Salinas Teen Services

Song.Rap.Poem. Contest

2011-08-05T00:41:00.001-07:00

Building Healthy Communities East Salinas is sponsoring a song/rap/poem contest. The contest is open to all Salinas youth ages 13 to 21. Youth are invited to submit a song/rap/poem/spoken word that will inform friends, students, and family members what a healthy community would look like in their eyes. Be creative and persuasive in your message. Please resist from using profanity and make it something that BHC will be able to use as a promotional tool.
How to Enter:

1. Submit a recorded rap or song as an MP3 file along with written lyrics to bhcalisal@gmail.com

2. Submit a link to a YouTube video of you performing your rap or song to bhcalisal@gmail.com

3. Make sure to include "BHC Contest" in the title of your song file or YouTube video.

If you need technical assistance in creating your video/recording please let us know how we can assist you.

Prizes:

(Teams of up to four members are welcome but please keep in mind that there will only be one prize awarded per winner).

1st prize winner will be awarded a Brand New Laptop.

2nd Prize winner will be awarded an IPod.

3rd Prize winner will be awarded $75 Gift Card.

Visual and Public Art Event

2011-04-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

A social event aimed at addressing youth-related stress, personal growth and empowerment through various art activities led by CSUMB Visual and Public Art students.

Date: Friday, May 6, 2011, 5-8pm. Location: Vista Room, National Steinbeck Center, One Main Street, Salinas, CA

MosDef and JayZ Deconstructed: Race, Politics, Music, and Justice

2011-04-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Free Your Imagination Teen Writing Workshops

2011-03-23T14:32:00.001-07:00

Do you dream of being a writer? Do stories dance in your head? Then set your imagination free at a series of writing workshops for teens being held at the John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave. The free workshops are open to any teen ages 13-18. The series will begin on Saturday, March 19th and continue every Saturday through April 16th. Each session will be from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Salinas Teen Film Festival

2011-03-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

What: The High School Film Festival
Where: Salinas Performing Arts Center
When: April 15, 2011
Time: 7:00PM

Students will have the opportunity to receive cash and prizes for original works submitted in any genre, including animation. Please send DVDs to Mike Roddy at the Salinas Union High School District at 431 West Alisal, 93901.

Alisal Students Making New Moves

2011-03-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

"Alisal High School put its name on the wrestling map by winning the Central Coast Section in 1975.

It was the school's first CCS title in any sport. In 1996, the Trojan wrestling team enjoyed a runner-up finish. Through the years, dozens of athletes qualified for the State Championships.

Beginning today, three more Alisal grapplers will look to add their own piece of history and provide even more luster to this proud program.

Seniors Johnny Alonzo and Luis Cessa, and sophomore Jovan Villalobos, all qualified for the state by finishing in third place in their respective weight classes at the CCS Championships last weekend. This is Alonzo's second consecutive state appearance.

The only other wrestler in the county to qualify was Seaside sophomore Jonathan Tuiolosega who finished runner-up in the heavyweight division. The competition takes place today and Saturday at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.

Only the top three wrestlers in each weight class qualified for state.

"It feels great," Cessa said. "I mean it was only three years ago that nobody went to state. Last year Johnny made it and this year three of us made it. That should say a little bit about next year, that we're going to continue growing no matter what."

Alonzo, who wrestles at 103, said he's excited to be sharing this experience a second time around with his teammates.

"It's great having people to work out with," he said. "We push each other and we help each other and that's going to make a difference. As soon as my [CCS] match was finished I'd go and cheer for the next one, and when they won, I was as happy as them."

Villalobos said he's ecstatic to be a part of this revitalization, and is looking forward to his next two years.

"Coach J.J. [Jose Julio Garcia] is doing a good job with turning things around," Villalobos said. "We want to be a force in this section again. You know, be those rough and tough Alisal kids."

All three Alisal athletes persevered through consolation brackets after losing in the semifinals, and all three had to dig deep to earn wins in those decisive third-place matches.

Each of them had their own source of motivation that pulled them through."

