In the meantime, are you missing any part of Superman’s story?

This video was uploaded to youtube.com by Streaming Trailer. Palm Beach County Library System does not own the rights to Superman or the movie Man of Steel.

The story follows a group of teenagers who are specially chosen to attend a private academy. They are immediately “tested” for their “special gifts” via death traps. Without giving too much away, this series includes time travel, betrayal, and shocking twists.

Side note: Spencer also writes Bedlam, a new comic series debuted this year about an ex-murderer who has undergone nontraditional psychological treatment and now helps the police solve other violent crimes. It’s not out in trade, yet, but keep your eyes peeled.

Disclaimer: Due to the situational content and language in this series, I would recommend it for older teens and adults.

FYI: The Deluxe Collection (pictured below) includes books one and two. So be aware of that when you are putting the books on hold.
(*Those are all nice looking kids, right? See that crazy lady in the top right corner with the syringe? Watch out for her – SHE’S CRAZY!)

Acreage Branch

Wed, Jun 12, 6:30 pm
Anime Origins
Enjoy Japanese snacks, check out the latest Anime, and talk about the Manga that inspired it. Ages 12-17. (60 min.) Preregister.

Wed, Jun 12, 7:00 pm
Bonsai: Art & Science
Mike Cartrett, from the Bonsai Society of the Palm Beaches, will discuss keeping and styling these plants and show miniature trees. (60 min.) Preregister.

Tue, Jun 25, 6:30 pm
Club Pokémon
Bring your DS or Pokémon cards and get ready to battle, trade, and make new friends. Ages 6-12. (60 min.) Preregister.

Gardens Branch

Sat, Jun 15, 11:00 am
Anime Club
Watch the latest Anime title, enjoy a special snack and learn about Japanese culture. Ages 12-17. (60 min.) Preregister.

Sat, Jun 29, 11:00 am
Star Wars Origami
Become a Super-Folder and create your own Origami Yoda from the wildly famous book series by Todd Angleberger. Ages 8-12. (45 min.) Preregister.

Greenacres Branch

Mon, Jun 10, 17 & 24, 6:00 pm
Club Anime
Bring a friend and learn about Japanese culture, watch Anime episodes, and make Manga crafts. Snacks provided. Ages 12-15. (60 min.) Preregister.

Hagan Ranch Road Branch

Sat, Jun 22, 2:00 pm
Anime/Manga Club
Talk about all things Manga and Anime, enjoy Manga-related crafts, and watch Anime episodes. Snacks provided. Ages 11-17. (60 min.) Preregister.

Okeechobee Branch

Sat, Jun 15, 10:30 am
Family Origami
Paper folding fun for the whole family. Ages 7 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

Royal Palm Beach Branch

Fri, Jun 21, 3:00 pm
Friday Afternoon Movie & Trivia
“Steamboy.” Watch a movie while you play trivia! Ages 12-17. (2 hr.) ©TriStar Pictures. (107 min.) Preregister. PG-13

Sat, Jun 22, 3:00 pm
Anime Club
Watch Anime, eat Pocky, and check out our newest Manga titles. Snacks provided. Ages12-17. (60 min.) Preregister.

Wellington Branch

Wed, Jun 12, 6:00 pm
Anime Grab Bag
View new Anime titles. Snacks provided. Ages12-17. Limit 25. (45 min.) First-come, first-served.

***In case you missed it in theaters, PBCLS is providing you with THREE chances to view The “Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” in June.***

Greenacres Branch

Sat, Jun 15, 2:00 pm
Adult Summer Reading Program – Week 1: Journeys
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” ©New Line Cinema. (169 min.) Preregister. PG-13

Royal Palm Beach Branch

Thu, Jun 27, 2:00 pm
Thursday Movie Matinee
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” ©New Line Cinema. (169 min.) Preregister. PG-13

West Boca Branch

Sat, Jun 29, 1:30 pm
Teen Movie
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” ©New Line Cinema. (169 min.) PG-13. Grades 6 & up.

Iron Man etc. belong to Marvel, Disney and who ever else actually owns the rights (i.e. not PBCLS)

Iron Man 3 hit theaters this weekend and has received mixed reviews. Critics LOVE it (and so do I) but some die-hard fans are disappointed by some major changes (no spoilers, I promise). I recommend catching it in 3-D IMAX, if you have the opportunity. The action is thrilling and the plot’s not bad either.

There’s still time to rewatch the first two movies before you enjoy the third. The Avengers movie comes up on the search for “Iron Man” and “Robert Downey”. Take it as a sign to watch that movie, too – it’s relevant to Iron Man 3. Pick up your copies at your local library branch or place holds on them today so you can have them before the weekend. You won’t regret it*.

