The Anime Club at the library is having a cosplay! This is your chance to dress up as your favorite anime/manga character and compete for awesome prizes. 
We are having a photography contest in honor of Teen Tech Week! The theme is Teens and Technology, so the entries should generally follow this subject. Photoshop and other editing programs are allowed, so be creative!
You can email your entry as an attachment to ya@tscpl.org, or bring in a hard copy to the YS desk in the public library. This contest is only open to teens in the Topeka/ Shawnee County area.
Attention teens ages 14–17Do you have a bunch of old T-shirts hanging in the back of your closet? We can help you turn
your old shirts in to something new that you actually want to wear! Using tutorials from Megan Nicolay’s awesome book, Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt, we will be making new shirts, tank tops, bags, and even a rug. You can make a ton of cool designs once you learn the basic techniques, so bring a few old T-shirts and a lot of creativity!
The library program is on Thursday, January 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in Marvin Auditorium 101A. E-mail me at ya@tscpl.org if you have any questions!
Adults have never really understood what exactly it is that teens want. Whether it’s that “strange” group of friends, “funky” hairstyle or fashion choice, or “teeth-grinding” music, adults certainly don't share common ground with adolescents when it comes to interests and tastes. Our dedicated library staff recognized these differences, and the David J’s Senior Advisory Board was born. As members of the David J's Board, we understand the interests of teenagers, being adolescents ourselves, and we strive to create new programs that our peers can enjoy. We have some big plans for 2008, including (but certainly not limited to) teen discussion groups, an expansion of our video gaming, and bringing in local bands to perform at the library. Our vision is to make the library a place that not only accepts teenagers, but welcomes them, accommodates them, and entertains them. We hope that as a result, the library is not only a more enjoyable place for young adults, but also that we may create a more positive effect on the community as a whole.
David J’s senior advisory board is always looking for suggestions and ideas. We also have Facebook and MySpace profiles, so you can be in the loop and message us on your favorite online social network. We can’t wait to hear from you and hope to see you all at the library. If you are a high school student and are interested in becoming a member, stop by Youth Services, call 785-580-4565, or email: tscpl@tscpl.org.
Read all the articles from past connectnow issues here.
Play your favorite board games or learn a new one. The whole family or anyone can play 
chess, bingo, checkers, Uno, Battleship, Candyland, Scrabble, Dominoes, and more. Spin the wheel of fortune and win a prize!
Marvin Auditorium
Fri Nov 23 2:00–4:00 pm
[12–18 years]
Attention Yu-Gi-Oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel other Yu-Gi-Oh players. 
Walk-ins are allowed if there are open slots. Registration required.
Lingo Story Room 121
Mon Nov 12 3:15–5:15 pm
Mon Nov 26 3:15–5:15 pm
The library is having a short essay contest to celebrate the Read with Friends fall reading program! The fabulous prizes are $25, $15, and $10 gift cards for Barnes and Noble. All you have to do is share a story about a friend that you like to read with. The essay should relate to the theme “Why I like reading with a friend.” Show as much creativity and originality as you can, because we will be judging the entries for both content and visual impact.
Grades 6-8 need to write 100-150 words, and grades 9-12 need to write 150-200 words. Come to the library to fill out an official entry form and submit your work! So far we don’t have very many entries, so you have a great chance at winning.
More than 30 Topekans (and several teens!) are about to embark on a frantic novel-writing adventure. 50,000 words in 30 days. That’s right. It’s time for National Novel Writing Month again. In addition to meeting locally and online to encourage and inspire each other while we are spending the month of November writing, we are also proudly representing Topeka in this international event.
Topeka writers Fred Miller and Lissa Staley are featured extensively in the first podcast of the month on WrimoRadio. Listen to it here.
Author Tamora Pierce was filmed at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library giving encouragement for Nanowrimo writers. This was the featured video on October 8, 2007 on the NaNoVideo site.
It’s not too late to join us! Writing begins on November 1, 2007, with the goal and deadline of 50,000 words by November 30, 2007. You can create a login at www.nanowrimo.org and join the Kansas and Topeka regions today!
For more information, e-mail the Municipal Liaision for Topeka, Lissa Staley, at lysistratagirl@yahoo.com
Have you ever wanted to take a couple of minutes and explore your artistic talents? This summer Robert Hubbard, and Artist and Youth Services Specialist at our library, has set up shop outside the library and invited children and adults of all ages to express their creativity on the sidewalk with chalk.