For the rest of the article, visit the Salinas Californian Online Here.

California State Summer School for the Arts

2011-02-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

The California State Summer School for the Arts - four weeks of exploration, discovery and hard work designed to unleash your creative power. From July 9 through August 5, 2011, a talented group of high school students will receive intensive training from professionals in music, theatre, video and film, visual arts, dance, creative writing, and animation. Held at CalArts in Valencia, California, The 2011 tuition will be $1,550 for California residents, and $5,000 for out-of-state residents. Full and partial scholarships are available for first-time California resident attendees only. Interested? You'll find complete program descriptions, answers to commonly asked questions, and the application forms and instructions on this Web site: http://www.csssa.ca.gov

SOMOS Media Punk Rock Art Show

2011-01-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

Featuring artwork, punk flyers, and photos by:
Jimbo Phillips
One Stupid Punk
Scott MacDonald
Tiger

Acoustic punk rock music by:
Mad Town Mulligan
The King’s Kids

Location:
SOMOS Media
430 Salinas Street
831 422 9200

CSUMB Teen Film Festival

2011-01-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

Young filmmakers eager to see their work on a screen bigger than YouTube will get the opportunity in April, when Cal State Monterey Bay holds its third annual Teen Film Festival.

The Teledramatic Arts and Technology Department is accepting applications for the festival, which will be held at CSUMB's World Theater on April 9. Entries can be submitted online at montereybayfilmfestival.com by Feb. 11.

Filmmakers between 13 and 19 years old are invited to submit films and videos up to five minutes in length. Entries may be in English or Spanish and there is no entry fee.

TAT students will organize the event and handle the judging, according to Professor Enid Baxter Blader.

"It's an educational experience for our students, who want to go out in the world and have their films screened in film festivals. A great way to understand that process is to curate a film festival," Blader said.

CSUMB also hopes the festival will serve as a way to interest local teens who might not have considered going to college. By inviting them to campus and showing them what the university offers, they may consider enrolling.

While local teenagers are encouraged to enter the competition, it's also open to teenagers from around the world.

Last year's event drew more than 200 entries; films were submitted from the Central Coast region as well as Great Britain, El Salvador and Armenia. Some of last year's entries can be viewed online at montereybayfilmfestival.com.

The teen festival is part of the larger Monterey Bay Film Festival. MBFF will also feature three programs curated by Mike Plante. Mike is an associate programmer of the Sundance Film Festival, and curates many other festivals internationally. This will be Mike's second year as the programmer of the Monterey Bay Film Festival.

Focused on independent short films with innovative technologies, the events and web festival introduce Monterey Bay’s unique opportunities for the film industry.

Jay Z... in the New York Library...

2010-11-23T17:00:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z recently released his new book "Decoded" and was interviewed by the great Cornel West at the New York Public Library. From his life growing up, to the struggles he faces as a teen and young adult in a community of poverty, he highlights and strength and outlet he found in music. Although it's an hour, and it is in the library... Jay-Z explains song lyrics from his controversial "99 Problems" and discusses his relationships with everyone from the police to his Mom.

Check out the full video interview here.

2010-11-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

Salinas Exposed Photograhy Show Opening Nov. 5th 7pm

SOMOS Media brings you:

Salinas Exposed Photography Show
First Friday November 5th 7pm

The photo show will showcase Salinas Locals shooting our city.
This show is about seeing our city through the eyes of our locals.
Also, we will be having some great beats and treats too.
Come out and support some great local artists!!!

Photographers:
Juan Espinoza
xBESTIAx
Scott Macdonald
Jason Martinez
Joey Payongayong
Imelda Suarez
Sarah Reinger
Mike Neilson
Lee Abellana

Djs:
Dj Moi
Mike J
Nova

Mcs:
eme7
Lombris

Treats by:
The Sweet Life Fine Cakes & Pastries
by Mariana Martinez

Film and Photo Classes

2010-11-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Final Cut Film Editing Classes
Tuesdays @ 3:00 at the Cesar Chavez Library
Saturdays @ 10:30 at the Steinbeck Library
Photoshop Classes
Tuesdays @ 1:00 at the Cesar Chavez Library
Saturdays @ 12:00 at the John Steinbeck Library

Learn the Drums

2010-04-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Cesar Chavez Library will be hosting drum lessons and sessions beginning May 19th at 7:00pm. The classes are open to anyone under the age of 18 and all instruments will be provided by the Alisal Percussion Group in Salinas free of charge.

