Coming In January: Rock Band!

“A lot of rock bands are truly a legend in their own minds.”

-David Lee Roth of Van Halen

Just how good are YOU? Are you a legend in your own mind or have you got what it takes to beat the competition? EOL's video tournaments are our most popular program, and each month we have a room full of competitors who think they're going to be the winner. Well, January 11 (4:30-6:30) will be your chance to prove you & your band are indeed the best. We're rolling out our first 'Rock Band' video tournament and can't wait to see who takes top honors. As always, we'll have pizza, door prizes, and prizes for members of the top band. You can play, or just hang out and watch. Give us a call or email to let us know you're coming, so we know how much pizza to buy! Call 445-1122 or email Terri at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us.

For more Rock Band game info, videos, or downloads check out their website at http://www.rockband.com/

Are you ready for Inkheart on the big screen?

We've seen The Lord of the Rings; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Eragon; The Dark is Rising; and The Golden Compass come to theaters...now Cornelia Funke's Inkheart is on the horizon! This newest fantasy flick is due out in March 2008.

View the website and trailer by clicking here!

Happy Reading!

htw

After Hours @ EOL: Flappers, Gangsters, & All That Jazz

It’s Twenties Night! Join us for “after hours” fun, & support a great cause, too: the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Saturday, December 1st, at 6:00 the library will be closed, and the fun begins…we have gala style games to play, vintage 1920’s cars (one comes complete with bullet holes), jazz & swing music, all the food you can eat, and door prizes. Also, dress in a twenties-style costume and you may win the Costume Contest (and a cash prize!).

All you need to get in the door is a donation(s) for the Humane Society. They need dog & cat treats and toys, bleach, detergent, USED blankets and towels, and NON-CLUMPING kitty litter, among many other items. For a complete list come by the library or check out the GBHS website at http://www.gbhs.org/ under ‘support us/wish list.’

You’ll earn Community Service hours for this fun, as well as good, deed!

Who: TEENS! Grades 7-12
When: Saturday, December 1st, 6:00-8:00
Where: Emmet O’Neal Library
Your Ticket In: Donation(s) For The Humane Society

Call 445-1122 or email Terri at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us to register or if you have any questions.

New Arrivals!

We have so many new books coming in, it feels like Christmas! Over one hundred new books have arrived in the last few weeks; there's just not enough hours in the day when you have so many good reads to choose from. You can find these in the 'New YA Literature' section on the first floor. Some of my favorites from this latest shipment:

"The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie

Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Sports, girls, & hilarious graphics: Junior tells it like it is.

"Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead

Two years after a horrible incident made them run away, vampire princess Lissa and her guardian-in-training Rose are found and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy, where one focuses on mastering magic, the other on physical training, while both try to avoid the perils of gossip, cliques, gruesome pranks, and sinister plots. One of the best of the emerging 'vampire genre.'

"Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks Of Nature" by Robin Brande

Following her conscience leads high school freshman Mena to clash with her parents and former friends from their conservative Christian church, but might result in better things when she stands up for a teacher who refuses to include "Intelligent Design" in lessons on evolution. A relevant topic, presented well.

"Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You" by Peter Cameron

It’s time for eighteen-year-old James Sveck to begin his freshman year at Brown. Instead, he’s surfing the real estate listings, searching for a sanctuary—a nice farmhouse in Kansas, perhaps. Although James lives in twenty-first-century Manhattan, he’s more at home in the faraway worlds of Eric Rohmer or Anthony Trollope. James’s sense of dislocation is exacerbated by his willfully self-absorbed parents, a disdainful sister, his Teutonically cryptic shrink, and an increasingly vague, D-list celebrity grandmother.

"Powers" by Ursula Le Guin

The third book in the "Gifts" series. When young Gavir's sister is brutally killed, he escapes from slavery and sets out to explore the world and his own psychic abilities.

"The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous" by Suzanne Crowley

In the small town of Jumbo, Texas, thirteen-year old Merrille, who has Asperger's Syndrome, tries to live a "very ordered existence". But disruption begins when a boy and his father arrive in town and the youngster makes himself a part of the family.

Other arrivals:

Sealed With A Diss by Lisi Harrison

21 Proms by David Levithan

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Pendragon: The Pilgrims of Rayne by D.J. MacHale

Pants On Fire by Meg Cabot

Dragons From the Sea by Judson Roberts

Fire From the Rock by Sharon Draper

Cover Up! Mystery At the Super Bowl by John Feinstein

Miracle Wimp by Eric Kraft

The Spell Book of Listen Taylor by Jaclyn Moriarty

Time of the Eagle by Sherryl Jordan

Also, check out our ever-growing Manga collection!

