We'll highlight topics of interest and share ideas that matter to you and your peers. Join in and let your voice be heard. Tell your friends! Have a blog to share? Send me an email at Lauren@scottpublib.org.

Hi everyone! My name is Lauren and I’m the Teen Librarian here at the Scott County Public Library in Georgetown, Kentucky. Growing up in Georgetown, my first introduction to the library was through the bookmobile and then through the Main Street location, and then onto our current building, though it certainly has changed since then too! I’ve had the pleasure of being a patron, then an intern, and now an employee of the Scott County Public Library, and while I’ve enjoyed working at other libraries, I am so happy to be home! I wanted to share a little about me and what I do here at the library.

As the Teen Librarian, I oversee the Young Adult Collection by purchasing new titles and keeping the collection up to date. But even more important than the books (and I do love the books) is the teen programming that I coordinate in conjunction with the Teen Advisory Board, or TAB. As the staff supervisor for TAB, I have the pleasure of working closely with teens who are enthusiastic and bright as we create programs that appeal to many teens across Scott County.

This teen space is here for you, just like me! So if you have some thoughts you want to share, some artwork, or book recommendations, we’d love to put those up for you! Email me at lauren@scottpublib.org!

March 2023 - A Moment with Lauren

As you walk through the Teen collection at the Scott County Public Library, you may notice some of the books have a new addition to their spines. A pizza sticker! Why is there a pizza sticker on these books? Well, let me tell you.

There are few things I love more than pizza. It’s the greatest food in my opinion because you can put anything on it and it will be delicious. Pepperoni pizza? Amazing. Fruit pizza on a sugar cookie crust? Nothing better. I’ve even had a chicken Caesar salad pizza, which was incredible. So yes, pizza is amazing. So when it comes time to share my favorite books, what better way could I represent that than with pizza?

The books with pizza stickers are books that I, or other staff here at the library, have read and found exceptional. These are the books that stick with me, that I read over and over, or that impacted my life and made me really think. Books that I look back on fondly or that challenge me to look deeper into a subject. Some of these books are award winners, some are classics, some are written by my favorite authors, some are based off my favorite stories, like King Arthur, Robin Hood, or Greek mythology. There are even a few non-fiction options among my favorite fantasies.

Will you find these books worthy of a pizza sticker? Maybe, maybe not. But the next time you’re in need of a literary adventure or you find yourself wanting to nibble something new, there’s a book with a pizza sticker waiting for you.

You can always reach me at lauren@scottpublib.org for any questions!

See you soon! 

December 2021 - A Moment with Lauren

Another year is winding to a close and I’m not sure where the time went! I’m not usually one for New Year’s resolutions (who can actually stick to those?) but I do usually set a few soft goals to keep in mind for the new year.

One goal I set and keep in recent years has been my reading goal. My friend challenged me to read 200 books this past year and I am proud to report that I am at 212 and still reading about five books. (Does anyone else read multiple books at once? I do it all the time but then I tend to twist the storylines together and I forget what the actual plot was. Oh well. My version is usually more fun anyway!) This year I’ve been inspired by BookTok to create a reading tracker. I’ve never done bullet journaling before, and I’m not entirely convinced I’ll keep up with it but I’m enjoying the set-up process so far! My reading goal for 2022 is a whopping 225 books. I like to remind myself that picture books absolutely count when the deadline creeps up!

Another goal I like to participate in setting is one of intentions. Last year, I wrote myself a letter and sealed it with a wax seal, to open on New Year's Eve. I don’t really remember what I wrote but I know in general I asked to be kind to myself and others, to be open to new experiences, and to continue to celebrate the small things. I think at times we get so caught up, especially around the holidays, of hurry here, run there, finals, shopping, parties, presents! It can be easy to forget to be kind to ourselves when we’re trying to be kind to others. And now, with compassion fatigue at a high, it can be especially difficult. So, as we wind down the year, take a moment to settle, drink some cocoa, curl up in a fluffy blanket, read a book. Listen to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and laugh.  (It’s the best Christmas song and anyone who says otherwise is wrong.)

This is Lauren, signing off. If you have any questions about upcoming events in January, or you’re in the market for a good book but don’t know where to start, send me an email at lauren@scottpublib.org.