For more information visit the library website at www.salinaspubliclibrary.org or sign up with Carissa by calling 831-758-7345 or emailing her at carissap@ci.salinas.ca.us with your name, age, and phone number.

A Little Piece of Ground

2010-04-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

Laird and Nimr's novel follows 12 year old Karim as he deals with his life in a war torn Palestine. With frustrations with restrictive curfews that start to harm his father's business and sister's heath, Karim finds refuge in day dreaming about escaping the occupation and becoming a soccer star. With friends he defies curfew to play soccer in an abandoned lot. Despite the escape on the field Karim and friends he finds himself injured after a confrontation with Israeli forces and lands in the hospital. Through the struggles Karim's journey highlights the struggles and chaos of war and its affect on growing up and family. The authors don't avoid rough areas, and the book is a good read for those willing to listen and recognize the strength's Karim and friends develop together throughout the occupation.

Madden 10 Super Bowl Tournament

2010-01-24T14:17:00.000-08:00

Join us for the Super Bowl Tournament of Madden 10!

This Xbox gaming event is sponsored by Game Crazy.

WHO: Gamers between the ages of 13 - 25

WHERE: John Steinbeck Library (Young Adult Lounge)

WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 2-5pm

PRIZES: Provide by Game Crazy (Thank You!)

The Madden 10 gaming tournament is FREE!

However, space is limited!!!

Call Game Crazy today to reserve your space to play:

(831) 755-7718

Play Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

2010-01-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity! Game Crazy has just loaned the John Steinbeck Library Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. Come down to the Young Adult Lounge and PLAY this classic game! We will have this game for the next three weeks only.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

2010-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Growing up on a Spokane Indian Reservation, Junior struggles with everything from thick glasses and extra teeth to awful clothes because of his family's lack of money. Even though he admits his brain is a bit muddled and confused, he takes through his life as he moves to a school of the reservation. From struggling with confronting the white students and explaining his decision to parents, Junior's cartoons and humor pull him through his transitions...

Weetzie Bat

2009-12-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

Francesca Lia Block's Weetzie Bat is an alternative novel starring Weetzie... she wears taffeta dresses and likes things that sparkle. She is strange and bizarre, but so is the company she meets. Hanging out with Dirk they travel around the town in Dirk's Pontiac and decide to find love. Coincidentally they do and all move into Dirk's grandmother's home and work to live "happily ever after..."

This book is a perfect read for anyone who ever a little "weird" maybe a little different. It's OK to listen to dream about Marilyn Monroe and fall in love in the strangest of ways. If you're looking for a normal Twilight-y teen romance then this book isn't for you... If you listen to 1970's punk and think the rockabilly life might be for you, you need to read this...

Play FIFA Soccer

2009-12-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Game Crazy has loaned the library FIFA 08 Soccer. Join the FUN at the John Steinbeck Library and PLAY soccer on the XBox! This game will be available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and the weekends.

We will have this game through December, so come on down and practice. There will be a FIFA tournament coming in January 2010. That's right, you heard it here first!

New Game Crazy Game

2009-11-04T14:57:00.001-08:00

Game Crazy has just loaned the library Smackdown vs Raw 2009. Come down to the John Steinbeck Library and PLAY Smackdown vs Raw 2009! We will NOT have this game for long, so take advantage now.