Chalk Walk Fridays are a huge hit and required no advanced advertising. The creative art as people walk in the building is advertising enough! So far, the Friday art events have drawn 50-100 people to express their creativity on the sidewalks.
So if you a have a few minutes and want to join us for our next chalk walk it is Friday, July 27, 9:30-11:30.
Live band: thesistermariaDon’t miss the rock band thesistermaria! Pop and popcorn will be provided after the first set. Awards and prizes for YA Summer Reading will follow the final song.
This program is for people 12-18 years old. No registration is required.
Let’s talk about books! What are you reading right now?
What kind of books do you like?
What is your all-time favorite book?
What book do you want to read next?
Who is your favorite author?
Are you looking for a good book? Check out this informal, fun group on the second Monday of the month at David J’s Place (the teen room) at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.
All kids and teens are welcome! If you can’t come to the So-Called Book Club in person, join us online anytime at http://graffiti.tscpl.org. Book Club by Lissa (librarian) and Daulton (teen).
Be artistic, create a masterpeice or learn something new. Artistic, creative people will be available to
help you learn new and unusual crafts. Decorate flip flops, make ice cream, paint a birdhouse, design unusual jewelry & create scented candles.
12-18 years
Thursday, July 5
2:00-4:00 pm
Marvin Auditorium
Crime Scene Investigators. Learn how a crime scene investigator locates and develops latent 
fingerprints from crime scenes, and how those fingerprints are identified. Presented by Kelly Woodward and Jaci Durr from the KBI.
12-18 years
Marvin 101BC
Thursday, June 28
2:00-4:00 pm
Teen Program 
See unique, unusual, creepy, crawly creatures you didn't know existed.
Learn to care for your favorite pets.
Thursday
June 21
2-4 PM
Marvin Auditorium 101ABC
Oz Island, the TSCPL space on the teen grid of Second Life gets it first inhabitants today. We
have anticipated for weeks the “coming live” of OZ Island. For next few weeks Oz Island will be a closed society while the pilot group of students from Hope Street Academy have the first lessons in building and creating a virtual world. The instructors are Dr Marcus Childress, Chair, Instructional Design and Technology at Emporia State University and his graduate assistant, Howard West. David Antonacci from KU Med Center will join the students virtually.
Watch this blog for information on how Shawnee County teens (13-17 years old) can get a life – a virtual life in Teen Second Life.
According to a news article published this week, kids’ discussion groups about books are thriving—at home, at school, online, on TV.
“May 11, 2007 - Twelve-year-old Joanna Krupp loves her monthly book-club meetings. She and her fellow bookworms tackle titles like Gloria Whelan's National Book Award winner “Homeless Bird,” about a 13-year-old girl in India whose parents arrange a marriage to a boy who is gravely ill. To go with the stories, they eat matching snacks, such as Indian food. Joanna's brother, Ben, 13, likes his father-son group, too. “It's just good to talk about the books, and I really understand them better,” he says.”
Read more of this article at Newsweek’s Web Exclusive article by Karen Springen.
Thanks to Kim Sain for suggesting this article!
Tell us what you think! If you are a kid or teen who uses our library, what kind of book group would you be interested in joining?
Do you want to meet in person? Do you want to chat online? How important are snacks? Should everyone read the same book, or just come talk about what good books they have read lately? Should there be an age limit? What about a mother-daughter book group?
Post your comments and ideas below!
Play your favorite board games or learn a new one: Play Moods, Scrabble, Uno, Candyland, Chutes & 
Ladders, Clue, Battleship, chess, bingo, checkers and a variety of other games. Spin the Wheel of Fortune.
Friday, March 23
2:00-4:00 PM
Marvin Auditorium
Grades 6-12
Attention chess players! Test your skills against other chess players and win prizes. A chess master
will be available to help hone your chess skills. Registration required: 785-580-4565.
Wednesday
March 21
6:30-8:00 pm
David J's Place
12-18 years
Attention Yu-gi-oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel other Yu-gi-oh players. Walk-
ins are allowed if there are open slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat! REGISTRATION REQUIRED – call 785-580-4565.
Monday
March 19
3:15-5:15 pm
Lingo Story Rm
Do you have a passion for drawing manga characters and/or creating comic strips? A professional art 
instructor will help you create and draw your characters. This program will feature cosplay.
