Elizabeth H. Williams (Snellville) Branch
Teen Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
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It was a rainy miserable night in Georgia on Friday, April 4th, but the Snellville branch hosted 29 people, who turned out in spite of the weather, to show their stuff for our first "Open Mic," contest! We were treated to an amazing array of talents including: singing, break dancers, poets, duets, and rapping. They were a little shy at first, but after a bit of coaxing we literally had to put them out at 8:30 p.m.! They made us promise to do it again and we got in a few plugs for the Teen Writer's Club that Ron Gauthier has created.
 
Thanks to all of you who encouraged us, publicized the event and provided tips on how-to-do this. We could not have done it without you!

 

Summary of TAB Meeting #19:  Monday, July 31, 2006 

Present:  Tori H., Rachel G., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.) 

We got things going with a game of “Two Truths and One Lie” and some cookies and punch. 

Current Events: 

Teen Read Week:

Misc.

Next Meeting:  Monday, August 28 @ 5:00 

Thanks for coming; see you next month! 

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Summary of TAB Meeting #18:  Monday, June 5, 2006 

Present:  Elizabeth A., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.) 

Current Events:  Elizabeth received the June Monthly Activity; neither of us are Fairy Tale experts, so we did not do it at the meeting. 

Teen Rep. Meeting Notes:

Ideas, Suggestions, Opinions:  The Snellville TAB started to gather steam in the spring, but since the Poetry Café, we’ve started to taper off again.  Please, please do not hesitate to send me any suggestions you have!  I’d love to hear them! 

Next Meeting:  July 31, 4:00.  (Note the time change!  Since y’all will still be out of school, I thought we’d try a little bit earlier time.) 

Thanks!  Have a great summer!

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Summary of TAB Meeting #17:  Monday, March 20, 2006 

Present:  Miriam B., Austin J., Cortney J., K. Myles S., Chelsea D. (new member),

Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.) 

Welcome Cortney, K. Myles and Chelsea!:  This was the first meeting for TAB members Cortney and K. Myles, and Chelsea, who was nearby when we started our meeting, joined our meeting and filled out an application for TAB.  For all TAB members old and new, just remember that, in a nutshell, the point of TAB is to get teens into the library.  So if you ever have suggestions, comments, etc., let us hear them!  Glad y’all could join us. 

Current Events:  We all did the March monthly activity, British Slang Trivia.  Not too easy. 

Upcoming Events (Tell all your friends – they don’t have to be TAB members!):   

Poetry Café – Friday, April 21, 3:30 – 5:30 @ Snellville

Spring Clean Your Style – Monday, April 10, 7:00 @ Snellville

Real World CSI – Thursday, May 18, 7:00 @ Five Forks

Next Meeting:  We will have our next meeting in conjunction with the Poetry Café, April 21, 3:30 – 5:30.

Thanks for coming everyone!  See you in April.

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Summary of TAB Meeting #16: Monday, February 27, 2006

Present:  Miriam B., Valerye O., Victoria H., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.) 

Welcome Miriam!  This was Miriam’s first TAB meeting, so we spent the first few minutes telling her what TAB is all about. 

Upcoming Events:  (Important note:  TAB activities/programs are open to all teens (grades 6-12), so if you have friends who are not in TAB but would like to come, they’re more than welcome to.) 

Poetry Night

·        No one responded to the initial email to see if anyone was interested in having a Poetry Night in April.  All 3 members at the meeting, though, said they would still like to have one.  So…we still have time to plan one.   

Spring Clean Your Style

·        Monday, April 10 @ 7:00: Snellville Branch

·        Description of program: “Are you ready for a new look?  Does your wardrobe need help?  What about a new hairstyle for spring?  You’ll get all sorts of makeover ideas at ‘Spring Clean Your Style,’ a special program offered just for teens!  A professional consultant will be on hand to present the latest trends in fashion, hairstyle and makeup.  There’ll be real-life tips and ideas you can use on how to present your own style and look your best.”

·        Mark your calendar and tell all your friends! 

Movie Night – “Creature from the Black Lagoon”

 Misc.
We spent a few minutes going over what other TAB groups have planned, and then brainstormed ideas that Snellville could have.  Some possible ideas:

Next meeting:  Monday, March 20 @ 5:00 

Thanks for coming Miriam, Valerye and Victoria.  Hope to see you and some more next time!
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Summary of TAB Meeting #15: Monday, January 23, 2006

Present:  Valerye O., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.)] 

Current Events:  Teen Cover Art Contest:  Deadline for all entries is 5:59 p.m February 3.  Be sure you fill out an entry form and follow all contest rules.  Good luck! 

Upcoming Events/Programs:  Pick up a program guide at the library for program descriptions.  

Dance Dance Revolution Tournament

·        Monday, February 13 @ 7:00: Collins Hill

·        Tuesday, February 14 @ 7:00: Five Forks

·        Thursday, February 16 @ 7:00: Suwanee

Spring Clean Your Style

·        Monday, April 10 @ 7:00: Snellville!