Pretty Dead

2009-10-27T12:29:00.001-07:00

Francesca Lia Block's Pretty Dead takes the glamor and romance from Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga and turns the quest for eternal life as a vampire, to a desire toward humanity. Charlotte Emerson has everything from wealth to beauty, but wants nothing more than to be human. Decades of loneliness and suffering from the death of her twin brother have left her pining for death and the chance to once again feel love. Her creator and fellow vampire offers her a chance, but with a sacrifice that involves the death of those around her. Mixed with poetry, dialogue, and letters the book is a quick read that spins the ideas we have been forming about the lifestyles of vampires after the rise in Twilight's popularity.

The Perfect Boy

2009-10-21T13:14:00.001-07:00

Hailey Abbott's The Perfect Boy can be dumped into the pile of those teen novels that are no great work of literary genius, but you managed to read in a couple hours because you couldn't get past the drama and the never ending love triangles. Following Ciara as she leaves behind her famous soap star Mother for a summer with her Dad in Santa Barbara, we get to watch her attempt to land a budding hip hop emcee...along with her best friend. The two of them just so happen to be friends with his ex as well. Trying everything from revealing clothes to some sultry dancing, both girls fail in the end as emcee AJ hooks back up with his ex. In the end all find a love of their own and learn a thing or two about themselves. If you're looking for points to score with your AP English teacher, this novel won't land you that, but if you're looking for a good guilty read, The Perfect Boy and Abbott's other Summer Boys are a start.

Madden 10 Tournament

2009-10-19T09:56:00.001-07:00

Join us for the Madden 10 gaming tournament! This football gaming event is sponsored by Game Crazy. Check out the details...

WHO: Gamers of ALL ages

WHERE: John Steinbeck Library

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-5pm

PRIZES: Provide by Game Crazy

This gaming tournament is FREE! Please call Game Crazy to signup:
(831) 755-7718.

Local Musician Spotlight: Para La Gente

2009-10-12T16:56:00.001-07:00

Para La Gente's newest video challenges the idea that we can't love those that see things from another perspective and make choices different than our own. Coming from an album with songs tackling education, race, class, and life the local band brings the new new school to life. Using Spanish, English, and a little Spanglish to educate and empower the band embraces the spirit of those in Salinas looking to speak up and get the word out. For more information on the band check them out myspace.com/paralagente and in the mean time, take a look at their newest video for Synth Love, featuring Alex Lee.

Game Crazy Games

2009-10-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Game Crazy has just loaned the library Skate (Xbox) and Mario Party 8 (Wii). Come down to the John Steinbeck Library and PLAY these games! We will NOT have them forever, so take advantage now.

Trouble with LGBTQ Literature...

2009-09-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

It looked good from the outside...how do you approach someone you are attracted to if you're not sure of their orientation? However past that the novel lost its worth. Rather than addressing the angst, fear, and confusion that comes with being different than your peers when you are a teenager the book spends most of its time focusing on fashion and the shallow materialistic endeavors of a pair of rich New York socialites. Paige and Anthony are chasing the same boy and use Jimmy Choo shoes and designer clothing to lure him in. If you're looking for something with nothing more than pure drama and gossip this is it, if you'd like a reflective read that vaguely mirrors reality, I'd look elsewhere...

Twilight vs. The Graveyard Book

2009-08-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

The American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)is holding a vote for the top ten reads for teens this year. While I must say there are a fair amount of good titles missing from the list, it is time to cast your vote...PC Cast or Stephanie Meyer? You decide...

You can vote here...

Something to think about...

2009-08-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

There has been a new wave of literature written by teens for teens and for Latinos by Latinos. Following the lives of teens on death row and adults who barely escaped their lives as immigrants and former gang members, these stories are not only good reads, but something to think about. If there was ever a time you doubted there was an author who wrote something you can directly relate to, I think you need to take a look at these books.

The East Side Dreams by Art Rodriguez

Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhes

Mexican White Boy by Matt de la Pena

No Choirboy: Murder, Violence, and Teenagers on Death Row by Susan Kuklin

Homeboyz by Alan Sitomer

The First Part the Last by Angela Johnson

Rock Band Tournament

2009-08-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Do you like free things? Do you like to play video games? Do you think you just might be the best Rock Band musician in Salinas? Stop by the John Steinbeck Library to sign up for the Rock Band Tournament that will be held next week and sponsored by Game Crazy. Game Crazy will be supplying prizes and an inside chance to ask about the new release of Madden10...

