Trailer: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The end is near, and it looks fantastic!

Well, Hogwarts is burning, so actually it's a little terrifying too...

I am very excited for this, and absolutely cannot wait for November! Of course, then I'll be real sad next year when Part 2 is due for release...it's been many years of desperately waiting for the next book...then the next movie...and now it's almost over.

If you haven't seen the trailer for the final Harry Potter film (and really, where have you been?!?!) then here it is!



I've read that Part 1 ends on a real cliffhanger, but I can't decide which one! What do you guys think?

I'm going to get started on re-reading the series soon...it's a tradition of mine to re-read them before a new movie is released. They never get old!

New Books!

Howdy!

Check out these fantastic new books, available now at the Library!!

YOUTH FICTION

The winds of heaven / Judith Clarke.
Bog child / Siobhan Dowd.
Happy as Larry / Scot Gardner.
Now / Morris Gleitzman.
Wicked : witch & curse / Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié.
Dark days / by Derek Landy.
The whisperer / Fiona McIntosh.
The piper's son / Melina Marchetta
Radiant shadows / Melissa Marr.
The hunt for Ned Kelly / Sophie Masson.
Spirit Bound / Richelle Mead.
A small free kiss in the dark / Glenda Millard.
Lord Sunday / Garth Nix.
Max / James Patterson.
Fang : a maximum ride thriller / James Patterson.
Bloodhound / Tamora Pierce.
Voyage to Verdada / James Roy.
Loving Richard Feynman / Penny Tangey.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

Fullmetal alchemist vol. 1 / Hiromu Arakawa.
Fullmetal alchemist vol. 2 / Hiromu Arakawa.
Fullmetal alchemist vol. 3 / Hiromu Arakawa.
Fullmetal alchemist vol. 4 / Hiromu Arakawa.
Fullmetal alchemist vol. 5 / Hiromu Arakawa.
Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl: the Arctic incident / adapted by Eoin Colfer.
Rosario + vampire vol.03 / story & art by Akihisa Ikeda.
Rosario + vampire vol.01 / story & art by Akihisa Ikeda.
Rosario + vampire vol.02 / story & art by Akihisa Ikeda.
Loveless vol. 4 / created by Yun Kouga.
Loveless vol. 6 / created by Yun Kouga.

What are you waiting for?! Get into the Library now and check out these awesome new books!

More plushies!

We've been having a whole lot of AWESOME fun at the Library recently, and I sure hope you didn't miss it!

Check out SINK playing in the Library! Oh yes, you read that right! To celebrate Library and Information Week, and in the spirit of the theme Access All Areas, high school bands Sleeveheads and Sink performed to an audience of 227! It was LOUD and FANTASTIC!

Our latest Anime Club COSPLAY Event was brilliant, with almost everyone joining in the fun of dressing up! Be sure to check back here, and on our Facebook page, soon for photos of all the craziness! Many thanks to Madman Entertainment for their support!

There's still more to come, of course!

Join us for a Plushie Making Workshop! Yep, it was so much fun last year that we're doing it again. Come along to the Library on Saturday 12th June from 1.30pm to 5.00pm and make your very own soft plush toy. Design your own or use a pattern! There'll be heaps of choices. Maybe you'll make something just as cute as Gabby did last year!

Keep an eye out here for information about our next great teen event. We'll be hosting a MAD HATTER TEA PARTY, and celebrating the release of Alice in Wonderland with a screening of the new movie! You won't want to miss this - it'll be happening sometime in July, exact date and times will be posted here soon!

Author Visit and Anime Club Cosplay Event

Are you a budding writer or interested in writing? If so, don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

NT Writers presents Release the Writer Within, a workshop with best selling author Phillip Gwynne. The theme is "Creating stories and devising characters for your writing", and it will be held at Nhulunbuy Community Library from 9am to 12pm. It is free for NT Writers members, and $20 at the door for non-members.

