Categories
Teens

Teens at the Library

Looking for your next good book, something new to try, or homework and research resources? We can help! From books to movies to magazines and music, learn more about all the library has to offer teens!

Programs

  • Event: Explore STEM + More
  • Date & Time: Saturday, January 11, 1:00pm
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: Kids and families, drop by the Arena on the 2nd floor to immerse yourself in the world of science and tech exploration. Discover something new by exploring robots, LEGOs, STEM apps, crafts, games and more at your own pace.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Board Games at Irvington
  • Date & Time: Saturday, January 11, 2:30pm
  • Location: Irvington Branch
  • Description: Join us for an afternoon of fun and games at the Irvington Library! Choose from the many games in our in-house collection (including cards, puzzles, classics, and party games) or bring your own to play!
  • Register Here
  • Event: Explore STEM + More
  • Date & Time: Sunday, January 12, 1:00pm
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: Kids and families, drop by the Arena on the 2nd floor to immerse yourself in the world of science and tech exploration. Discover something new by exploring robots, LEGOs, STEM apps, crafts, games and more at your own pace.
  • No Registration Required.

Staff Picks 2024- Best of Teen

Enjoy this list of our favorite YA reads of 2024, which spans genres. Enjoy dark academia, fake dating, poetry, comic adventures, subverted fantasy tropes, heists, D&D, and more!

Don’t forget that this year, we’ve included our favorite selections from the back catalog, in the hopes you can get your hands on a book you’ll love right now.

Are you looking for more reading recommendations? We can help! What We’re Reading for Teens shares our most current reading suggestions or browse through all of our booklists for teens.

Title - Where Sleeping Girls LieTitle - Hockey Girl Loves Drama BoyTitle - Dear WendyTitle - The Unboxing of A Black GirlTitle - Kill Her TwiceTitle - Twenty-four Seconds From NowTitle - So Let Them BurnTitle - Immortal Dark

e-Books & Streaming

Download and stream millions of e-books, movies, music, and more instantly for free with your IndyPL Library card. No late fees, no worries. See all of our e-books and streaming platforms or browse these collection specifically for teens:

Books Unbanned e-Collection for Teens from the Brooklyn Public Library

“Brooklyn Public Library is adding our voice to those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions. Inspired by the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement, BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves.”

For a limited time, individuals ages 13-21 from across the country can apply for a free electronic library card. This card allows access to BPL’s full e-book collection and learning databases. To apply, email Books Unbanned. The free library card is valid for one year. You can use it to check out from the Library’s archive of 350,000 e-books; 200,000 audiobooks and over 100 databases.

Teen Advisory Boards

At many of our locations, teen advisory groups get directly involved directly with the library by providing insight into teen interests. Through regular meetings, the groups also plan and executes programs for other teens, and assist with displays and books lists. The group setting allows teens to have responsibilities and work with teens outside their regular sphere. Call your local branch to find out more.

Hear from Avi Maun, a member of the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) at Michigan Road, about how he and others on this council are helping to create a welcoming space for teens at The Library. If you’d like to learn more about teen programs and ways to get involved, please contact your local branch or reach out to us online at indypl.org/contact.

Volunteering

Calling all teens (14-17)! Are you looking for a way to complete your service hours or boost your college applications? Or maybe you’d like to support literacy efforts in your community. Consider connecting with your local library for a few hours a week. Learn more about volunteering.

100 Books Before Graduation

Read 100 books before graduating from high school and receive prizes as you work toward the goal. Prizes will be awarded after reading 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 books! Most importantly, students will expand their mind, vocabulary, critical thinking, and test scores! This program is for students in grades 7-12. Learn more about 100 Books Before Graduation and register.

Online Resources

You can use your library card to access several different databases and online learning modules for both homework or fun. Here are a couple popular choices. You can see our complete listing here divided into several helpful categories like Arts & Entertainment, Auto Repar, Homework Help Grades 6-12, and more.

Creativebug
Creativebug is a library of free video tutorials taught by designers and artists on sewing, knitting, quilting, painting, drawing, and much more. Apple and Android apps are available. learn more here.

DrivingTest.org
BMV practice exams, along with additional resources on everything from what to wear on testing day to common testing mistakes. With further practice tests for motorcycle driving or commercial driving licenses, this is your one-stop shop. You can also read or download the Indiana Driver’s Handbook.

Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. Additionally, the Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.