Announcements
Teen Creative Writing Halloween Special!
This week’s Teen Creative Writing Workshop is extra special (and extra spooky!)
Come join us a for a special Halloween-themed writing event. Wear a costume!
StoryForge t-shirt order form now available– Order before 11/1!
If you are participating in the November StoryForge Writing Challenge, you might want to purchase one of these AWESOME StoryForge T-shirts! https://forms.gle/4qPUAVs2xuDQSk248
Teen Yarn Club cancelled this week
Teen Yarn club on 10/16 is cancelled this week. We will see you next week instead!
StoryForge Write-in Schedule now available!
While attendance at write-ins are not required, (you are welcome to join the challenge and work independently!) this is a great opportunity to write with other people working on a similar goal. Attend as many or as few as you’d like!
Challenge yourself to write a total of 30 hours in the month of November on a single writing project. Open to all ages! Registration here: https://forms.gle/qoGmcwyZhqbc7V7G9
November Teen Night: Caricature Workshop with guest instructor Tarl Lambson!
The November Teen night activity is on November 18th due to conflicting schedules. Guest instructor Tarl Lambson will be teaching a caricature workshop, but there are only 15 limited spots available! Register now!
https://forms.gle/1rDkBTKUU24NT7Sk9
November YRCA Registration Open
November Intermediate registration: https://forms.gle/8GokAvXG7i4yBVa18
November Senior registration: https://forms.gle/oJq5WLQ7ZxFYdn8Y6
Intermediate Division: “The stars did wander darkling”, by Colin Meloy:
A suspenseful and atmospheric horror set in 1980s Oregon, perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Neil Gaiman, and Margaret Peterson Haddix, from New York Times bestselling author and the Decemberists’ lead singer/songwriter, Colin Meloy.
Maybe Archie Coomes has been watching too many horror movies.
All of a sudden, the most ordinary things have taken on a sinister edge: a penny on a doormat. An odd man in a brown suit under a streetlamp. The persistent sound of an ax chopping in the middle of the night.
He keeps telling himself that this is Seaham, a sleepy seaside town where nothing ever happens. Or at least nothing did, until his dad’s construction company opened up the cliff beneath the old—some say cursed—Langdon place.
Soon, though, he and his friends can’t deny it: more and more of the adults in town are acting strangely. An ancient, long-buried evil has been unleashed upon the community, and it’s up to the kids to stop it before it’s too late. . . .
Senior Division: “Nothing more to tell”, Karen M. McManus:
Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favorite teacher—a story that made headlines after the teacher’s body was found by three Saint Ambrose students in the woods behind their school. The case was never solved. Now that Brynn is moving home and starting her dream internship at a true-crime show, she’s determined to find out what really happened.
The kids who found Mr. Larkin are her way in, and her ex–best friend, Tripp Talbot, was one of them. Without his account of events, the other two kids might have gone down for Mr. Larkin’s murder—but instead, thanks to Tripp, they’re now at the top of the Saint Ambrose social pyramid. Tripp’s friends have never forgotten what Tripp did for them that day, and neither has he. Just like he hasn’t forgotten that everything he told the police was a lie.
Digging into the past is bound to shake up the present, and when Brynn begins to investigate what happened in the woods that day, she uncovers secrets that might change everything—about Saint Ambrose, about Mr. Larkin, and about her ex-best friend, Tripp Talbot.
Four years ago someone got away with murder. More terrifying is that they might be closer than anyone thinks.
StoryForge Writing Challenge
Register here: https://forms.gle/AbGSNszww6ZRKuTe8
Overview: The STORYFORGE WRITING CHALLENGE is an open invitation for the community to immerse themselves in the creative process during the month of November. Inspired by the spirit of NaNoWriMo, this challenge focuses on setting aside time to develop and strengthen writing habits. The goal is for participants to write for a total of 30 hours over the course of the month, working on a single novel project. Whether you’re a seasoned author or someone who’s always wanted to start writing, this challenge provides a structured and motivating environment to explore storytelling.
Challenge Goals: Participants will:
- Dedicate 30 hours in November to their novel project.
- Track their writing time, either in personal journals or using a digital tracker provided by the library.
- Receive weekly tips and encouragement from the library via email or social media.
- Celebrate milestones at the library’s weekly Write-In events, where participants can meet, write, and connect with others.
Participation Guidelines:
- Open to all ages and skill levels: Whether you’re writing your first novel or finishing your fifth, the challenge is inclusive and encouraging.
- Work on one novel project: The focus is on deep work and continuity. You can start a new novel or continue one in progress, but it must remain the same project throughout the month.
- Writing time goal: The challenge emphasizes the process, with a target of completing 30 hours of writing (equivalent to about 1 hour a day). This is a flexible but focused approach compared to traditional word-count-based challenges.
How to Participate:
- Register: Participants will register online or in-person at the library.
- Track your hours: Each participant will receive a time-tracking sheet or access to a digital log through the library’s website.
- Weekly Write-Ins: The library will host weekly gatherings where participants can meet to write, share ideas, and gain inspiration.
- End-of-Challenge Celebration: At the end of November, the library will host a celebration where participants can share their progress, talk about their writing experience, and connect with other local writers. Prizes will be given for milestones reached.
Library Support:
- Weekly Prompts & Tips: Each week, participants will receive an email or social media post with writing tips, prompts, and motivational resources to keep their creative momentum going.
- Drop-In Write-In Events: The library will offer scheduled times where participants can come to the library, find a quiet spot, and work on their novels alongside others.
