-04-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Most of us know the fable, "The Hare and the Tortoise," in which Aesop told us about the dangers(!) of procrastination . . .

Now kids in Grades 3-5 can choose a fable to write about and enter Aesop's Essay Contest . . .

Don't procrastinate--the deadline for receipt of your essay is Wednesday, April 30. And the prizes are nifty, too!

Access the rules from the library's homepage, www.rantoul.lib.il.us
and click on the link to "Aesop's Essay Contest."

Tea Party!

2008-03-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Pursuit of Happiness . . . American Colonies . . . Boston Harbor . . . Tea Party!

You are invited to a Tea Party! Bring your mind, and heart, to my online tea party. . . where we can share our reading passions. . . .

I hope you are actively pursuing your happiness, as our Cabin Fever Winter Reading Program winds down. If you've had a chance to read any of the books on the "Pursuit of Happiness" bookshelf, or any other book, feel free to add your comments here.

I discovered some interesting facts about two of our most famous American authors on the "bookshelf": "political pamphleteer" Thomas Paine (1737-1908) and poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892). Each man began his career as a printers apprentice and died relatively poor and alone, but we remember them as men who had a deep effect on the passions and psyche of the nation's people.

Come along to my "Online Tea Party" . . . you're invited to add your comments about what you're reading!

"We the People" Bookshelf -- Some New Old Reads

2008-02-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

Just as medical students are advised to read in the humanities, it's good to try something out of your usual genre once in a while. That's the idea behind "Cabin Fever Winter Reading Program" which is going on right now for teens and adults. You're encouraged to read a variety of types of books.

Here's an idea--try one of our new "old" books the library received thru an NEH grant called "We the People." The theme this year is "The Pursuit of Happiness." The list is on the Children's page, but they're not just for youth.

Reach the list on our website (http://www.rantoul.lib.il.us) by clicking on "Children's Library" on the left hand margin, then scroll down and click on "Pursuit of Happiness." Or, go here: http://www.rantoul.lib.il.us/pursuitofhappiness.html

Break that Cabin Fever today!

Last Chance for Making a Valentine

2008-02-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

A big THANK-YOU to all who stopped by last week to make valentines for Country Health patients. We still need more valentines, as there are about 70 patients, so if you have a little time, please stop in before Tuesday evening (that's when I'll be delivering them). We have all the stuff, you bring your creativity. It doesn't take much time, and it's fun to create something unique and beautiful, and will lift someone's spirits on Valentine's Day.

Please come to the Children's Desk and ask for me. Hope to see YOU!

Make a Valentine for Nursing Home Residents

2008-02-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

We are making valentines for nursing home residents in Gifford, this Thursday and Friday, Feb. 7 and 8, at the Rantoul Public Library. Anyone can participate; we need at least 70 cards. Come down to the Activity Room after school.

My First Test Post

2008-02-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

This is my first posting! Yay, I'm now being published.

I hope you all like what I have to share with you.

And, I hope you'll share with me too!