By: Christina Griffin

Libraries can be seen as stuffy, boring and quiet. Most people went in their childhood, but once they become a teen they forget all about it. It doesn’t have to be this way, there’s plenty to do as a teen at the library. From studying, to volunteering to even gaming, there’s a wide range of things to do.

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Libraries are known for books, and there’s a ton of them. Even if you don’t care about reading all that much,there’s other things to check out and bring home, not just books. For example, do you want to try out a new video game before committing? Noah Webster Library has plenty of Nintendo Switch games to check out. There’s all different types from multiplayer to single player games. I had fun playing Kirby Star Allies, but there’s a wide variety of games. There’s also kits to try new things, like playing the ukulele. 

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There are also many activities to do at the library. If you’re a crafty person then there’s always something you could do with your friends there. I made Shrinky Dinks keychains with my friends, but there's teen crafts at least every month there. There’s a makerspace called Studio 20 with special technology. There are events there to make unique items, like mugs with your own designs. The library runs competitions with real cash prizes. This year there’s an essay contest for 500 dollars and a poetry contest with a monetary reward. 

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You know what’s even better than doing activities, getting volunteer hours for them. Once all you Juniors get into the National Honor’s Society, you’re going to want to find places to get volunteer hours. A great way to get them is to volunteer at the library. If you like being with kids they always need help at events. There are short activities, I personally like helping at the Lego club. You can also volunteer for a longer event if you want to knock them out quickly, like movie nights. You get free popcorn too with that, what could be better? If you don’t like children, you can volunteer to help teen events run smoothly. You could go a step further and join the Teen Advisory Board, where you can get leadership positions, even if you’re an underclassman. 

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The library is obviously a good study place, but did you know there’s a room specifically for teens at Noah Webster Library, as well as teen sections at the other branches of the library. There you’ll find comfortable furniture and won’t have to stare down a random adult the whole time. While there’s something to be said about the atmosphere of a Starbucks, the library is also quiet while being way cheaper, all while still having the feeling of being watched. In other words, perfect for getting your work done after the school library closes. 

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If you do like reading (which I assume if you’ve still here), there are tons of different ways to access books. The teen sections have specially curated books of all types of genres. You can easily access the newest books here. If you don’t have the time to go to the library, you can read books online using apps like Libby or Hoopla. They have e-books as well as audiobooks. There are also films and shows available through Hoopla and Kanopy, and magazines through Hoopla and Libby. 

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As you can see there are many different types of things available at the public library outside of physical books. Registering for a library card and attending these events helps support the library and show there’s interest across all age groups, which in turn leads to better programs for you. So, go renew that old library card and look out for events at the library closest to you.