Volunteer Appreciation Week 2024

April 21-27, 2024 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week! 

What is National Volunteer Appreciation Week?

National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration observed in many countries, to promote and show appreciation for volunteerism and volunteering.

Bremen Public Library has two volunteer groups. Our Young Adult Volunteer Team and Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Though both have different roles within the library both have the same goal to make the library an inviting place for all teens in the Bremen Community. 

The Young Adult (YA) Department would not be what it is today without the hard work and dedication both of these groups put into the library. So let us take this time to thank all Bremen Public Library YA Volunteers and TAB members! 

Young Adult Volunteer Team: Owen Bickel, Charles Blakely, Mady Blakely, Riley Carpenter, Emma Davidhizar, Jovany Diaz, Azure Geddes, Andrew Ginther, Benji Gonzalez, Blake Grove, Camila Jimenez, Kollin Ladig, Jailen Marmolejos, Kairi Miller, William Miranda, Aaron Nettrouer, Ady Newell, Ian Pepin-Lizardo, Benji Rodriquez, Yahaira Valderama

Teen Advisory Board (TAB):Keenan Akers, Lindsey Byrd, Joseph Davis, Jancarlo Deleon, Becca Kendall, Erlin Martinez, Adrianna Mayer, Atlas McManis, Marilyn Reynoso, Nic Slusser, Sarah Stine, Matt Urbina, Paisley Welborn

For more information about our Young Adult Volunteer Team and Teen Advisory Board (TAB) click the images below, or contact our YA Librarian at 574-546-2849. 

Young Adult Volunteer Team

Bremen Public Library’s Young Adult Volunteer Team is made up of students in grades 6-12 who have a passion for their community, their local library and volunteerism. Individuals perform a variety of tasks and assignments while working closely with our staff. While we certainly appreciates the hard work and dedication of this team, the library is not the only beneficiary! Participating members will earn community service hours, build skills, and enhance their college applications. Hours are flexible from week-to-week and season-to-season.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)

Do you want to have a voice in making the library a better place for teens? Join the Bremen Public Library Teen Advisory Board to help plan programs, meet other teens, and earn volunteer/community service hours that will look good on college and job applications.

All TAB members must work as a team under the guidance of the Young Adult Librarian to create, plan, and implement programs; recommend books, movies, and games; volunteer for community service projects; and assist in creating an inviting teen environment in the library.

National Poetry Month 2024

 

What is National Poetry Month?

National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

In honor of National Poetry Month be sure to checkout some of our YA poetry books, and novels written in verse. 

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi

“Punching the Air” is a YA novel-in-verse that follows Amal, a black and Muslim teen boy who is wrongfully convicted of a crime that he did not commit. It follows his experience as he is locked up in a juvenile detention center and how he faces a variety of challenges (both internal and external).

An Appetite for Miracles by Laekan Zea Kemp

Raúl Santos has been lost ever since his mother was wrongly incarcerated two years ago. Playing guitar for the elderly has been his only escape, to help them remember and him forget. But when his mom unexpectedly comes back into his life, what is he supposed to do when she isn't the same person who left?

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

This first-person novel in verse is about a high school girl who is confused about her feelings on boys, her body, her relationships, and religion. She is a budding poet and shares her struggles through her poetry, which helps her deal with the pressures of life.

Ain't Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds

Ain't Burned All the Bright is a gripping, emotional look into the life of a Black family living through what is evidently the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shout: A Poetry Memoir by Laurie Halse Anderson

In junior high, Anderson is sexually assaulted by a boy she thought was her friend. She keeps the rape a secret from everyone. Her assailant dies in an accident a few weeks afterwards, and Anderson's suffering grows, encompassing shame, grief, and confusion.

365. by Atlas McManis

• A unique verse narrative, 365. is a collection of 365 different poems depicting the adversities and victories of a teenager struggling with ideas such as heartbreak, self-discovery, and mental and chronic illness. These poems are offered to the reader in two formats--verse and narrative. Each chapter begins with the "story", allowing the reader to contextualize the poems in a new, more wholistic direction. Immediately following this are the individual poems, allowing the reader to see the poems as they had been written in real time, largely unedited. 365. is a raw and honest depiction of all of the things we never say out loud.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for The Country by Amanda Gorman

On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Taking the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, Gorman captivated the nation and brought hope to viewers around the globe with her call for unity and healing. Her poem "The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country" can now be cherished in this special gift edition, perfect for any reader looking for some inspiration. Including an enduring foreword by Oprah Winfrey, this remarkable keepsake celebrates the promise of America and affirms the power of poetry.

