Missouri River Regional Library

News from MRRL
Keep up with what's happening at the Missouri River Regional Library!

• Hey teens! Looking for something to do?
  published on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:34:17 +0000
  

  Greetings to all and welcome to my very first blog.? I’m Courtney, your friendly neighborhood Teen Librarian.? I’m writing today to tell you all about the Teen Zone and some of the activities we have coming up in the future.? That’s right, you heard it here first.

  For those of you who spend time in the Teen Zone regularly, you already know that we have a PS2 and a Wii, along with a decent complement of gaming favorites (like Guitar Hero, Burnout, Star Wars: Force Unleashed, and Super Smash Brothers Brawl, among others).? You also know that the Zone is where we keep the manga, magazines, and new teen fiction.? You also know it’s just a cool place to hang out with your friends.? For those of you who haven’t been by the Teen Zone, you’re missing out.? In addition to all the stuff I just mentioned, we’ve got computers exclusively for teen use, a display area to help you find your next favorite book and a dry erase board to let all of us know what you’re thinking (and for us to let you know about special events, etc.).? Oh, and the folks that hang out in the Zone are some pretty cool cats.? Thanks to the Zone regulars for making it a fun place to be!? You guys rock.

  Now, the Teen Zone is open everyday for fun and games, but we also have some really cool programs that I’d like to tell you about.? This spring is going to be an exciting one.? In addition to our regular book groups, Novel Ideas and Pizza & Pages (the former for 6-8 grades; the latter for 9-12 grades), we’ll be firing up the Teen Advisory Council again, which is a great chance to get some leadership experience and give yourself and other teens a voice in the ongoing activities we do here at MRRL.??? Other regular programs include Teen Nights, which are usually either karaoke or movies, and afternoon Game Days.? As if that weren’t enough, we’ve got some super-special programs coming up too!? Keep your eyes open for a Self-Denfense workshop, a Comic art seminar, Henna art and an Open Mike night.? Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted on the details.? Drop by the Teen Zone to sign up for events, chat with us or get your game on with your friends.? Also, don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s anything you’d like to see us acquire or do for you.? That’s what we’re here for.

  Until next time…stay safe and respect each other.

• The next Fiction at Noon book will be The Book Thief By Markus Zusak
  published on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:00:21 +0000
  

  Fiction At Noon Book Club meets the last Tuesday, Every Other Month at 12 Noon in the Mrrl Annex
  Discussion Leaders:? Claudia Schoonover & Kathy Morehouse

  Join Us For Lunch (Or Bring Your Own) To Discuss Outstanding Works Of Fiction.? Reservations Are Required. Call 634-6064 Ext. 237 To Reserve Your Copy.

  January 27, 2009:? The Book Thief By Markus Zusak

  It?s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . . Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak?s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can?t resist ? books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul..

• Family Fun
  published on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:45:55 +0000
  

  If you’ve taken some time to look through?our calendar of events, or one of our program brochures, you already know that the number and variety of programs available at and through?MRRL?has expanded in the last year. Included in this new?array of events are evening and weekend programs for families. From movie presentations?to story hours to fun activity nights, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you. We hope to see you there!

• League of Extraordinary Gentlemen this Tuesday evening
  published on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:44 +0000
  

  As part of our Teen film series Tim Burton?s Corpse Bride will showing this Tuesday from 6:00-8.30 p.m., in the MRRL Art Gallery

  For ages 6th-12th grade. Light snacks provided. For more information call 634-6064 ext. 235.

  Tuesday, November 25: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), directed by Stephen Norrington

  The heroes of 1899 are brought to life with the help of some expensive special effects in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen . From the pages of victorian literature come Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll (and his alter ego Mr. Hyde), Dorian Gray, Tom Sawyer, an invisible man, Mina Harker (from dracula), and the hunter Allan Quatermain, all brought together to combat an evil megalomaniac out to conquer the world.

• Shakespeare?s Secret by Elise Broach
  published on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:00:05 +0000
  

  What is Novel ideas?? A book discussion for 6-8 grade students.? Participants receive a free copy of the book before the discussion.? Light snacks will be served.? Pre-registration required. To register, call:? Courtney Waters, Teen Services Librarian, at (573) 634-6064 ext. 248.

  The next meeting is Tuesday January 13th at 7:00 ? 8:00 P.M., in the Story Hour Room

  Shakespeare?s Secret by Elise Broach

  Hero changed into a T-shirt, grabbed a book, and padded barefoot into her sister’s room. The large windows overlooked the backyard. She could see the moonlight streaming over the trees and bushes, making long, crazy shadows across the grass. Was there a diamond hidden out there somewhere? She looked at Beatrice, already settled under the covers. She wanted to tell her about the Murphys, but at the same time, she didn’t. She wanted to keep the secret. To have something that belonged only to her.
  A missing diamond, a mysterious neighbor, a link to Shakespeare-can Hero uncover the connections?

