Tweens

Twenty years ago, Bill Nye the Science Guy made his television debut. 100 episodes later, with more than 28 Emmys to his name and legions of fans, Nye is still proving that science rules! If you've never experienced the Science Guy's approach to science with fast-paced action and humor, it's time to get started. If you're already a fan, it's time to refresh your memory. The following titles are available right here at Hoover Public Library.

The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books, video, and audiobooks for children and teens at its Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, Texas on Monday, January 23, 2012. The full list can be found at this website. Here are a few of the highlights. Several library favorites made the list, but there were some disappointed Hoover Public Librarians this morning. How do you feel about this supposed best-of-the-best?

We had an unexpectedly large group (84!) of wannabe secret agents at our Spy Kids Training this past Monday, September 12, but that just made the fun even bigger. We started by creating official photo IDs using construction paper, the miracle of double-stick tape, and some high-tech from 1990: the Polaroid camera. Then we added official metal badges. We were now a room full of card-carrying secret agents. Next, we each placed our hands into a cup full of adjectives, then one containing nouns. The result: super funny code names, which we used to speak to each other all night. Here's a sampling:
1. Smelly Refrigerator
2. Brainy Sweater
3. Mushy Eagle

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

We were only expecting around 400, but we had even more than that waiting in line for us to open the doors at 7 p.m.! A whopping 610 fans came to our grand goodbye to the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Everyone received a special edition of The Quibbler from Luna Lovegood to guide them through the evening. The giant Marauder's Map and the Fat Lady Painting were also close at hand to help wizards and Muggles alike find their way. And Sir Cadogan was handing out bags to help carry all their forthcoming magical loot

We had 70 world travelers come to our Tween Scene event! Luckily, Miss Katie Jane and Miss Polly had two volunteer "tourist guides" to help. Thanks, Lori and Emily!

Thirty-three creative kids submitted art for this summer's art contest. All of their art can be seen in our online children's art gallery.

A panel of librarians/artists chose sixteen winners, who will have their artwork on display along the starred hallway in the Kid Zone Art Gallery during the months of June and July 2011. Congratulations to these young artists!