The Year of Goodbye by Debbie Levy

The Year of Goodbyes is a collection of notes and diary entries from Jutta Salzberg's poesiealbum (in their own handwriting). After each entry, Debbie Levy has written an accompanying verse entry that imagines Jutta's thoughts about the time period and the actions of the Nazis.

That's a Wrap!

 

That's a Wrap!

So comes an end to another successful National Library Week. Thank you to all of our patrons, community members, and businesses for celebrating with us. With the end of National Library Week it is time to say goodbye to our friend Geronimo and Thea Stilton. Geronimo and Thea traveled all the way from New Mouse City in Mouse Island to spend their vaction visiting the lovely Bremen Community. 

Our teens enjoyed their suprise visits from Geronimo and Thea! Thank you Bremen Public Schools and St Paul's School for allowing our guests to come visit! 

Solar Eclipse 2024

 

Like many other libraries across the Nation we celebrated the solar eclipse with a children's make and take craft, scavenger hunt, Adult Total Eclipse of the Art craft, and by supplying the community with solar eclipse glasses. A special thank you to the Indianapolis Public Library and Walkerton Public Library for donating glass. We were able to give out over 100 glasses to community members of all ages. 

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth  line up either fully or partially. Depending on how they align,  eclipses provide a unique, exciting view of either the Sun or the Moon.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun's light in some areas. This only happens occasionally, because the Moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. The time when they are aligned is known as eclipse season, which happens twice a year.

Except for the fleeting moments of totality during a total solar eclipse, observers should always use eclipse glasses or an alternative safe solar viewing method, such as a pinhole projector, to view the Sun. This includes when watching a partial or annular eclipse, or before or after totality for a total solar eclipse.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the center of the Moon's shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of total solar eclipse can see the Sun's corona, the outer atmosphere,  which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. A total eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses) for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun. 

What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon. 

What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape. During a total or annular solar eclipse, people outside the area covered by the Moon's inner shadow see a partial eclipse. 

What is a Hybrid Solar Eclipse?

Because Earth's Surface is curved, sometimes an eclipse can shift between annular and total as the Moon's shadow moves across the globe. This is called a hybrid solar eclipse.

Bolles, Dana. “Types of Solar Eclipses.” NASA, NASA, science.nasa.gov/eclipses/types/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2024.

2024 National Library Week Honorary Chair!

 

National Library Week 2024: Ready, Set, Library!

The theme for National Library Week 2024 (April 7-13) is Ready, Set, Library! National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery and Pura Belpré-award winning author Meg Medina will serve as 2024 Honorary Chair.

Meg Medina, the 2023­­­­–2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is a Cuban American author who writes for readers of all ages. Her middle-grade novel Merci Suárez Changes Gears received a Newbery Medal and was a New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year, among many other distinctions. Its sequel, Merci Suárez Can’t Dance, received five starred reviews, while Merci Suárez Plays It Cool received four stars, with Kirkus Reviews calling it “a fabulous finale to a memorable trilogy.” Her most recent picture book, Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, received honors including a Charlotte Zolotow Award and was the 2020 Jumpstart Read for the Record selection, reaching 2.24 million readers. She received a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor for her picture book Mango, Abuela, and Me. Her young adult novel Burn Baby Burn earned numerous distinctions, including being long-listed for the National Book Award and short-listed for the Kirkus Prize. Meg Medina received a Pura Belpré Author Award and a Cybils Award for her young adult novel Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, which has been adapted and illustrated as a graphic novel by Mel Valentine Vargas. She also received an Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award for her picture book Tía Isa Wants a Car. When she is not writing, Meg Medina works on community projects that support girls, Latino youth, and literacy. She lives with her family in Richmond, Virginia.

National Library Week 2024

 

It's National Library Week here at Bremen Public Library! 

What is National Library Week?

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious.  They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life." 

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"  The 2023 celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the first event.

Read more about the history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine, and check out the list of past National Library Week themes.

We at Bremen Public Library are very excited for all the fun events happening this week. 

We are excited to welcome Geronimo and Thea Stilton to Bremen Public Library! Stop by the library on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM for a meet and greet. 

