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10 Neat Things To Do With Cardboard

12/31/2020

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by Stephanie C, Main Library
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I sometimes get overwhelmed by the amount of waste we throw out each week. I try to recycle as much as possible, and I've started looking for more ways to reuse items before the recycle stage becomes necessary. There are so many containers that can be used again, like glass jars, and plastic take-out containers. Another material that has a lot of reuse potential is cardboard. You may find yourself with a bunch of cardboard boxes after the holidays. If you are looking for a fun project, and a way to put that cardboard back to work, here are some fun craft ideas.

This YouTube video from 5-Minute Crafts has a ton of neat ideas. Here are a few I thought were handy, but check them all out, especially if you are helping to entertain younger siblings.
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#1 - Picture Frames
Minute 1:20

#2 - Phone Gaming Holder
Minute 2:24

#3 - Painting Easel
Minute 3:35

#4 - Drawer Organizer
Minute 4:43

#5 - Cell Phone Theater
Minute 5:31

#6 - Cell Phone Projector
​Minute 5:46

#7 - Cell Phone Speakers
Minute 7:23

#8 - Secret Bookshelf Safe
Minute 9:34

#9 - Cardboard Cacti
This tutorial is spread out across a few pages on this website and there are lots of ads (sorry!). This link will take you to the first page, but make sure to look for the other pages to find the printable template, process photos, and some helpful tips.
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#10 - Cat Houses
There are a bunch of amazing cardboard cat house tutorials out there. Here are two, one that's on the simple side, and one that has a bit more flair.
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​Crafting with cardboard usually requires sharp scissors and/or Xacto knives. Be careful, and get help if you need it. A pro tip my dad taught me: For big cuts especially, slice away from your body and always double check where your fingers are before you make the cut! Words to live by :)

Happy crafting & Happy New Year!
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LGBTQ+ Resources Project

12/28/2020

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by Trinity, Main Teen Squad
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Hello! Firstly, I’d like to introduce myself and why I did this project.
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​My name is Trinity and I’m an LGBT+ teen that has been out to themselves for a few years, so when I was thinking about the next project that I could do with the library for Teen Squad, one of the main things I thought about was, “what is something that I know about that I as a teenager didn’t know before, and wish I did?” And that’s when it hit me that I gather information as a hobby and I have a store of info on LGBT+ representation, resources, and tips, so that is what I made my project out of.

The way to access my project is on Instagram on an account with the username @rainbow_community_resources and there are quite a bit of different things to be found to help anyone that is looking to get started on the journey that is getting support, loving who you are, finding people like you, and doing it all safely. 

The specifics of what can be found there are sectioned into categories. Those categories are YouTuber representation, representation in general, binder tips (for the trans masculine/non-binary folks), hotlines/phone numbers, institutions/corporations that are either LGBT+ safe or built for LGBT+ people, and finally a deeper dive into some of those institutions. 

All YouTuber representations are people that are healthy successful people that are openly advocating for people like them and in turn people in the LGBT+ community, and all of the examples of general representation are authors or companies that put out healthy and constructive content for your viewing pleasure. All hotlines/phone numbers are specifically for LGBT+ people and many are for mental health, and all binder tips have been researched and triple checked to ensure safety. And on top of all of that we still have institutions and deep dives on institutions that are LGBT+ based, supporting, and open to all. And all of these posts were hand drawn on my digital drawing platform to make it feel more personalized.

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​So with all that letting you know what to expect when you get there, I sincerely hope you check the account out, share it with LGBT+ friends and use it to help yourself, your friends, or anyone else trying  to get started on this roller coaster of pride.

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Teen Book Club Event for Dear Evan Hansen

12/23/2020

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Kamryn, Sweet Teen Squad
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My name is Kamryn, and for my project with the Sweet Branch Teen Squad I am doing a book club once a month!
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For January we will be discussing the book Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich! It is such an amazing book, and I am so excited to read this book with you guys!
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Dear Evan Hansen is about a kid named Evan becoming popular after his best friend Connor Murphy dies, but the big thing is that Evan never knew who Connor was before he died.
 
This book is based on a musical so you should go listen to that if you want. There is a ton of talk of suicide, depression, and drug use so if anything of those things is triggering to you this book may not be right for you. 
 
A couple of questions that I will be asking are:
  1. If you have seen the musical (or listened to the music), which one do you like better?
  2. Did you like the writing style of the book?
The book can be found on the library website as a book, an audiobook, or on Overdrive or Libby.

The January book club will be held Saturday, January 9th at 2:00 pm. This event will be online:
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98103476634?pwd=TkRIbjlETURnR3dXNElDM3lKUG8wUT09

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Our Favorite Books of 2020

12/22/2020

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by Stephanie C, Main Library
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As 2020 comes to a close I've been trying to focus on all of the good things that came out of this year. We've all had to pivot in unexpected ways and it hasn't been easy, but we've made it! 