·        Tuesday, April 11 @ 7:00: Buford

·        Monday, April 17 @ 7:00: Mountain Park

Real World CSI

·        Monday, May 15 @ 7:00: Collins Hill

·        Tuesday, May 16 @ 7:00: Suwanee

·        Thursday, May 18 @ 7:00: Five Forks

Movie Nights

·        It Came from Outer Space:  Tuesday, February 21 @ 7:00: Suwanee

·        Creature from the Black Lagoon:  Thursday, March 16 @ 7:00: Five Forks

·        Clue:  Friday, April 7 @ 7:00: Peachtree Corners

Youth Leadership Conference (This is not a library-sponsored event, but it may be of interest to you)

·        Saturday, February 4

·        8:00 – 4:00

·        Annistown Baptist Church

·        For info and to register, visit www.guideinc.org/ylc 

Miscellaneous

Teen Posters: Our posters have arrived and been laminated.  Valerye chose the first 3 to be displayed: Yoda, Levar Burton, Simpsons.  Come by the library and check them out! 

Teen Art Club:  Valerye had mentioned at our last meeting that she’d like to start a Teen Art Club.  At this time, the library will not be sponsoring any clubs.  However, if anyone would like to start an art club (or any other club) you are more than welcome to use the library as a meeting place.  If you have any ideas or questions about this, let me know. 

Next Meeting:  Monday, February 27 @ 5:00.  Hope to see you all there.

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Summary of TAB meeting #14:  Monday, December 19, 2005 

Present:  Valerye O., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.) 

Welcome Valerye!:  This was Valerye’s first TAB meeting.  Thanks for coming! 

Upcoming Events: 

Monday, 12/26 – Teen Movie Night: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Five Forks, 7:00) 

News:

Teen Ink:  An email was recently sent about Teen Ink, a magazine that publishes writing and art done by teens.  Take a look at their web site, or submit your own work at www.teenink.com 

Reading to children at the library:  At our November meeting, Amaka mentioned reading to children in the branch.  This is something we’d love to have TAB members do.  It’s as simple as it sounds:  TAB members can come when they can, gather a group of children in the kid’s area, and read to them.  If anyone is interested, let me know.  You will need to fill out a volunteer application, available at the library, and we’ll go from there.  Thanks for the idea, Amaka! 

Book reviews:  Thanks to TAB members and other teens, our Book Review notebook continues to grow.  Just remember that if you fill out a review, be sure to turn it in at the desk first and then we’ll put it in the notebook. 

Teen posters:  At our last couple of meetings, we chose several posters to be put up as we continue to improve the Teen Area.  The posters were ordered in early December and should be here soon.   

Carnival:  At our last meeting, Amaka also suggested that we have a Carnival for kids like Duluth’s TAB did.  Our branch manager liked the idea but suggested that we wait until the weather warms up, so we’ll plan on this for spring. 

Other ideas:  Valerye made a couple of really good suggestions at the meeting: 

Teen p.j. party:  Snellville recently held a pajama party for children, so Valerye suggested that we have one for teens.  Teens could come in their pajamas, and we could do something fun in the Teen Area (read poetry, book discussion, etc.). 

Arts and Crafts Club:  Valerye also suggested that we start an Arts and Crafts Club.  At this point, we’ll leave it really broad, but if teens are interested we can narrow it down to some specific arts and crafts.   

Thanks for the ideas, Valerye.  If anyone’s interested, let me know and we’ll plan on something.  Also, just a reminder to all TAB members, one of the purposes of TAB is to come up with programs, clubs, etc. that you and other teens would be interested in.  So if you ever have an idea or a suggestion, let us hear it and we’ll see what we can do. 

Next meeting:  Monday, January 23, 5:00. 

Thanks everyone and have a great holiday! 
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Summary of TAB meeting #13:  Monday, November 21, 2005

Present: Austin J., Amaka I., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.)

 Welcome Amaka!:  We began by welcoming Amaka to her first TAB meeting.  Thanks for coming!

 Bridgette is a mom!:  On November 15, former SNE Teen Rep. Bridgette Renkert  gave birth to a baby girl, Sabrina Rae Renkert.  Both Mom and baby are doing well.  Congratulations Bridgette!

 Current Events:  November’s monthly activity is a Crossword of Thanks.  Everyone participate and get a prize!

Upcoming Events: 

Saturday, 12/3 – Teen Journaling Program (Snellville, 10:30)

Monday, 12/26 – Teen Movie Night: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Five Forks, 7:00)

Events to Watch for in 2006 (more info to come):

New Teen programs!

To Kill a Mockingbird book cover contest!

End-of-the-Year Party! 

Teen Area:  Snellville’s Teen area continues to improve!  We’ve now added a computer

to the teen area, and at the meeting, we voted on what posters to order and to put up.  So,

expect to see some cool new posters in SNE’s Teen area in the future. 

Program @ Snellville:  We have tentatively decided, pending approval, to have a carnival

at Snellville.  We will pattern ours after Duluth, who has already hosted a carnival.  More

info to come shortly!   

Also, as we’ve mentioned, in celebration of National Poetry Month, we will have a

Poetry Night in April. 

