The Fourth Annual Edible Books Contest is on its way!  Maybe you have students who are avid readers who would be be interested in entering, but who aren’t as confident in their decorating skills as they are in their reading skills.

They can visit Miller Branch on Tuesday, March 15at 7 pm to learn how to decorate a cake like a professional. All the edible masterpieces can be entered into the  Edible Books Contest on Wednesday, March 30.

Register online or call 410-313-1950.

Courtney Gardinier – Miller Branch

You Wouldn’t Want to Live When… Ancient Rome, Imperial China, Mayan Civilization

Back by popular demand! Travel back through history and discover what life was like in the ancient world. Join historian (and HCL Instructor) Courtney Gardinier, at Howard County Library Miller Branch, as she teaches teens about different ancient civilizations. Crafts, trivia, and goofy hats are all a part of the fun as teens discuss what is was like to be a soldier in Ancient Rome, an emperor in Ancient China, or an Ancient Mayan priest.

Registration required for each class.

Saturdays, 2 – 4 pm

Ancient Rome – March 12

Imperial China – April 9

Mayan Civilization – May 7

Courtney Gardinier – Howard County Library, Miller Branch

Roses are red, Violets are blue…

Poetry doesn’t have to be hard, and it can be fun too! Join us at the Miller Branch on Thursday February 17^th to learn how to create simple and unique poetry by using old magazines, books and even unwanted Valentine’s Day cards. All poems created at this event will be eligible for submission in the Word Up! poetry contest. Register online or call 410-313-1950.

Courtney Gardinier -Miller Branch

Greg has been spotted many new places since the release of his latest book, The Ugly Truth.

At Elkridge Landing Middle School (ELMS) he visited one of HCL’s newest Media Specialists, Ms. Kimberly Sheibley. At ELMS, she’s been connecting teachers with her HCL liaison on numerous assignments, and had a small display of fliers in her Media Center about upcoming events at HCL. Thanks for your support Ms. Sheibley and Mrs. Thomas.

Greg stopped by Bonnie Branch Middle School  in the middle of their computer upgrade. Even in the midst of this major undertaking, Mr. Yeargin made time to chat with his branch liaison about new books  and upcoming assignments. Thank you, Mr. Yeargin and Ms. Wendt for your flexibility and superb communication.

Would you like Greg to visit your school? Drop a note to your HCL liaison, or put it in the notes section of your A+ Assignment Alert. Greg would love to visit your school next!

Sarah N. Russo – Elkridge Branch

Let’s face it: some teens just LOVE being the first to hear about something. It can be just about anything, but just knowing that they are privy to information other people don’t have gives them a sense of inside knowledge. With the First Look Committee at the Central Branch on Tuesday, December 21 at 7:00 pm, your students can do just that. They will get to peruse books that the public hasn’t seen yet because they have yet to be published. Talk about inside information; who will they share the juicy plot line with first?

Amy Stephens – Howard County Library Glenwood Branch

Do your students have what it takes to be Howard County Library’s Teen Trivia Master? Do they know the exact date of Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington’s death, or which god or goddess was owed the first offering at every household sacrifice?

Starting in December, Howard County Library’s Miller Branch is going to find out at its monthly Teen Trivia Night that challenges students to answer trivia questions about their favorite YA books and series. Each month’s winning teen will receive the title of Teen Trivia Master and a $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Harry Potter Trivia – Wednesday December 8, 7-8 pm

Rick Riordan Mythology Trivia – Wednesday January 12, 7-8 pm

Hunger Games Trivia – Wednesday February 9, 7-8 pm

Courtney Gardinier – Miller Branch

We like to find cool and interesting ways to keep students motivated to read, as well as refer back to time-honored classics. Scavenger hunts have always been popular, but have your students check out our updated version. Students can answer questions about their favorite books for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a favorite bookstore. 

Here’s how it works:

-Visit hclibrary.org/hunt for the list of selected titles and trivia questions. 

-Read any of the books. 

-Complete the questions for that book. 

-Submit your answers to any Howard County Library branch. 

Entries with at least eight correct answers will be submitted to the national contest for monthly drawings. This is a country-wide hunt, but you can come into your local Howard County Library branch to get the questions. The hunt is on starting Thursday, December 2!

Amy Stephens – Howard County Library, Glenwood Branch

So what, exactly, is an Assignment Alert?

Is it broadcast on the police band radio? (nope)

Is it a submarine command?  (A-OOGAH!  A-OOGAH!) (that’s just silly)

It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with homework, could it? well …

YES! It has everything to do with homework!  And our ability to ensure your students have everything they need to complete it successfully!

When you assign a research project, book report, or any work that you suspect may land your students in the Library, you’re invited to visit our web site and complete an Assignment Alert. This online form is sent directly to the Research Specialist assigned to your school.

In response, we may put related materials on display, call in additional resources from other branches, or prepare to offer instruction in the use of our electronic resources. We may contact you to confirm the assignment details or offer to visit your class to provide additional research instruction to your students.We may even be able to assist that one student who arrives at the Library remembering he had to research an African nation…but not which one or the questions he was supposed to answer.

Every little bit helps – we love to help!  Visit hclibrary.org –> Students and Teachers –> Teachers to assist us, so we can assist your students.

Katie George – Administration Offices

This Week’s Hi-Lights: Research E-Books

Just to double-check…

Did your students love the Arthur Slade: Author Study?

Couldn’t get enough of the Chinese Jewelry Workshop?

They are going to be excited to hear that they have another chance to be part of these great events (among others)! We have a little something for everyone. Here are some HCL events for teens that are occurring in the month of November:

Tech Chicks

Robotic engineering for the tech-savvy girl, held at Central Branch.

Arthur Slade: Author Study

November 29 will focus on The Hunchback Assignments, held at Elkridge Branch.

Chinese Jewelry Workshop

This last session will be on cross knots and prosperity knots, held at East Columbia Branch.

First Look Comittee

Be among the first to read exciting new books before they are published, and get service learning hours! Held at Central Branch.

Amy Stephens – Howard County Library Glenwood Branch

Sherlock Holmes Essay Contest

Who?
All seventh grade students in Howard County.

What?
Read the Sherlock Holmes story, “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” and write a five-paragraph analytical essay about it.

Why?
It’s fun! It’s interesting! There are prizes awarded to the top three writers! Also, it enhances understanding of the mystery
and suspense genres, and offers a chance to hone writing skills.

When?
All entries are due by June 1, 2011.

How?
More details and contest packets are available online.

This contest is offered in partnership with Watson’s Tin Box and HCPSS.