If You Come Softly

2009-06-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Following Miah and Ellie as they go through their lives moving to a new private school in New York, the two offer different but startling similar perspectives on their relationship with one another as members of different races. As a a biracial couple the two face the questioning of their parents, family, friends, and tackle the stares of those around them. Highlighting the strength and power in love, the story is warm and hopeful with a twist that will leave the reader questioning their own perspective on race and relationships.

Twilight...

2009-06-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Cesar Chavez Library will be showing the Twilight film starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart on Saturday June 27th at 6:30pm. The after hours showing will also include a chance for you to get your photo taken with Edward and a chance to win free door prizes including Twilight stickers, games, key chains, and more. Small book club sign ups will also take place that day and you can claim your loyalty to Team Edward or Team Jacob.

For more information please contact the Cesar Chavez Library at 831-758-7345

The Vast Fields of Ordinary

2009-06-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Nick Burd's debut novel follows Dade Hamilton through his final summer before he heads off from his home in the suburbs of Cedarville to college at Fairmount in Michigan. Dade's transition into freedom includes everything from coping with his parents divorce and extramarital affairs, to coming out about his own homosexuality. His secret relationship with the school's best looking Latino athlete, Pablo Soto, leaves both him and Pablo struggling to find themselves and comfort with their feelings for one another. When Dade meets Lucy and becomes confident in himself, his new found sense of bold exploration puts in the relationship he dreamed of.

The novel packs three months into 300 pages of struggle, hope, depression, love, and devastation. Taking a new twist on the normal teen novel, this addresses mature themes from the perspective so many young adults know so well.

What Exactly is a Debut...

2009-05-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Cesar Chavez Library will be hosting a Quinceanera and Debut program May 30th at 3:00pm. But what exactly is a Debut?

Debut comes from, “Debutante,” a French word for “female beginner,” is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who as reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her “debut” or “coming out.” Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle. This event is traditionally referred to as The Debutante’s Ball.

In the Philippines, a debutante’s ball is very popular and widely celebrated when young Filipina teenager turns 18.
The highlight of a debutante’s ball is known as The Grand Cotillion Dance where the Debutante, with an escort, share a waltz dance with the elegantly-dressed cotillion court composed of her friends of 9 boys and 9 girls. A special cotillion choreographer is normally hired by the debutante’s parent to teach the un-experienced boys and girls to perform a highly-choreographed waltz dance. Practices for the dance can last for 6 months and normally held in the debutante’s residence every weekend. The Debutante picks the 18 songs to play and the participants normally include relatives, friends, godfathers, neighbors and acquaintances.

Next of the tradition is The 18 Candles Presentation, wherein 18 ladies will light 18 candles to resemble the 18 lights that will serve as guidance to the debutante as she makes her transition to the status of a full grown woman. Most often, the mother of the debutante is the last of the 18 candles participants. Each participant also says a word, a congratulatory note or wishes to the debutante.

A new activity that we have seen lately is what others call The 18 Symbolic Treasures, where 18 participants, mostly family friends and relatives, as well as godmothers and godfathers, offer a gift to the debutante. A perfect gift is something that the Debutante can treasure as she moves on to college and started to live as a young woman.
After all the food, entertainment, and Philippine Debut traditions for this wonderful occasion has gone under way, the celebrant brings the celebration to a close with a Debutante's speech in which she shares her life experience and gratitude with her beloved guests.

This information was gathered from the following sources:
Pacific Sounds (http://www.pacificsoundsdj.com/tradition/)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Debut)

Star Trek Release

2009-05-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

J.J. Abrams who produced Lost and Alias has reincarnated the original Star Trek to create a prequel which takes place at StarFleet Academy before the crew of the USS Enterprise met. The film has received one of the highest ratings on the movie review collection site Rotten Tomatoes, where you can read reviews from all types of film critics from the n3rds, to old school classicists.