Tuesday, April 17
5:00-6:30 PM
Marvin Auditorium 101A
11-18 Years
During Teen Tech Week at the library, March 4–10, watch Hope Street Academy teens unveil Oz Island, a new online property in the virtual Internet world known as Second Life (SL is a massively multiplayer virtual world created and inhabited by its user members).
Read more here and tell us what you think!
12-18 years
Attention Yu-gi-oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel other Yu-gi-oh players. Walk-ins are allowed if there are open slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat! REGISTRATION REQUIRED – call 785-580-4565.
Monday
Feb. 26
3:15-5:15 pm
Lingo Story Rm
Cards, poker chips and strategy! Learn the basic skills needed to play the wildly popular card game, Texas Hold’Em. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Call 785-580-4565.
14-18 yearsMarvin Auditorium
Thursday, February 8
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Grades 6-12
Attention chess players! Test your skills against other chess players and win prizes. A chess master will be available to help hone your chess skills. Registration required: 785-580-4565.
Wednesday
Jan. 17, 31
6-8 pm
3 years-adult
Play your favorite board games or learn a new one. Play Moods, Scrabble, Uno, Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Clue, Battleship, chess, bingo, checkers, and a variety of other games. Fun and entertainment for all ages. Everyone has a chance to spin the Wheel of Fortune and win a prize! No registration required. For more information call 785-580-4565.
Friday
Dec. 29
2-4 pm
Marvin Auditorium
11-18 years
Expand your imagination! Use your talents, learn new talents. We will provide the materials, you do the creating. Two hours of a variety of art projects. No registration required.
Wednesday
January 3
2-4 pm
Marvin Auditorium
12-18 years
Attention Yu-gi-oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel other Yu-gi-oh players. Walk-ins are allowed if there are open slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat! REGISTRATION REQUIRED – call 785-580-4565.
Monday
Nov. 6
3:15-5:15 pm
Lingo Story Rm
Grades 6-12
Watch Anime movies. Discuss movies and favorite graphic novels and characters.
Thursday
October 26
3-4:30 pm
Marvin 101A
Cards, poker chips and strategy! Learn the basic skills needed to play the wildly popular card 
game, Texas Hold’Em. Participants need to have a TSCPL library card and be in good standing. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Call 785-580-4565.
For teens aged 14-18 years
Friday, October 27
2-4 pm in Marvin Auditorium 101AB.
12-18 years
Attention Yu-gi-oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel other Yu-gi-oh players. Walk-ins are allowed if there are open slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat! REGISTRATION REQUIRED – call 785-580-4565.
Monday
Oct. 23
3:15-5:15 pm
Lingo Story Rm
Hey! It’s Teen Read Week here at the library and that’s what we want to see- YOU READING. I know there’s a particularly good episode of Veronica Mars on this week and that the football game is on Friday, but hey. Reading is the perfect activity no matter what you’re doing. Commercial breaks? Read a little bit of a magazine! Don’t want to watch your high school’s band do the halftime show? (Sorry, guys.) Pull the latest Lemony Snicket out of your bag and discuss it amongst your friends. There has never been a better time to catch up on your reading for English class or discover a new author.
Not convinced? Meg Cabot wants you to read. Win a trip to WrestleMania 23 by reading 10 books. Participate in any number of activities at the library this week (that involve reading) and swing by David J’s Place just to hang out (preferably with a book in hand). And if you’re reading this, good job! You’ve succeeded in reading something this week!
Tell us about some of your favorite books and authors! Leave a comment below.
Announcing the end of the one-day novelist!
National Novel Writing Month (www.nanowrimo.org) takes a fast-paced approach. Participants begin writing November 1, with a goal to write a 50,000 word novel by the end of the month. Register now at www.nanowrimo.org, customize your profile, and set your regional affiliation to Kansas in the My Nanowrimo section, then start reading and posting in the forums to learn more.
Plus, mark your calendar for the Topeka National Novel Writing Month Kickoff Event. This kickoff features fun advice from former participants, ideas to get you started, goodies to keep you going, and a network of similar-minded frantic writers to encourage you until the 50,000 word finish-line.
When: Monday, October 23
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Where: Marvin Auditorium Room 101AB
To register, call 785-580-4540 or email us.
Grades 6-12
Do you have a passion for drawing manga characters and/or creating comic strips? A 
professional art instructor will help you create and draw your characters. Local professional graphic novelists have been invited to join the group for a discussion on how to get published.
