The Downside of Being Harry Potter

At least his parents weren't killed by an evil wizard...

A real-life Harry Potter, the same age as actor Daniel Radcliffe, explains how sharing a name with a famous book and movie hero has made his life difficult.

For starters? Most people, including his girlfriend, don't believe him when he first tells his name.

(Photo source: Caters News Agency Ltd., via Mail Online)

Teen Read Week

Teens Did This: Teen Builds Own Windmill

Do It Yourself Science Project: After being forced to leave school because his family couldn't afford the fees, Malawian teenager William Kamkwamba had to teach himself by using his local library. (Always a good idea!) His most famous project: Bringing fresh water and electricity to his small village for the first time by building a windmill.

(Photo source: BBC News.)

Oak Lawn Public Library

Your Discovery Destination Logo Contest

To launch its first ever branding program, the library is enlisting the creativity of community members to produce a memorable logo that captures the true spirit of Your Discovery Destination.

The contest is open to patrons of all ages, Oak Lawn residents and non-residents alike. However, parental consent is required for all submissions from those who are under 18 years of age.

For more information and to pick up a Logo Contest Entry Form, stop by the library's reception booth.

September Programs at OLPL

Upcoming teen programs at the library:

• Monday, September 14: Junior Friends begins. Those registered for this volunteer program will attend an orientation meeting at 4 p.m.


• Wednesday, September 16, 7 to 8 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board. Students in grades 6-10 are invited to give their opinions for volunteer service credit. We're looking for program ideas, what we should buy, and how we can improve service. Snacks and drinks provided.

• Wednesday, September 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Teen Game Night. Guitar Hero, Wii games, and more! You may bring your own PS2 and Wii games, guitars and Wii-motes, or even your own game system. (All games must be rated T or below.) Snacks and drinks also provided.

Teen Invents Solar Panel Made from Hair

Solar panels can be a great way to produce clean, renewable electricity, but the panels can also be expensive to make. Now a teen in Nepal has discovered what he believes to be a way to make inexpensive solar panels out of human hair. The discovery began as a school project, but he believes it could help poor countries with little to no electricity tap into the sun's power.