Paolini's Inheritance Cycle continues next year!

Did you read Christopher Paolini's books, Eragon and Eldest? Have you been waiting impatiently for news a new book in this series?

Then you've come to the right place!

Word came down today from Christopher Paolini's publisher, Random House, that the yet-to-be-titled third book in the Inheritance Cycle series will be published.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
................................September, 23, 2008!


Paolini’s fans will be able to see him talking about the fourth book in an exclusive video message that will air on his Web site, http://www.alagaesia.com/, beginning at 5:00 pm EDT today, October 30, 2007.

Happy Reading (and waiting)!

htw

Murder & Mayhem @ The Library

There’s been a ghastly murder at Emmet O’Neal and we need help to solve it! Part CLUE, part CSI, part Scavenger Hunt, only the most clever and courageous sleuth can solve the crime and win the prize. Beware: the library will close mid-hunt and then you’ll be locked in…do you have what it takes to catch the murderer?

Who: Teens, Grades 7-12
When: Saturday, October 27, 4:00-6:00
What: Mystery, Pizza & Door Prizes!
Where: Emmet O’Neal Library

Please call 445-1122 or email Terri to reserve your spot!

J.K. Rowling Kicks Off US Book Tour

J.K. Rowling kicked off her US book tour by signing 1,600 (that's sixteen hundred!!) books at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood yesterday. The author, who said she felt like she was "on vacation," was thrilled to be meeting her readers one on one. She hasn't started the promised Potter Encyclopedia yet but promises it will be soon. For the complete interview with Ms. Rowling, go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21311672/?gt1=10450.

Her tour dates and locations:
Monday, 10/15: Los Angeles Kodak Theater
Thursday, 10/18: Ernest N. Morial Auditorian at the Convention Center in New Orleans
Friday, 10/19: New York's Carnegie Hall
Friday, 10/19, 7 p.m.: New York's Carnegie Hall (open to adults)

Gettin' Retro: Tie Dye, Man

We're kicking off Teen Read Week this Saturday, October 13 with Get Retro: Tie Dye at 2:00, for grades 7-12. Wear old clothes (seriously, the dye is permanent!) and bring a 100% cotton t-shirt. There are only 25 spots available and people have already started signing up, so call and let us know if you're coming: 445-1122 or email Terri at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us.

Come in to EOL to during Teen Read Week to boost your endorphins, lower your blood pressure, and improve your immune system: simply by laughing with a humorous book or graphic novel! Stop by and see what’s funny at the library, or pick up a page turner that you can read or listen to just for the fun of it. See you there!

Banned Books Week: Are Your Favorites Safe?

You may not have thought about it, but reading is a privilege and a right. During Banned Books Week, September 29 - October 6, thousands of libraries and bookstores throughout the nation will celebrate a democratic society's most basic freedom -- the freedom to read. "Not every book is right for every reader," said American Library Association (ALA) President Loriene Roy. "Libraries serve users from a variety of backgrounds - that's why libraries need - and have - such a wide range of materials. Individuals must have the right to choose what materials are suitable for themselves and their families." Censorship threatens this basic democratic right.

Harry Potter was the most challenged series in 2006. Are your favorites safe? Below are the Top Ten Most Challenged Books Of 2006:

"And Tango Makes Three," by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

"Alice" series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

"Athletic Shorts," by Chris Crutcher

"Beloved," by Toni Morrison

"The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison

"The Chocolate War," by Robert Cormier

"The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things," by Carolyn Mackler

"Gossip Girls," series by Cecily Von Ziegesar

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower," by Stephen Chbosky

"Scary Stories" series, by Alvin Schwartz

Off the list this year, but in years past have often been included, are such classics as "Catcher in the Rye," by J.D. Salinger; "Of Mice and Men," by John Steinbeck; and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," by Mark Twain.

Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books:

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.htm

Most Challenged Books of 21st Century:

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/topten2000to2005.htm

Free people read freely. Come by the library today and exercise your right to read!

Teen Read Week: LOL @ Your Library

Coming October 14-20: Boost your endorphins, lower your blood pressure, and improve your immune system by stopping by Emmet O'Neal Library during Teen Read Week to laugh with a humorous book or graphic novel! Stop by and see what’s funny at the library, and pick up a page turner that you can read or listen to just for the fun of it.
We're kicking off TRW Saturday, October 13 with Get Retro: Tie Dye at 2:00, for grades 7-12. Wear old clothes (seriously, the dye is permanent!) and bring a 100% cotton t-shirt. Call and let us know if you're coming: 445-1122 or email Terri at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us. See you there!