Phillip Gwynne is the author of the award winning Deadly, Unna?, which the movie Australian Rules is based on. He has also written Nukkin Ya and Jetty Rats. Phil is a laid-back and funny guy, so don't miss out on the chance to learn from him and have a chat!

* * * * *

It's time for cosplay again! That's right, another Anime Club Special Event! Join us from 1.30pm on Saturday 22nd March as we dress up as our favourite anime characters! There's also an art competition, so bring along a piece of anime/manga inspired art. We'll be playing games and there are heaps of prizes to be won! We'll continue to watch D-Gray Man and Code Geass too! Hope to see you there.

Book Review: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

This book is about a teenager that is just like you and me. But what happens when she moves to a little town where everyone is nice to her - but not to the beautiful Cullen kids? She spends most of her time trying to find out what is with the Cullenns. But the real question is, does she want to find out the hard or the harder way? Bella can't help the feelings that blooming inside her for Edward Cullen. Ever had nightmares? Well, Bella Swan is in her own worst nightmare, but can she turn it into a sweet dream before someone she loves gets hurt?

I loved the way it's so fictional that you look back at your problems and laugh that you were fretting at all.

I dislike how many errors can be found through the book - bad grammar, incorrect spelling, and so on.

This book is so fantastic that I have read it, memorised it, and if you like a chat, I can tell you everything about the Twilight Saga.

Rating: 5/5

Review by Tiffany Stephenson

Book Review: Alice 19th by Yu Watase

Alice 19th; 1

Alice Seno is a really shy and mysterious girl who always seems to be outshined by her older sister, Mayura. One day, Alice has an encouter with a mysterious and magic rabbit girl and her life is turned inside out and upside down. Alice discovers that words have power and that she has the potential to be master of a set of very powerful words called the Lotis words. But power always comes with a price, and that price might be someone she really cares about, as well as her sister Mayura. What will become of her if Alice uses her new powers wrong?

The best thing about this book is that it's very out there and manga never ceases to amaze me at its imagination.

I don't like how sometimes it doesn't make sense because you've read the wrong section.

Rating: 5/5

Review by Kaitlin Larney

******************************************************************************

This book is about a girl called Alice who is a having a few family problems. Her sister hates her because they are in love with the same guy, and then she disappears. Her family blames her, some weird guy shows up and wants to marry her, and worst of all, a talking rabbit wants her to defeat some dark spirits. But can Alice do this by herself? Well, she wouldn't want to bring her love - Kyo - with her, or would she? Her sister got up the courage to tell Kyo that she loves him, but does Alice even have the time to tell him? Alice must find her sister before the dark completely consumes her, and try to convince her sister that it's ok to at least give Alice a chance. But can she do all that?

The best thing in Alice 19th is that it's not real but most of the problems people can relate to and know how she feels.

I don't like the way it all ends on a sad note - and that they haven't made an anime of it yet!

People who like a good teen romance will just love this.

I absolutely love, love, love this book!

Rating: 5/5

Review by Tiffany Stephenson

Book Review: Gifted by Marilyn Kaye

What do you define as gifted? Being able to stick you whole fist in your mouth? Saying the alphabet backwards? Well, they're all things you choose to do. No one can choose to have Amanda's "gift". It isn't like other people's gifts. She can't point at something and make it move. She can't speak to ghosts. She can't see the future or go invisible. So what can she do? Feel guilty for people. What does she do when she feels guilty for someone? Why does it happen and what does she do about it?

As you can probably tell, it is about people who are different, and who want to control their "gifts". But it also shows that even the gifted get problems! And that is why I absolutely love this book.

I didn't like the way that everything was so predictable and you could guess who is good and bad.

If you like average and ordinary problems happening to special people, and great and different personal characters, you will love this book.