Next meeting:  Monday, December 19, at 3:00.  Sorry about the different time, but the holidays have goofed up our normal routine.  I know because of winter vacation it will be tough for some of you to make it, but don’t worry.  Come if you can; if you can’t, see you in January! 

Thanks TAB!

 

Summary of TAB Meeting #12:  Monday, October 24, 2005 

Present:  Victoria H., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.) 

Teen Writing Contest:  Winners of the contest were announced October 16 to kick off Teen Read Week.  One winner was from South Gwinnett, though not a member of TAB.  To view winners, click on the link: http://www.gwinnettpl.org/TeenScene/TeenReadWeek2005PoetryContest/Index.htm 

Also, GCPL has released a book that compiles the last 3 years’ winners.  The book is called “Teen Scene:  Gwinnett County Public Library Teen Read Week poetry and writing contest finalist; the greatest hits so far…2003-2005.”  To view its availability, click on the link: http://twain.gwinnettpl.org/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=hq&source=~!horizon&view=subscriptionsummary&uri=full=3100001~!550014~!1&ri=1&aspect=subtab34&menu=search&ipp=20&spp=20&staffonly=&term=teen+read+week&index=.TW&uindex=&aspect=subtab34&menu=search&ri=1#focus

 Teen Read Week:  We had a great Teen Read Week.  In addition to the daily raffles, SNE held a Camera-less Photography program on October 22.  Great turnout, lots of fun! 

Upcoming events at or nearby SNE: 

10/31, Monday – Teen Movie Night, The Sixth Sense (FFR, 7:00)

11/5, Saturday – Teen Duck Tape Program (SNE, 1:30)

11/29, Tuesday – Teen Greeting Cards: Paper Cutout Collage (CEN, 7:00)

12/3, Saturday – Teen Journaling Program (SNE, 10:30)

12/26, Monday – Teen Movie Night, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (FFR, 7:00) 

News:

Just a reminder that we will hold a Poetry Night in April, National Poetry Month, rather than January, as we had originally planned.  This gives us plenty of time to prepare and make it a fun night.  If you have any ideas, it’s never too soon to speak up. 

Teen Area:  We’ve already made some great improvements to our Teen Area, but we still have some work to do.  In the near future, one of our computers will be moved to the Teen Area.  It won’t be for teens only, of course, but hopefully it’ll attract more teens to the Teen Area. 

Also, we spent some time looking at posters for the Teen Area.  We chose a couple from what we already had in stock, as well as a couple from catalogues.  So we have some ideas, but we’ll wait for the input of other TAB members. 

Teen Knitting Club:  SNE has decided to have a Teen Knitting Club.  This is a brand new idea for us, so we haven’t done much yet.  Knitting is a popular activity among teens  -- Victoria knits, as do many of her friends – so we’re going to give it a shot.  More on this in the future as we work things out. 

The Teen Knitting Club idea raised the idea of having other clubs.  One idea was a juggling club.  If anyone has any ideas for other clubs they’d like to start, share them!  This would be a great way to get more teens in the library and allow them to do the things they really want to do. 

Next Meeting:  Monday, November 21, 6:00.  Hope to see y’all there! 

Thanks everybody!
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Summary of TAB Meeting #11:  Monday, September 26, 2005 

Present:  Austin J., Erin S., Sarah P., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep.) 

Current Events:  TAB members picked up the September monthly activity and began working on it – not as easy as it looked! 

Teen Writing Contest:  We spoke briefly about who had or had not participated in the contest.  Good participation from SNE, and good luck to those who turned in an entry!  The Teen Writing Contest Reception will be held at Suwanee, on October 16, the first day of Teen Read Week, at 2:00. 

Upcoming Events:  Speaking of Teen Read Week, it’s just around the corner, October 16 – 22.  We spent a few minutes discussing the programs that will be held nearby SNE during TRW: 

10/16, Sunday – Teen Writing Contest Reception (SUW, 2:00)

10/19, Wednesday – A-mazing Myths of Ancient Greece (FFR, 7:00)

10/22, Saturday – Camera-less Photography (SNE, 3:00) 

Some other upcoming teen events scheduled for this fall: 

10/31, Monday – Movie Night, The Sixth Sense (FFR, 7:00)

11/5, Saturday – Teen Duck Tape Program (SNE, 1:30)

11/29, Tuesday – Teen Greeting Cards: Paper Cutout Collage (CEN, 7:00)

12/3, Saturday – Teen Journaling Program (SNE, 10:30)

12/26, Monday – Movie Night, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (FFR, 7:00) 

And we mentioned that both batches of programs are not complete listings.  Aside from the Teen Writing Contest reception, they are only the programs at or near SNE; for a complete listing of all teen programs this fall, pick up a Fall Programs and Services Guide at any branch or click on this link: http://www.gwinnettpl.org/ProgramCalendar/fall05/Teenfall05.htm

Poetry Night:  We’ve been discussing having another Poetry Night here at SNE.  We thought we would have it in January, one year from our last Poetry Night.  Then, after the meeting, our branch manager Pat mentioned that April is National Poetry Month…so, we will have Poetry Night then, sometime in April, which gives us plenty of time to prepare for it.  More to come shortly.  (If you all still want to hold some sort of program between now and then, let me know and we’ll get something together.) 

