Reality Scoop

I have been interested in writing about the issues of teens and have found that many of the issues that they face are very difficult.  Since I read so much YA fiction, I have seen that there a lot of books that tackle teen topics in a very sensitive and conscious manner.  A few years ago I started to write about real topics that teens are dealing with such as depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, stress, and other mental health issues and pair these topics up with YA realistic fiction books in a column I called Reality Scoop.  I came up with this idea because I feel like many teens could relate to issues they might be dealing with by reading books they can check out from their library.

Here are a few articles that I have written for my column Reality Scoop on the YALSA Hub:

Random Acts of Kindness
Holiday Stress Released
Depression in Young Adult Literature
Autism Awareness
Mental Wellness

I'm thinking of continuing Reality Scoop here on this blog and I am currently working on a list of topics for 2017,

This will be a fun writing project for the upcoming year!

Mrs. Librarian Lady

Craft Ideas for Teen Programming

Let's talk about New Year's craft ideas for teen programming! 

If you are in need of some craft ideas for January, look no further. January is a great time for winter-related programs, and of course, for programs that focus on new ideas and new beginnings. For the programs below, I wanted to highlight January as a time for teens to get creative and try new things. I was also inspired by the colors black, white and gold — colors that for me, represent the chilly, glamorous celebratory vibe of New Year's Eve celebrations.

 Here are some very awesome crafts programs that you can try out at your library in January!

Silhouette clipboard: Turn a plain clipboard into a fantastic, golden gem with this DIY tutorial.

Black and gold Sharpie journals: These journals are stylish, and the gold is so inviting. Teens can record their thoughts throughout the year, and they also make great gifts for their friends.

Infinity scarves: Follow this excellent YouTube tutorial to make a simple infinity scarf on a loom. Teens will love it!

Gold glitter dots: All that is gold really does glitter! Try some of these dot crafts that are so perfect for January.

Coastal magnets: I love these magnets; the colors are all so gorgeous. You can use nautical images or come up with images of your own.

Tune in next month, for creative ideas for Valentine's Day programs or should I say Anti-Valentine's Day programs? Forget the hearts and flowers. I will offer up some edgier crafts and activities that teens will love.

See you next month!

Mrs. Librarian Lady

Are Urban Legends Important for Teens?

I love to write, it is one of my favorite things to do.  I am a librarian so I am an avid and natural born researcher.  I am also very passionate about weird and wacky things and love the history of folklore and legends.  I have a master's degree in Consciousness Studies, so I have a strong background in psychology, philosophy, and dream studies.  My thesis for this degree was all about the history of fairy folklore and the origins of the dark fairy Morgan LeFay.  I love poetry and literature and enjoy reading very much.  I'm very in tune with the young adult world and have been a teen librarian for many years.  I have so many ideas that I could write about.

Right now I am very interested in researching Urban Legends.  I feel that these legends are interesting, upbeat, and engaging for teen readers.  I think it would be great to write about different legends each week and find out more why these legends are important and how they relate to teens in today's world.  I also think it would be really cool to come up with craft ideas that relate to the legends. One urban legend that always sticks with me is the one about the lady with the beehive hairdo that ends up having a spider's nest in her hair!  It would be great to pair that story up around Halloween time with a creepy spider's nest craft.

I think researching urban legends will help to find the answer to whether urban legends are important to teens.  I will further this idea as we progress each week.


Mrs. Librarian Lady

Looking Ahead for Fun Summer Crafts

Are you looking for a fun and easy craft to do with teens this summer?  Look no further!  I bet you have all of the materials you need right on hand.  All you need is yarn, school glue, a bowl, and plastic wrap.  That's it and you won't believe how cool it looks when it's all done.  Here are a few links to some awesome Yarn Bowl tutorials.

Y is for Yarn from Fantastic Fun.  Learning blogger Shaunna Evans shows us how easy it is for teens to make a yarn bowl.

Glue Yarn Bowl DIY - Red Ted Art blogger Maggy gives us the scoop on how to make yarn bowls for any occasion.

Yarn Bowl - Kiwi Crate shows you how to get messy with yarn and glue, it looks really pretty when it's done!

Here's a great idea!  How about taking the fun outside and creating life size games for teens to play?  Here are a few ideas that could be a huge hit with teens during the summer.


 Messy Twister Game With A Paint Twist - Try this out, it looks like a blast!

Sponge Water Bombs

Giant Jenga

Tune in next week for more fun summer crafts from Mrs. Librarian Lady!