How 'Bout Them Apples? iPod Gets WiFi

Apple announced that improvements, long-awaited improvements, are finally coming to iPod. New versions of the classic and nano iPods with new styling and increased storage (up to 40,000 songs!) are coming soon. For more info, check out the announcement on CNN's website:

http://tinyurl.com/2hopqg

Best Donuts In America

Look. I know you may think this is not a big deal. BUT, you never know - you may be out on the road, on vacation, and get a craving for something sweet. How cool would it be to have one of the best donuts in America? Even better, how cool would it be to go on a road trip JUST to taste each one of these delicious, delightful, donuts? Doh!

Go here for Homer's dream-come-true list: http://tinyurl.com/2vzxrx

wii: Let the Games Begin!

At last! We have wii and can't wait to let the games begin! Everyone here at the library is so excited. Join us for the first wii Video Tournament this Friday, September 7, from 4:00-5:45...there'll be pizza, prizes for the Top 3 players, and door prizes as well. What a great way to kick off the weekend! Space is limited, so you must register whether you want to play or just watch - you're welcome to do either :) Just call 445-1122 or email Terri at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us. Think you've got game? Well, bring it on.

and the winners are......

The 2007 Teen Choice Awards are in and the results are not surprising...Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End looked to mop up the rest of the competition. Here's the long, long list of winners....is anyone (anything) missing??? Tell us about it!

• Choice Movie: Action/Adventure--Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End


• Choice Movie: Drama--The Pursuit of Happyness


• Choice Movie Actor: Drama--Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness)


• Choice Movie Actress: Drama--Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls)


• Choice Movie Actor: Action/Adventure--Johnny Depp (PoC: At World's End)


• Choice Movie Actress: Action/Adventure--Kiera Knightley (PoC: At World's End)


• Choice Movie Actress: Comedy--Sophia Bush (John Tucker Must Die)


• Choice Movie Actor: Comedy--Will Ferrell (Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory)


• Choice Movie: Horror/Thriller--Disturbia


• Choice Movie Actor: Horror/Thriller--Shia LeBeouf (Disturbia)


• Choice Movie Actress: Horror/Thriller--Sophia Bush (The Hitcher)


• Choice Movie Villain: Bill Nighy (Davy Jones)--PoC: At World's End


• Choice Movie: Comedy--Knocked Up


• Choice Movie Hissy Fit--Ryan Seacrest (Knocked Up)


• Choice Movie: Breakout Female--Sophia Bush (John Tucker Must Die and The Hitcher)


• Choice Movie: Dance--Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan (Step Up)


• Choice Movie: Breakout Male--Shia LeBeouf (Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Disturbia and Transformers)


• Choice Movie Chemistry--Will Smith and Jaden Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness)


• Choice Movie Scream--Steve Carell (Evan Almighty)


• Choice TV Movie--High School Musical 2




• Choice Summer Movie: Drama/Action/Adventure--HP and the Order of the Phoenix


• Choice Summer Movie: Comedy/Musical--Hairspray


• Choice Movie Rumble--PoC: At World's End--Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) vs. Crew of the Flying Dutchman


• Choice Movie Liplock--Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom (PoC: Dead Man's Chest)


• Choice Movie Chick Flick--The Holiday


• Choice TV Show: Drama--Grey's Anatomy


• Choice TV Show: Comedy--Hannah Montana


• Choice TV Animated Show--The Simpsons


• Choice TV Variety/Reality Show--American Idol


• Choice TV Actor: Drama--Hugh Laurie (House)


• Choice TV Actress: Drama--Hayden Panettierre (Heroes)


• Choice TV Actor: Comedy--Steve Carell (The Office)


• Choice TV Actress: Comedy--Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana)


• Choice TV Sidekick--Allison Mack (Smallville)


• Choice TV Personality--Tyra Banks (America's Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show)


• Choice TV Breakout Show--Heroes


• Choice TV Breakout--America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)


• Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star--Sanjaya (American Idol)


• Choice TV Female Reality/Variety Star--Lauren Conrad (The Hills)


• Choice TV Villain--Vanessa Williams(Wilhelmina Slater)--Ugly Betty


• Choice Music Single--Girlfriend (Avril Lavigne)


• Choice Music: Male Artist--Justin Timberlake


• Choice Music: Femail Artist--Fergie


• Choice Music: Rap Artist--Timbaland


• Choice Music: R&B Artist--Rihanna


• Choice Music: Rock Group--Fall Out Boy


• Choice Music: Female Breakout Artist--Vanessa Hudgens


• Choice Music: Male Breakout Artist--Akon


• Choice Music: Breakout Group--Gym Class Heroes


• Choice Music: Love Song--With Love (Hilary Duff)


• Choice Music: R&B Track--Beautiful Girls (Sean Kingston)


• Choice Music: Rap/Hip-Hop Track--The Way I Are (Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E.)