One thing that is always a bright spot for us librarians, and many of you, are the books we read that made a special impact. Maybe you read something that completely opened your eyes to a new idea, or that made you laugh until your sides hurt. Maybe you cried a little (or a lot) because that one book just shook you to your core, or made you feel seen.

​I hope you've had some incredible reading experiences this year. If you're still looking for that special book, take a look at this list of our staff favorites. You may have seen some of them mentioned here on the blog earlier this year. We just can't stop talking about these amazing reads. 

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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
(Graphic Novel)
Request this book
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"A precious, adorable, heart-warming, LGBTQ+ positive love story that takes place at a UK grammar school. What could be better??"
​- Becca






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​Watch Over Me, Nina LaCour
(Teen Fiction)
Request this book
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"As Mila ages out of the foster care system, she accepts a job helping other foster kids on a farm in Northern California. Her new world is ethereal and haunted by ghosts, and by confronting them Mila begins to face her own past traumas and experiences. For anyone who loves slow, meditative, sensitive, and lyrical writing."
- Becca
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Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez. 
(Teen Fiction)
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"You don't have to be a sports fan to get a kick out of Furia. Camila aka "Furia" lives in Argentina and is secretly playing on a girls soccer team, pursuing her dreams of playing pro fútbol, unbeknownst to her parents, whose plan for Camila is to apply to medical school after she graduates high school. This story is about Camila's journey to independence and fighting for her dreams." - Yoli
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Dear Justyce by Nic Stone  
(Teen Fiction)
Request this book
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"Quan has already experienced too much trauma as a kid, and as a teen, Quan gets falsely accused of murder and imprisoned under a false confession. A fast-paced book that will have you on the edge of your seat, wanting justice for Quan." - Yoli





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Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
(Teen Fiction)
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"Felix attends a high school for the arts in Brooklyn, and is a candidate to win a scholarship to Brown University. Felix dreams of finding love and being loved, and in his revenge quest against an anonymous transphobe at school; he finds self-love." - Yoli

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Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone 
(Teen Fiction) 
Request this book
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"I loved this book because it was something I needed to read in Jr. High. School dress codes are sexist. The length of a girl's shorts and if she wears a tank top should not matter. This book showed a peaceful way to protest injustice, and not giving up.  It is also a great reminder to all youth, that no matter how someone feels comfortable with their attire and looks, everyone deserves to be treated with respect." 
-- Claire 
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Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
(Adult Fiction)
Request this book
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"Silvia Moreno-Garcia is my new favorite author! 
Mexican Gothic was hands-down my favorite book published in 2020 (read it on a dark and stormy night for the best experience). Because I loved her chilling gothic homage set in the mountains of 1950s Mexico, I also reread Gods of Jade and Shadow and forgot how incredible this 1920s Mayan mythological quest tale is. Do yourself a favor and read both."
-Meagan


Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
(Adult Fiction)
Request this book









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​Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. 
​(Teen Fiction)
Request this book


"I loved this story of two sisters living very different lives in New York and the Domincan Republic. The book is written in verse and covers topics like grief, sexuality, racism, and the excitement and pain of uncovering family secrets." - Maddie
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Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
(Graphic Novel)
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"Snapdragon takes readers on a beautiful journey to a place where there is space to explore one's identity. Snapdragon's multiple and surprising plot twists will have you exclaiming in surprise and likely lead to you day-dreaming about the plot twists in your own journey of self-exploration." - Lexi
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The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
(Teen Fiction)
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"The third book in the Truly Devious series was a truly satisfying conclusion to a fun mystery trilogy. Stevie, a true crime fanatic, returns once again to the exclusive (and deadly) Ellingham Academy boarding school, aiming to solve a cold case that has haunted it's grounds for nearly 100 years. In this final installment she's finally uncovered the truth, but will she survive to share her findings with the world? Even reluctant mystery readers will enjoy this one"
​- Stephanie C. 

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The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
(Teen Fiction)
Request this book

"This book is wild! It follows the sixteen year-old girls of Garner County as they embark on their Grace Year - a year where they are sent away and isolated together with few supplies and little protection. They must rid themselves of their womanly magic before returning, lest it destroys society. I know, right? This intense, thought-provoking novel stayed in my head for months after I finished it." - Stephanie C.
What books did you love this year? Comment below to share your favorites. ​

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What Are You Doing for Winter Break?

12/21/2020

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by Christine, Chapman Branch
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I am always excited for Winter Break and look forward to taking a few days off. This year it will look a little different, no surprise given the year we have had. I won’t be spending time in person with family members but I still intend to relax and enjoy some time off. What are your plans to relax and enjoy your break this year? 

I always enjoy getting cozy and reading a great book! I just read the new book by Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity), called The Enigma Game.
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It’s 1940, Windyedge, Scotland. Louisa Adair is fifteen and recently lost her parents in the war. She arrives in Windyedge to escape the Blitz and to care for an elderly German woman. Also at Windyedge are Ellen McEwen, a volunteer driver with the Royal Air Force, and Jamie Beaufort-Stuart, flight leader of 648 Squadron, who are struggling because they are always one step behind the German attacks and wish they could just catch a break.

