Cage of Stars

This book takes place in Utah and the main characters are members of a Mormon family. Someone asked Ms. Mitchard why she chose the Mormon religion as a part of this story. She responded that she has a very good friend that is Mormon and unlike the Amish or Mennonite communities, Mormons are given choices.

Cage of Stars begins with an indescribably brutal murder of children. How will a family ever be able to recover from the tragedy? Veronica, at age 12, must reconcile the loss of her sisters with the anger, fear, and hatred directed at their killer.

"I knew that Scott Early was in jail. But I got my mind set on the idea that before I could stop him, he would kill Mama or Rafe. Or even Papa. I didn't think of myself. I don't know why. I just knew I couldn't lose anyone else or I would go permanently crazy. You had to have a lifetime quota. I reassured myself that mine was met; I had nothing to worry about. But the fence of my life had been breached, like the Alamo."

This book left me with more questions than answers. A great book club read!

Jacquelyn Mitchard's Visit

Jacquelyn Mitchard graciously agreed to speak at our library Third Thursday Program and she arrived last Thursday evening. What a delightful individual! I would have enjoyed listening to her even if she had not been a nationally renowned author. Jackie is witty, sensitive and deeply devoted to her family and friends. She really knows how to tell a story and had the audience laughing with every other sentence she uttered. You can listen to her talk by accessing the podcast on our website.

So I got busy this weekend (having a little more time as an "empty nester") and finished her teen novel, Now You See Her. The book is about a very talented fifteen year old girl who attends a performing arts high school. At the outset you understand that this girl has been involved in an incident that resulted in her being kidnapped, but you don't really understand the extent of her involvement until the story ends. Like Pete Hautman's Invisible, you really can't trust that this narrator is telling the whole truth. Despite the fact that the narrator is thoroughly unlikeable, I found myself stealing a few moments to read to find out what had really happened to her.

Now I am in the middle of Cage of Stars . I'll let you know about that one after I've finished it. One thing that occurs to me is that Jacquelyn Mitchard is very funny. While her books contain a few moments of humor, her books are not funny. That doesn't make them any less readable.

SLAG Committee Decides on New Gaming Policy

On Tuesday, September 11, the SLAG Committee revised the existing Gaming Policy. SLAG members had approved the purchase of two new games for the (yet to be revealed) Wii. Committee members agreed to purchase Mario Party 8 and Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3. We anxiously await the unveiling of the Wii on Saturday, October 6th!
TEEN GAMING POLICY
1.Patrons wishing to use the gaming systems located in the Teen Room must be in 6th grade or above. No adults over 19 years of age.
2.Gamers may bring their own games to use as long as they are rated T or E. Memory cards from home are also acceptable.
3.Gamers must read and agree to this revised Gaming Policy before use of the system. Once the patron has agreed to the policy a copy of the signed agreement will be kept on file in the Teen Room.
4.Patrons must have a valid Waupaca Library card.
5.Game playing will be limited to ½ hour each day/evening. You must be signed up as either player one or two.
6.The Wii is limited to use during the hours of 6-8 pm Monday through Thursday and 12-4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
7.Gamers using the Wii must wear the wrist leash. Gamers who fail to use the leash will lose all gaming privileges for one month.
8.Gamers agree that any damage to gaming systems caused by misuse will result in loss of all gaming privileges and the individual will be held monetarily responsible for damage.
9. Gaming Systems may only be used when the Teen Room is staffed. Gamers must sign in with staff before using gaming systems.
10. Gamers must checkout the games, controllers and
other accessories from library staff. Staff will ask for collateral. Collateral may be a wallet, library card or other valuable item (to be determined by staff).
11. Gamers will be asked to respect others and keep the
volume low.
12. A list of games will be provided. Games and
accessories will be kept in staff desk when not in use.
13. Gamers are asked to treat the equipment gently.
Gamers who do not treat equipment gently will be asked by staff to stop for the day. Gamers who repeatedly
abuse equipment will have his/her gaming privileges revoked.
Proposed by SLAG Committee on Tuesday, September 10th, 2007

What SLAG is Reading

This is what SLAG members are reading as reported at the last SLAG meeting. The links will take you to Infosoup!
Claire is reading Wednesday Wars
Sylvia is reading Yellow Star. It's on the list of required reading for Freshman.
Katie is reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Kris is reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Val is reading Falling Angels by Tracey Chevalier
Kenneth is reading the Cuckoo Clock of Doom
Jacci is reading Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman. It's on the required reading list for Freshmen.
Lizzy is reading Marked by P. C. Cast. This books was chosen and purchased by SLAG members at a recent book buying trip.
Marisa is reading Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares
Kokie is reading If I have a Wicked Stepmother then Where's My Prince?
Cat is reading Sybil a true story about multiple personalities.
Anthony is reading the Naruto Series.

Food For Fines

You will be able to restore your library privileges by bringing food to the Waupaca Area Public Library to "pay" for your overdue fines October 1st - 7th. Preferred donation: one food item for each dollar owed. Food may not be used to pay for long overdue, lost or damaged library materials. All food proceeds to benefit the Waupaca Food Pantry.

Get Hooked on a Banned Book!

Celebrate Banned Book Week at the Waupaca Area Public Library! SLAG members will create a display of books that have been banned or censored during Banned Book Week, October 1-7th. The public is invited to participate in a Banned Book Reading at the Chez Marche' Cafe on Thursday, October 4th at 5pm. There will be dramatic readings by passionate teens, banned book trivia and door prizes. The Cafe is located directly across the street from the Library. Food will be available for purchase. Come prepared to read an excerpt from your favorite banned book!

Between Fences Opened!

The Smithsonian Exhibit Between Fences opened in our Exhibit Room today. It is awesome! Mary Jo Tomaras' Third Graders created the most incredible scrapbooks about fences and some of their compositions moved me to tears. The freestanding exhibits were created by the Smithsonian staff and are beautiful, interactive and thought provoking. This is a must-see Exhibit!

We have a Wii!

I chose to spend grant money on a new game system, the Nintendo Wii. SLAG will be making decisions about Wii Policy at the Committee Meeting on Tuesday, September 11th. other items for discussion include:
* Planning activities for Teen Read Week (to be celebrated October 22-28)
* Solidifying plans for Banned Book Week (October 1- 7)
* Registration for the Youth as Partners in Civic Leadership Conference (October 19th- 21)