• Choice Music: Rock Track--Thnks Fr Th Mmrs (Fall Out Boys)


• Choice Music: Payback Track--What Goes Around...(Justin Timberlake)


• Choice Male Hottie: Zac Efron


• Choice Female Hottie: Jessica Alba


• Choice Comedian: Dane Cook


• Choice Male Athlete: Tiger Woods (Golf)


• Choice Female Athlete: Maria Sharapova (Tennis)


• Choice Action Sports Female: Lisa Andersen (Surfing)


• Choice Action Sports Male: Shaun White (Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Surfing)


• Choice Summer Song: Hey There Delilah (Plain White T's)


• Choice Summer Artist: Miley Cyrus


• Choice Summer TV Show: Degrassi


• Choice V Cast Video: The Hills

So, what do you think? Did your peers leave anyone out? What do you think of the categories? Is there one you would have liked to see that isn't listed? What great movie have you seen that didn't make it to this list? Why should it have been represented here? Do you have a favorite TV show that failed to make the grade? Who is your favorite musical artist? Discuss.

Happy Viewing! (and Reading!)

htw

MBHS AP Biology students!

The first Assignment Alert of the new school year has arrived here at Emmet O'Neal Library and we librarians are ready to help you ace the assignment!

If you have Walt Rogers' AP Biology class, then your research and project on biomes is due...

September 21, 2007.

We have plenty of books that you may check out as well as some great reference books out of which you may make copies!

From home, a great place to start your research would be the library's catalog which you can access by going to our website, clicking "online catalog" from the menu on the left, and doing a subject search for "biotic communities". You will find books not only at Emmet O'Neal but those available at other libraries across the county...all available to you with a couple of clicks and a few days wait! Also, the catalog will lead you to some great electronic resources the Jefferson County Library Cooperative offers you:

• BIOME BASICS
• BIOMES
• BIOMES OF THE WORLD
• BUILDING A BIOME
• EARTH FLOOR: BIOMES
• THE EVERGREEN PROJECT
• HABITATS & BIOMES
• INTRODUCTION TO BIOMES
• NASA: EARTH OBSERVATORY--BIOMES
• WINDOWS TO THE UNIVERSE: ECOSYSTEMS
• THE WORLD'S BIOMES

Good luck with your assignments!

I'll see you at the library!

htw

Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix has finally arrived!

Check out http://movies.msn.com/movies/?GT1=7701 for the movie stills, interviews, reviews, and discussions...plus, let us know what you think of the movie. How does it stack up against past Potters??

Book, Movie, & CD Reviews: Get Your Points Here!

We've gotten so many reviews (close to 30!) in the original post I thought I'd start a new thread. Remember, you get 3 bonus points for your reviews. A refresher of how it works:

• You can review books, movies or CDs you've read, seen, or listened to since May 20
• In your review, include the title and author/artist
• Tell me what you liked and/or disliked (the plot? characters? the ending? too slow?)
• Please please please do NOT give away the ending, or what happens to major characters. No spoilers!!
• Give a rating of 1-5 stars, with 5 being the best of the best
• Review should be at least 3-5 sentences (be sure to put your initials at the end)
• Be creative! List your favorite tracks of a CD, favorite quote from a book, etc.
• After clicking on "Comments" and writing your review, select "Anonymous"

Email me at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us to let me know which review you posted and I'll give you your points. We've gotten some great reviews - keep them coming!!

What Do YOU Think Of This Article?

School Penalizes Students for Hugs, High-fives
"Strict no-contact rule, meant to stem violence, has some pushing for change "

I found this article very interesting, but wonder what you guys think. Read the article,
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19293872/?GT1=10056, and let me know!

Extra, Extra......Copies of Summer Reading List Books!

We've just gotten in a big group of extra copies of those hard to find Summer Reading List books you've been looking for!

7th-Inkheart / Cornelia Funke
7th-Stargirl / Jerry Spinelli
7th-Homecoming / Cynthia Voight
7th-In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle / Madeleine Blais
7th-Cheaper By the Dozen / Frank Gilbraith
8th-Fallen Angels / Walter Dean Myers
9th-Out of the Night That Covers Me / Pat Cunningham Devoto
9th-Lord of the Flies / William Golding
9th-Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea / Steven Callahan

If you have been looking for any of these titles, QUICK!!!, give us a call so we can hold a copy for you!

