Chocolate Ice Cream

While many teens were happy to have Presidents Day off, around 40 of them made a point to come to the Library.  Why?  For a Chocolate Ice Cream Taste Test.  Teens learned about the history of ice cream in America, FDA regulations on everyone's favorite frozen treat, and tried seven different kinds of chocolate ice cream.  Teens in grades 6 and up used very specific terms when evaluating ice cream in a blind taste test.  using words like "soggy, fruity, nutty, creamy" teens evaluated their ice cream carefully from look, texture, taste, and after taste.  Parents will be happy to know that they will not have to spend extra cash on expensive ice cream, since Haagen-Dazs was evaluated as bitter  by many teens and one even gave it a -1 star rating on a five star scale, saying it was terrible.  On the bright side, this means at least one parent never has to worry about her teen eating her expensive chocolate ice cream.  Of course, another teen will never know how that ice cream tasted.  He asked if he had to try the seventh ice cream, because he was full.  Parents will be happy to know that we did not require anyone to eat chocolate ice cream.  If you want to see photos of Monday's event, just check Wednesday's Local Living section in the Indianapolis Star.

Now if you are an adult that was told by the teen librarian that the program was for teens only, you will be happy to know that this program will be offered as part of our Adult Summer Reading Program.  Yes, it may seem crazy, but we are already thinking about summer and have actually been thinking about it since before Christmas.  Teens will have to take a back seat as adults get the chance to try several different flavors of chocolate ice cream.  The program is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and no, it's not too early to sign up. 

QR Code Scavenger Hunt

You likely know what they are, you just don’t know the name. QR stands for quick response. It is a square barcode that, once scanned with yohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifur smartphone will redirect you to a website http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifor a snippet of information. This week is Teen Tech Week and the teen librarian is inviting you and your family to do our QR Code Scavenger Hunt! Normally, Teen Tech Week (sponsored by the ) and teen programs are open to teens only, but this is so awesome I just had to share it with everyone. You will need a smart phone and will need to download a QR code scanner application. There are many out there that you can download for free. Next, go to the Teen and Adult Reference Desk on the second floor and scan the first code! It’s that easy. There are ten QR Codes in the library and they are pretty big, so you will need to stand back a bit to get the codes to scan properly. Depending on how well you know the library, you’ll need around 20-30 minutes to complete your quest. Follow all ten clues and at the end you will be rewarded for your search efforts! All ten codes will be available for scanning fun at the library through Sunday. Go ahead give it a try.

New fitness gear? We can help

Did you receive a fitness gift that you have no idea how to use? Your library can help!

We have instructional books and DVDs on all types of fitness equipment.

A Fitness Ball is a great piece of equipment. Just by sitting on it, the unstable surface of the ball makes you recruit core muscles. We have books, such as the series by Colleen Craig that will help you explore the uses of the ball. Our DVD collection includes a great one by Karen Voight – Slim Toning on a Ball.

An Exercise Band is a sheet of latex material (non-latex is also available) that is made in different thicknesses. The thicker the band, the more resistance it will provide. We have the Powerband Workout, and Tone Trouble Zones DVD that use these portable devices to add resistance without using bulky equipment. If you are a frequent traveler, an exercise band is a great little tool to throw in your suit case.

You may have never seen a Magic Circle before. It sounds rather mystical, but it is a fitness apparatus invented by Joseph Pilates, creator of the Pilates technique. It is a circle of flexible metal that is padded on two sides. By squeezing the circle between your legs or hands you work your thigh, chest or upper arm muscles to develop strength and muscle tone. Pilates by Rael Isacowitz has a section that explains several uses for the magic circle. Also look for Classic Pilates Technique: The Magic Circle Mat series DVD.


The Kettlebell is a hand weight that is shaped like a cannonball with a handle. This tool is effective in toning the whole body. It is used to perform explosive moves that combine strength training, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility training. It provides a shorter workout, because you are exercising multiple parts of the body at once. Learn about them in Kettlebells for Dummies and Kettlebell Goddess.

Good luck using your new equipment. We hope that our resources will help you meet your fitness goals for 2012.