Teen Events

Winter Break Guys Read - LeviathanWe had a blast at November's Guys Read meeting held at The Wedge and Capanna.  We're excited to get together again for a special Winter Break Guys Read this Friday, December 21st from 12-1 p.m. in Meeting Room E upstairs at ICPL for all guys in Grades 5-8.  We'll be discussing Scott Westerfeld's amazing steampunk alternate history novel Leviathan. We're excited to bring in a special guest this month, we'll be joined by local tinkerer inventor Michael Webb and his hand built 3D Printer!  He's kindly offered to show us how it works and we'll have a chance to print off some cool Leviathan-inspired choice coins where one side will have a double-helix for the Darwinists and the other a wrench for the Clankers.  If you've never seen what these printers can do, be sure to check out the yoda video below! Guys Read, is a larger literacy initiative founded by children’s author Jon Scieszka, and is designed to draw attention to boys’ literacy and to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers. No reservation required but if you think you’ll come check it out then shoot me an email so I make sure to have enough food! Questions? Email Jason at teens[at]icpl.org or call 319-887-6075.

Poetry Pro-Am Interested in expressing yourself through poetry, spoken word, or rap? Register now to participate in a performance master class from 3 - 5 pm on Saturday, April 27th at the Iowa City Public Library, followed by food and a 5:30 pm performance where you'll take the stage and perform your work alongside amazing spoken word artists! Space is very limited, so register NOW!

EPX Animation and Gaming Conference 2013 It's super short notice, but the EPX Animation and Gaming Conference is taking place today and tomorrow in the Art Building West on the University of Iowa campus. Looks like there will be representatives from Gazillion, Laika Studios, Marvel, Polytron and more. EPX Studio, the sponsors of the event, write, "We want to give you an insider's look into the life of an animator, illustrator, game programmer, 3D character rigger, and 3D character artist. Join our event to see them talk on campus and tell you all about their jobs and how they got there." Be sure to check out the event's Facebook page, as well as EPX Studio's website and blog for more information.

ICPL Coding Club / CoderDojo - Iowa CityWe're excited to announce that the Iowa City CoderDojo has partnered with us to offer their volunteer-led coding workshops here for students in grades 5-12!  Our first meeting will be on Saturday, September 22nd from 2-4 p.m. in the Computer Lab on the second floor.  CoderDojo volunteers and ICPL staff will help teach you and your friends how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and more with HTML and Python. If you're interested but unable to come to the first meeting please join us at any of the follow up sessions on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 2-4 p.m. : October 13, 2012 November 10, 2012 December 8, 2012 January 12, 2013 February 9, 2013 March 9, 2013 April 13, 2013 May 11, 2013 If you have any questions you can ask us at teens[at]icpl.org

The Intro to Star Wars, Remade in Minecraft Think you've got Minecraft skills? Check out this video made by Grahame (Paradise Decay on YouTube) of the entire introduction to Star Wars: A New Hope created in Minecraft. Wow. Also be sure to check out "11 Incredible Skyrim-Inspired Minecraft Builds", Harry Potter/Minecraft mash-ups, and this video of The Lion King's opening scenes, Minecraft style. Inspired? Think you can do better? Stop by the Minecraft Meet-up on Saturday, May 18 from 3:00-5:00 PM in the Computer Lab, and prove it!

Crafternoons Looking for something to do during Winter Break? I mean, I know my school vacation days were usually full of video games and internet surfing (and not much has changed, to be honest), but I disconnected occasionally to knit, sew, and make some (often crappy-looking) ornaments for the tree. This December, I'll be hanging out for Crafternoons in the Computer Lab, making (not-so-crappy-looking)  felt tree ornaments, upcycling, and crocheting (or knitting) amigurumi. So stop by the Computer Lab between 1:00-4:00 PM December 15, 26, and 28 for a break from Winter Break. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring stuff to work on (non-messy, please). See you there!

Book Launch Party for Local Author Looking for a brand new sci-fi series? Prairie Lights is hosting a book launch party for Zenn Scarlett, on Saturday, May 11 from 5:00-6:00 PM. This new science fiction novel was written by Christian Schoon, a local author, who will be reading and signing books at the event. According to Tor.com (where you can also read an excerpt from the book):

Zenn Scarlett is a bright, determined, occasionally a-little-too-smart-for-her-own-good 17-year-old girl training hard to become an exoveterinarian. That means she’s specializing in the treatment of exotic alien life forms, mostly large and generally dangerous. But after a series of inexplicable animal escapes from the school and other near-disasters, the Cloister is in real danger of being shut down by a group of alien-hating officials. If that happens, Zenn knows only too well the grim fate awaiting the creatures she loves.

You can find out more about the book at its Goodreads page, and you can find Christian Schoon on Twitter and at his website: http://www.christianschoon.com.

Anime & Manga Fest and now...Club!Thanks to all of the teens who came to the Anime & Manga Fest on Saturday.  It was a great time!  If you didn't get a chance to make it, don't feel bad.  That's because we're starting an Anime & Manga Club!  Saturday, March 23 is our first meeting from 1:30-2:30, and we'll be in Room B.  We'll watch anime, talk about our favorite manga, draw and trade tips on cosplay!  Also, you can let me know what anime and manga the Library should have in its collection.  Be sure to bring a friend!

Teen Tech Zone - Spring BreakCome to the Library for Teen Tech Zone over Spring Break!  Monday, March 18 through Saturday, March 23, the computer lab will be open from 1-4 for teens to use the internet and hangout, or make multimedia projects and be creative.  For teens in 7th-12th grade.

Crash Course Crafts This Fall![caption id="attachment_4552" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sock Monsters! Image via favecrafts.com"][/caption] I love crafting. I've loved it since I was a teenager, and I love getting other teenagers hooked on creating cool stuff with simple materials. I never really settled on one craft in particular, and instead I know a little bit about LOTS of crafts. It drives me bonkers that I didn't become a virtuoso knitter, but as a result, I know the basics of crafts like felting, crochet, knitting, quilting, and sewing (and little stuff like origami, friendship bracelets, picture frames, etc.). And guess what? I get to share all of my eclectic craft knowledge with you! Starting this month, I'll be helping you "Crash Course Craft" on Saturdays in Teen Tech Zone from 1:00-4:00 PM. I'll have craft supplies at the ready if you just want to drop by and hang out, or you can bring a project you're working on (remember, we're in a computer lab, so keep the projects you bring simple and non-messy, please). And if you're not into crafting and you want to be, stop by! We'll find something for you to make. The goal of Crash Course Crafts is to learn, share, and create cool crafts, so feel free to offer suggestions for crafts and projects! You can send suggestions and questions to teens[at]icpl.org. Remember: Saturdays during Teen Tech Zone (1:00-4:00 PM) in the Computer Lab on the 2nd floor! See you there!