If this book had a soundtrack, it would have some hot new song that would get everyone dancing.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review by Tiffany Stephenson

Book Review: Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell

This book is about a teenage girl that is sent to Spirit Ranch Camp to 'find herself'. Riley Rose is a troubled teenager who, since the death of her Mum, has chosen to rebel against her Dad and his girlfriend Norma by partying late and getting smashed. In return she is sent to a sacred camp to learn about God and become a good person. Riley starts to enjoy Spirit Ranch Camp and the people she does it with. She meets a strange boy named Dyaln and by the end of the novel they share a special bond that is tied by similarities they share.

The best thing about this book is the relationships that form and the variety of different and unique characters that are introduced throughout the book.

I didn't like the way it ended because Riley and Dylan are separated and the time they spent together would be just a memory. <---- SPOILER. Highlight to read.

You might like this book if you also enjoy books by Sarah Dessen.

A good place to read this book would be in a quiet place with no one around.

If this book had a soundtrack, it would be full of rock songs with some slow dramatic songs.

Rating: 5/5 Really good!!!

Review by Sally Naughton

Book Review: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy; 4.

WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOKS 1 TO 3!!!!

Have you heard of a Dhampir? No? Well, I'm not going to tell you what that is, but I will tell you that Rose Hathaway is one and her best friend - Vasalisa Dragomir - is a Moroi, and a Princess at that. It is said that most Dhampirs are supposed to look after all Moroi. But Rose is one exception to that rule as she tries to find the man she loves...and kill him. But can she kill him? Will she even find him? Who is Lissa's new friend? And why is Lissa doing all this crazy, riot stuff? Find out this and more in one of the best vampire books of the age.

The best thing about this book is that it is always making you want to read more. But I didn't like the way there are more questions than answers at the end!

You may like this book if you like broken love, funny quotes and weird action.

If this book had a soundtrack it would be heavy metal and hard rock.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review by Tiffany Stephenson

Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vasilisa Dragomir is a Moroi princess, a mortal vampire with the extremely rare gift for harnessing the Earth's magic. The last in her line, Lissa must be protected at all times from the shadows that threaten to consume her as she uses her magic, as well as from the Strigoi, the evil vampires - the ones that never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rosemarie Hathaway make her a Dhampir. Being a Dhampir means Rose has to have a dedicated life to protecting her friend from the evil Strigoi who are insistnet about making Lissa one of them, or killing her in the process. 12 royal Moroi families must be protected by the Dhampirs - their Guardians. After only 2 years of freedom, Lissa and Rose were captured and taken back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for the Moroi and the Guardians to be. But inside the school's iron gates life is even more wracked with danger...Strigoi are always close by.

The best thing about this book is that it's got everything. Moroi, Dhampirs, Strigoi, a bit of romance, adventure, good and evil, as well as ordinary problems like boyfriends, school and detention. To me it's got everything that makes a vampire novel good.

I don't like how Dhampirs can't have kids together, but Moroi can. It's just kinda messed up.

If you like this, you might also like the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer and The House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Rating: 5/5

Review by Kaitlin Larney

Book Review: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Ranger's Apprentice; 1.

Will is a boy who has been in the ward for as long as he could remember. He is humiliatingly small for his age but fast on his feet and amazingly quick witted. For his whole life Will has dreamed of becoming one of the greatest knight's like his father he never knew and is devastated when he is rejected by Castle Redmont's Battleschool because he is too small. Instead he is apprenticed to Halt, the mysterious ranger whose uncanny ability to move unssen is thought to be the result of black magic. Rather reluctantly, Will learns to use the secret weapons of a Rander, a bow and arrow, a mottled cloak and a little stubborn pny that does amazing things. They may not be the powerful sword and large battlehorse that Will expected, but when Will and Halt set out on a desperate and dangerous mission to prevent something happening to the King, Will finds that being a Ranger and using a Ranger's weapon is not what he thought it would be.

The best thing about this book is that it's a very good read and it's action-packed, full of surprises, secrets and monsters, everything you could look for in an adventure novel.

I don't like how in the book it talks about how Horace, one of the other kids at the ward, was constantly bullied to the extent that he was really close to getting kicked out of Battleschool, but that's life I guess and it was resolved with the help of Halt and I thought that was pretty awesome.

