TLC Coffeehouse Writings - Part One
Last month, the Carmel Clay Public Library's Teen Library Council held its first "Coffeehouse Meeting." Some of the TLC officers arrived early to hang twinkle lights for atmosphere. Everyone made themselves some hot chocolate or a cold soda, then settled down for a "power writing" session. We wrote about the library, about books we would take on a deserted island, and more. I loved reading the variety in what everyone wrote, so I hope this will become what we do every November.
Here are some of the TLC's "coffeehouse" writing pieces about why we love the library, in random order:
I love the library because it's always changing. The first noticeable change I remember happened a few years back, when the check-out lanes on the main floor switched positions, and holds could now be retrieved by the average library-goer. Although at the time the shift seemed strange, it was a nice type of strange, one that invited a fresh perspective. (Chris)
I love the library because you can often just come to the library to sit down and read a few books. It is also a great place for research and being tutored. For instance, if you want to get a better grade in one of your classes, you can simply ask your parents to find you a tutor and you can meet at the library. I love the library because it is just a nice place to be. (Kalen)
I love the library because there are so many things I can do here. After school, I can always come here to browse through the collection of books and magazines. If I need a computer for schoolwork or even just to check my email, I can always hop on one of the many that are available upstairs. If I'm tired from school I can sit down with a book or magazine and read for a while. And if my friends are there with me, we almost always enjoy a card game, especially Apples to Apples. Whenever my friends and I want to study together, the library is always the best place to meet up. We snuggle up in a study room, pull out some food, and begin working on our task. Usually, though, we just end up chatting for the majority of our time. For me, the library is a place for work, leisure, and socializing. (Ray)
My earliest memory of the library is doing the summer reading program when I was in preschool. I diligently wrote down the time that either my mom read to me or I struggled through reading. I colored in the pictures on my reading book and waited to go to the library to get my prizes. I have done the summer reading program every year since then, and although it has gotten easier to complete each year since, I have enjoyed doing it. I have also gotten more involved in the library and have enjoyed volunteering to help with the summer reading program for the last five summers. Now, instead of just coming to the library to collect prizes for the reading program, I like to come to the library to get books, both for fun and school, to volunteer, and to study with friends. (Lisa)
I love the library because of the warm and welcoming atmosphere and all the wonderful books waiting to be discovered. The library is always warm and cozy and I love sitting in the lounge to read magazines. I can never get bored at the library because I can always find an interesting book to read or get on the internet. The library also offers many opportunities such as the Book Sale, Movie Nights, volunteering and, of course, the Teen Library Council. So check out the library and unlock the secrets of books at CCPL! (Sarah)
I love the library because there are so many books available. I always have loved reading. It's like being transported to another world. In my lifetime I have been able to go to so many different places and worlds thanks to books. I wouldn't have been able to get these books or go on these trips without the library... Also I can just imagine an actual adventure happening in a library. Some of the books I've read actually have the climax in the library. I remember this book I read and it was amazing. It was about a girl who gets a job at a very INTERESTING library. It's one of the books I've liked the most. I'd have to say that the Carmel Clay Public Library is my favorite library but it's probably the one I grew up in. I didn't move here until I was in 3rd grade but this is the library that I grew up in because I don't remember the library in my old town though I know I've been there. This is my library. I really love the library. (Divya)
The hallmark of any classy institution is the ability to drink coffee brewed in-house while attending its events. By letting us drink an acidic, potentially staining liquid near its books, the library implies that it thinks we are responsible enough to handle that sacred responsibility. The brewing of coffee on-site indicates that the institution is self-respecting enough to care whether the attendees of its events are conscious. By both brewing its own coffee and permitting us to drink it within the library, the library passes our basic test of class. (Shea)
One good thing that most people might not know about the library is the sheer number of "secret" rooms that exist. The first room people usually do not know about is the nursery (storytime room) behind the children's section on the first floor. Although it is completely empty, there is a very nice stained window. Secondly, there is a hidden computer lab right across from the largest computer lab. It is mostly used for teaching classes. My favorite room is the quiet study room on the far corner of the library on the second floor. Although it is a very round room and is relatively well-known, it is less popular than the other study rooms. (Albert)
The CCPL offers more to the residents of the city of Carmel than any other library. Starting with the little children, to the youth, and the adults, no matter what age group one belongs to there is always something engaging and entertaining at the CCPL. The facility at the CCPL serves a wide variety of purposes ranging from education, entertainment, health information, and communication within the Carmel community. The CCPL is truly the heart of the city where thoughts meet, minds grow, and imagination has no boundary. (Sara)