Grades 6-12
Do you have a passion for drawing manga characters and/or creating
comic strips? A professional art instructor will help you create and
draw your characters. Local professional graphic novelists have been
invited to join the group for a discussion on how to get published.
Wednesday Sept. 20 4-5:30 pm Marvin 101B
Tell us why your library card is The Smartest Card and you could win fun TSCPL library prizes. Turn in your entry by September 30, 2006. Prizes will be awarded for the best responses, including categories like creativity, originality, sincerity and humor.
Enter online, or pick up an entry form at the Information Desk.
And if you don't have a library card, this is the perfect time to get one!
Homework Kansas, a new online tutoring resource offered by the State Library of Kansas and Kansas Public Libraries, was launched at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s Kokari Computer Training Center with a special appearance by Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Leah Anderson’s fourth grade class from Lowman Hills Elementary helped demonstrate the program for the press, the Governor, 53rd District Representative Ann Mah, State Library Director Christie Brandau, TSCPL Director Gina Millsap, and Tutor.com CEO George Cigale.Teen Programs at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
September 2006
Let’s Get Graphic
A program for manga and anime fans. Discuss your favorite manga series and watch an anime movie and help schedule the fall writing and drawing workshop nights.
Wednesday, September 6
4-5:30pm
Marvin 101A
Yu-gi-oh
Attention Yu-gi-oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel other Yu-gi-oh players. Walk-ins are allowed if there are open slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat! REGISTRATION REQUIRED – call 785-580-4565.
Mondays, September 11, 25
3:15-5:15 pm
Lingo
Let’s Get Graphic/Art
Do you have a passion for drawing manga characters and/or creating comic strips? A professional art instructor will help you create and draw your characters. Local professional graphic novelists will join the group for a discussion on how to get published.
Wednesdays, September 20
4-5:30 pm
Marvin 101
Exciting Science
Enjoy exciting demonstrations and hands-on exploration of everyday applications of chemistry, biology and physics. Take home ideas for further investigations. Make slime, color changes, experiment with bubbles and more! REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Call 785-580-4540
Saturday, September 23
11-12 pm, 1-2 pm, 3-4 pm
Marvin Auditorium
Teens of all ages picked up their feet and learned dances from around the world.
Alessandra, from the Topeka Folk Dancers, provided the instructions that sent the participants hopping, twirling & leaping to the beat of music from Israel, Romania & France. Look for more programs featuring folk dancing in the future.
Almost everyone enjoys the chance to pet a wild animal. The outreach people from the Topeka Zoological Park gave 40 teens and 15 adults the opportunity to touch the plates of Nefertari, the Plated Lizard and feel the scales of Lucille, the Ball Python. Although, Beni, the Quaker Parrot made an appearance she didn't enjoy being petted. Ratna & Chris shared their knowledge of "life at the zoo" and all the fun activities that are available for teens. Did you know that ball pythons only need to eat every three weeks? Or tropical parrots that once were pets and were turned loose have adapted to our warmer North American regions? We all learned many interesting facts about the animals that reside at the zoo.
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Attention Yu-Gi-Oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel
other Yu-Gi-Oh players. Walk-ins are allowed if there are open
slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat.
Who: 11-18 years
When: Monday July 31st
Time: 3-5 pm
Where: Lingo Story Room
Registration required. Please call 785-580-4565 to reserve your seat today!
Opportunities await! Find out what goes on behind the scenes at
the Topeka Zoological Park Zoo. There will be an interactive
program with live zoo animals. Information will be shared about
careers and volunteering at the zoo.
Who: 11-18 years
When: Thursday, July 27
Time: 2-3 pm
Where: Marvin Auditorium
Registration required. Call 785-580-4565 to reserve your spot today!
This fun filled workshop will allow students to explore art using pencils, markers, watercolors and collage. Students will receive instructions and begin four projects. For those who speed, they will cross the Finish Line. Those who drive a little more cautiously will have four
projects they may finish at home.
Who: 11-18 years
When: Monday July 24th
Time: 1-3 pm
Where: Lingo Story Room
Registration required. Call 785-580-4565 for your spot today!
So how do you get a tennis ball to stay up in the air? Or how do you keep the soccer ball rolling around the circle?
