Middle School

11-13 years

Banned Book Club: Drama

This event is part of Banned Books Week 2024!

Join library staff for a discussion of one of our country's banned and challenged books, Drama by Raina Telgemeier. This discussion is recommended for older kids and teens. If you have any questions, please email Mary Ostrander at mostrander [at] stolib.org or call 608-873-6281. Free copies of the book are provided courtesy of Beyond the Page.
 

Neng Now: Speaking with Music

This program will introduce attendees to Hmong music and what makes it unique. Hmong music is the last surviving musical language in the world. It is able to mimic Hmong speech by using musical intervals, ornamentation, and chords to mimic linguistic tones, consonants, and vowels. This enables Hmong musicians to speak with music. As such, Hmong music not only gives us a window into where music and language meet, but also into the ability of human brains to assign and attribute meaning and significance.

Mike Curato: Author Talk & Book Signing (Banned Books Con)

Mike Curato is the award-winning author/illustrator of the wildly popular Little Elliot picture books. His debut young adult graphic novel, Flamer, received critical acclaim and earned several awards including the Lambda Literary Award for Young Adult. Curato will talk about his journey to publish Flamer, and what has happened since.

For those who can't make it in person, view the live stream here: https://youtube.com/live/j8fOHZlSaas?feature=share (This event will not be recorded.)

Black Girls Don't

In this presentation Prenicia tells her story of overcoming society putting young Black girls in a box and what it really means to create your own path in life. Prenicia to this day constantly challenges the stereotypes of Black women and uses her story to inspire youth.

Black Girls Don't Sing Opera!

What does it mean to be a Black girl performing in a predominantly white field?

Black Girls Don't Lead!

What does it mean to be a Black girl breaking barriers and leading a community?

Black Girls Don't Read!

Creating a Sense of Belonging Through Slam

Please join us for an evening of slam poetry brought to us by Charles Payne. Charles's workshop will help participants delve into crucial conversations across differences. And by doing so, participants will foster a deeper understanding of themselves. The learning objectives were designed to challenge participants to think, write, and share experiences they've had that contributed to their sense of belonging by giving participants a brave space to share their personal stories and challenging them to listen critically.