We'll be holding a poster contest in celebration of Banned Book Week, which runs September 26-October 3. If you're between the ages of 9-18, create a poster inspired by free speech versus censorship in challenged and banned books for a chance to win great prizes!. Deadline for submissions is Saturday, September 12th at 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact me at (207) 764-2571 and click the 'Read Banned Books' icon in the sidebar.

The library now offers
text reference service!

1. Call 309-222-7740 and enter the code “MTL”
2. Txt your question
3. A librarian will text an expert
answer within 10 minutes during the hours of service

This service is free, but standard text rates may apply

Hours of operation:

Monday - Friday 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 P.M.
Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

For more information, please visit:
http://myinfoquest.info

The next meeting of the Teen Book Club will be on Tuesday, August 25th at 5:00 p.m. To mix things up a bit, we'll be doing a "free pick" this month. Simply pick a new [or new-to-you] YA title and prepare a review in time for the meeting. You can also create artwork inspired by the book, redesign the book cover, film a book trailer, or do a video review. The choice is yours! Want more info? Just give the library a call at (207) 764-2571.

The Tween Book Club will be reading Trenton Lee Stewart's 'The Mysterious Benedict Society' Discussions will be held on Thursday August 6th (to cover pages 1-245) and Thursday August 20th (to finish things up) at 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information on the Tween Book Club, feel free to give me a call at (207) 764-2571.

More information on the selection here.

The theme around Turner this summer has been Get Creative @ Your Library! If you're stuck somewhere else, but still looking to get creative, consider the following:

1. Make a tote bag from an old/odd-sized/bizarre t-shirt! Holy recycling, Batman! We've all got those t-shirts...from biker rallies, speed boat races, mashed potato wrestling, world's strongest wo/man competitions, circus family reunions (alright, maybe that's just me talkin')...why not make some good out of the deal?



Instructions here courtesy of Instructables.

2. Origami water bombs! Look, it gets hot around here. And we have more space than we know what to do with. Sounds like it's time for WAAATER BOMMMB FIIIIIIEEEGHT! Bonus: If you choose not to use them as water bombs, you can stick each one onto the bulbs of holiday lights...little paper laterns!

Video here courtesy of VideoJug.

3. Popsicles! It's strawberry season, and the MSAD #1 school farm is bustin' them out like it's nobody's business. Jam is fine and shortcake is great, but why not make some popsicles? Don't have any molds? Fret not: do it old school and use a paper cup as your mold...just add popsicle sticks!



Recipe here courtesy of Apartment Therapy's The Kitchn.

4. Make a hammock! I'm honestly not trying to promote laziness or anything, but, look, summer naps are a precious commodity. If you're going to do it, do it right.

Instructions here courtesy of Instructables.

5. Barf bag puffer fish puppet! Some of you might be lucky enough to fly somewhere exotic this summer. Of course, exotic places take awhile to get to, so make the best of it. A travel-worthy craft that would make the TSA proud.



Instructions here courtesy of Craftzine.

Have fun!

Author Beckie Weinheimer visited the library on Tuesday to talk about her book, 'Converting Kate' and conduct a writer's workshop. It was a ton of fun for everyone involved, including Tiffany and Rachel from Teen Book Club seen above*. If you haven't read the book yet, I DEMAND you to stop by and check out a copy. You'll love it. If not, I owe you 247 videos of cats.

* Editor's note: We were all sort of the No-pictures-please Club. Don't judge.

Rain. Heat. Humidity. Summer in Presque Isle is sometimes a hot mess. To cool off, bring your friends and join us for a fun afternoon of Wii gaming on Tuesday July 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All of your favorites will be well represented, including Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, and Wii Sports. Refreshments and goodies will be on hand! For more information, contact me at (207) 764-2571.