Summer Reading 2012 Teen Video Challenge

Create a summer reading video and you could win $275.

This contest, open to all New York State teens, aged 13-18, must express your interpretation of the 2012 CSLP teen slogan "Own the Night."  Additionally, it must promote public libraries and the fun of reading and be able to be used in any library.

Entry deadline is March 5, 2012.

For more information and entry form, click here.

The man who inspired the book...that inspired the movie...

Georges Melies

Born in Paris in 1861, Maries Georges Jean Melies showed an interest in the arts at an early age.  After buying the famous Theatre Robert Houdin, Melies worked full time as a theatrical showman performing magic.  After witnessing the profound invention of cinematography Melies was immediately captured.  Understanding the the theatrical element that could be enhanced by film, Melies revolutionized cinematography by pioneering camera techniques still used today; double exposure, split screen with performers acting opposite themselves and the dissolve.  

Take a look at some of his revolutionary work:

  Then check out Hugo in theaters 11.23.11

For more information on Brian Selznick and The Invention of Hugo Cabret, click here.

To reserve a copy of the book, click here.

Let the games begin...

The official Hunger Games trailer has been released.  

Will you be able to wait until 3.23.12 to see it?

To hold you over until then: 


Read the books again

Check out this picture of the cast (click here for the interactive version)

Hug it Forward

Hugs are great--a wonderful gesture between friends and even strangers.  Now, your hugs can build schools.  Strange, but true!  Hug it Forward is a non-profit that is empowering communities to unite and work together towards a common goal: building schools built out of wasted trash bottles called "bottle schools" (watch this video to see how it works).  Hug it Forward's sponsors will donate $1 for each hug tracked to fund a Bottle School.  How easy is that?  Just make sure tell the person you hug about Hug it Forward and track the hug on their website.  Ten thousand hugs equal one school; so hug your friends, hug your family, and use this as a great excuse to hug your crush, you know, in the name of charity.