Improvements to Teen Area:  After the discussion at our August meeting, Pat gave the go ahead on making some changes to our teen area.  (At the time of the Sept. meeting, we had not made any changes yet.  Since then, however, we have made some changes, so everyone come and see the much-improved teen area at SNE.  It’s a more defined area now, and our collection of materials looks much better.) 

More Good News:  Pat has also agreed to let TAB members choose, from a library-materials catalog, some posters to put up in the teen area.  This is a great opportunity for TAB members to have an influence on how the teen area looks.  

Next Meeting:  Monday, October 24, 6:00.  Among other things, we’ll look at posters for the teen area.  Hope to see you all there! 

 Thanks everyone!
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Summary of Tab Meeting #10:  Monday, August 22, 2005

Present:  Austin J., Victoria H., Gabe N. (SNE Teen Rep) 

Teen Rep. Meeting:  Went over highlights from last week’s Teen Rep. Meeting, including the $100 allocated to each TAB.  

Recruitment/Retainment:  We discussed recruitment and retainment.  Both members present were not concerned with our low numbers, but Victoria is working on getting some of her friends to join. 

Year-in-Review:  SNE’s Poetry Night and the Rock the Shelves Concert were the year’s highpoints.  We also appreciated the Movie Nights, although neither member had been to one yet.  We’d like to improve our Teen Area a bit, but we have no suggestions at this time; more to come on that.  (One observation, however, was “Why so many Teen books on tape, and so few nonfiction titles?”) 

Current Events:  Both members participated in the August Monthly Activity.  If you haven’t participated yet, please do!  It’s ridiculously easy, and you could win a $25 gift certificate to Office Depot. 

Upcoming Events:  Tons of programs are scheduled for this fall, at all our branches.  To see details, visit Teen Scene http://www.gwinnettpl.org/ProgramCalendar/fall05/Teenfall05.htm 

At Snellville, we’ll have the following programs:

Camera-less Photography – Saturday, October 22, 3:00

Duck Tape Craft Program – Saturday, November 5, 1:30

Teen Journaling Program – Saturday, December 3, 10:30 

Teen Writing Contest:  Beginning August 25, forms will be available at each branch to enter the Teen Writing Contest.  Entries must be turned in by Thursday, September 22, 2005.  Two grand prize winners, one from middle school and one from high school, will win a free computer! 

Teen Read Week:  October 16 – 22 is Teen Read Week.  This year’s theme is “Get Real! @ Your Library.”  More info to come. 

Poetry Night:  Snellville will host another Poetry Night, later this year.  No date was set, but we will aim for a Friday evening once the high school football season is over.  More info to come. 

Next Meeting:  Monday, September 22, 6:00 – 7:00. 

THANKS TO ALL TAB MEMBERS!

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Summary of Tab Meeting #9:  Monday, July 18, 2005 
Present:  Austin J., Victoria H., Gabe N. (SNE TEEN REP) 

Yu-Gi-Oh! Mini-Tournament:  Great turnout at SNE!

July Monthly Activity:  Music Trivia; we encouraged everyone to participate and looked at a couple of the questions as a group. 

Teen VRP:  Everyone participate, make sure you register online at Teen Scene http://www.gwinnettpl.org/TeenScene/TeenVRP05/NewTeenREG05.htm to be eligible to win the free computer. 

Movie Night:  “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” at the Five Forks Branch, August 1, 7:00.  Please go!

Teen Read Week:  October 17 – 23, it’ll be here before we know it.  More information to come.  For now, you can vote for your favorite Teen books at http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.htm

Be ready for poetry and writing contests and more! 

Thank you card for Jillian’s:  We are going to make a thank you card for Jillian’s, for the great bowling party.  Also, thanks to those who came to the party!

Another Poetry Night?  Due to the success and good times from our Poetry Night in January, we are going to try to hold another.  More information to come. 

Next Meeting:  Monday, August 22, from 6-7.  This will be the week after our Teen Rep. meeting, so we’ll have lots of info to give you. 

Thanks to all our TAB members!  Remember, keep the ideas coming; that’s what TAB is for!

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SUMMARY OF TAB MEETING #8:  Friday, June 10, 4:30 – 5:30

Present:    Austin J., Erin S., Sarah P., Victoria H., and Gabe N. (SNE TEEN REP)

Teen VRP:  We encouraged all present to participate in Teen VRP, and reminded everyone that they must sign up online to be eligible to win the free computer.  A couple of the teens had already completed this year’s VRP.

TAB bookmarks – No new ones have been turned in.  We still feel that this is a good idea, and Sarah and Erin will brainstorm a couple of ideas for next meeting. 

Teen Book Review – We are continually getting additions to our binder of book reviews.  Keep it up.  We also floated the idea of having a discussion group or Book Club, which didn’t generate much interest, since teens have required reading for their schools and, after a year of being in school, would like a break from that sort of thing.

Thank You card for Bridgette – This was our first meeting since Bridgette left, and we thought it would be nice to show our appreciation for all that she did by making a thank you card to send to her.  Bridgette put in enormous amounts of energy and care into TAB, and she will be missed greatly.