  When Hero starts sixth grade at a new school, she’s less concerned about the literary origins of her Shakespearean name than about the teasing she’s sure to suffer because of it. So she has the same name as a girl in a book by a dusty old author. Hero is simply not interested in the connections. But that’s just the thing; suddenly connections are cropping up all over, and odd characters and uncertain pasts are exactly what do fascinate Hero. There’s a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house, a curious woman next door who seems to know an awful lot about it, and then, well, then there’s Shakespeare. Not to mention Danny Cordova, only the most popular boy in school. Is it all in keeping with her namesake’s origin-just much ado about nothing? Hero, being Hero, is determined to figure it out.

• Teen Karaoke Night this Saturday
  published on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:48 +0000
  

  Teen karaoke night will be this Saturday, November 22nd 6:00-8:00 p.m., MRRL Art Gallery

  Enjoy singing and having fun with your friends? This is the evening for you, it doesn?t matter if you are a great singer or not so great! Come join us for a night of fun and refreshments.

  Ages 13-17. Reservations required, call Taryn Prewitt, 634-6064 ext. 235

• Teen Gaming Day on Saturday
  published on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:25 +0000
  

  Come join us for Teen Gaming Day on Saturday, November 22nd from 2:00-4:00 p.m in the MRRL Art Gallery.

  There will be Guitar Hero and Wii Sports plus board games and refreshments!

  No reservations required. For more information call 634-6064 ext. 235.

• Tonight! Artist Billyo O?Donnell and journalist Karen Glines.
  published on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:02:58 +0000
  

  Meet the renowned en plein air artist, Billyo, and award-winning jounalist, Karen Glines, the creators of “Painting Missouri.”? They will share their seven year journey of painting and writing about our beautiful state at the Osage County Library in Linn tonight Friday, Nov. 7th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.? Books will also be available for purchase and signing.? Any questions, call 573-897-2951.

• Get your library overdue fines waived!
  published on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:50:51 +0000
  

  Starting Monday November 10th through Sunday December 14th the Library is offering its poplar Food For Fines Program.

  Bring in 1 non-perishable item for each $1 in fines on your library account and your fines will be cleared.

  Donations given at the main Library will be given to the Samaritan Center. Donation given at the Osage County Library will be given to the Osage County Good Shepherd Food Pantry.

  Only overdue fines can be paid with food, no replacement bills, no collection agency fee

• The next Pizza & Pages title is The White Darkness by Geraldine Mccaughrean
  published on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:00:41 +0000
  

  What is Pizza & Pages? A Book Discussion For 9-12 Grade Students.? Participants Receive A Free Copy Of Each Book The Month Before The Discussion.? Free Pizza For All Participants!

  The next meeting is Monday, October 6:? 7:00 ? 8:00 P.M., Mrrl Story Hour Room Pre-Registration required To Register, Call:? Courtney Waters, Teen Services Librarian, At (573) 634-6064 Ext. 248.Required.

  The White Darkness by Geraldine Mccaughrean

  Fourteen-year-old Symone is obsessed with Antarctic exploration. Ever since the death of her father, she has read every book and watched every movie she can find about Antarctica. She is particularly enamored with Capt. Lawrence “Titus” Oates, one of the explorers lost in the doomed Scott expedition. Titus is her companion and confidante, an imaginary friend who fills in for her grieving family and distant friends.

  Outside of Titus, the only person to take an interest in Sym’s life is her Uncle Victor, a family friend who has cared for the family since her father’s death. Uncle Victor feeds Sym’s interest in Antarctica and arranges for a trip to the frozen continent. There, Sym must face the White Darkness, a phenomena of the polar summer where the sun never truly sets and the only indication of night is white, unmarred by shadow.

  Sym identifies with the purity, isolation and silence of the white continent. She sees herself as particularly suited to a place that others see as dead:

  “God sketched Antarctica, then erased most of it again, in the hope a better idea would strike Him.” Sym observes, “At the center is a blank whiteness where the planet isn’t finished. It’s the address for Nowhere…it mesmerized me. The idea of it took me in thrall. It was so empty, so blank, so clean, so dead. Surely, if I was ever to set foot down there, even I might finally exist. Surely, in this Continent of Nothingness, anything — anyone — had to be hugely alive by comparison!”

  Sym does not know that she is a pawn in a larger conspiracy, subject to the fanatical beliefs of one man. Uncle Victor is obsessed with his own theories about discovery and becomes unhinged. He is less concerned with their ability to survive than in securing his place in history. Nasty secrets start to emerge as they travel across the ice. Sym must choose between trusting her uncle and listening to the inner voice she has always regarded as imaginary.