Hello from the Loft! We’ve got new reads, comfy vibes, creative programs, and fun events coming your way. Here’s everything you need to know before Spring Break:
Collection Spotlight
Our bright yellow bookshelves (hard to miss, they’re such a cheerful color) now feature mini genre spotlights, inspired by how many of your schools organize their libraries by genre.
We’re not reorganizing the whole collection (don’t worry!), but we are experimenting with what genre-focused displays might look like here in the Loft. You can see a selection of Science Fiction & Dystopia faves, Action & Adventure titles you won’t be able to put down, swoon-worthy Romance, epic (and real-world) Fantasy and of course untwist a case with Mystery & Suspense.
Take a look at some more recommendations on our Booklists page or fill out a Book Match and we’ll make you a custom recommendation list.
Some staff favorites you’ll find:
– The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness – you know the story of the Chosen One – that’s what everyone writes about. But what about the other people? The ones who don’t have the magic powers? What happens to them when the Chosen One is battling evil and trying to save the world? Find it with the Sci-Fi & Dystopia.
– The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson – this book has one of the coolest magic systems – spells are cast by drawing little chalkings on the ground with white chalk – and it takes place in an alternate distant future America. It’s a hard-to-explain book, you just have to trust us and read it. Find it with the Fantasy.
– Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan – can you think of a worse summer than to get a job as the person in the hot dog costume at an amusement park? I can’t.
– Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds – Really, can you skip this?
T(w)eens in the Studio
This month’s T(w)eens in the Studio brought serious maker energy to our makerspace! Attendees got hands-on experience with our laser cutter, learning how it works, how to prep a design, and how to safely run an engraving job from start to finish.
After a brief laser cutter 101, everyone was able to create their own custom-engraved water bottle, choosing icons, names, patterns, and more. Seeing the laser cutter etch their designs in real time was very cool (and a little magical).
The results? A lineup of totally unique, professional-looking bottles – and a group of new makers ready to try their next project. If you missed this one, don’t worry – more T(w)eens in the Studio events are coming. Keep an eye on the calendar for our next Studio adventure!
Would You Rather… Library Edition✨
Would you rather…
- read only one amazing book per month or ten okay books per month?
Either way, submit a Book Match request and we’ll get you ideas for what to read! - have a magical library card that never expires and everything you want is always on shelf or unlimited renewals forever?
Did you know that most items you check out will renew multiple times automatically? - have your favorite character come to life or be able to visit the world of your favorite book?
Can you imagine Percy Jackson ambling through Uptown?
Spring Break & Beyond!
By the time you read this, spring break will be so close you can taste it!
- Teen Tiny Top Hats Art Show (this year’s theme thanks to a genius suggestion from one of our TAB members)
Pick up supplies March 20-30, canvases due back by March 30
Feeling fancy? Put your artistic skills to work in the 4th Park Ridge Public Library T(w)een Tiny Art Show. Pick up a supply bag and paint whatever you want – as long as your school-appropriate work features one essential detail: a tiny top hat. Completed works must be brought back to the Library by March 30 and will be elegantly displayed outside the Teen Loft. Provided supplies include acrylic paint, brushes, canvas/easel, and tiny top hat. Grades 6-12. - T(w)een Tasters: Germany
Friday, March 27, 4 p.m.
Taste and rate snacks from another country, selected by Universal Yums! Make sure you share any dietary restrictions or information when you register. Grades 6-12. - Special Effects Makeup Workshop
Thursday, March 26, 3:30-5 p.m.
Join GlamBat studios for a hands-on workshop to learn the tricks of the trade to transform with special effects makeup! Learn how to texturize skin, apply prosthetics, and how to master fake blood! Grades 6-12. - T(w)een Crochet 101
Monday, April 6, 7-8 p.m.
Join us to learn all you need to know to get started on your crochet journey! Librarian and crochet artist Lynnanne Pearson will lead you through the steps. Grades 6-12. - T(w)een Paint: Cat Party
Friday, April 17, 4-5 p.m.
Unleash your inner artist (and a little attitude 😼) at this follow-along painting class! We’ll guide you step-by-step as you create a Grumpy Cat-inspired painting —think unimpressed whiskers, judgmental eyes, and a party that it absolutely did not ask for. No art experience needed, just come ready to paint, laugh, and give your cat the most dramatic side-eye possible. All supplies provided—your cat’s mood is up to you. Grades 6-12.🎨🎉 - Decorate a Plant Pot
Friday, April 24, 4 p.m.
Grab your creativity and come join us to decorate a plant pot! Grades 4-7.
The Loft is better with you in it. Come by soon—we’ll save you a spot. ✨
— Your Library Teen Team 💛
As always, you can share your feedback with us here – we’d love to hear your Lofty thoughts!
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Hey! If you’ve made it all the way to the end of this issue, you’re a superstar. Tell the staff person at the Loft desk you read the whole issue and you can pick out a sticker from our stash.
