Libraries hosting teen programs

By M. Scott Carter

Want to pry your teenager away from the televsion? Worried that you 14-year-old is spending way too much time in the dark playing video games?

Then visit the library.

Officials with the Pioneer Library System said Cleveland County public libraries are offering plenty of teen-related activities during July with Pioneer's "Express Yourself," special events and programs.

Teenagers who sign up for the system's summer reading challenge will receive a free string back-pack and the chance to win prizes, including iPod Touch.

Additionaly, at the Norman Public Library, 225 N. Webster Ave., officials are still accepting entries for their Short Shots: An Express Yourself Short Film Contest. Students in grades 7-12 may submit a film entry accompanied by a completed entry form. Forms and contest rules are available at the Information Desk. Winners will be announced July 31 with the winning entries posted online.

Other programs include:

· Tuesday, July 7, at 2 p.m. Jose Ramirez- Dance Like a Star. Teens will learn dance styles such as: Swing, Rumba, and the Cha Cha Cha. They will also be invited to participate in a routine at the end of the class. Jose Ramirez is a professional Ballroom and Latin competitor and instructor. Space is limited to the first 13 teens who register at the library.

· Friday, July 10, at 5 p.m. D and D Night begins. All Dungeons and Dragons players, advanced and beginning, are invited for adventures and fun get a free dinner. Registration is required. Players must schedule time prior to game day to create their character. Contact the Information Desk for details.

· Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m. Artist Bryan Dahlvang will teach teens how to turn everyday objects into art with his Junk Sculpture program. Junk will be provided; Dahlvang also encourages those registered to bring their own junk Space is limited to the first 20 teens who register. Dahlvang has taught this class, along with painting and drawing classes, since 2002. In addition to teaching, he also is an artist working in many different mediums, and he describes his art as "eclectic."

In Moore, Dahlvang's Junk Sculpture is schedule for 2 p.m. Monday, July 6. Call 793-4349. Class size is limited to 20.

· Wednesday, July 8, at 2 p.m. library staff said the facility will host, Now Playing Movie Time. Kids aged 13 and up can see the film Mean Girls, starring Lindsay Lohan in Tina Fey's first movie about backstabbing high school girls.

· Thursday, July 9, at 2 p.m. the teen program is Alternative Fashion Show and Pollack Painting. Teens can be a designer of paper clothing and afterwards, fling paint on canvas to create Pollack-style paintings.

· Monday, July 13, at 2 p.m. Jose Ramirez- Dance Like a Star will teach teens dance styles such as: Swing, Rumba, and the Cha Cha Cha. Space is limited to the first 30 teens who register at the library.

· Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m. teens will discuss the novel, "The Golden Compass" by Phillip Pullman. After a discussion, the film based upon the movie will be shown.

In Noble, the library, 204 N. Fifth, will have Bryan Dahlvang- Junk Sculpture Thursday, July 9, at 2 p.m. Registration is required and limited; call the library at 872-5713.

· Monday, July 13, at 5 p.m. Prime Time Spectacular Improve presented by Jake Mitchell and Team will be a grand opportunity for aspiring teen actors to express themselves. No acting experience is necessary.

· Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m. Harry Potter fans will be on hand for the Harry Potter Release Party.

Programs, rewards and prizes are made possible through the support of local sponsors and Friends of the Library groups.

All Pioneer libraries will close at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3. This is the regular closing time of all PLS libraries except Moore and Norman which are normally open until 9 p.m. Libraries will be closed Saturday, July 4. For more information about the Summer Reading Programs and a listing of activities, visit www.justsoyouknow.us.

M. Scott Carter 366-3545 scarter@normantranscript.com