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LIBRARY NEWS

February 3, 2010

LIBRARY NEWS

By Mary Ann McGrath

The Abington Community Library’s annual Spring Creative Writing Contest for students will get underway on Friday, Feb. 5, the first day when entry blanks and guidelines will be available in the Children’s Room. This year’s theme is “Time Traveler.” There are three age-appropriate levels: grades one and two; grades three and four; and grades five and six. Students may enter the fiction, non-fiction or poetry category. There will be nine winners selected, three from each grade level. Word length is optional and entries may be illustrated if desired. Deadline for submitting entries is Friday, March 26, with winners to be announced during National Library Week, April 11 to April 17.

The library will be taking part in Clarks Summit’s Festival of Ice’s theme “Ice under the Big Top,” with a variety of activities planned for the weekend, Feb. 12 to 14. Along with crafts, free hot chocolate, live music and book raffles, Ronald McDonald will present his magic show on Saturday, Feb. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Also look for an ice sculpture on display outside the library building.

New Fiction for Ages 8 – 12

“Odd and the Frost Giants,” by Neil Gaiman. In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd. His journey to save Asgard, city of the gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it, takes him on a wild and magical trip. Can he outwit the Frost Giants, restore peace to the city of gods and end the long, freezing winter?

“Signal,” by Cynthia DeFelice. After moving with his distant father to the Finger Lakes region of New York, 12-year-old Owen faces a lonely summer until he meets a girl who may be a space alien.

“Born to Fly,” by Michael Ferrari. Bird McGill has always dreamed of becoming a P-40 fighter pilot, but then America enters World War II after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and Bird’s dad, the one person who believes in her dream, goes off to fight. Bird befriends Kenji, a Japanese American boy who has come to her school, amid rumors that he a spy or a traitor, but he and Bird embark on an adventure that will shake the town, test their friendship and possibly change the future of the war.

“Dandelion Fire,” book two of “The 100 Cupboards,” by N. D. Wilson. Henry York never dreamed his time in Kansas with his aunt and uncle would open doors to adventure, but cupboards in his bedroom revealed themselves to be portals to other worlds. Now, as his adventures continue, he has made another discovery: He was born in one of the worlds on the other side, a revelation that involves him in a multi-world struggle between good and evil.

Upcoming events

* Wednesdays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24. Families Helping Families 6:30 to 8 p.m. Facilitators provide an educational series and support group for teens and their families affected by substance abuse. Co-sponsored by the Clear Brook Foundation. Ages 18 and under and families.

* Wednesday, Feb. 3. Conversations in Our Community, 7 to 8:15 p.m. The group will engage in a brief reading of the text which will provide the basis of the discussion, which is guided by Barry Phillips. The theme for this series is Insights into Leadership - Listening to Diversity. Adults.

* Thursday, Feb.4. Beading Class, 6:30-8 p.m. Join Jen Golden of Bead Fixation for a basic beading class. Each participant will create a beaded bracelet. Materials fee of $10 due to instructor at time of class. Grade 7 to Adults.

* Friday, Feb. 5. Creative Writing Contest, Time Traveler is the theme. Pick up entry forms at the Children’s Desk. Grades 1 to 6.

* Fridays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, and 26. Anime/Manga Club - Nani?!, 4 to 6 p.m. Join us for some ANIMated fun and Manga book discussions. Bring along a friend! Grades 7 to 12

* Saturday, Feb. 6. Junior Book Club, 12 to 1 p.m. TBA Grades 4 to 6

* Saturday, Feb. 6. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel, 1 to 3 p.m. Unleash some of your strongest monsters in our duel. Bring along your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and a friend. Sponsored by Abington Community Library Teen Leadership Committee. Grades 4 to 6.

The Abington Community Library is located at 1200 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit. Visit our website, www.lclshome.org/abington to register online for events or call the library at (570) 587-3440. Don’t have a library card? Register for one at http://www.lclshome.org/libraryinfo/library_card_reg.asp.

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