*Disclaimer: If you have school finals this month, please study for them before starting your amazing Marvel Movie Marathon. The library encourages the use of study rooms and reference materials as well as reading, in general, and graduating this semester.

Acreage
Anime Origins Thu, May 09, 6:30 pm
Enjoy a Japanese snack, check out the latest Anime, and discuss the culture that inspired it. Ages 12-17. (60 min.) Preregister

Drawing Basics Thu, May 23, 6:00 pm
Render a two-dimensional still life using basic drawing techniques. Ages 12-adult. (90 min.) Preregister

Cosplay Workshop Thu, May 23, 6:30 pm
Do you like playing with costumes? Practice basic sewing skills and learn costuming tips and tricks. Ages 12-17. (60 min.) Preregister

Club Pokémon Tue, May 28, 6:30 pm
Bring your DS or Pokémon cards and get ready to battle, trade, and make new friends. Ages 6-12. (90 min.) Preregister

Belle Glade
Pizza and Pages Sat, May 25, 2:00 pm
Talk about a favorite book or the one you are currently reading while snacking on pizza. Ages 12-17. (60 min.) Preregister

Clarence E. Anthony
Anime Club Wed, May 22, 5:30 pm
Watch Anime movies and check out Magna books. Ages 12 & up. (45 min.)

Gardens
Creative Writing Workshop for Beginners Thu, May 09, 1:30 pm
Marjorie Most will help you unleash your creativity and have fun as you write about your life or any other topic of interest. (75 min.) Preregister

Hagen Ranch Road
Anime/Manga Club Sat, May 25, 2:00 pm
Talk about all things Manga, show off your fan fiction, help plan this club, and more! Refreshments provided. Ages 11–17. (60 min.) Preregister

Lantana Road
Manga/AnimeClub Sat, May 18, 2:00 pm
Make cool Anime and Manga-related crafts, do fun activities with friends, and help plan future club events. Snacks provided. Ages 12-17. (2 hr.) Preregister

Main
Anime Club Sun, May 05, 2:00 pm
Join us for our first anime extravaganza and watch the very best in new anime programs on our big screen while enjoying special snacks. (60 min.) Ages 11-17. Preregister

Towel Day! Sat, May 25, 2:00 pm
Celebrate Douglas Adam’s science fiction hit and remember to bring your towel with you. ©Walt Disney Pictures. (109 min.) PG

Okeechobee Blvd.
Family Origami Sat, May 18, 11:00 am
Simple paper folding fun for the whole family. Ages 7 & up. (60 min.) Preregister

Royal Palm Beach
Anime Club Sat, May 25, 3:00 pm
Watch Anime, eat Pocky, and check out our newest Manga titles. Snacks provided. Ages 12-17. (60 min.) Preregister

Wellington
Anime Grab Bag Thu, May 16, 6:00 pm
View new Anime titles. Snacks provided. Ages 12-17. Limit 25. (45 min.) First-come, first-served.

Gyotaku: Japanese Fish Printing Wed, May 22, 1:00 pm
Learn about this traditional Japanese art form and take home your own keepsake fish print. Dress to get messy. Ages 7-13. Limit 30. (60 min.) Preregister

West Boca Branch
Super Heroes Tue, May 21, 3:30 pm
If you were a super hero what would your super power be? Come share your power, hear a story, play a game, and make a craft. Grades K-3. (45 min.) Preregister

West Boynton Branch
Yoga for Young Ones Fri, May 24, 3:30 pm
Stretch and bend to a story or two. Wear comfy clothes and get ready to pose, bring a towel or mat if you like. Ages 6 & up. (45 min.) Preregister

Swing by your local library for more information about staying safe on the ‘net and check out these resources from Net Cetera:

OnGuardOnline.gov
Practical tips from the federal government and the technology community to help people be on guard against internet fraud, secure their computers and protect their privacy.

FTC.gov/idtheft
The Federal Trade Commission’s website has information to help people deter, detect and defend against identity theft.

StaySafeOnline.org
The National Cyber Security Alliance seeks to create a culture of cyber security and safety awareness by providing knowledge and tools to prevent cyber crime and attacks.

CommonSenseMedia.org
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

GetNetWise.org
A project of the Internet Education Foundation, the GetNetWise coalition provides internet users the resources to make informed decisions about their and their family’s use of the internet.

CyberBully411.org
Cyberbully411 is an effort to provide resources for youth who have questions about or have been targeted by online harassment.