Current Events – 

Ø      Tuesdays, June 14, 21 & 28 @ 2:00 (School Age Craft Programs)

Ø      Wednesday, July 13 @ 7:00 (Puppet Show)

Ø      Thursday, July 21 @ 4:00 (Finale: Magician Ken Scott)

 Future Events:

 

Ø      Camera-less Photography Workshop

Ø      La Commedia Sprezzatura

Ø      Acting Out – Improv

Ø      Creative Thinking Workshop

Ø      Mime and Mask Residency

LAST THOUGHT – Thanks to all those who attended.   TAB members are encouraged to make it a weekly habit to visit http://www.gwinnettpl.org/TeenScene/Main.htm.  GCPL does an excellent job of putting up-to-date information about our meetings and other programs.  

 YOU make TAB work – thank you!  Keep the ideas coming!

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SUMMARY OF TAB MEETING #8: Thur. May 12, 5:30 – 6:30PM

Present:    Austin J., Erin S., Sarah P., Elizabeth A., Ridge S., Tersell M., Ron S., Rudy B., Bridgette R. (SNE TEEN REP), and Gabe N. (SNE TEEN REP)

Roll Call:  We had four new teens at the meeting! Thanks to Ridge, Tersell, Ron and Rudy for stopping by and checking us out!   Ron filled out a TAB application and joined our ranks.  Welcome Ron!  Please encourage others to join.

TAB bookmarks – No new ones have been turned in.  This project is still "under construction".

Teen Book Review – We have had great participation from the teen sector of Snellville.  Take a look at the three ring binder?  We get an average of 1-2 per week.  E&O have asked Gabe and I to show other TABs how we achieved this.  You should be proud of yourselves.  We had an idea, discussed it, set a goal, met it and now others may benefit from it! 

Current Events – 

 

Future Events:

LAST THOUGHT –  This month's meeting was FABULOUS!  Thanks to all those who attended.  With 8 teens, it was a record number.  TAB members are encouraged to make it a weekly habit to visit http://www.gwinnettpl.org/TeenScene/Main.htm.  GCPL does an excellent job of putting up to date information about our meetings and other programs.  You will get fewer emails from us as time goes on, so please bookmark Teen Scene and visit there often.   

Thanks to Ryan’s for the yummy cookies and fresh fruit.   

YOU make TAB work – thank you!
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SUMMARY OF TAB MEETING #7: Sat. April 16 3:00 - 3:15 PM

Present:    Erin S., Sarah P. ,Bridgette R. (SNE TEEN REP), and Gabe N. (SNE TEEN REP)

Roll Call:  We did not have any new members attend this meeting.  We encourage TAB members to invite friends to our meetings.

TAB bookmarks – No new ones have been turned it.  This project is still "under construction".

Teen Book Review – We have had great participation from the teen sector of Snellville.  We hope to see more and more each month. 

Current Events - Don't forget that we have Monthly programs at each branch.  April's activity is a Poetry Puzzle.  If you fill out this sheet, you can get a free cherry limeade at Sonic.  Mmmmm.  You can find a copy of this sheet at Teen Scene at http://www.gwinnettpl.org/TeenScene/Main.htm!  

This month's meeting was very short and sweet.  During our 15 minute "mini-meeting", we decided when our next meeting would be.  Also, TAB members are encouraged to make it a weekly habit to visit http://www.gwinnettpl.org/TeenScene/Main.htm. As the library becomes busier with the summer activities, it will become essential for you to find up to date TAB information on this website.  GCPL does an excellent job of putting up to date information about our meetings and other programs.  You will get fewer emails from me as time goes on, so please bookmark Teen Scene and visit there often.   

We had a great time playing games with CEN TAB.  If you are interested in hosting a Game Day at Snellville, please let me know.  We can invite Centerville over - it's great fun. 

Future Events:

 

LAST THOUGHT – We appreciate the efforts of all SNE TAB members.  Thank you for your enthusiasm, your laughter and your time.  We hope you are enjoying all the programs.  We want to know what YOU want to do, so come to the meetings and let your thoughts be known.

 

 

SUMMARY OF TAB MEETING #6: Thurs. March 17, 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Present:    Erin S., Sarah P., Elaine L., Wing-Yee L. Bridgette R. (SNE TEEN REP), and Gabe N. (SNE TEEN REP)

Roll Call:  We have two possible new members, and we hope they will be joining us soon.  As always, we encouraged the TAB members to invite others to join.

TAB bookmarks – Due to copyright issues, Wing Yee’s bookmarks were not approved.  We encouraged all our TABs to design their own, generic bookmarks.  We hope that at next month’s meeting we will have several options for bookmarks.

Teen Book Review – We now have a TAB approved Teen Book Review Sheet.   At the beginning of the meeting, we had one review in our notebook.  To get the ball rolling a bit quicker, we used the last 15 minutes to let the TABs write reviews.  We now have several reviews in our notebook.  If it is a success at Snellville, we hope other TABS will also participate and even have these reviews available online someday. 

