December Teen Social Round Up

Did you know that we have an Instagram account JUST for teens? We post fun things like craft ideas and book recommendations along with announcements for special programs. Here is a roundup of some of the topics and events from December. If you like what you see, give us a follow on Instagram @mcplindianateen so you do not miss out!


 

New RPG Podcast

D&D Library Talk

D&D Library Talk: We have a brand new podcast on the ins and outs of RPG systems, like Dungeons and Dragons! Get tips and tricks from your favorite teen Library staff. The first two episodes are now available (and are free)! We talk about how to make sure everyone enjoys the game, whether as a player or game master.

 

Digital Escape Room

The Coiled Crown: A Fantasy-Themed Digital Escape Room

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? We have a brand new fantasy escape room for you to solve! Adventure through "The Coiled Crown: A Fantasy-Themed Digital Escape Room."

Journey into a ruined fantasy world in search of an ancient queen's crown. Inspired by games like Dark Souls, Mortal Shell, and Metroid, you'll need to unearth the forgotten lore of haunted places like the Netherworld Forest, Scorched Keep, and Lost Catacombs in order to solve the adventure's puzzles.

You can attempt this escape room by yourself or as a group. Make sure to read the instructions on the first page of the escape room since it explains how the game is set up. This escape room is intended for teens, but adults can test out their mettle too! Access the escape room.

 

Programs

Comics and Cookies

Two librarians are drawn in front of the cover of the book Sleepless. The image is titled Comics and Cookies

Comics and Cookies is our virtual graphic novel book club just for teens! This month we read and discussed Sleepless Vol. 1 by Sarah Vaughn.

On January 18, we'll read and discuss Avant Guards Vol. 1 by Carly Usdin. Access a copy instantly on Hoopla with your library card!

 

D&D Online

Winter D&D Online

Twice a month we host drop-in sessions of Dungeons and Dragons on our Teen Discord server! In December our adventures were winter-themed, battling monsters through snow and ice! Sign up to join us on January 6 and/or January 20 for new cozy-themed adventures!

 

Crafts: How to Make a Lavender Sachet

Supplies Needed:

  • Dried Lavender
  • Burlap ribbon (2-3” in diameter)
  • Yarn or embroidery floss
  • Scissors
  • Needle with a large eye

Steps:

  1. Cut a 7" long piece of burlap ribbon, then fold it in half
  2. Cut a 36" long piece of yarn or embroidery floss
  3. Thread your needle with your yarn or embroidery floss
  4. Sew three of the four sides of the folded piece of burlap, leaving the fourth side open (you can use a running stitch or any stitch you are comfortable with)
  5. Stuff the burlap with lavender, but not so full that you won't be able to sew it closed
  6. Sew closed the fourth side so all of the lavender is safely enclosed
  7. Place the lavender sachet under a pillow, in a bag, in a drawer, or just hold onto it to make your things smell wonderful

 

Lavender Sachets
Dried Lavender, Burlap ribbon (2-3in in diameter), Yarn or embroidery floss, Scissors, Needle with a large eye
Cut a piece of the burlap ribbon that is 7inches long, fold it in half
Sew up three of the four sides leaving one side open. You can use a running stitch or any stitch you are comfortable with to sew up the sides
Fill up your burlap with lavender, but not too full so that you can’t close it. Sewing the last side so all of the lavender is safely enclosed
You're Done

 

Books

We Need Diverse Books

We highlighted some new December YA books by BIPOC authors to keep an eye out for:

An image titled New December YA Books by Authors with the covers of the books Finding My Voice, A Universe of Wishes, Sky Beyond the Storm, and Heiress.

 

December Mini-Reviews

Looking for a good book to read? Our staff have some that they would love to recommend to you!

Jen recommends Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter: "An absolutely adorable graphic novel about a group of animal friends going on action-packed D&D style adventures! I loved the artwork, characters, and humorous hijinks."

Sam recommends The Oddmire: Changeling by William Ritter: "Magic, adventure, goblins, and swamps abound in this original twist on a classic fairy tale trope. A rollicking good story."

Jen recommends Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter: An absolutely adorable graphic novel about a group of animal friends going on action-packed D&D style adventures! I loved the artwork, characters, and humorous hijinks.
Sam recommends The Oddmire: Changeling by William Ritter: Magic, adventure, goblins, and swamps abound in this original twist on a classic fairy tale trope. A rollicking good story.

 

Snowy Reads Flow Chart

Does winter have you in the mood for snow? We made this handy flowchart for finding your next snowy read to transport you into a winter wonderland!

A flow chart labeled Snow Put Me in the Mood for and gives the options for Romance, Fantasy, and Nothing. Under Romance is the subheading I love fluff with the titles My New Crush Gave to Me and Let it Snow, and the subheading Lets dive deep with the title Dash and Lilys Book of Dares and Winter Town. Under Fantasy is the subheading Wintery Hikes with the titles Winterwood and Even the Darkest Starts and the subheading snowy wonderlands with the titles Blood Heir and Echo North. Under Nothing, Snow is the Worst and the titles Afterlife of Holly Chase and Wicked Saints.

If you’d like to see a full list of our recommended snowy reads, check out this Let it Snow staff picks list.

 

Teen Discord Hours Expanded

Discord Hours Monday and Wednesday 3-5PM. Tuesday and Thursday 3-7PM.

Want to join in the fun on our Discord server, now with expanded hours?! Monroe County teens ages 13–19 can sign up for Discord here.