October 2021 - A Moment with Lauren

It’s October now and I will gladly admit to this month being my favorite. There’s just something special in the air, as Fall settles in and the whole world seems to slow down for just a bit. And of course, who can resist spooky season? Whether you lean into the horror or settle for a smaller fright, there’s something for you at the library! Need a study break? Join virtually as Mercedes and I crochet some Peep Pillows with a spooky twist. Or register to join us at our in-person Teen Programs, including the Teen “Beetlejuice” Halloween Party. How about a study aid? Don’t forget about the online resources the library has, including Tutor.com. Or maybe you just want a book to read as the leaves fall? Well, we definitely have you covered there. As for me, I’ll be rereading Stoker’s Dracula. It seems like every time I read it, something spooky happens, so it feels a little like tempting fate but how could I resist the OG vamp in the spookiest of months? You can always reach me at lauren@scottpublib.org for any questions!

June/July 2021 - A Moment with Lauren

Let’s TACO bout summer!!!!

Summer is FINALLY here and I am so excited! Summer means swimming, hiking, camping and the most fun of all – SUMMER READING!!! (Cue fanfare!) I know, I know. Some of you are rolling your eyes. BUT did you know that you can win prizes for reading if you enroll in the library’s summer reading program? It’s so easy! You log into Beanstack, enter in the amount of time you read, and boom! You’re entered in a weekly raffle for prizes. The more you read, the better your chances. Did I mention that all reading counts? Novels, graphic novels, manga, e-books, audiobooks, magazines – all of it counts! Have to read a book for school? That counts too!  Also, I’m doing some goofy things you can watch, like Can She Cupcake??, where I attempt to follow along with a cupcake decorating book. Or if you want to try to learn a new skill, join me for Teen Crochet 101. Want to get outside and enjoy the weather? Make sure you sign up for the Tails, Tales, and Epic Trails: Teens vs. Staff Walk to Mordor challenge! Record your miles walked with me and see if the teens of Scott County or the staff of the Scott County Public Library get closer to Mordor! (Worth mentioning: the staff here is pretty competitive so put on your game face!) Now we don’t want you walking into a tree while you read, so make sure you pick up some audiobooks or download them directly to your device from Overdrive or Hoopla! May I suggest J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit?  Email me at lauren@scottpublib.org for any questions!

February/March 2021 - A Moment with Lauren

Wowza. What a winter! January seemed to fly by and now we’re entering March and Spring is right around the corner, which is almost hard to believe after the three back-to-back winter storms we had! But as I type this, it is a bright sunny 50 degree day outside, the snow is melting, the ground has a pleasant squish as it thaws, and the birds are singing more than ever! (Probably the same amount as always but I like to think they’re relieved as well.) I’m thinking of Spring and flowers and whether or not I should attempt to garden this year. I’m horribly inconsistent with maintenance but I do love plants and flowers and growing things. Which reminds me that people are also growing things, houseplants with more complicated emotions who also need water and sunlight to thrive. So this is your friendly reminder to make sure you get some! You can always reach me at lauren@scottpublib.org for any questions!  

Tuesday, December 8 - A Moment with Lauren
Season Greetings!

I hope this finds you all well amid the chaos! I have to admit, I’m not prepared for it to be December at all! But I will certainly breathe a sigh of relief when this year turns into a new one. It’s kind of funny how December feels like the end of things sometimes, like standing on the edge of a diving board and when the clock strikes midnight on December 31^st, we all take a collective leap into the new year. Sometimes it feels like strolling down a sidewalk, you kind of know what to expect and where your feet will land. Hopefully, many of you will know where your feet will land as we turn the corner into the new year. And if that’s not the case, it’s ok to ask for a floatie when you’re swimming in the deep end of life. (Think of me as a willing floatie provider, whenever you need me.)  But before we go rushing into the new year, I hope you find the time to celebrate the holidays, however you spend it. I think I’m going to go on a hot chocolate mission and try some new flavors and take some extra time to think and a few extra moments to breathe and center myself in those pockets of joy and calm.  So if you have any hot chocolate suggestions or if you could use a metaphorical floatie, email me at lauren@scottpublib.org!

Friday, November 27 - A Moment with Lauren
You are all probably aware of the multitudes of new hobbies picked up during quarantine. Bread making and baking is one, crochet or knitting may be another. Some may have learned a new art, like painting, while others may have decided to be more active and taken up working out. Or maybe you just used the time to indulge in the hobbies and skills you already have, like video games or reading. Maybe you decided to Marie Kondo your room. Personally, I started making my own bread. Nothing fancy, just regular sandwich bread but it was delightful. I also started fostering dogs for the humane society. It was something I loved doing when I was growing up and this year I finally felt like I could do it again. So what about you? Did you pick up a new hobby? How did you get started? Share your story and email me at lauren@scottpublib.org to have it posted on the teen services page.