445-1121

Happy Reading
htw

make your own.....

.....Death Eater mask art at the official Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix website! There is a software download involved but you can upload your art, rate your own and other people's efforts, and much more! July won't get here fast enough!

htw

What's Your Theory? Harry Potter Cover Art

Everyone seems to have a different opinion about just what exactly is being hinted at in the cover art of the upcoming "Deathly Hallows" book (alas, the last HP book!), so I thought I'd open up a discussion and see what YOUR theories are. Post them here, and get 3 bonus Summer Reading points! For a closer look of both the US and UK covers, go to www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/gallery/dh. Once the book is released in July, we'll check everyone's theories, see who was dead on and post the winning theories...so, what do you think?
Be sure to email me at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us if you post so I can give you your bonus points.

Harry Potter is coming to Universal Studios ! ! !

Just when you thought you'd seen and done everything Disney World and Universal Studios had to offer, the Harry Potter theme park steams in (from Platform 9 3/4 no doubt) to raise the flagging spirits of sad, heartbroken fans. The park is set to open in late 2009 in Orlando, Florida complete with the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village! Don't expect to run into Harry, Hermione or Ron however, as there will not be any character look-alikes in the park :(

htw

We Interrupt This Program...

...to announce that (hopefully) all "technical difficulties" relating to the posting of book, movie, and cd reviews have been resolved. Now when you click on "Comments" be sure to change your identity to "Anonymous." That should allow everyone to post. If you hit any snags, please email me at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us to let me know. Thanks for your patience, everyone!

Get Your Points! Book, Movie, and CD Reviews

One of the many ways to get extra summer reading points is to post book, movie, or cd reviews. Simply click on "comment" at the end of this post and write your review.
All reviews must include:

Title
Author

A brief summary (at least 3-4 sentences) of why you did or didn't like the book, movie, or cd; you have to show that you've put some thought into it to get the points.

Rating 1-5 stars, one being the worst, 5 the absolute best

The 'Honor System' is in effect - please post reviews only on those books, movies, and cds that you've read, seen, or listened to since the Kick-Off on May 20. Feel free to be creative - include your favorite track or lyrics from a cd, or quote from a movie or book. Sign off with your intials, and email me at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us and let me know which title you reviewed and I'll give you credit/points. I can't wait to see what you guys send in!!

Summer's Finally Here!

...and our Summer Reading Program is off to a fabulous start. Over 100 teens have signed up in less than a week; the competition for the top fifteen highest point holders will be strong. And they're worth working for, those top fifteen point holders win admission to the Potter-Palooza Lock-In on July 20 which includes a free copy of "Deathly Hallows" at 12:01 a.m. No waiting in line! No fighting the crowd! Just relax, watch Potter movies, eat pizza and wait for the official release at 12:00 a.m. If you're interested in competing, you'd best sign up soon - there are lots of ways to get points but people have already stocked up on books to read and are asking about the programs. You can sign up at the Adult Reference Desk. On Friday, June 1st at 2:00 we're kicking of the program with Summer Daze on the lawn across from the library...Ultimate Frisbee and Giant Twister (a 14-foot inflatable Twister game) begin at 2:00, and we'll end the program with lots and lots of water (wouldn't you like to know???). We also have video tournaments, henna tattoos, scavenger hunts, guitar hero & dance dance revolution coming up...lots of fun stuff to do and lots of ways to get points.

"Deathly Hallows" Cover Art Released!

There's been buzz galore surrounding the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' cover art. The US, UK, and UK Adult covers all reveal tantalizing clues as to what may be in the works for Harry and friends. The Leaky Cauldron has a great discussion board, where all kinds of theories are proposed and of course MuggleNet should be checked out for clues, too...what is Harry reaching for? Who, or what, is reflected in his glasses? Who's that creeping up behind him? Every inch of the covers contain clues - what are your theories??

Check Out Our New Arrivals!

Hello everyone! Loads of new young adult books are arriving everyday at Emmet O'Neal...come check out The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson, Being by Kevin Brooks, Tamar by Mal Peet, Breathe: A Ghost Story by Cliff McNish, and Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky. Also arriving are extra copies of hot-and-in-demand titles such as the Clique and Eagle Strike series, .hack, fullmetal alchemist, bleach, and death note manga titles, and the Mates, Dates series.