teen programs

Make the Most of Spring Break

Looking for a way to spend Spring Break - without breaking the bank? Spend it at the Library and don't spend a dime! We've got live guest performers, hands-on S.T.E.M. and art labs, and other FREE activities and events for kids and teens March 17-22.

Halloween Books for Kids

Halloween is almost here! Before you know it, the ghosts and goblins will be showing up at your doorstep, with trick-or-treat bags in hand! It can be a fun time for horror fans and pranksters alike. But with all of the masks and monster makeup, strange noises and zombie movies... It can also be a scary time for kids. While it can definitely be fun to be scared - especially as you get older - sometimes you want a not-so-scary alternative! 

Haunted Happenings: Join the TAB Takeover October 7-18

Scare up some friends (ages 12-17) and join us for budget-friendly costume tips, practice with special effects makeup, spooky book recommendations, themed games, treats, and more! It's a complete takeover of the Teen Advisory Board for Halloween! Join us from October 7 - 18 at a TAB near you!

Teen Lit Chat with Bethany Baptiste

Morally gray Black witches. Sisterhood. Politics and rebellion. The Poisons We Drink is a potent YA debut from Jacksonville's own Bethany Baptiste... about a world where love potions are weaponized against hate and prejudice, sisterhood is unbreakable, and self-love is life and death. Join the Teen Lit Chat Interview this March. A limited number of copies of the book will be given away to participants (first come, first served).

Cookies and creativity will clash this February! Battle Royale is back for another batch! This semi-annual Dessert Decorating Showdown returns to take over Teen Advisory Board February 12 - 23. Are you up for the challenge?

Haunted Happenings: A Spooky Teen Halloween October 23 - November 3

Scare up some friends (ages 12-17) and join us for budget-friendly costume tips, practice with special effects makeup, spooky book recommendations, themed games, treats, and more!

It's a complete takeover of the Teen Advisory Board from October 23 through November 3!

Halloween Books for Kids

Halloween is almost here! Before you know it, the ghosts and goblins will be showing up at your doorstep, with trick-or-treat bags in hand! It can be a fun time for horror fans and pranksters alike. And we can't forget about all of the yummy fall treats like pumpkin pie, caramel apples and free, full-sized candy bars from your favorite neighbor down the street! But with all of the masks and monster makeup, strange noises and zombie movies... It can also be a scary time for kids. While it can definitely be fun to be scared... Sometimes you want a not-so-scary alternative! And the Library has plenty of both! 

Let Freedom Read Teen Art Contest Entries due Sept 25. through Oct. 6

Feeling creative? Want to make an impact? Draw, paint, collage or create a square piece of art expressing your thoughts about censorship, book challenges, and the freedom to read. Join us at Teen Advisory Board or scan and email your entry to JPLYouthservices@coj.net September 25 - October 6.

Teen Lit Chat Interview with Angeline Boulley

You probably already know and love Firekeeper's Daughter - the "Indigenous Nancy Drew thriller" novel that set the world (and BookTok) ablaze. Not only was it a Reese's Book Club YA Pick and a TIME Magazine Best YA Book of All Time Selection... It's getting adapted for TV at Netflix! But did you know Angeline Boulley has a new, bestselling follow-up to her breakaway debut hit? Join us for a trhilling Teen Lit Chat interview with Angeline Boulley on Saturday, September 23 during Jax Book Fest!

Teen Lit Chat with E. Lockhart

Earning a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction, We Were Liars was the "sophisticated" suspense novel that took the world by storm in 2014. Now, after nine years, E. Lockhart returns to her New York Times bestselling phenomenon with a thrilling prequel that's just as scandalous and riddled with lies as the first! The Family of Liars takes readers back to the story of another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

Meet the author and score your own, free copy of the brand-new book!

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