ConnectSafely.org
ConnectSafely is for parents, teens, educators and advocates for learning about safe, civil use of Web 2.0 together.

iKeepSafe.org
iKeepSafe educational resources teach children of all ages, in a fun, age-appropriate way, the basic rules of internet safety, ethics and the healthy use of connected technologies.

NetFamilyNews.org
A nonprofit news service for parents, educators, and policy makers who want to keep up on the latest technology news and commentary about online youth, in the form of a daily blog or weekly email newsletter.

NetSmartz.org
The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

WiredSafety.org
WiredSafety provides help, information and education to internet and mobile device users of all ages.

Don’t forget to check out Freegal, the library’s new digital music download portal. The link is on the top right of the catalog home page.

Batman: Earth One
I’ll start with my original review of Batman: Earth One. This is a spectacular reimagining of Batman’s early years. While the original back story concept remains intact (Mr. and Mrs. Wayne are murdered, leaving a young Bruce Wayne to cope without family which ultimately leads him to become The Batman) the rest of the story has some interesting twists. For starters, Bruce is raised by ex-military, friend of the family, Alfred Pennyworth. We witness Bruce experience some scrapes, bruises, and lessons learned as Batman hones his skills to protect Gotham from its seedy underbelly.

Aquaman: The Trench
It seems the most surprisingly popular of DC’s new releases is New 52 Aquaman. Aquaman is most notable as being a cheesy character with seemingly undesirable powers. However, in the New 52 series, Aquaman proves himself more than capable of keeping up with the other “supers” and plays an integral role in rescuing the city from an underwater threat.

Johns does a wonderful job of addressing the audience’s potential dislike of Aquaman by beating everyone to the punchline. In fact, he allows Aquaman to suffer many jokes from supporting characters about his useless abilities to “talk to fish”, etc, but lets Aquaman prove to us that he has what it takes to catch our attention in a positive way. If you have ever felt that Aquaman was not worth your time, this series will definitely change your mind.

Justice League: Origin
Johns does an unsurprisingly amazing job of bringing together DC’s New 52 Justice League. For a serious story, Origin is refreshingly humorous. Issue 1 begins “5 years ago” (I guess that would be 6 years, now) following Batman chasing down an alien when he runs into Green Lantern Hal Jordan [Hal to Batman: You're REAL? :3 ] One by one, potential JLers are introduced to the audience and their reluctant teammates.

The characters behave just as you would expect newbie supers to act who have never met (trust issues) and are simultaneously loved and hated by the populace. They have believable human reactions (fighting each other during their first introductions because they don’t realize they are both “good guys”). We get to see the origin of Cyborg, the addition of Aquaman to the JL (see the above review for why that’s so awesome), and a young(er) Hal Jordan as Green Lantern before all the crazy stuff happened with the Guardians (be sure to catch up on Green Lantern, Red Lantern, and New Guardians, in Rise of the Third Army and Wrath of the First Lantern story arcs). This story was so great I actually bought volume 2 when it came out. ["What?" says my beloved blog-readers, "Jess, you BOUGHT a book??" I know. That's how good this story is. By the way, we now have volume 2 in the library system.]

FanGirl Moment
It’s no coincidence that I love every book I read by Geoff Johns. His writing style is captivating and the reader can tell that Johns loves his characters. He fills each character to the brim with personality and keeps them consistent throughout each series that he writes. He knows his characters down to their 2-D, comic book souls. He stays true to each of them and never compromises their integrity to sell his story.

Check out more stories by Geoff Johns and tell me which ones are your favorite(s).

Acreage Branch
Thursday, April 11th at 6:30 p.m. Anime Origins. Ages 12-17 (60 min.) Preregister.

Tuesday, April 23rd at 6:30 p.m. Club Pokemon. Ages 6-12 (60 min.) Preregister.

Hagen Ranch Road Branch
Tuesday, April 9th at 6:30 p.m. Frosted Notes (book discussion). Ages 11-17. (60 min.) Preregister.

Saturday, April 27th at 2:oo p.m. Teen Flick Saturday: Iron Man 2. PG-13. Ages 11-17 (124 min.) Preregister.

Lantana Road Branch
Saturday, April 20th at 2:00 p.m. Anime/Manga Club. Ages 12-17 (90 min.) Preregister.

Main Library
Tuesday, April 30th at 6:00 p.m. Candy Sushi. Teen. (45 min.) Preregister.

Royal Palm Beach Branch
Saturday, April 13th at 3:00 p.m. Anime Club. Ages 12-17 (45 min.) Preregister.

Follow the links for more info about PBCLS programs and feel free to post other upcoming local events in the comments.