Friday, November 20 - A Moment with Lauren
So far this year has been anything but normal. During the shutdown, my workspace was my house and let me tell you, I am not an organized person. I am also very easily distracted, so when the urge to reorganize my closet or settle in with a book I wanted to read just for me, I indulged myself. In some ways, we all need to indulge ourselves now and then but only as long as we still finish what we need to do, the things that others have asked us to do for school or work. I would share a picture of my home office but unfortunately half of my kitchen is currently in it (and that’s a boring story I won’t bore you with that involves new cabinets that led to new everything). But I would love to see what sort of work station you all have! Do you spread everything out on the dining table (my preferred method) or do you have a desk you work at? Do you work outside on nice days? (Honestly, this is my favorite, although I am easily distracted by my foster puppies. And naps.) Do you have a study buddy? (My cat likes to supervise everything.) Do you have siblings you get help from or that you help? If you would like to share how your at home work space has changed, email me at lauren@scottpublib.org.

Friday, November 13 - A Moment with Lauren 
Alright everyone, do me a favor. Deep breath in. Hold it. Slow exhale. (Repeat as needed.) This year has been a whirlwind! I started as the Teen Librarian for Scott County on February 18^th and by March 15^th, the library shut down to prevent the spread of Covid-19. I was able to meet with my TAB officers and some of the members twice before all that happened. All of that to say, this year has been crazy and not at all what I expected! But we’re still here, a little bruised up and a lot tired. I wanted to say first of all how proud I am of all of you. This year is requiring a lot of sacrifice on your part and I know it’s not easy. I know too that you all are tired of virtual events and I really wanted to say thank you so much for still attending when you can. This teen space is here for you, just like me! So if you have some thoughts you want to share, some artwork, or book recommendations, we’d love to put those up for you! Email me at lauren@scottpublib.org.

Teens love coming to our library! Our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meets monthly to plan programs for teens and allows for building social relationships and leadership skills. Any patrons 12-18 years old are encouraged to join. For more information, contact the Teen Librarian, Lauren@scottpublib.org. Please see the calendar for all teen events.

If you need suggestions for a good book, you came to the right place. We have plenty of books you can checkout or download for free with your library card. Browse the books in our catalog. If you need suggestions, email me at Lauren@scottpublib.org.

Pick Up Your Reading Log for a Chance to Win Summer Reading Prizes

Join us for a summer full of fun, creativity, and reading! Library cards are free with your ID—kids can get their own too!

• Children: Read 5 books to enter raffles for Themed Prize Baskets (Art, Games & More!)
• Babies & Toddlers: Get a free board book with a completed log
• New this year: The Bookmobile will also have adult & children prizes at community stops—don’t miss it!

Be creative with Random Acts of Creativity: build, draw, sculpt, snap pics, or make LEGO films—then share your colorful creations with us on Facebook!

Everyone gets reading coupons from sponsors like Wendy’s, Raising Cane’s, KY Horse Park, and more! Plus: Daily Scavenger Hunts in the Children’s Area. Book Club Picks at the Info Desk. 3D Printing & Digital Help at the Tech Desk. Magic, Music & Special Events all summer!

 Pick up Your Reading Log from the children's desk at the library or print your own copy by downloading a pdf file to enter into Summer Reading Prizes! Summer Reading is always FREE and FUN at SCPL. Learn, Know, Gather & Grow in Colorful Ways—We can’t wait to see YOU!

Participate in the summer reading program at your local public library for your chance at a $529 college savings account. Your public library can win $500, too! Visit kysaves.com, or call toll free 877-598-7878.

See below for some Summer Reading events coming in June and July! For a complete list of events, please visit the Events Calendar.

Summer Reading Kick-Off Event
Sunday, 6/1 From 2-5 pm (All Ages; Drop-In)
Summer Reading 2025 is HERE!  Let us Color Our World together and celebrate all things bright and beautiful. Join us for our Summer Reading Kick-off party today from 2-5:00pm. Crafts, Prizes, Music & fun!

Teen "Just Dance" Dance Party with Ice Cream
Tuesday, 6/3 From 6-7:45 pm
Teens, kick off a colorful summer with a dance and ice cream party! Please register so we can ensure we have enough supplies. Ages 12-18.

