Teen Afterschool is starting up again! This time we're putting a different spin on things. If you liked what we had in store from our previous sessions, wait till you see what we have planned.

Come join us on September 27th for the Forest Lawn Afterschool Kick-off and September Birthdays Celebrations!

Location: Forest Lawn Library

Time: Afterschool

See you then!

Did you know…?

-The first Forest Lawn Library was originally located at 33^rd Street and 17^th Avenue S.E

-On July 16 1973, the new Forest Lawn Library opened their doors to its beautiful new building and location at 4807-8^th Avenue S.E., which is also the location in which the current library resides

-As of October 1, 1975 the Forest Lawn Library had 25,000 books on the shelves. That’s like 1/6 of our collection today!!!

-Over 933,000 customer transactions at Forest Lawn Library in 2008

It's that time of year again...the sun is shining, birds are signing...bacon, sausage and pancakes fills the air! I hope you are all enjoying the many festivities that are going on around the city. Don't forget that the Annual International BRZ Stampede Breakfast is happening on July 12 along 17 Avenue SE. Come stop by and visit our booth and along with other vendors. Every year the Forest Lawn Library looks forward to this great opportunity to engage with its community!

On July 6th, some of the Forest Lawn staff participated in the once and a life time Centannial Stampede Parade! Some of us got up at 5AM, while others were too excited to even sleep the night before. When we arrived we all got dressed in our western gear, and got our face painted by a super duper costume/makeup personel. As the time started to countdown to the 9 O'Clock opening of the parade, we all got the little butterflies. Standing there in the bright sun with all of us in formation, it was finally our time to shine. The whole experience was full of laughters, cheers, and of course sweat!

-Happy Stampede from the Staff at Forest Lawn Library! Yahoooooo!

The Teen After School event on Refugee Camps attracted 40 youth who fully immersed themselves in the experiential program, going through the various stations of food, water, health, shelter and education, trying to collect enough beads to barter their way into the final asylum station. They were assigned to family groups, working together when cholera and other health concerns, contaminated water, destroyed shelters, famine, drought and other impediments delayed their turn at the asylum station. During the debriefing over pizza, many of them expressed frustration at their struggles, but a clear dedication towards working as a family unit to leave the camp together. This program was planned by several agencies in recognition of World Refugee Day.

By Lauren Oliver, published by HarperCollins, 2010

Sam and her friends rule the school. They have it all – looks, popularity, boyfriends, and they don’t hesitate to lord it over everyone. They are bullies, mean girls, and won’t have anyone stand in their way. After a night of hard drinking and partying, Sam gets into the car of a drunk driver. With a blinding crash, she loses her life. Instead of being permanently dead, Sam wakes up on the morning of her last day. She proceeds to relive her last day over and over. Each day is the same, but only Sam has the power to change what happens…

Written by Lauren Oliver, who is better known for the debut novel in her dystopian trilogy, “Delirium”, “Before I Fall” was chosen as the YASLA Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2010. Combining elements of fantasy with the very real concept of teenage bullying in a fast-paced, introspective, and engrossing story, this novel causes readers to question what they know. Oliver writes about familiar themes in a fascinating, original way. Prepare to be left wanting more!

-Reviewed by Liz

Manga comics are becoming overly popular among the teens. However, I've noticed that some adults are starting to appreciate the artwork and storyline behind these books. Unlike regular books that reads from left to right, Manga comics are read from right to left and they start at the back of the book. It may seem strange at first, but after a few manga books, it becomes second nature.

One of the things that fascinate me about Manga are the drawings. A little change in the character eyes or hair can change their overall look from being happy to mad. I've attempted to recreate some of my favorite characters on paper...but...I'll just end it here.

Now here's a chance for you teens out there to learn from a professional artist. They will show you the tips and tricks that you will need to know to recreate or even create your own Manga character. This will be a two day session on May 23rd and 30th from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

We've all been waiting for this hot new movie release for far too long! Finally it's here...Captain America, The Hulk, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Thor. I just can't wait to see this in theaters. I've seen all the movies, except for Captain America (so I better see this before I head to the theaters). But I enjoyed all the other ones very much. One word... ACTION!

I can't soley pick one superhero as my favorite. But I do love how Robert Downey Jr. portrays Iron Man.

Do you have a favorite superhero? Let us know in the comment!

If you need a little refresher of the Marvel characters, why not check-out the DVDs and Graphic novels at the public library?

Got some creative juices in you? Now is the time to let your imagination soar and become a memorable part of our garden. The stepping stones to paint for the Community Garden will be on sale for $50. All the supplies will be provided, so you don't need to worry about that! All we ask of you is to bring in the donation and your artistic talent.

Come join us on these dates:

Thursday April 26^th, May 3^rd, May 10^th, May 17^th
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday April 29^th, May 6^th
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.