Creative Destruction: Blackout Poetry

Today we’re hosting a WordPlay workshop with author Karen Krossing – and just watching the group of dedicated teens hard at work got me thinking of other creative ways of writing and producing artistic work.

Blackout poetry is a fresh form of ‘creative destruction’: that is, you’re not starting a poem with a blank page so much as you’re taking on a page full of words and reducing it to get something new and unique. Author Austin Kleon does this with newspaper articles in his book Newspaper Blackout, and many others have also tried their hand at this quirky form of poetry. Check out some other samples at BlackOut Poetry and Bit Rebels.

So, why not try this out yourself? All you need are some old newspaper articles, or maybe even a photocopy of a page of your favourite book!The results can be genuinely touching, hilarious and meaningful, and it's always fun to try out a new way to create something out of nothing...errr, something!

Celebrating Women

Tomorrow, March 8^th, marks International Women’s Day! IWD has been observed since the early 1900s so it’s not particularly new, but every year has a different flavour as we go about celebrating the achievements of women, while also highlighting the changes that need to be made to better the lives of girls and women worldwide.

Since 2000, IWD has been an official holiday in many countries, including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Cambodia, and Nepal. Additionally, every year, in countries all around the world, events are held to inspire and reward women’s roles and accomplishments.

Take a look at some titles to pick up this month!

   

If you're interested in finding out more about International Women's Day, you can check out the IWD website. You can also find out more about supporting women's charities and services like Because I am A Girl and the Assaulted Women's Helpline. There are also many local services in the Cedarbrae area geared towards supporting and empowering women.

As always, if you're looking for other books, resources and information, be sure to drop by the reference desk and speak to a librarian!

 

 

Countdown to March Break!

March arrived like a lion, so in the spirit of the season, it only makes sense to dance and write up a storm during March Break (and maybe earn some extra cash along the way). Why not come to Cedarbrae branch and give hip hop dancing a whirl, try your hand at wordplay, or get trained for babysitting work?

 

• You can find dance DVDs in the stacks, but it's not everyday that you get to practice your footwork at the library. Dance Kraze Productions will be offering a free hip hop dance lesson on Monday, March 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. - you don't need any experience, just be ready to move! All are welcome. To register, please call 416-396-8850.

 

• A very wise person once said that if you wait for inspiration, you're not a writer, you're a waiter. So what are you waiting for? If you're between the ages of 12 and 19, sign up for a free creative writing workshop with Karen Krossing, author of The Yo-Yo Prophet. Join us on Thursday, March 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. to create fresh new characters and construct gripping scenes, and perhaps your imagination will catch fire. To register, contact Ken Sparling at 416-397-5970, or [email protected].

        

 

• You've heard all the urban legends. You've read all the Baby-sitters Club books (and decided whether you're a Kristy or a Claudia or a Mary Anne...). But do you know how to feed a baby, prepare a meal, prevent injuries and handle an emergency? If you're interested in getting a babysitting certificate, sign up for this one-day comprehensive course running on Friday, March 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It's designed by the Canadian Red Cross to teach 11- to 16-year-olds everything they need to know about babysitting in a fun and informative way. The course fee is $50, materials covered. Bring in payment on the day of training (cash, cheque, or money order - no credit cards please). To register, call 416-396-8850.