Current Events - SNE TAB members present at the meeting were encouraged to participate in the March monthly activity, March Madness.  We encourage all TAB members to participate in the monthly events.

Future Events:

Ø      Bowling Party:  Along with the MPK, CEN, and FFR TABs, we will have our Jillian’s Bowling Party on Friday, June 17th from 4-6.  We told our TAB that invitations will be going out soon to active members, and they will need to RSVP.  Once we receive our RSVPs, we will work out any transportation issues the teens may have.  Everyone’s excited.  Let’s bowl!

Ø      Game Night:  On April 16, from 3-5, SNE and CEN TABs will have a joint game night at CEN.  We look forward to playing games and meeting another GCPL TAB.

Ø      April Movie Night:  We voted on which movie we’d like to see for April Movie Night.  There was a tie between Pirates of the Caribbean and 13 Going on 30.  In lieu of the tie, the teens have already suggested that we have more than one movie night. 

Ø      What can TAB do for SNE?  We mentioned that if teens want to get more involved in the library, they are always welcome to volunteer.  There was also a suggestion that for one of our future meetings, the TAB use the time to volunteer.  We will have more discussion on this topic in future meetings.

 Next Meeting:  For the first 15 minutes of Game Night with CEN, we will have a quick meeting. TAB members are asked to bring their calendars so we can plan our next meeting.

LAST THOUGHT – We appreciate the efforts of all SNE TAB members.  Thank you for your enthusiasm, your laughter and your time.  We hope you are enjoying all the programs.

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SUMMARY OF TAB MEETING #5: Thurs. Feb. 17, 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Present:   Austin J., Erin S., Sarah P., Elaine L., Elizabeth A. Bridgette R. (SNE TEEN REP), and Gabe N. (SNE TEEN REP)

Gabe was introduced to members who had not met him at Poetry Café.

Poetry Café was a success.  We had a group discussion on what went well, what could be improved, and how much we enjoyed the event.  We suggest having plenty of power strips on hand as there are very few outlets in the library. Members who had volunteered for set up were thanked.

TAB bookmarks – We reviewed Wing Yee’s bookmarks and everyone loved them.  Elizabeth has some she will turn in. Since Wing Yee’s were Manga style, we decided we needed some more generic ones.  Sarah has volunteered to create some more general bookmarks.  The SNE TAB plans to use these bookmarks as a marketing tool once they are approved.

NEWS from HQ - Gabe shared news from the Teen Rep meeting:

Ø      Ryan’s Steakhouse has graciously offered to give us snacks and drinks for TAB meetings.  At our next meeting, we hope to have cookies, tea and maybe those famous rolls. We are grateful for their generosity. 

Ø      HQ is still working on a blog.

Ø      There is an opportunity to start a pen pal exchange with another TAB.  This announcement was met with mixed review.

Ø      HQ is willing to lend us the die cut machine and SNE TAB is eager to borrow it for our bookmark project.  We’ll be contacting Kendra.

Ø      Jillian’s has invited us for some bowling fun this summer.  More details to come!

Ø      A FAQ may be added to Teen Scene – more news on this later.

Ø      We discussed proper Email etiquette.

The TAB Mission Statement has been chosen by 58% popular vote.  Go to http://www.gwinnettpl.org/TeenScene/Main.htm and see for yourself.

Teen Book Review – We now have a TAB approved Teen Book Review Sheet.   Teens at the Snellville branch will be asked to review their favorite GCPL book, not as a contest, but as a service to fellow teens.  The reviews will be compiled in a 3-ring binder and stored in the Teen area.  To step up to this challenge, each SNE TAB member will submit one book review a month to get it all started.  The form is being submitted for HQ approval this week.  If it is a success at Snellville, we hope other TABS will also participate and even have these reviews available online someday. 

Marketing –TAB members were reminded to market by word of mouth, any teen event GCPL was sponsoring.  We depend on you to be our liaisons with your schoolmates and friends.  We want all teens to know about all the good things happening in our branches.

Current Events - SNE TAB members present at the meeting were encouraged to participate in the February monthly activity.  Erin and Sarah completed theirs amidst lots of laughs and earned free food coupons from Sonic! We encourage all TAB members to participate in the monthly events.

Future Events:

Ø      The possibility of a game night with Centerville TAB met with rousing approval.  We will be making plans.  Mark your calendars for Saturday afternoon, April 16!  More specific details coming soon. GAME ON!

Ø      READ ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATION is coming up.  On March 2nd, our very own Sarah will be reading a Dr. Seuss book.  Thank you for volunteering, Sarah!

Ø      Our Next meeting will be Thursday, March 17 at 5:30.  We hope EVERYONE will attend.

 LAST THOUGHT – We appreciate the efforts of all SNE TAB members.  Thank you for your enthusiasm, your laughter and your time.  We hope you are enjoying all the programs.

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SUMMARY OF TAB MEETING #4: Sat. Dec. 4, 2004 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Present:   Austin J., Erin S., Sarah P., Victoria H., Bridgette Renkert (SNE TEEN REP)

 Minutes from SNE meeting #3 were reviewed. The minutes had been emailed to all members earlier. 