​One day a German pilot lands in Windyedge under mysterious circumstances and leaves behind some clues that Louisa follows and discovers the Enigma machine he left behind. Louisa, Ellen, and Jamie have to work together to try and crack intercepted German codes and stay one step ahead of the German attacks near Windyedge. 

The Enigma Game was really interesting because it provides a snapshot of what it was like to live during the war and fly planes for the RAF (actually a bit terrifying), and the bravery of everyone who lived through that time. It was an exciting book and I would definitely recommend it if you are interested in WWII or enjoy a good historical fiction novel.

And if you need some book ideas check out the Teen section of the Library’s webpage for booklists and a best of 2020 booklist. Or visit our Teen Reads page for some book reviews and recommendations from some of our Teen Librarians.

If I am reading a book on a cold winter day I definitely need some hot cocoa and some cookies to go with it. This recipe for Polka Dot cookies from Guittard is one of my favorites to make this time of year:
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POLKA DOT COOKIES--makes 4-5 dozen 2-inch cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups (12 oz) Semisweet Chocolate Chips        ⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) of butter                2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs                        1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar                        ½ teaspoon baking soda
2 cups (12 oz) (Guittard) Green Mint chips

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F°. Line cookie sheets with parchment or use ungreased.

  • Melt semisweet chips and butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Set aside to cool. In large bowl beat eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla until light. Blend in melted chocolate, then flour combined with baking soda. Stir in green mint chips and chill for 10-15 minutes or until stiff. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes; cookies will be soft in centers but will harden as they cool.

​Note: I think these would taste great with other kinds of chips besides the mint so feel free to experiment! I have only made these with Guittard chocolate and mint chips but I think your favorite brand would work too.


I am also looking forward to leaving behind this crazy year and starting what I hope will be a better new year. 2020 has been difficult, but I wanted to sit down and think about some of the positives of 2020, because it hasn’t all been bad and I wanted to think about the good that came out of it. For example:

  • Spent more time baking and remembered how much I enjoy it!
  • I spent more time outside enjoying the world and going on hikes in the mountains.
  • I was able to reconnect with friends online over Zoom chats.

What is on your list of good things about 2020? What are your plans for this winter break? Leave us a comment if you feel like sharing!

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Have a great Winter Break!
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Winter Solstice

12/18/2020

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by Stephanie H, Sprague Branch
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​In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice takes place on December 21 or 22nd every year. The solstice is the day with the shortest amount of daylight, and marks the point where days will continue to grow longer. People all over the world celebrate the solstices (the summer solstice takes place June 21 or 22nd) as well as the equinoxes, the days where sunlight is about even with darkness that mark Spring and Fall.


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Stonehenge at dawn on winter solstice.

​Soyal
is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi people in what is now Arizona. During Soyal, the Hopi celebrate the sun returning, and honor the Kachina, their guardian spirits. There are underground chambers called Kivas where rituals and ceremonies take place. Since these rituals are so sacred, little detail about what happens during them is given to outsiders.
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Shaba e Yalda also called Yalda Night is celebrated in Iran to mark the longest night of the year. Families gather for feasts, drinks and poetry. Eating watermelon, pomegranate, garlic and a variety of other fruits and nuts are said to help protect people through the coming year.
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An Iranian woman reading hafiz poems in yalda.

​Dongzhi is celebrated by people across East Asia including China, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Families gather together to eat food and celebrate. Small brightly colored rice balls called tangyuan are made and eaten. In Taiwan, Tangyuan are also used as offerings to ancestors.
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Tangyuan, a traditional Dongzhi Festival food

​Saturnalia
was celebrated in ancient Rome in honor of the god Saturn. The celebration lasted from December 17-23rd and included carnivals, feasting, and sacrifices at the temple of Saturn. People would give gifts and gamble, slaves were also allowed to celebrate with their masters. The Romans would also elect a King of Saturnalia. Many scholars believe that many Christmas traditions were adopted from Saturnalia.


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Saturnalia by Antoine Callet

​There seems to be a common thread throughout all of these winter solstice celebrations, a focus on coming together and making time for fun. Winter is and was a difficult season for many people. This year on the solstice, take time to appreciate the people you are surrounded by. This is also a good time to get outside and notice what is happening in nature. Many birds have flown south for the winter, some animals are hibernating, but others remain active during this time. Observe your neighborhood again at the Spring Equinox, how have things changed? Do this again for Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox. You will probably be surprised to see the way nature cycles through the year. Making small observations like this help me appreciate every season, and I hope it will help you as well.

Links: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yald%C4%81_Night
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongzhi_(solar_term)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice


Images from Wikimedia Commons:
Tangyuan - Alpha from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Yalda Night - 
PersianDutchNetwork, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons​
Saturnalia - Themadchopper, Antoine-François Callet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stonehenge - Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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