The film's website, found here, has fun wallpaper and icon downloads, as well a photos and interviews with cast and crew.

X-Men @ Your Library

2009-04-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

Join the library and celebrate National Library Week at your library with a showing of the X-Men trilogy. Each branch will host a movie showing and raffle off a free copy of the X-Men film on DVD.

Thursday April 16th at 3:00 at the John Steinbeck Library
X-Men

Friday April 17th at 3:00 at the El Gabilan Library
X2

Saturday April 18th at 3:00 at the Cesar Chavez Library
X-Men: The Last Stand

National Poetry Month

2009-04-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

April is National Poetry Month and there are a lot of great books and websites to get you going with poetry. Check out Teen Ink for monthly poetry submissions from teens across the country, and submit your own work. Look in our online catalog for your favorite poet, or browse a genre to find something new.

In the mean time try out:
Screams from the Balcony by Bukowski

Diving into the Wreck by Adrienne Rich

The Brimstone Journals by Ronald Koertge

Buried Alive by Ralph Fletcher

Words on Fire by Giovanna Capone

The Sonnets by Shakespeare

Three Times a Woman by Alicia Gaspar de Alba

Graphic Novels

2009-03-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Did you see The Watchmen? Are you planning on seeing Wolverine? Would you like the back story to the biggest movies of the past few years? Take a look online here at the library's graphic novel, manga and comic book collection. If you need recommendations or help picking out titles stop by the reference desk and speak with a librarian.

In the mean time if you liked The Watchmen I would recommend these titles:
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
Batman, the Dark Knight Series by Frank Miller
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
Batman Hush by Jeph Loeb

Myspace Image HTML Course

2009-03-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Why do young people LOVE MySpace so much?

MySpace is a revolutionary tool for communicating with friends and expressing yourself. The power of MySpace is truly undeniable!

For Teen Tech Week the Digital Arts Lab team set out to help local teens learn about the HTML code that makes their MySpace pages work. This was a FUN opportunity to meet the young people of Salinas where they are... on MySpace.

We gave a "HTML Basics For MySpace Photos" demo at the Digital Arts Lab (John Steinbeck Library) on Monday, March 9th. This demo was a big success with 9 young people participating.

We also offered the same Learn & Play Demo the next day at the Cesar Chavez Library. The picture above shows me (Bjorn) explaining HTML image tags and attributes to the group of 12 participants.

The two Learn & Play Demos were a great beginning to Teen Tech Week 2009. We are looking forward to the Dance Dance Revolution (Wednesday, March 11th), Cool Tech Careers Video (Thrusday, March 12th) and the Rock Band Open Jam (Friday, March 13th).

Visit the John Steinbeck Library this week to catch ALL the action!

Bjorn did a great job leading the courses, and if you have any questions stop by the John Steinbeck Library.

Teen Tech Week @ The Salinas Public Library

2009-03-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Salinas Public Library (& Digital Arts Lab) celebrates Teen Tech Week by offering events and learning opportunities for Salinas teens.

Teen Tech Week annually connects teens with different technologies available through the library. Salinas Public Library will celebrate Teen Tech Week by hosting the following FREE events starting March 9, 2009...

* Monday, March 9: MySpace Photos Demo. Learn the HTML basics for displaying images on your MySpace profile. Where: Digital Arts Lab, John Steinbeck Library. When: 4:00pm - 5:00pm.

* Tuesday, March 10: MySpace Photos Demo. Learn the HTML basics for displaying images on your MySpace profile. Where: Cesar Chavez Library. When: 4:00pm - 5:00pm.

* Wednesday, March 11: Dance Dance Revolution. Try your dancing skills using the Nintendo Wii gaming system. Where: Young Adult Lounge, John Steinbeck Library. When: 2:00pm - 8:00pm.

* Thursday, March 12: Cool Tech Careers Video. Learn more about exciting careers in technology. Where: Young Adult Lounge, John Steinbeck Library. When: 3:00pm - 5:00pm.