If you like this book you might enjoy The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini.

A quiet place might be advisable if you wish to be fully engrossed in this novel.

Rating: 5/5

Review by Kaitlin Larney

What's been happening...

So the quiet month of March turned into a quiet April too...also known as the 'Kim is Slack' months. :-P

During April we did enjoy an awesome New Moon Celebration! We made dream catchers, played games like 10 pin bowling (knocking over pins with Edward or Jacob's photo on them, depending on your preference), trivia, scattergories and bingo. We also enjoyed a dress up competition, and everyone had fun posing with our life size Edward and Jacob cardboard cut outs. In true New Moon style we ended the night watching the movie on the big screen! Be sure to check out the photos on our Facebook page and the slideshow to the right soon!

The Anime Club is on tomorrow, Saturday 24th April from 1.30pm - 5.30pm. We'll be watching more D-Gray Man and Code Geass! We'll also be discussing our next big cosplay event, happening Saturday 22nd May! If you have ideas for games, be sure to let me know. Many thanks to Madman as always for their support!

Til next time!

Quiet month...

Time really does fly when you're having fun! There's been a great event happening every weekend at the Library so far this year. We've made charm bracelets, had a movie marathon, completed messy challenges at the Gross Out Bonanza, had a paint fight at the Summer Reading Club celebration, made badges and vandalised romance novels at our annual Anti Valentine's Party, and continued the awesomeness that is the Anime Club, which included a Chinese New Year celebration!

Phew! Does anyone else feel like they could sleep for a hundred years? I'm kidding! I've had just as much fun as I hope you have. I am sad to say though that it's going to go quiet for a little bit here...there will be no teen events or anime club during March due to staff on leave.

Next Saturday 27th February will be the last Anime Club meet until after Easter in April (EASTER already!). In fact, the next meet will be Saturday 10th April. I know the Anime Club has only just started again after the Christmas/New Year break, but don't fret - I'll make it up to you. And remember, May is Free Comic Book Day, so we'll be celebrating is style with another Cosplay competition. So use the time to get those fantastic costumes created! For now, I'll see you next Saturday from 1.30pm! We'll continue watching Love Hina, Code Geass and D-Gray Man. Many thanks to Madman Entertainment as always for allowing us to do so! I have new Anime Update magazines to give out too.

April is also the time to celebrate the release of New Moon on DVD and you know what that means! Another party where we'll watch the movie and have heaps of fun! I'm working on surprises already, so keep an eye out here for more info. It'll be great and you won't want to miss it!

Until next time!

New Books - February

More new books! There are some fantastic titles here, so be sure to check them out when you're in the Library.

Fire by Kristin Cashore
Marked: A House of Night Novel by P.C & Kristin Cast (this is the first book in the series, that we've replaced since our original copy went missing - if you've been waiting to read the popular series, now's your chance!)
Devoured by Amanda Marrone
Evermore by Alyson Noel
Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel

Hope to see you soon!

Gross-out Bonanza!

Are you ready to get messy? Think you can handle any icky challenge thrown your way? Then you better be at the Library from 2.00pm Saturday 23rd January!

You'll work in teams to complete some gross challenges, so gather your friends! Oh, and wear old, old, old clothes. I'm not kidding about the "messy" part...let's just say I'll have to hose you down before I send you home.

Above all, we're going to have some great fun, so don't miss out on the Gross-Out Bonanaza! That's this Saturday 23rd January from 2.00pm! Be there or be square!

As always, this event is free and open to all aged 12 and over. Proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.

Remember, if you're taking part in the Summer Reading Club, coming to this event earns you a mighty 30 points!

Movie Marathon!

It's been a dreary few days outside, but things are about to brighten up this Saturday...maybe not literally. I'm a librarian, not a weather girl!

