Using a perfect combination of research skills and technological know-how, 14-year-old Robert Nay from tiny Spanish Fork, Utah, used books from his library to create a phone game called Bubble Ball that has unseated the current favorite, Angry Birds. Libraries not only provide the opportunity to play games (daily after school from 3-6 p.m.), they also include access to the materials explaining how to design them.
Nevada Legal Services clinics
Nevada Legal Services will hold a series of free workshops to help attendees complete legal forms, and to provide guidance. The first legal education clinic will be 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday at the library, and includes a self-help workshop from 1-3 p.m. Sessions continue every fourth Thursday of the month. Participants need to pre-register by the Wednesday before to reserve a space and ensure handout materials. Call 775-284-3491 ext. 230 to register or for more information.
Explore the World presents: Italy
Italy seems to top the "bucket list" of travelers almost every year. Information, photos and discussion regarding this amazing country will be the focus of the next Explore the World series, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 in the auditorium.
Teen book club
Fantasy fans, especially those in grades 4-7, will delight in the Teen Book Club's selection for the meeting from 3-5 p.m. Friday. "The Last Dragon" by Silvana DeMari presents the tale or Yorsh, an elf child in a land where elves are despised, and his quest to fulfill the prophecy, "When the last dragon and the last elf come together, they will save the world." At times comical, at other times heart-wrenching, this book teems with adventure from beginning to end.
Book notes
January always brings award announcements and book suggestions for the new year. Readers can find even more ideas by asking librarians and looking in the New Books section of the library.
• Local author Heidi Ayarbe's gripping novel, "Compromised" is on the Young Adult Library Services Association list for 2011 best books.
• This year's Newbery Award was given to Clare Vanderpool for "Moon Over Manifest."
• The 2011 Caldecott award for illustrators was won by Erin E Stead for "A Sick Day for Amos."
• Sandy Foley is vice chairperson for the Library Board of Trustees.