* Friday, March 13: Rock Band Open Jam. Join the band and rock out on the Xbox. Where: Young Adult Lounge, John Steinbeck Library. When: 2:00pm - 6:00pm.

For more information contact:

Don Gardner
John Steinbeck Library
(831) 758-7455
donga@ci.salinas.ca.us

Pants On Fire

2009-01-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

Meg Cabot's Pants On Fire was definitely a comprehensive coverage all things traumatizing and fantastic about being a brilliant and incredibly attractive teenager. From being less than faithful to the picture perfect boyfriend of 3 years to falling in love with a best friend from a past long gone. Miss Katie Ellison has to choose between a brainy past of living life unknown and a new popular lifestyle as one of Eastport High's most beloved. It's a great mix between being a girl, being a brain, being beautiful and most importantly, being honest with yourself.

Guitar Hero Tournament

2009-01-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

The John Steinbeck Library will be hosting a Guitar Hero Tournament on February 6th at 3:00pm. Sign ups are first come first service so be sure to stop by the adult reference desk to save your spot. Prizes will be awarded to the top three players of the event. For more information please get in touch with Carissa Purnell at 758-7111 or email her at carissap@ci.salinas.ca.us.

Megan McCafferty's Upcoming Novel

2009-01-12T20:53:00.001-08:00

Coming April 14th of this year Megan McCafferty's Perfect Fifths brings us more Jessica Darling. Following her from running track, serving coffee, Princeton, and Marcus Flutie the new novel follows the series: Sloppy First, Second Helpings, Charmed Thirds and Fourth Comings. Check out a great interview with the author conducted by a high school student and hosted online here.

Rules of Survival

2009-01-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Nancy Werlin's New book The Rules of Survival is a neat twist on the biography of a young boy, Matt, who takes on the responsibility of watching over both his sisters, Emmie and Callie, as they attempt to escape the strange behavior and abusive tendencies of their Mother Nikki. Touching on everything from drinking, drug abuse, relationships and paternity, the book is written in the form of a letter to Matt's youngest sister Emmie as he recollects their past together. You can place a hold on the title here with the library.

2009 Great Graphic Novel List Nominations

2009-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Every year The American Library Association publishes lists of the most popular and most read graphic novels for teens and young adults. The list carries everything from Superhero comics to ambitious story art experiments such as Flight. The list of nominees is posted online at their website and includes some of the graphic novels we currently have at the Salinas Public Library including:

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

The Dark Tower Series by Peter David

Check out the full list of 2009 Graphic Novel Nominees Here

Some Book Recommendations...

2008-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Amidst the chaos of not being able to find Twilight without a long wait list, I have found some good new books and series that any lover of werewolves and or vampires might enjoy...

Blue Bloods
By: Melissa De la Cruz

Marked
By: P.C. Cast

Vampire Academy
By: Richelle Mead

Extras
By: Scott Westerfield

Betrayed
By: P.C. Cast

Rebel Angels
By: Linda Bray

Tithe
By: Holly Black

Peeps
By: Scott Westerfield

The Dead Girl’s Dance
By: Rachel Caine

Thirteen Reasons Why

2008-12-28T22:57:00.000-08:00

I just finished a great new book I thought I would share. Jay Asher's Th1rteen R3asons Why is an interesting look on suicide through the perspective of two narrative voices. The deceased, Hannah Baker, creates a series of tapes before she commits suicide, and sends them to 13 different people in her life who she wanted to speak with following her death. The other narrator, who was the only positive person in Hannah's life struggles as he listens to her speak from beyond the grave, as we listen to his thoughts, while he listens to hers. The book tackles everything from gossip, to love, to rape from a range of perspectives that I think any teen or young adult could learn from.

Place a hold on it here using your library card.

Dungeons and Dragons

2008-12-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

The John Steinbeck Library now has Dungeon's and Dragons for you to check out and play with your friends inside the library. In the future we look forward to hosting tournaments, in the mean time stop by and give it a try. For more information on the rules of the game and how to get started, check out the official website of Dungeons and Dragons online here.

