Thursday, April 30, 2009

Mindspot

Jonalyn forwarded me this awesome video today:



I'm very impressed with many things about what they are doing here. Especially departing from library lingo to make something new, hiring teens to help monitor and develop successful programming and spaces, and focusing on "user driven innovation". Plus, I really want a Infamous for Information caravan to showcase our stuff at local events!

Here is some further documentation (in English) about Mindspot (not). May I say, wow?

Monday, April 27, 2009

Free Poster?


For those of you who missed the ad in today's (this week's?) Unshelved:

Macmillan is offering a free 2-sided "teen reads" poster.

Looks, as my mom would say, snazzy. In fact, I should probably send the link to her...(she's a high school librarian, after all.)

I've ordered one.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Changes Parent Support Network


Another local resource well worth knowing about is the Changes Parent Support Network. They offer free ongoing peer support meetings to parents and guardians of acting out or self destructive teens and young adults in Snohomish County. Meetings happen every Thursday evening from 7-9:30 at the Family Tree Apt. Complex community room - 10110 19th Ave. SE Everett WA 98208. Please share with parents in need!

Getting crafty

Looking for fun project ideas for teen programs, or just yourself? Here are some of my favorite magazines/sites to browse:

Craft: the first project based magazine dedicated to the renaissance in the world of crafts.
Slightly geekier than the typical Michael's crafts crowd.

Make: technology on your time
Tech geek version of Craft.

ReadyMade: Instructions for Everyday Life
Very hip, environmentally conscious, and grades projects by difficulty and cost.
I love this incredibly simple project!: Photo Ops

Instructables: Make, How to, and DIY
People post their own how to instructions for more things than you can imagine!

Where do you go for how-to inspiration?

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Helping hurting teens

So often when a teen loses a friend, or it witness to a violent crime, it is difficult for us as adults to know how to best help them grieve. We may not realize that some of their behaviors indicate that they still need more time and assistance to cope with this dramatic change in their lives. Even if their friend is still alive, they are changed, and either way the loss is hard, especially when you are already dealing with the challenges of teen life.

Happily, there is a local organization we can refer teens to when they are struggling with these difficult problems beyond our professional skills. Friends and Family of Violent Crime Victims is a group located out of Everett that is here to help both teens and adults who have suffered a loss or trauma, or are friends with someone who has and need help dealing.

And now they are starting up support groups for teens. To find out more, or refer a teen in need, call Nancy at 425.252.6081 or 1.800.346.7555.