 The TAB Mission Statement was discussed and we chose a couple that we liked and turned them in to the subcommittee I belong to.

 Fliers may be passed out in schools for marketing ONLY with approval.  The design must be approved and have the library logo on it.  You then must get approval from your teacher or principal to pass it out.  If all SNETAB members would please check with your media specialists and English teachers and get permission, we would appreciate it.

Teen Book Review -  Erin S. did not have the necessary computer programs to complete the review sheet, so Austin has graciously accepted the challenge. He has volunteered to design a book review sheet.  Teens will be asked to review their favorite book, not as a contest, but as a service to fellow teens.  The reviews will be compiled in a 3-ring binder and stored in the Teen area.  To step up to this challenge, each SNE TAB member will submit one book review a month to get it all started.  As soon as a form is approved, I will email each of you one.

TAB bookmarks - Wing Yee emailed me and said she had several designs of TAB bookmarks but her scanner was not working.  Hopefully either she or Elizabeth will be turning them in soon for approval.   With approval, we are hoping to put them in Teen books to get the word out about TAB and Teen programming.  I am hoping to have these in time to advertise for our Poetry Café.

Poetry Café – We now have approval for our Poetry Café` night.  The library will provide hot chocolate.  Please bring a snack for yourself and some to share with others if you are able.  Teens may also bring a comfortable blanket, pillow, or bean bag to sit on during the event.  There are plenty of chairs also, for those preferring one.  There will be dimmed lighting and TAB will come early to decorate with lava lamps and Christmas lights.  If you have a lava lamp, bring it with you.  Austin will bring an extra coffee pot for the hot chocolate. Sarah will bring a CD player for the mood music. Teens will read original poetry or poetry by famous authors. You DO NOT have to read to attend.  You can simply come to listen.  We hope to bring the beauty of poetry to Teens of the Snellville area with this program.  I need all TAB members to arrive on Friday, Jan. 28 at 5:55 PM.  This is YOUR program, so please be here!  Victoria, Austin and Sarah have volunteered to take care of set up.  I will also be here to help.  The event will start at 7:00 PM and last until 9:00 PM.  The last 30 min. will be for book check out and signing up for library cards. Austin has volunteered to design a flier for this event.  Look for them in the library and in schools soon.

 I need volunteers to help with clean up at closing.  Would either of the Cash brothers like to help?

SNE TAB members are encouraged to participate in library programs, contests and activities.  Please visit www.gwinnettpl.org and click on Teen Scene for the December activity.  It’s a very thoughtful activity.  The “prize” is a Chick Fil-A coupon.

LAST THOUGHT – My schedule has changed and I no longer can meet on Saturday afternoons.  What week day will be best for everyone.  If Saturday has been inconvenient for you, it’s now your chance to speak.  I need a response from everyone by December 18.  Thank you.

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SUMMARY OF SNE TAB MEETING #3: Sat. Nov.6, 2004 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

 Present: Erin Springstead, Wing Yee Lau, Elizabeth Arnold, Bridgette Renkert (SNE TEEN REP)

 Minutes from SNE meeting #2 were reviewed. The minutes had been emailed to all members earlier. 

 Emails seem to be working well as a communication device for our TAB.  Bridgette will continue to email minutes to members and members will review them and email questions as they arise.

  Wing Yee and Elizabeth Arnold have volunteered to create several designs of TAB bookmarks.   With approval, we are hoping to put them in Teen books to get the word out about TAB and Teen programming.  We will ask our branch manager to look over the designs, and with approval, volunteers from TAB will print, cut and put them in Teen Books.  We think this will be a wonderful way to advertise upcoming programs especially if they are branch specific.

  Speaking of branch specific programs, SNE TAB is seeking approval for a Poetry Café Night in January.  We will choose a date at our next meeting, but feel a Friday night will draw the most kids.  After some discussion, it was decided that hot chocolate will be served and Teens could bring a snack to eat.  Teens could also bring a comfortable blanket, pillow, or bean bag to sit on during the event.  There are plenty of chairs also, for those preferring one.  There will be dimmed lighting and TAB will come early to decorate with lava lamps (donated for the night by TAB members and friends) and Christmas lights (donated for the night by Bridgette).  Teens will read original poetry or poetry by famous authors. We hope to bring the beauty of poetry to Teens of the Snellville area with this program.

 SNE TAB would also like to take on a task that will help all Teens who visit the Snellville branch.  Erin Springstead has volunteered to design a book review sheet.  Teens will be asked to review their favorite book, not as a contest, but as a service to fellow teens.  The reviews will be compiled in a 3-ring binder and stored in the Teen area.  Here, Teens will be able to use the binder as a source to find a good book to read.  To step up to this challenge, each SNE TAB member will submit one book review a month to get it all started. 

 Using the ACER, we reviewed the TEEN SCENE site and liked what we saw.  All TAB members are encouraged to visit the site at least once a month.  The previous meeting minutes are posted there, contests, programming and even the date of the next TAB meeting are all posted on this site.  Don’t forget to utilize this wonderful service!