- Final Celebration: Participants who complete the challenge (30 hours of writing) will be invited to an exclusive event, where there will be refreshments, a chance to share successes, and prizes.
DOUBLE DIP!
Did you know that books you read can be counted for multiple reading challenges at the library? It’s not too late to sign up and log reading for the 50/50 reading challenge (complete it to get a free beanie!) and the ITRC (Idaho Teen Reading Challenge, win raffle tickets for three different grand prizes). You can pick up reading logs at the library or contact gracie.marsden@marshallpl.org for more information.
Teen Events & Clubs
Teen Night
First Monday every Month at 5pm, Marshall Public Library Exploration Room
Join us for Teen Night, where each month brings a new and exciting activity just for you! Whether it’s movie nights, creative crafting sessions, or hands-on STEM projects, there’s always something fun to do and new friends to meet. It’s the perfect way to unwind, get creative, and enjoy a night out with your peers. Come see what’s in store this month!
November: Caricature Workshop with guest instructor Tarl Lambson
November 18, 6:15pm
Registration Required https://forms.gle/BRbLEDX6N55yZsX28
Teen Yarn Club
Wednesday from 5-6 pm, Marshall Public Library Exploration Room
Join us for our weekly Yarn Club, where you can come knit or crochet in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you’re a seasoned yarn enthusiast or a complete beginner, this club is perfect for everyone. Supplies are provided, so you only need to bring your creativity and enthusiasm. If you need one-on-one help, arrive 30 minutes early to get assistance from the experts at the Pocatello Knitter’s Group. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and create something beautiful with your hands. So, grab your yarn and needles, and join us for a cozy and creative time at Yarn Club!
Teen Creative Writing Club
Thursday from 5-6 pm, Marshall Public Library Exploration Room
Get ready to unleash your imagination at our Creative Writing Club, meeting twice a month, for an adventure in storytelling. In our first session of the month, dive deep into an intensive writing lesson where we’ll explore specific writing skills, from the intricacies of worldbuilding to crafting suspenseful narratives. It’s your chance to sharpen your writing prowess and add new tools to your literary toolbox. Then in in our second session, it’s all about you! Bring your original pieces to share with the group for constructive feedback and encouragement. Whether you’re a budding novelist, poet, or short story enthusiast, our club offers a supportive space for honing your craft and connecting with fellow writers. Please email workshop pieces to gracie.marsden@marshallpl.org.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
January TBD
Join our D&D Club for Teens, where imagination meets adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, come together with fellow adventurers to explore epic worlds, craft unique characters, and embark on thrilling quests. This club is all about creativity, teamwork, and having fun in the fantastical realms of Dungeons & Dragons. Let the dice roll and the stories unfold! REGISTRATION OPENS EARLY DECEMBER.
YRCA Book Club
December 3; Intermediate division 5pm, Senior division 6pm. Marshall Public Library Exploration Center
Thanks to the generous sponsorship from the Friends of the Marshall Public Library, we now have funds to host our monthly teen book club! November’s registration closes 10/29.
November Intermediate registration (The stars did wander darkling”, Colin Meloy): https://forms.gle/8GokAvXG7i4yBVa18
November Senior registration (Nothing more to tell”, Karen M. McManus) : https://forms.gle/oJq5WLQ7ZxFYdn8Y6
The Young Readers Choice Awards is a voting system developed by the Board of the Pacific Northwest Library Association where teens vote on the best YA books. Nominations are released every year for an intermediate division (grades 7-9) and advanced division (graders 10-12). The YRCA is the only book award where teenagers get to choose the winner!
How does it work?
Every month, we will select one of the YRCA nominees to read. There will be one book for the intermediate division and one for the senior division. You may select the book the book that interests you, regardless of your age (so long as you are a teen). We will order the books and you will come pick it up at the library to take home and read. We then meet at the end of the month to discuss the book! You are welcome to join only on the months where there is a book that interests you. You are not required to participate every month if you do not want to. You are also welcome to use the books read for the book club in any other book reading challenges, such as 50/50 or the ITRC.
WHat is the banquet?
In March 2025, all participants of the YRCA book club are invited to celebrate all the books we’ve read and to cast votes on the book you believe ought to win the 2025 YRCA award.
What books are next?
Intermediate
Messy Roots by Laura Gao (Graphic Novel)
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
Echoes and Empires by Morgan Rhodes (Canadian)
The Elephant Girl by James Patterson
A Song Called Home by Sara Zarr
The Stars did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy
Senior
The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson (Canadian)
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
Nothing More to Tell by Karen m. McManus
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow
The Silence that Binds Us by Joanna Ho
Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian
REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Gallery
Just some of our teens doing some pretty cool things!
About the teen librarian
Gracie graduated with an undergraduate degree in the Humanities from BYU-Idaho, and a master’s degree in teaching from Idaho State University. A proud Taiwanese-American, Gracie is OBSESSED with cats, enjoys knitting/crocheting, and going on hikes. Gracie is a writer and recently sold her first novel to Viking Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. She has two little kids and three cats, whose names are Totoro, Chewie, and Kikkoman Soy Sauce.
Gracie enjoys reading in various genres, but has an affinity for speculative fiction with a literary bent. Almost all of her favorite books have made her ugly cry at some point. She enjoys meeting new people and is always open to recommendations for new programs and activities for teens at the Marshall Public Library. Did she mention she is OBSESSED with cats?
Her favorite song on Taylor Swift’s TTPD album is “The Black Dog”. She may or may not regularly sing it in the shower while sobbing uncontrollably.
She can be reached at gracie.marsden@marshallpl.org, or by saying “meow” three times in a mirror.