Meet The 2024 National Library Week Honorary Chair!

Meg Medina

Meg Medina, the 2023­­­­–2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is a Cuban American author who writes for readers of all ages. Her middle-grade novel Merci Suárez Changes Gears received a Newbery Medal and was a New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year, among many other distinctions. Its sequel, Merci Suárez Can’t Dance, received five starred reviews, while Merci Suárez Plays It Cool received four stars, with Kirkus Reviews calling it “a fabulous finale to a memorable trilogy.” Her most recent picture book, Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, received honors including a Charlotte Zolotow Award and was the 2020 Jumpstart Read for the Record selection, reaching 2.24 million readers. She received a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor for her picture book Mango, Abuela, and Me. Her young adult novel Burn Baby Burn earned numerous distinctions, including being long-listed for the National Book Award and short-listed for the Kirkus Prize. Meg Medina received a Pura Belpré Author Award and a Cybils Award for her young adult novel Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, which has been adapted and illustrated as a graphic novel by Mel Valentine Vargas. She also received an Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award for her picture book Tía Isa Wants a Car. When she is not writing, Meg Medina works on community projects that support girls, Latino youth, and literacy. She lives with her family in Richmond, Virginia.

Recommend Book Club Books!

Bremen Public Library is proud to partner with Bremen High School (BHS) for this book club. Students that attend BHS are encouraged to make book suggestions for book club. BHS Book Club runs September-May on the 3rd Thursday of the month during high school lunch in Mrs. Heiter's classroom. Please note that ONLY BHS students/faculty can make book recommendations. All books must be YA/teen or juvenile to be considered. If you have an adult book that you would like to suggest please contact Mrs. Heiter jheiter@bps.k12.in.us AND Ryan Calhoun rcalhoun@bremen.lib.in.us to review the recommended title.

FILL OUT ALL THE FIELD WHEN MAKING A BOOK RECOMMENDATION.

NEW YA Books March 2024

 

Checkout all the new YA Books in our Young Adult (YA) Room! If you have any special requests feel free to ask a librarian!

The Prisoner's Throne #2 by Holly Black 

A vengeful queen. And a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame. Prince Oak is paying for his betrayal. Imprisoned in the icy north and bound to the will of a monstrous new queen, he must rely on charm and calculation to survive.

The Encanto's Daughter #1 by Melissa de le Cruz

MJ Rodriguez has spent her life hiding in the human world, keeping a heavy secret: She's half-encanto. As the only child of King Vivencio of the Sirena Court, she's also next in line for the throne. And now, upon her estranged father's sudden death, MJ must claim her place as rightful

Infinity King #3 by Adam Silvera

After the ultimate betrayal, Emil must rise up as a leader to stop his brother before he becomes too powerful. Even if that means pushing away Ness and Wyatt as they compete for his heart so he can focus on the war.

The First Thing About You by Chaz Hayden

A high school student with spinal muscular atrophy is determined to reinvent himself in a hilarious and poignant debut from an exciting new voice.

The Long Run by James Acker

Sebastian Villeda and Sandro Miceli, seniors at Moorestown High School. They both do track and field, with Sebastian is captain of track; and Sandro captain of field. This is a YA romance, so of course they fall in love.

Hopepunk by Preston Norton

Following the disappearance of her sister, Hope Cassidy rebels against a life that once controlled her, as she learns about forgiveness and redemption—and how hope is the ultimate act of rebellion—in this heartfelt and funny novel.

Out of Body by Nia Davenport 

This story follows 17 year old Megan who never really belonged until she met her BFF LC. They decide to go out and celebrate their friendship, but Megan winds up betrayed by LC and thrust into another girl's life. Megan is determined to get her life back, but time is ticking with LC's deadly enemies after her.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Abike-Iyimide

Where Sleeping Girls Lie is about Sade, a teenage girl starting at a new boarding school. She recently lost her father and the author alludes that she may be running from some dark secrets in her past. The day after she arrives to school, her new roommate goes missing.

Bad Like Us by Gabriella Lepore 

When someone turns up dead, Eva can't even trust her closest friends—but she thinks she can trust Colton. As they get closer to the truth, they uncover secrets that upend everything they thought they knew about their fellow spring breakers.

The Lesbianna's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

A sharply funny and moving debut novel about a queer Mexican American girl navigating Catholic school, while falling in love and learning to celebrate her true self. Perfect for fans of Erika L. Sánchez, Leah Johnson, and Gabby Rivera.