 SNE TAB members also challenge each other to participate in library programs, contests and activities.  We will strive to tell other Teens who attend our schools, churches and other functions about the Teen programs and opportunities at GCPL.  We also pledge to communicate with the library when we enjoy something or when we feel there is a need.

Meeting 3 resulted in lots of great discussion.    As we closed our meeting, everyone ready to take on the challenges set before them.  Meeting #4 will be held Saturday, December 4th, 1:00 PM in the Teen area of the SNE branch. 
 

SUMMARY OF SNE TAB MEETING #2: Sat. Oct. 2, 2004 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

 Present: Austin, Sarah, Erin, Wing, Bridgette (SNE TEEN REP)

 Bridgette reviewed the minutes from meeting #1. The minutes had been emailed to all members earlier.

 Upon hearing what some of the other TABs were doing so far, SNE TAB has decided, as of now, we will be a "laid back" sort of group and work as an entity rather than breaking up into officers.  Should our TAB get much, much bigger we will revisit that issue.  Similarly, rather than be the "book group TAB" or "the Program TAB" or even "the Volunteering TAB".  Discussions leaned toward SNE TAB being a "jack of all trades" and we want to do a little of everything as the need or the urge comes to us.

 Teen Week activities were promoted. 

 Mission Statement:

The TAB overall mission statement was discussed. We realize it is important for the GCPL TABS to have a mission statement.  Austin believes "the mission of TAB is to promote the idea of literature, or even the library, for teens as something extremely enjoyable and to encourage meeting in a library based setting (in the library, or even in a park, having small book discussions, as well as other activities that might interest them more) among teens." Well said, Austin.  The other members of TAB have been asked to come to the next meeting with their ideas.

 Teen Space/Publicity:

SNE TAB feels that we need to draw more teens to the Teen Section.  They appreciate the couch and the ceiling decorations, but feel the Teens are not aware that this space is there for THEM.  They feel maybe more marketing is needed to let Snellville teens know this space and Teen specific programming is available.  SNE TAB members feel that TEEN Scene is the obvious place to advertise the Teen space. 

 They have taken the challenge to verbally advertise in their schools.  Some of the members do morning announcements at the school and will ask the principal's permission to advertise Teen programming.  Two new SNE Tab members joined because of word-of-mouth advertising, so we know the power behind that type of publicity. 

Another great idea for publicity came from our 6th graders.  Why not visit the schools and talk to upcoming 6th graders?  If we can reach these 5th graders, they will know about TAB and all the great services GCPL offers Teens. 

 TAB bookmarks could also be made and put in Teen books to get the word out about TAB and Teen programming.  We will discuss this further in the future.

 Programming and other Teen events

SNE TAB members have enjoyed the Teen programs thus far.  They have ideas for other programs:

1.  Career Day - Sarah mentioned that perhaps a member of the community like a police officer could come in and discuss how they chose their careers.  What kind of a salary can a person expect in that field?  How much schooling does one need?  Sarah feels there is plenty of information out there in books but she is interested in REAL people answering Teen questions as they plan what careers to try for in the near future. Local authors/writers, small business owners, etc. were also brought up.  The teens want a question and answer session with these people and not a "boring" lecture. A local coach could also come and speak about his/her career or to encourage athletes to read nonfiction books. 

 

2.  Wing helped us brainstorm. Once football season is over and it's cold outside. . .maybe January? SNE TAB thought it would be a perfect time to have a 3-4 hour lock-in on a Friday night.  We are visualizing a cafe' atmosphere with dim lights.  Teens could bring bean bags or pillows and lounge around and JUST READ.  We thought we would call it TAB Cafe` and serve hot cocoa or coffee with cookies and other delights.  No speakers, no big show.  . . just some quiet, relaxing time with friends and some books.

 3.  More Movie Nights! 

 4.  Erin and Austin both thought poetry night would be a great idea.  We could incorporate it with TAB Cafe` or do it as an individual program.  Teens could come and read original works or read a favorite poem by a published author.  And of course there would be food.  =) 

5.  Study Groups - encourage Teens to come to the library and work together on a particular subject - not necessarily a single project. 

Grade specific programming:

Sarah and Erin are 6th graders and they feel that 6th - 12th grades is a pretty wide spread.  While many of the programs have been great for all ages, we might consider having specific programs for 6th - 8th and some for 9-12th.  The high schoolers agree.  We will explore this further in future meetings.

 The 6th graders also noticed that while GCPL sees 6th - 12th as teens, many of the books they are still reading are in the Juvenile area.  They suggest that perhaps selected titles could be pulled from the Juvenile area and shelved on a special shelf in the Teen area to encourage more 6th-8th teens to come to that area.

 As you can see, meeting 2 resulted in lots of great ideas.   As we closed our meeting, everyone was asked to think about what it takes to be a good TAB member and what we each need to "bring" to make SNE TAB a success.  We ask all the members that did not attend meeting #2 to come prepared to talk about this when you come to meeting #3.

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SNE TAB Meeting

8/4/04

Mission

Programs

 Times to Meet

 Prizes

 Web

Recruit & Advertise

 Next Meeting Date to be set.


08/24/06
GCPL Virtualville