Librarian Introduction

I am so happy to be working with the Teens at DPL. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Oneka Wilson, the teens like calling me Ms.O. I have been at Detroit Public Library for about 3 years now. I've always enjoyed reading and libraries. I grew up in Detroit and graduated from Oak Park High with the library right across the street. I have many fond memories as a teen at the library. I was always the teen being "shushed" by the librarian. Eventually, I studied English at Purdue and decided to get my Masters degree in Library Science at Wayne State University. I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Please stop in and introduce yourself at the H.Y.P.E. Teen Center. We need some great video game players for our Game Wars competitions. We will also have lots of sessions to equip you for excellence like our College Fair Forum and Debate Programs. Please leave comments about what you would like to see at H.Y.P.E. and join our Teen Advisory Board that meets the first Thursday every month at 4 pm. See you soon!

Ms. O

Teen Advisory Board Inspects H.Y.P.E.

The Detroit Public Library H.Y.P.E. Teen Center (helping young people excel) will open May 12-17, 2008. The members of the Teen Advisory Board got a chance to test drive the center after the May meeting.

Miss O showed the room and explained the equipment and services. Teens only! Access to the room will be by special Teen library card.





Steve started up the computers, games, and video.





The Advisory Board members tested everything.

















The Teen Advisory Board meets the first Thursday of each month at 4:00 in the Explorers’ Room. New members are always welcome.

For more information about the H.Y.P.E. opening, go to www.detroitpubliclibrary.org/events/HYPE.htm

Farewell to Miss Rori

Miss Rori is going away! Not far—she’ll be assistant manager of the Children’s Department. And she promises to keep an eye on us and the Teen Center.



We had a party for her at the April Teen Advisory Board meeting. Here are some pictures of our (sad) celebration.

Getting Closer...

The Teen Center is really coming along. The 4 gaming stations are installed, along with 12 PC's and Mac's. The furniture has been delivered, and the sound and lighting has been installed. We're looking forward to the grand opening activities that will take place from May 12-17. Check back soon for more information on the opening events.

In the mean time, please take a look at the latest pictures to see all the progress:

Child Discipline

Do you think spanking a child younger than eight years of age instills discipline or actually teaches the child that hitting someone is an acceptable form of changing behavior?

Teen Center update

Progress being made. Opening soon!

Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Over 20 kids ran wild in the main branch as members of the Teen Advisory Board hosted the Holiday Scavenger Hunt on Wednesday, December 19. They learned about features and special departments of the Library while they collected stickers, leading to a visit with Santa Claus and a prize.

The kids and parents started in the Children's Department where they got the list of Scavenger Hunt questions.

1. Where is the largest globe in the Library?

The kids come to the globe in the corner of Old Browsing (where the videos and some children's books are), and get the sticker from Santa's helper.

2. Find the statue of Tom Thumb.

Back to the Children's Library to get the sticker from another helper.

3. Find the see-through star globe.

Up to History and Travel to find the globe that shows the stars. And another of Santa's helpers.

4. Go to the Internet Lab. What to you need to get on a computer?

Santa's tallest helper makes sure that the kids know they need a library card to use a computer.

5. Where does the escalator take you?

The kids go up the escalator and down the stairs to get their stickers.

6. Who is the artist for the mural on the third floor called "Man's Mobility"?

Santa's helper in Adam Strom hall tells kids that the artist is John S. Coppin.

7. Where is the E. Azalia Hackley Collection? What does it contain?

Santa's helper gives the history of the collection, established in 1943 to serve as the nucleus for a special black music collection. It was later expanded to include dance, drama, and other performing arts.

8. Where are Shakespeare's books located?

Here the kids had to go to the shelves with the portrait of Shakespeare to get their sticker.

9. Where is the Career and Information Center located?

Back down to the first floor, beyond the Sociology and Economics department, where the kids find another of Santa's helpers.

10. Where is Santa?

And finally back to Old Browsing for a visit with Santa and a choice of prizes.

The teens on the Teen Advisory Board had fun handing out stickers and talking to the kids. The kids had a great time running through the library and following clues.

Teen Readers' Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol"

On December 4, the cast and crew of the DPL Teen Readers' Theatre presented their customized version of "A Christmas Carol" in the Friends' Auditorium.

The story opens in Scrooge's office. Scrooge complains about all the nonsense about Christmas, while poor Bob Crowley works away. A charity lady asks for a donation from Scrooge, and is sent on her way (rudely).

After refusing his niece's invitation to Christmas dinner, Scrooge goes home and falls asleep in front of the TV.


The ghost of Marley, Scrooge's dead partner, offers Scrooge one last chance to redeem himself.

The Ghost of Christmas Past makes a dramatic entrance, and shows Scrooge how he felt about Christmas when he was a boy.

The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge scenes of people enjoying the holidays, including the Crowley family (in the poor neighborhood of Farmington Hills).

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come tells Scrooge what could happen if he doesn't change his attitude.

Scrooge buys a turkey for the Crowleys, and gift cards for everyone.

Backstage