The Antithesis of Valentine's Day

For some reason I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. You're probably thinking who doesn't like hearts, flowers, and cards? Well, here's how it happened. One fateful night (too many years ago to admit), I had the worst Valentine's Day of my life. I was newly single, and my best friend was about to get married. We went out to what was supposed to be a fun Valentine's Day party, and I sat there and cried my eyes out the whole night. Since then, I have disliked (loathed is more like it) the day that celebrates hearts, couples and flowers. 

I'm so glad I became a teen librarian because it is the perfect way to use my anti-Valentine's Day powers for a good cause. When I first heard of anti-Valentine's Day, I thought it was an awesome concept! One of the first taglines I remember using for promotions was "Do you hate hearts and flowers? Do you think Cupid is stupid? If you don't fall for this overrated Hallmark holiday, then you're in luck!" I've hosted anti-Valentine's Day teen programs since 2012, and each one has been a blast. This year our anti-Valentine's Day theme is "It's not me, it's you," and we are getting excited for this teen shindig! The key to throwing a great bash is to plan a bunch of fun activities and offer delicious treats. Here are a few of my favorite anti-Valentine's Day crafts and activities:

Rude conversation hearts: These angsty little hearts are totally rude, but 100 percent pure fun to make.

Black duct tape roses: Give a black rose to someone you don't love. 

Bling rings: Give your BFFs bling rings, because they deserve all the bling in the world. 

Voodoo pincushion dolls: Teens will absolutely loves these controversial, yet cool, crafts. 

Valentine potion taste test: Are you up for a little fizzy bubbly at your anti-Valentine's Day party?

Geeky Valentine surprise cupcakes and "she's just not that into you" cookies: You can't go wrong with these treats! 

Ultimate breakup playlist: I know it hurts to listen, but the pain will only make you stronger.

Tune in next month for more ideas for tween and teen programming and activities!

Mrs. Librarian Lady

Best Anti-Love Movies According to Mrs. Librarian Lady

Best Anti-Love Movies - These movies will be sure to have you running away from love for sure!

If You Want a Good Cry on Valentine's Day

There are so many talented YA authors out right now and one of my favorites is Mr. John Green. Somehow he is able to capture the realism of teen life and emotions. I highly recommend his latest book "The Fault in Our Stars" and I think it would be a tremendously sad book to read just before Valentine's Day. I have to admit that from around chapter 24 and on I basically cried my eyes out while continuing to read and sob from time to time. This book is painfully sad and it pulls no punches in its terrible descriptions of late-stage cancer. At some points, readers may even wonder why, if pain and love are so inner connected that we should care to fall in love at all. However, the amazing John Green pulls it all together in the end and we realize that a person can learn so much from being in love, and that he or she will come out on the other side of a love experience a changed person.

An Anti-Valentine's Day Campaign

I'm finally going to do to be able to get creative with and let loose my true feelings for Valentine's Day! I'm on a month long campaign to prove that Valentine's Day does not have to be all about hearts, love, and flowers. I'm hosting two Anti-Valentine's Day parties for teens at two different libraries! Wow that double exposure to heartbreak, disillusion, and pain. I love it ♥ I'm an evil genius muhaaahhaaahaaa! Finally something to get excited about in the cold winter weather. Here's my intro to the party invitation and I will be posting for the next month with pictures, songs, and crafts for this anti-heart celebration!

Do candy hearts and chocolates make you feel ill?
Are you running from Cupid and his stupid arrow?
Are you planning your ♥ Day escape?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
You are invited to an
ANTI-Valentine Party!!