I love the library because it is a place that you can find books about things your mind never thought about or thought of before. It has books, CDs, and even more about everything in life. It has many supplies for everybody and all the ages. One good thing that you might not know about the library is that it has such great programs for almost all the ages. There is also LOTS of volunteering opportunities. My earliest memory at the library was almost three years ago; it was really inspiring. I was really confuzzled in the beginning because I didn't know where things were located, but it got better with the help of the staff and the researching computers. I found that really cool. Also, I thought that the gerbils in the children's section were really cool. I had never seen animals at a library before. The library is an awesome place to meet new people and gain LOADS of knowledge. (Mariam)
The library is great because it provides a large database of research materials, an enormous selection of books, old and new, and areas for persons of all ages to socialize. Because of all of the hard work the librarians do, they should all get a raise!...Did you know the library has a secret passage?? It's not as cool as the chamber of secrets, but it's pretty darn cool...My earliest memory of the library is of when I stole a cookie from the cafe'. I thought for some reason in my 8-year-old mind that it had already been paid for. Thankfully, I was absolved and my cookie was free. (John)
I enjoy using the library. It's not that I'm completely obsessed with books or reading. I do consider reading an important part of my life, but the main reason why I love the library is because of its great atmosphere, staff, and programs. The staff is very friendly and eager to assist anyone who is in need. The programs are very informative and provide me with important knowledge. They're also very fun! Finally, the atmosphere. Whenever I walk into the library and past the anti-book theft scanners, I feel a sense of home. Even the crying babies sound like singing. Actually, no, I take that statement back. They sound like nails scratching a board. Anyways, not the point. Overall, I love this place. (David)
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This library is not ordinary. It is very different from others. We are lucky that the Carmel Clay Public Library has a vast collection of resources to use. My favorite part of the library is that we have so many study rooms and many useful resources. I love that the library is also student-friendly. Many times, students can just pick out a useful book for school and study to excel at a test. This library also offers many programs for all ages. Another one of my favorite parts of the Carmel Library is the Teen Library Council. The TLC is a group that tries to improve our library and helps get new ideas. The TLC recently bought new books for the library's collection. The Carmel Clay Public Library is one of the best libraries in Indiana. There are many great things about our library, but we need to put the effort to maintain all these luxuries and also to improve. I think it is important for us to enjoy all the great things that we have. So, be smart and get started now. (Shriya)
Why does one go to the library? Is it to research or study? Is it to find something to do when you're lonely? Or is it to find a nice little hidey-hole and curl up with the latest book that everyone's read? As for myself, I go for all of these things and more. I go to find that one Broadway musical CD and to find a place where no one judges you. The library is a place where you can check out a movie like Barbie Fairytopia-Mermaidia when you're seventeen and no one cares or mocks you. The library is a home away from home, where friends gather and you can lose your precarious hold on reality for a while....When I'm in the library, I find that if I don't want to be bothered, I won't be. It has numerous remote areas when you can sit, relax, and work. It offers everything I've ever dared to dream about; the romance books meant for adults, the complex worlds of fantasy, the sadistic murders of mystery, the tantalizing glimpses into the future, and the appalling terror of horror. When I want certain kinds of books, there are people who can and will help. No one will tease you or taunt you just because you like the Pretty Little Liars series or if you love to read comics and manga....You can take any game you want and play it with friends at the library and you can find all the resources you could ever need for any and all topics. If you can't find it in print, you can find many computers. I've never left unsatisfied. In fact, if anything, I've left with too many books, zooming through them all in haste. I can do this because I know the library will always have more, just waiting for me. (Ashley)
I love the library because of how friendly everyone is! I always see someone I know when I'm here. One good thing you might not know about the library is how much and how many free things the library offers. Every week, there are tons of free activities. My earliest memory of the library is coming with my younger brother and our babysitter to get our points for the summer reading program. When I come back to visit the library 10 years from now, I really hope that not a lot has changed. The library could use a few fixes, but overall, it is perfect for us! (Sydney)
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How about you? What's your earliest memory of the library? What's something good about the library that others might not know about? What do you like best about the Carmel Clay Public Library here in Carmel, Indiana?
Next time: Teen Library Council members write about the books that changed their lives and/or the books they would take with them on a deserted island.
Hope
(The photos for this post were taken by me on my trusty iPhone, at either our November 2011 meetings or at our 2011 TLC Members-Only Lock-In. Chelsea made the yummy hot chocolate above!)
