Kanopy Horror Classics

Posted on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 by Megan

What’s your favorite scary movie? Personally, mine is John Carpenter’s “The Fog.” If you are looking for something spooky, ghoulish, ghastly, horrible, AND FREE – then we’ve got you! 

Hosting your own scary movie night is fiendishly easy with your library card and Kanopy! Below is just a small sample of the movies you’ll find on Kanopy. Pop the popcorn and get your bucket of candy ready for a perfect movie night! Continue reading “Kanopy Horror Classics”

Teen Reader Reviews for the Drama

Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 by Megan

Text reads teen Reader Reviews

Are you here for the tea? Do you pop popcorn to eat as you watch things unfold? Do you often hear the phrase “Stop being so dramatic?”

animated lion with paw over face text reads oh the drama

If you answered yes to any of these questions then we can be friends because we are also here for the DRAMA! Our local teens have some book recommendations just for you. Check out the list below. And don’t forget you can submit your own reader reviews here. Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews for the Drama”

DIY Rainbow Headband

Posted on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 by Megan

A toy baby Yoda with colorful hair and pom-poms. Text reads DIY Rainbow Headband

Are you headed to Mid-Missouri Pride Fest on September 28th & 29th, 2024, and need to spruce up your ‘fit with a fun accessory? Then keep reading! You can create a beautiful rainbow work of art by using things you probably already have at home. With a bit of glitter and glue, you’ll be on your way to looking fabulous in no time! Continue reading “DIY Rainbow Headband”

DIY Swiftie Scrunchies and Headbands

Posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 by Anna

In 2008, in the basement AV room of the public library, my dad handed me a couple CDs he thought I might like: Paramore’s Riot and Taylor Swift’s Fearless. It’s been 16 years, and I love my public library (and Taylor Swift) more than ever. If you, like me, have never been able to go to one of her shows and you, like me, wish her merch was a bit more accessible ($75 for a t-shirt, Taylor?), we hope you’ll enjoy making these Taylor-themed scrunchies and headbands! Continue reading “DIY Swiftie Scrunchies and Headbands”

ACT Test Prep Resources @ DBRL

Posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 by DBRLTeen

An illustration of a person sitting at a desk with a pen and paper. Text reads ACT Resources

 

Do you need help preparing for the ACT test?  We have compiled a list of resources to help you navigate this important college entrance exam.

What is the ACT?

The ACT exam is a standardized test required for admission at many colleges and universities. The exam covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science.

How much does it cost?

It costs $69 to take the ACT exam; this cost increases to $94 if you are required to take the writing test. A fee waiver is available for low-income students; however, ACT requires that you meet with your guidance counselor to see if you qualify.

Where can I take the ACT exam?

The ACT test is offered at several locations throughout Boone and Callaway counties, including most public high schools. Search online to find a testing location near you. Continue reading “ACT Test Prep Resources @ DBRL”

Teen Reader Reviews: Classics

Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 by Megan

Teen Reader Reviews

We had so many excellent book reviews lately that we just had to share! This time we are highlighting the classics and one classic retelling. Even though a few of these books have been around for a while our teens still loved or at least tolerated them. What classics have you picked up recently? Tell us about them in the comments or submit your own reader review. Remember if you include your email address and we use your review in a blog post we’ll send you a coupon for a free book!

Frankenstein book cover. Text reads “The central conflict is Man vs. Monster but those lines are easily blurred creating a sympathetic antagonist and a complex protagonist who despite the moral duty to care for what he’s created is unable to.”

Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly

5/5 Stars ★★★★★ Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: Classics”

Why I Hate The Hobbit Movies

Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2024 by Laura W

“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is the most influential movie series I have ever seen. Given this fact, you cannot imagine how excited I was when “The Hobbit” movies were announced. My 12-year-old self was ecstatic. I wrote the date for the first one in my parent’s calendar and reminded them of it at least once a week. I remember practically vibrating with joy as I sat in the theater waiting for it to start. And boy was I disappointed. After the first movie, I was upset, but not terribly. “I’m sure it will only get better!” I remember thinking. “Nowhere to go but up!” After the second, I was distraught. “What did they do to one of my favorite books?” I said to myself, “The third one will be amazing. It has to be, after that.” Little did I know. By the third, I was mad. I felt oddly betrayed by just how bad the franchise ended up being. To this day, ten years, later, I absolutely despise “The Hobbit” movies. How could something that I was so ready to love become one of my most hated pieces of media? Read on to find out. Continue reading “Why I Hate The Hobbit Movies”

You Should Read a Picture Book

Posted on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 by Nigel Church

You are not too old to read a picture book. I know this because you are reading this blog post right now and therefore, presumably, still alive and not too old to read. And if you are a ghost, then it’s pretty wild that you can still access the internet and you’re using your afterlife to read the teen library blog, but if you can do that then you probably can and still should read a picture book. Because, just like their cousins graphic novels, picture books are capable of addressing any and every topic, and the format forces creators to communicate their ideas in the minimum amount of words and pictures. In great picture books, you can tell that every word and image is carefully considered and that there is nothing extraneous. Constraints produce great art, this is a fact, and I can prove it in six books. Continue reading “You Should Read a Picture Book”

2024 Cosplay Winners

Posted on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 by Megan

We had 61 people compete in this year’s Cosplay Costume Contest and they were all wonderful and unique! After much deliberation, we have chosen this year’s winners. Thanks to our judges and all of our participants!  Continue reading “2024 Cosplay Winners”

2024 Teen Photo Contest Winners

Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 by Megan

Image of a person taking a picture with a camera in front of trees. Text reads Adventure Begins at Your Library Teen Photo Contest Winner

We are excited to announce that we have the winners of this year’s Teen Photo Contest! We had 14 entries and they were all stellar! The teens have submitted their photographic interpretations of this year’s Summer Reading theme “Adventure Begins at Your Library” and after much deliberation, we have selected this year’s winners. Below are the top three winners. Continue reading “2024 Teen Photo Contest Winners”