As National Library Week 2010 started to wind down, West Chester Public Library Celebrated in style with the Fifth Annual Literacy Heroes Breakfast on April 16, 2010 at the lovely Longwood Gardens.  At our Fifth Literacy Heroes Breakfast, 8 more Heroes were selected and honored for their contribution to the community.

The Fifth Annual Breakfast was a morning of stories and fond memories. At the Breakfast, Howard Sundwall, WCPL Board President, pointed out how in 5 years, 40 Literacy Heroes have been chosen and impacted by this award. The 2010 Master of Ceremonies, ABC Meteorologist Adam Joesph, spoke to the crowd about how books and literacy impacted him. Each winner came to the stage and spoke about how books helped them, how they were inspired, and many mentioned how important the library (any library, including West Chester Public Library) impacted them and led them to that podium where they gave thanks.

The Literacy Heroes Breakfast is one of Chester County’s finest events and is inspiring for everyone who attends. Maybe it is the smell of flowers and the early morning dew or maybe it is the quiet conservatory early in the morning, that makes the event magical. For others, it is the heroes, who found a need, determined they were going to find a way to provide that need, and are being celebrated with family, friends, and those who truly recognize those helping in our own communities.

Think of your hero and please remember to nominate them when that time comes. Until then, take a moment and browse the photos of the event.

From ALA.org

From April 11-17, 2010, celebrate your library with a visit to us and/or a donatation.

The theme this year is “Communities Thrive @ Your Library.”

Some libraries are hosting special events this week. Chester County is kicking the week off with a Community Day from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, April 11, 2010. West Chester Public Library is hosting the annual Literacy Heroes Breakfast (recognizing our unsung heroes in our own communities here in Chester County) on April 16, 2010. These are just a few ways that libraries are celebrating. Check the CCLS Event Calendar for more events.

Think about the library this week and how important we are to your community. Visit the library and/or donate. We’ll be glad to see you.

P.S. – That is THE NEIL GAIMAN who wrote the 2009 Newbery Medal Winner, The Graveyard Book.

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend with you family? Stop by the Chester County Library’s Community Day (PDF)! There will be give aways, special guests, food, and more. The best part is it is a family event! This will also be your chance to “check out” other libraries before traveling out there. All 18 libraries will be represented, including West Chester Public Library. The Teen Program Coordinator and another staff member will be there to say “hi” to you or meet you and talk to you about the library.

Hope to see you there!

From Poets.org

April is…National Poetry Month. This month is dedicated to poetry in all shapes and forms by authors young and old. How can you participate? Just read a poem! Read one a day or pick up some poem books or read a whole novel in verse (poetry) form. The library has books with poems, books about poets, and books in verse. Just ask!

Check out one of the displays in the library. Look for poetry books on your way up the stairs (or down) from the Children’s Floor or check out the display in our Teen Alcove. Just look for the blue sign that features a black and white “National Poetry Month” sign. If you are on the Lower Level, look to the book shelf beside the desk. We have poetry books for all ages!

Also, check out Poets.org for resources and to subscribe to their poem a day feature. Lots to explore!

Yes, you!

Chester County Library System is trying to improve customer service and we need your help! Please take the survey found on CCLS.org to tell us what you think.

Teen Tech Week is right around the corner: March 7th until March 13th, 2010.

What is Teen Tech Week? It is a celebration of the technology around you and that the library uses! We’ll have programs, book displays and a raffle during the week to win a cool prize, just for attending our programs! Attend one of the programs below and you are entered into the drawing! (All events are open to teens ages 12-18, in grades 6-12).

Monday, March 8, 6:30 PM until about 7:45 PM – Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Have you visited our  Teen Advisory Board Meeting? Now is a great time to do so and learn about the awesome programming we’re brainstorming for summer.

Tuesday, March 9, 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM – After School Cafe: Mario Kart Wii Practice Rounds
Do you like Mario Kart Wii? Never tried it out? Planning to attend our BIG EVENT on Friday? Here is your chance to stop by and try out Mario Kart Wii against other players! Free snacks! No registration!

Friday, March 12, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM – Mario Kart Wii Tournament
Play against your friends and see if you are the Mario Kart Champion! Registration required and there will be pizza!

Have questions or want to register? Call us at 610-696-1721 or e-mail us at wcplteens [at] gmail [dot] com!

Teen Movie Night is happening tonight at West Chester Public Library from 7 PM to 10 PM!

The event is open to any teen ages 13-18 and wants to see a movie on the library big screen, FOR FREE. We’ll also provide the snacks and pizza. Call before 5 PM today to reserve your seat, or take a chance and arrive at our doors at 7 PM as we’ll start the movie shortly.

Call the library to find out the title of the movie or ask your friends and see if they know!

Hope to see you there!

It seems 2010 is shaping up to be a busy year concerning books being turned into movies.

Titles to look forward to:

• Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol (Movie Release: March 5, 2010)
• Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer (Movie Release: June 30, 2010)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) by J. K. Rowling (Movie Release: November 19, 2010)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis (Movie Release: December 10, 2010)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Movie Release: April 2, 2010)
• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan (Movie Release: February 12, 2010)

These are just a few titles. If you haven’t read the book, stop by the library today and read the book while you wait for the movie! Visit CCLS.org for the catalog!

GAME ON at WCPL
After School Cafe will be all about board games! Challenge your friends with some of your favorite games and try some new ones!

• Date and time: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
• For Teens in Grades 6-12
• Where: WCPL’s Meeting Room
• NO REGISTRATION! Stop by whenever you want or show up when you open and stay the whole time! Bring a friend!
• Board Games include: Apples-to-Apples, Blokus, Rubik’s Race, Mad Gab, Chess, Checkers, Boggle, Clue, Chicken Out, TV Scene It!, Word Spot, and MORE!

Did you know…that every Tuesday after school, we offer a hangout just for teens in grades 6-12? We call the hangout After School Cafe and it happens Tuesdays, 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. You’ll find snacks, friends, computers, sometimes the library Wii and other fun things for you to do! If you have not checked out After School Cafe, why not stop by February 2, 2010.

Today at 7:45 AM, the American Library Association announced the winners of the Newbery, Printz, Caldecott, and other famous book awards. Click the titles for a link to the CCLS Catalog.

2010 Newbery Winner is (outstanding contribution to children’s lit):
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

2010 Printz Winner is (outstanding YA title):
Going Bovine by Libba Bray

2010 Caldecott Winner (outstanding picture book):
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Visit this link to learn more about the awards, the winners, and the honor books! Let us know what you think in the comments.