Patch Blog: Teen Summer Reading Club's Smash Culmination Party

If you haven't been going to the last few meetings of the 's Teen Reading Club, you've missed your chance. Last week Tuesday, Aug. 9, was the last meeting for this summer—and it went with a bang: With three large pizzas, six liters of soda, airbrush tattoos, cool prizes (a $150 skateboard!) and a chance to talk with others there, it was almost better than school culminations. 

The party kicked off before 3 p.m., minutes after the pizzas arrived (there was also a veggie pizza—thanks to Maria Mapoy, who informed the organizers that I'm vegetarian).

Eating wasn't the only thing people did, even though many indulged in a fourth serving. At my table, duct tape wallet making was the prominent activity. People made wallets of all shapes, sizes, and colors (or should I say color patterns?). There was even a girl who worked on a bright, red book bag.

Pretty ambitious. I tried to make a dark blue wallet, but to no avail. It ended up as a coin purse because time ran out quickly and the scissors weren't always available. Instead, I nibbled on my pizza, listened to winners of the raffles, and waited for my turn for an airbrush tattoo.

With so much going on, it isn't easy telling the events taking place in exact chronological order. I remember thinking that my name was next on the calling list for the tattoos, but it was always a different person. And then it was my turn—but when I was least expecting it.

And when my turn did come, I chose to get a tattoo of two blue dolphins and a heart in between, with purple glitter on top. The airbrush tickled, and it had the vague smell of bubble gum. Though it only lasted a couple minutes, it was interesting to see how airbrush tattoos worked. When everyone got one, some went up for a second tattoo. I didn’t have enough time for another tattoo—but I was going for tennis practice later, and the tattoos would have rubbed off anyhow.

Winners of the raffle were awarded cool prizes, including mp3 players, USB sticks, music CDs, books, pens, pencils, and journals. There were enough for everyone, but winners mostly included a couple people who checked out a lot of books and got a lot of tickets, therefore winning almost all the prizes.

The grand prizewinner was predicted to be one of the winners as well. (But keep reading because it went to another!) There were also goodies for everyone else who showed up to most of the meetings. I chose a green LAPL [Los Angeles Public Library] journal, with a pen and a pencil. But the exciting part was coming up. 

The person who got—and truly deserved—the grand prize was also the teen with the best sportsmanship: Christa Mapoy. After she won the skateboard, everyone applauded the library's teen volunteer. But Christa gave her prize to a disappointed skateboarder in exchange for smaller prizes. Her notable actions made her a noble role model in the eyes of the younger members. Good job Christa!

And all too soon, 4 p.m. came. When it was time to go, many people just got up and left. They left their trash and materials behind—as well as their chairs not pushed in. The volunteers were responsible for taking care of that, but I helped anyway.

When everything was all put away, I thanked the librarian organizer and left for practice. The party was really more than I would expect from such a small branch in a neighborhood experiencing budget problems.

Way to go, Eagle Rock!

I would just like to thank everyone involved in the Teen Summer Reading Cub, especially LAPL, Friends of the Eagle Rock Library, countless Foundations, programs, and patrons who have made this experience possible. Thank you—your investment in young people has not been disregarded.