Teen Giant Board Games
Tuesday, 6/10 From 6-7:45 pm
Grab your squad and get ready to roll the dice on giant versions of your favorite classic board games! Think big laughs, big moves, and even bigger fun. Ages 12–18. Don’t miss out — registration is required! Let the (giant) games begin! 🧩🎉

Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Friday, 6/13 @ 11 am
Join the KY Reptile Zoo for a talk about various animals. 11:00am  Best for children over age 3y+. FREE. No Registration.

Teen Color Theory Talk
Tuesday, 6/17 From 6-7:45 pm
Calling all teens ages 12–18! Join us for a fun and interactive workshop where you’ll dive into the basics of color theory with local artist Heather Graham. Discover how artists use color to create mood, contrast, and harmony—and learn how to apply these concepts in your own creative work. Space is limited—please register to reserve your spot!

Teen Dungeons and Dragons One-Shots
Sunday, 6/22 From 5-6:45 pm/Sunday, 7/13 From 5-6:45 pm
Teens ages 12–18 are invited to join a fun, beginner-friendly one-shot Dungeons & Dragons campaign at the library! Create a character, roll the dice, and jump into a fast-paced fantasy quest—all in one evening. Free event. Registration required. All materials provided. No experience needed. Pick-up by 7:00 PM sharp (Library closes at 7:00).

Tween and Teen Self Defense Class
Tuesday, 6/24 From 6-8 pm/Tuesday, 7/15 From 6-8 pm
Join us for a dynamic self-defense class for ages 8–18! Participants will learn practical skills to increase awareness, avoid dangerous situations, and respond confidently if needed. This workshop covers basic techniques and de-escalation strategies in a supportive, age-appropriate setting. Free event – registration required. All experience levels welcome!

Teen Movie Night
Friday, 6/27 From 5-7 pm
Grab your friends and join us for a relaxed evening of popcorn, a movie, and great conversation! We'll be watching Loving Vincent—the world’s first fully painted feature film—followed by a brief discussion about the art, story, and legacy of Vincent van Gogh. For ages 13–18. Free event – registration required.

Renaissance Science Magic & Medicine in Harry Potter's World (Gallery Exhibit)
7/1-8/8 during library hours
We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Traveling Exhibition entitled: "Renaissance Science Magic & Medicine in Harry Potter's World" throughout July in our Gallery.

Teen Teen Summer STEM Day
Tuesday, 7/1 From 6-7:45 pm
Teens, come try out your STEM skills at the library! Science, Tech, Engineering, Math — oh my! Whether you're a budding coder, a curious builder, or just love experimenting, this event is for you. Join us for an afternoon of hands-on activities, creative challenges, and problem-solving fun designed to spark your curiosity and boost your STEM confidence. We'll explore exciting projects that might include robotics, simple circuits, coding games, and more! Open to ages 12–18. No experience needed — just bring your imagination! Please register in advance to reserve your spot.

Teen Print making
Tuesday, 7/8 From 6-7:45 pm
Teens, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the awesome world of print making! Try your hand at cool techniques like cyanotypes, shadow drawings, and other creative surprises. Whether you're a budding artist or just want to try something new, this is your chance to experiment, make art, and have a blast with friends! For ages 12–18. Registration required – spots fill up fast!

Teen Messy Art
Tuesday, 7/22 From 6-7:45 pm
Get ready to splash, splatter, and express yourself at our Messy Art Party! Come dressed in your paint clothes and unleash your inner artist — the messier, the better! 🧑‍🎨 Open to ages 12–18. Don’t forget to register — spots fill fast! Let your creativity run wild... and maybe start a paint war (just kidding... kind of 😉)!

Harry Potter's Birthday party!
Thursday, 7/31 From 2-5 pm (All Ages)
July 31st is Harry Potter's Birthday! Celebrate all things Harry with crafts, games, photo-ops and a movie. DRESS UP! Costumes encouraged! All ages welcome!  Come see our exhibit on Medieval science & potions in the library, too.

Animal Enterprises Petting Zoo
Friday, 8/1 From 10 am-2 pm (All Ages)
Animal Enterprises brings the Petting Zoo! Goats, sheep, tortoise, alpaca, maybe a baby camel! Free- No registration. Drop by during the hours of 10 am until 2pm in our front parking lot.