Marvel Comics to the Big Screen

2008-12-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

There has been XMen (times three) Spiderman (another three times) Hulk (done twice) and Ironman. Although each Marvel movie has not individually pushed DC Comic's Dark Knight off the comic book film throne, they have ranked in enough profit to create more driven films on their most popular characters, this time Wolverine.

Played by Hugh Jackman, not only will Wolverine be taking on his classic enemy, Sabretooth, but Deadpool will meet up with Emma Frost and Gambit which will ensure comic enthusiasts a fill of their most beloved XMen players. Jackman himself promises comic enthusiasts excitement and accuracy, "I can guarantee you there are going to be surprises. David Benioff, who wrote the script, is one of the great writers in in Hollywood, and he is the biggest comic book fans in the history of the world. There is not an issue of Wolverine or X-Men that he doesn't own. When he first pitched me the idea, he had such a brilliant idea that was his little twist on events. He's written it smartly. He knows what the fans want."

Check out the Official Trailor:

Alisal High Students off to Obama's Inauguration

2008-12-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the students from Alisal High School who raised their own funds to fly out to witness a historical event in Washington DC as Barak Obama is inaugurated as the first African American President of the United States on January 2009.

Check out an article featured in the Salinas Californian about their efforts

Twilight Release

2008-11-17T19:02:00.001-08:00

It is just three more days until Stephanie Meyer's Twilight comes to the theaters and there is a lot of excitement and hype for the film's release. The author's official website contains videos and photography from the movie along with Twilight ecards to share with your friends.

If you still haven't a chance to check out the book place a hold on it here with the library's catalogue.

If you enjoyed the Twilight series I recommend the House of Night series by PC Cast or the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. If you need any other suggestions or want to talk all things Bella and Edward stop by the library and let me know, or email me at carissap@ci.salinas.ca.us

Making the Internet Easy...

2008-10-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Did you ever want one website that updated you about your friends myspace posts? Or a place where you can store articles and links you find on the internet whether it's homework help or a prom dress? Well...that exists now. So take a look at tumblr.com and get up an account and you can combine all your internet stops into one...I created this vide using some simple tools we can connect you with at the Salinas Public Library, if you're interested in learning more please contact me at carissap@ci.salinas.ca.us

You Know Librarians are Cool...

2008-10-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

I bet you didn't think librarians were awesome did you? This week we stayed a little late and brought out the inner rock star in all of us, and were so amazing the Salinas Californian came in to take some pictures...Hopefully this will be the first of many Guitar Hero and Rock Band Tournament Parties we plan on hosting in the library.

What do you think? Guitar Hero Battle of the Bands? Which version of the game should we use? Do we need the new Guitar Hero complete with drums and bass? Let me know...email me at carissap@ci.salinas.ca.us or if you're feeling up to it...find me on myspace.

Centennial Party

2008-10-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

The library kicked off the yearlong celebration to recognize 100 years of service. Check out the Digital Arts Lab Blog for some information and pictures of some of the events from and art show to author talks.

Here's the link: www.digitalartslab.blogspot.com

Using the new Macs

2008-09-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

I made this using our new Digital Media Lab this week. With new Apple ibooks, and MacBookPros complete with digital editing software you can edit film, audio, or photos in so many ways. Be sure to stop in.

It's true, we're almost famous...

2008-09-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Take a Survey...it's Fun...I promise

2008-09-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

As you (or may not) know we have worked hard to create a new space just to teens and young adults at the Steinbeck library. With a new XBox 360 (yes we have Madden 09) for our 52 inch plasma screen TV, new couches, new tables, graphic novels, magazines, DVDs to watch and local art we want to make sure it is your space for you and your friends

Things can be moved, painted, bought, thrown away or redone. Either way, it means nothing to us unless it is want you want and need in your own space.

So come on...fill out this survey below

Click Here to take survey

Opening New Media Lab!

2008-09-05T17:30:00.000-07:00