Just ask the participants of the Thursday afternoon team building program. “Man, this is hard,” remarked one participant as she fell off the mat. The goal was to have a dozen people on a mat and turn it over without anyone falling off. Another activity was to figure out which rope was looped through the other five ropes. Leroy Russell, Shawnee County 4H Agent lead the group in these and other team building activies at the Driven to Lead program.
Park Ranger, Gabriel Diaz, from Brown v. Board presents 
Civil Right’s Music and its effects in America.
Who: 11-18 years
When: Thursday, July 20
Time: 2-4 pm
Where: Marvin Auditorium
Registration required. Call us at 785-580-4565 to reserve your seat today!
Move to the music, shimmy, shimmy, shake. Learn Zodiak & Balagon. Come enjoy dances from around the world, bring a friend and have some fun!
Who: 11-18 years
When: Wednesday, July 19th
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Marvin Auditorium
Registration required. Call 785-580-4565 to get the party started!
High school ambassadors will take you to a new level of interactive, team building. Two hours of activities, fun and snacks.
Who: 11-18 years
When: Wednesday June 7th at 6:30-8:30pm & Thursday July 13th at 2-4pm
Where: Marvin Auditorium
Registration required. Call 785-580-4565 for more information.
Attention Yu-Gi-Oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel
other Yu-Gi-Oh players. Walk-ins are allowed if there are open
slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat.
Who: 11-18 years
When: Monday July 17th
Time: 3-5 pm
Where: Lingo Story Room
Registration required. Please call 785-580-4565 to reserve your seat today!
"Can I have that recipe?" was a frequent request from the teens at 
the Driven to Create program said Gayle Lolley, Young Adult Librarian. "This is so cool and tasty!" commented on participant. Shaquinton displays the book she won and the crafts she made. Fantastic Pens was one of the most popular booths. Other booths were decoupaging, decorative mirrors, wall hangers and refrigerator magnets.
Stephanie won the Driven to Read t-shirt. Many thanks to the volunteers that assisted at each station. Read further for more photos and the ice cream recipe.
Over 50 people enjoyed the Country-Rock music of local band Percival last night. The band was playing as part of the Driven to Read events for teens this summer at the library.
Percival performed an 11 song set, including all of the songs from their new CD Indian Summer. Oliver’s guitar solos were popular with the crowd, as was the song “Milwaukee” which was about a girl (not a beer). Brett (who is also a library employee) was described as “crazy versatile” by an observer. Brett alternated between playing pedal steel, guitar and a grand piano. With Mark playing bass and Tom providing a dance-able beat on the drums, the sound was complete.
Towards the end of the show, Justin took requests from the audience – although not for songs. Teenagers in the audience called out different things for an improvised song he and the band would make up on the spot and perform. A song about refried beans, giant otters, I don’t know, and the library was born. And judging from audience comments, it was a success! “That’s honestly the best otter-related song I’ve ever heard,” said one listener.
Not only did the band end with a Johnny Cash cover, but they added useful advice – more information about Cash and his music could be found in the library’s 780’s section, or under B-Cash for biographies. 
A girl waiting to get her new Percival CD autographed by the band members described the experience: “It’s just the way those guys work together to make music. It’s like magic.” 
Percival is Justin Klinksick, vocals, acoustic guitar; Oliver Zeltner, vocals, electric guitar; Tom Reid, drums, vocals; Mark Harvey, bass, vocals; Brett Resnick, pedal steel, keyboards, guitar.
Visit Percival's website http://www.percivalmusic.com/ and listen to three of the songs from their new EP and watch video clips of the band.
This fun filled workshop will allow students to explore art using pencils, markers, watercolors and collage. Students will receive instructions and begin four projects. For those who speed, they will cross the Finish Line. Those who drive a little more cautiously will have four
projects they may finish at home.
Who: 11-18 years
When: Monday July 10th
Time: 1-3 pm
Where: Lingo Story Room
Registration required. Call 785-580-4565 for your spot today!
Expand your imagination! Use your talents, learn new talents. We will provide the materials, you do the creating. Two hours of a variety of art projects!
Who: 11-18 years
When: Thursday, July 6th
Time: 2-4 pm
Where: Marvin
Registration required. Call 785-580-4565 to reserve your spot today!
Kaw Valley Boys perform in concert at the library. Two hours of stimulating, high energy music. Expect standing room only!
Who: 11-18 years
When: Wednesday, July 5th
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Where:Marvin Auditorium
Registration required. Call 785-580-4565 to reserve your seat today!
Check out the KVB on their myspace page!
