For Teens
We have a variety of activities and volunteer opportunities for teens. Check out our Events Calendar for a full schedule of all teen and adult library programs. If you have any questions or suggestions for teen programs, please let us know!
| Teen Advisory Group |
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We are looking for a group of teens to help us develop programs and services for other teens! Our new Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will:
Teen volunteers will gain experience for work and school applications, develop leadership and teamwork skills, earn volunteer hours, and have a lot of fun along the way! The group will meet at least once a month for about 90 minutes, usually in-person on Wednesday evenings. All applicants will be contacted within two weeks, and invited for a short (15-20 minute) online interview. Registration closes July 8. |
| Teen Reviewers - Earn Volunteer Hours! |
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If you love to read and like sharing your opinions, we have a great volunteer opportunity for you! Join our Teen Reviewers and share your insights on books and media by creating reviews in various formats. We'll focus on discussing and writing about books and media for different audiences and how to publish your literary opinions for the world to see. Earn volunteer hours for participating in our monthly discussion and contributing reviews for a variety of media platforms. When: Mondays, April 4, May 2, June 6 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm Where: Zoom Ages: 13 to 19 Registration is now open and closes when full. Note: To attend all meetings, please register once on the next upcoming date. New members are welcome while space is available. |
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Teen Writing Contest |
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Are you a teen that loves writing and winning cash prizes? Starting June 27, you can submit up to 3 short stories or poems to our Teen Writing Contest. A panel of Library Staff will judge the contest and announce the winners on September 1 on our Programs for Teens page. If you need some inspiration, you can register for our Expressive Writing Workshop in July with Erica Richmond. Contest opens Monday, June 27 to August 14 Ages 13 to 18 years |
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Expressive Writing Workshop for Teens |
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In this workshop, Erica will encourage connection, creativity, and collaboration. She will help you develop a practice to find your words and gain the confidence to put them on paper. Erica Richmond is the founder of Open Sky Stories and author of Pixie and the Bees. When: Wednesday, July 6 Where: 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Multipurpose Room Ages: 13 to 19 years Register for Expressive Writing Workshop |
Check out these recommendations from our Teen Reviewers!
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #2
Genre: Dystopian, Romance
Reviewed by: Maddie H
This is a book that required patience for me to get through. Personally, I found some of the chapters dragged and I was eager to get to the more action-packed scenes. That said, Mafi’s writing style masterfully pulled the whole book together. She added the most incredible visuals that vividly described what the characters were experiencing and I felt like I was there with them. Even though it was slow to start, it picked up and, eventually, I couldn’t put it down. The plot did take some time to develop, but it was definitely worth the wait.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Reviewed by: Kell M
The best word I could use to describe this book is enthralling. The writing style and ideas within the story felt like a dream: complex and mysterious. It was so amazing and impossible to put down that I read it in one sitting. I can say, without a doubt, this was the best book I’ve ever read and I was left wanting to experience more of this brilliant author. I would recommend this to fans of Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia that are looking to graduate to a more mature title. Those intrigued by magic and fantastic worlds will love this book. It gave me the feeling of, “this makes sense, but I don’t understand why”. Highly recommended!
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Genre: Classic, Literary Fiction
Reviewed by: S.J. Hallward
Of all the books I read this year, this takes the top spot. Oscar Wilde wove intense emotion and artistry into this story and added a touch of dramatic flourish that made the characters come alive (not dissimilar to Mr. Gray’s portrait, I might add). This book left a thorough impression on me that has yet to disappear. My only complaint is that it was too short and I did not get to spend enough time to while away with Dorian Gray, Basil Hallward and the ever-dramatic Lord Henry Wotton. In my opinion, this book is a perfect way to introduce a reader to the classics. It’s not too long and not too complicated. This novel will steal your stole, bind your mind and make you wonder; what length is our fellow man willing to go to reach his goal and will his satisfaction also be his demise?
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Reviewed by: Mr. E
To all the Percy Jackson fans out there; as the first book of a second arc, this did not disappoint! Written in Riordan’s unique style, the story is told through the perspective of three characters. This allowed me to get a sense of their personalities and feelings up close. This book built upon the world of myth and magic already established in the Percy Jackson series and developed it further with a variety of demigods, monsters and powers. I found it to be a page-turner that was hard to put down. I think you’ll be entertained until the very last page! I would recommend this to those who can handle mild fear and anxiety in a thrilling adventure story.
Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell
Series: The Last Kingdom
Genre: Historical, Adventure
Reviewed by: Leyna
I loved this book for its complex, well-developed characters and intricately detailed plot. I particularly enjoyed the vocabulary and diction used in the writing because it reflected the time period and added to the characters’ personalities. The book did cover some difficult themes, such as mistreatment of women and religious oppression. In addition, there are some gory battles that could be difficult for some readers. I would recommend this book and series to older teens and anyone interested in the history of the British monarchy or historical fiction in general.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Genre: Romance, Adventure
Reviewed by: Blurry
I loved this book and the whole series! Sarah J Maas created a well-developed, fantastical and extremely interesting world. There were witty, well-written and unique characters throughout. These characters were specifically written for you to love, hate or pull on your heart strings. The plot was extremely enticing and the book was so hard to put down. I would recommend this to fantasy and romance lovers, especially those who enjoy strong female characters.
Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter
Genre: Romance, Thriller
Reviewed by: APM
Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. It was the perfect balance of thriller and romance. The author developed characters very well and I grew very attached to Maddie. She changed a great deal throughout this story and it made me happy to see her find herself. In addition, her relationship with Logan was complex, yet relatable. Most of all, I loved the thriller and action aspect of this novel. It was full of surprises and the author gradually revealed more details to keep you intrigued. I found this a quick read and would recommend it to those in grade 9 or 10.
Naruto The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring by Masashi Kishimoto
Genre: Manga, Adventure
Reviewed by: S. Freedom
I liked this book and found it refreshing to have a different protagonist (Sarada instead of Naruto). I enjoyed it, but I didn’t feel it was a standout in comparison to spinoff books I’ve read in other manga series. I would recommend this to readers looking for an interesting story similar to Naruto or Boruto. Even though you could follow the story without reading the Naruto or Boruto series, I strongly recommend you do. Reading these series will only enhance the experience and give you a deeper understanding of the plot and characters.