So for the past week I've been playing this free online game Entanglement, whenever I have the chance.  The game is pretty straightforward, but you DO have to have a plan of attack before you place each tile.

                                                     

Rules: 

• The object of the game is to make your path as long as possible.  The longer the path, the more points you earn. 
• Points increase for each tile a path goes through (which is why you need to plan ahead)
• You have to be careful to avoid the walls because they create a dead end and  cause you automatically lose the game (same goes for the center tile). 

Seems simple, no?  Try it out, see how you do--I've been doing pretty pitifully, but am determined to get better!  If you have any tips, by the way, let me know!

Have fun!

Ever heard of Minecraft? This game seems to be the latest craze with teens as an output for their creative energies. According to the wiki for the game, Minecraft is a sandbox construction game that involves players creating and destroying various types of blocks in a three dimensional environment. The player takes an avatar that can destroy or create blocks, forming fantastic structures, creations and artwork across the various multiplayer servers in multiple game modes.  The classic version of the game is free, and can be played at minecraft.net using any web browser. I got a chance to interview some of our teens in the Lounge while they explained more about the game. Here's what they had to say.    

Over a year ago, the world was in awe when news surfaced about Microsoft's latest gaming project, codename NATAL. Everyone wondered what wizardry Microsoft had up their sleeves. The demo videos seemed too real to be true, only a fleeting dream in a distant future. Well guess what? That future is now! Microsoft has released the finished product called Microsoft Kinect for the Xbox 360, just in time for the holidays. 

Kinect brings games to life in a way never experienced before. According to Microsoft, "You are the controller. No gadgets, no gizmos, just you!" 

So teens, come experience Kinect at Darien Library in the Teen Lounge!

Also, don't forget to Like us on Facebook and check the video after the jump!

 

1) Did you know you can text message our librarians with comments, questions, room booking requests or to renew your stuff?  Text AskDL to 66746 and then reply to our automatic message with your questions! (standard message rates apply)

2) Teens!: Everyone's making viral xtranormal videos-- if you make a (library appropriate!) xtranormal movie, send the link to teenstaff@darienlibrary.org (or text us the link) and we'll feature it here.

 

 

Kevin & Lisa Get An A: Text A Librarian from Darien Library on Vimeo.

 

With our new Text a Librarian service, you can turn any phone into a "smart" phone with the touch of a keypad. 

Text AskDL to 66746 and then text us your questions.  Our librarians are here to help!

Standard texting rates apply.

The Teens Top Ten books of the year, picked by YOU!  Every year YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) publishes a list of the Top Ten Books voted on by teens-- go their website to vote on which you think are the best.  This year's nominees include Catching Fire, Leviathan, Shiver, The Roar, Heist Society and I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President....

Click to view the full list...

One of our Teen Lounge volunteers, Amber, has put together a playlist of sweet summer tunes!

 

To share your own playlist, email the Grooveshark info to hmartyn@darienlibrary.org, or come to our Ultimate Summer Playlist event on July 8 at 2 p.m.

 

 

The May Teencast is here, featuring Jack, Stepen and a cameo by Teen Librarian Heather.  As always sound editor Chris worked behind the scenes.  This month we talk books, little league and games!

If you'd like to join the teencast, email Heather at hmartyn@darienlibrary.org or come to a meeting on Saturdays at 1:30 in the Teen Lounge!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be sure to check out the Teen Lounge every Wednesday until summertime at 5 PM
for a cool and exciting activity, whether arts and crafts, puzzles, recording videos,
video game tournaments on XBOX and Wii, or even cleaning and remarking the walls.
There's something fun every week!

Here's what we made this week for We Love Wednesdays! 

We Love Wednesdays from Darien Library on Vimeo.

See you next Wednesday!