But if you're looking for some fun, join us for a MOVIE MARATHON! From 2.00pm - 9.30pm Saturday 16th January we're watching the following 3 great movies.

UP (PG)
78 year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen finally fulfils his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. Starts at 2.15pm.

Bandslam (PG)
A new kid in town assembles a fledgling rock band -- together, they achieve their dreams and compete against the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Starts at 4.20pm.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (M)
During Harry Potter's 6th year at Hogwarts, Lord Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven. Starts at 6.30pm.

Snacks and dinner will be provided; and we'll be playing games between movies to ensure no one becomes a complete couch potato! So come along, watch one movie, watch two, or be a champ and watch all three!

This event is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.

New Books - January

Have a look at what new books the Library has this month!

As always, click on their titles for more info.

The Door Within by Wayne Thomas Batson
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
I Lost my Mobile at the Mall by Wendy Harmer
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
Spirit Walker by Michelle Paver
Soul Eater by Michelle Paver
Outcast by Michelle Paver
Oath Breaker by Michelle Paver

And in manga,

Loveless vols. 1 - 3 by Yun Kouga

See you soon!

Review - Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell

I believe in Chloe and chocolate.

I believe the best part is always before.

I believe that most girls are shifty and most guys are dumb.

I believe the more you spill, the less you are.

I don't believe in life after death or diuretics or happy endings.

I don't believe anything good can come from this.

Riley Rose doesn't want to be at Spirit Ranch Holiday Camp. Riley wants to be partying with her best friend Chloe. She has a plan to get away from the jumpsuit-wearing counsellors, the feel-good mantras, do-gooder campers and the monotonous schedule of team-building exercises and outdoor activities.

But Spirit Ranch is not what it appears. Secrets abound - a missing shroud, an abandoned house, a boy called Bird. And why the hell doesn't anyone want to talk about the accident that landed the mysterious Dylan in a wheelchair last year?

Everything Beautiful is as its cover states: a love story about the broken and the broken-hearted. It is full of characters who are not what they first seem to be, proving you should never "judge a book by it's cover". I truly fell in love with some of Howell's characters - like Sarita, Riley's Indian roommate who desperately wants to shine, but doesn't have a clue; or Olive and Bird, the quicky siblings you want to do right by; and Dylan, mysterious and newly wheelchair-bound Dylan, who no one knows what to make of...or how to see past the wheels. There were also those characters I felt a little less inclined to like, sometimes to the point that I was literally begging Riley to slap 'em around! Like the good-looking and arrogant heartthrob, Craig; and Ethan and Richard, who are in serious need of a mind of their own. But each character has their purpose and they bring their own sparkle not only to the book but to Riley's story.

Riley lost her mother to cancer not so long ago, and in the short time since her death has gained a step-mother she is nowhere near prepared for. In both losing her mother, and feeling betrayed by her father, Riley has lost her faith - not only in terms of religion, but in the world and the people around her. Forced to spend a week at Spirit Ranch, Riley feels life can't get any worse...which is of course proven wrong, considering the humiliating events that occur early in her time at the camp. But bit by bit she lets a little more of herself show, and as she does she forms some unforgettable relationships that help her see the world around her in a different light.

Overall I really enjoyed Everything Beautiful. I read it in one sitting, and finished with a big smile on my face, full of these characters, hope and faith. It's a great feel good book, one I hope you may enjoy too.

You can check Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell out at the Library now.

Beading Workshop

Hello, and Happy New Year!

Nhulunbuy Community Library is starting 2010 with a bang! It's a whole new year of great things happening only at the Library.

To get the ball rolling we have an awesome BEADING WORKSHOP happening tomorrow, Thursday 7th January from 2.30pm.

Learn how to make a charm bracelet - you'll make your very own gorgeous bracelet to take home!

Don't miss out! Call the Library now on 8987 0860 and book your place in this fantastic workshop. It's going to be heaps of fun!

This event is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government, completely free, and open to all you lovely people aged 12 or over!

Hope to see you there!