Programming Spotlight: Mindful Coloring

On Tuesday, May 30  and Wednesday, May 31, the library hosted mindful coloring workshops led by Passages’  school psychologist Rebecca Fernandez.  All groups were invited and Ms. Fernandez played calming, ambient music throughout and encouraged participants to reflect on the experience after they had 15-20 minutes of practice.  Everyone present was noticeably calmer.  

Students received gifts of coloring books and mindfulness techniques for teens from our generous partners at LIT.  Most participants seemed eager to continue to practice mindful coloring to release stress and manage anxiety. --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Trip Report: NYPL’s SNFL Teen Space

On Wednesday, May 24, Belmont’s Rising Ground group visited the New York Public Library’s gorgeous new teen space at their SNFL branch and had a joyful experience there.  Ricci Yuhico, John Grafton, and Cacau Araujo made  everyone feel welcome and connected.  Music was played, library cards were received, books checked out, and smiles seen on all faces. One student exclaimed at the end of our visit “I’m dead gonna come back here and bring my girl.” --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle

 Dani has never been in love and doesn’t know if it can ever happen to her.  Prince is the most popular guy at school and has had a crush on Dani for years while he was also serving as a love guru on a local radio show, Love Radio.

Both high school seniors now, Prince tells Dani he can make her fall in love with him in three dates - will she give him the chance to win her heart?  Set in Detroit with well-developed characters and alternating perspectives, teens looking for a romance read will enjoy this one.

The publisher has made Julia E. Torres’ nine page curriculum guide available here for teachers wanting to engage students in reading contemporary YA literature.  --Jessica Fenster-Sparber