All The Best Liars by Amelia Kahaney

Best friends Syd, Rain, and Brie grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in the stifling California desert, desperately wishing for a way out. When a deadly fire is set two weeks before the end of high school, nothing will ever be the same. In the end, each of them will escape―but not in the way any of them expects.

That's Debatable by Jen Doll

Taggart Strong couldn't care less about winning debate, much to the consternation of his teammates, school and parents. In fact, he might even enjoy losing, as long as the side he believes in wins. But when a tournament takes a scary turn, Millie and Tag find themselves unexpectedly working together.

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum

"Moving to the quiet, mostly non-Jewish town of Tregaron, Hoodie Rosen falls for the daughter of the mayor who is trying to keep Hoodie's Orthodox Jewish community out of town, and when antisemitic crimes turn deadly, he must choose between his first love and the only world he's ever known.".

Under the Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis

This mesmerizing psychological mystery follows a teen girl grappling with her brother's death as she starts a new job in the caverns of Ohio—only to become the prime suspect in her co-worker's murder. A gripping mystery about a small town's past and the secrets unearthed by way of two teen girls—and a podcast.

Kindling by Traci Chee

Kindlings are magical teenage warriors whose powers eat up their life force. After a major war, the use of magic is outlawed and the kindlings are scattered and left searching for a new purpose. A group of seven kindlings find each other and work together to stop a gang from terrorizing a town.

The Someday Daughter by Ellen O'Clover

Audrey is determined to create her own identity aside from being Camilla's daughter, and she's looking forward to a prestigious summer premed program with her boyfriend before heading to college and finally breaking free from her mother's world.

The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala

A charming romantic comedy about a South Indian American teen girl who makes a wish upon a flower for her perfect boyfriend…and then a new boy moves in right next door. With love triangles, prank wars, and a sizzling sweet romance—this is perfect for fans of Sandhya Menon and Jenny Han.

If I Have To Be Haunted by Miranda Sun

When Zach winds up dead, Cara is the only one that can return his spirit to his body. Despite her dislike of him, she embarks on a journey through the liminal world in search of the cure to join his body back to his ghost. Along the way, who knows, she might find out Zach isn't so bad after all.

The Wolves are Waiting by Natasha Friend 

From award-winning author Natasha Friend comes a compelling investigation of sexual harassment and the toxic and complicit structures of a small college town. Before the night of the Frat Fair, 15-year-old Nora Melchionda's life could have been a Gen-Z John Hughes movie.

Lucky Break by Brooke Carter

Seventeen-year-old Lucy "Lucky" Graves is devoted to her championship rugby team, but her dreams of a scholarship are destroyed when she breaks her leg during an important game. She could be benched for the rest of the year. Goodbye pro career, goodbye college, goodbye future.

Star Wars The High Republic: Defy The Storm by Tess Gratton

The story of Defy The Storm, follows Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh and Avon Starros, daughter of the disgraced Republic senator Ghirra Starros, as they traverse the stormwall in search of Vernerstra's Padawan Imri Cantaros. Imri is still alive and supposedly trapped deep in Nihil space.

Forever is Now by Mariama J. Lockington

Forever is now, a heartfelt and powerful novel in verse YA book. It follows a Black Queer girl named Sadie who is diagnosed with agoraphobia and anxiety, learning to manage her mental health. Sadie founds her place as an activist with an online community.

Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First US Women's Olympic Basketball Team by Andrew Maraniss

Andrew Maraniss writes about the forgotten history of women's basketball, focusing on what lead up to the first Woman's Olympics in 1976. This book is a brief history of the creation of basketball, and how women have been a part of this sport from the beginning.

Fair Elections and Voting Rights by Sheryl Normandeau 

In the United States, citizens elect leaders to represent them in the government. They do so by voting in elections. Voting gives people a say in how the government is run. But not everyone has always had the right to vote. Throughout history, many people had to fight for equal voting rights. Fair Elections and Voting Rights explores US elections, looking at how voting has changed over time and how people keep elections fair.

Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

“Call Us What We Carry” tells the story of the current pandemic and the effects it has had on a wide variety of communities. I hope that Gorman's book can be remembered as one which helped describe the pain this pandemic has caused, but can also serve as a reminder that there is hope for the future.