2025 Youth Media Award Winners

Posted on Friday, January 31, 2025 by Megan

It’s finally here! It’s award season … for books! Early every year, the American Library Association (ALA) hosts its annual Youth Media Awards Press Conference. At this time, authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature are honored for the outstanding works they have published over the last year. 

These books are selected by judging committees of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. Below are the awards honoring distinguished books for young adult readers. Be sure to check out the book lists for the complete list of winners and honorees!  Continue reading “2025 Youth Media Award Winners”

Social Justice & Activism for Teens ✊✊🏻✊🏾

Posted on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 by DBRLTeen

“To anyone out there:

I only ask that you care before it’s too late,

That you live aware and awake,

That you lead with love in hours of hate.

I challenge you to heed this call,

I dare you to shape our fate.

Above all, I dare you to do good

So that the world might be great”

-Amanda Gorman, “An Ode We Owe

If the world feels too cold, everything is too much, or problems are too heavy come to the library! Libraries welcome everyone! We are here for each other and especially for you. Your library is here to help and books are a great place to start. Before you know it you’ll be a social justice warrior. 🦸🏾 Continue reading “Social Justice & Activism for Teens ✊✊🏻✊🏾”

2024 Staff Picks

Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 by Megan

 

Young Adult books aren’t just for teens! In fact, many of our staff regularly read YA so we asked them what their favorites were this year. We asked them to describe their favorite books in three words and to rate them on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Check out some of their picks below or you can check the full list here! Continue reading “2024 Staff Picks”

Teen Reader Reviews: J. R. R. Tolkien Books

Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 by Megan

Teen Reader Reviews

We’ve had several staff blogs about J. R. R. Tolkien (read them here, here and here) but now it’s time to hear from our patrons! Check out what our readers had to say about this beloved book series. Whether you are reading them for the first time or for the umpteenth time now is the perfect time to roast some potatoes, light the fires of Gondor and curl up with these classics! Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: J. R. R. Tolkien Books”

Sad People Music – Vol 2.

Posted on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 by Dana

 

My sadlings, you have returned for more Sad People Music!

This time of year is filled with complicated emotions and lots of memories. When everyone is pushing the “holiday cheer,” sometimes you just want permission to be a downer. Sad music helps us know we’re not alone. Luckily for you, I have even more sad songs to add to the playlist you put on repeat when you’re all in your feelings. Continue reading “Sad People Music – Vol 2.”

Meh Teen Reader Reviews: Books with ★★★ or less

Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 by Megan

Ugh. It’s fine. Not every book you read will change your life. Not every book on BookTok is earth-shattering. Sometimes the movie IS better. These are all books our readers thought were ok. We’re sharing them in November because it’s probably dreary or whatever. Read these books or don’t. They’re probably better or worse books out there. *shrugs and pulls hoodie over face*

Continue reading “Meh Teen Reader Reviews: Books with ★★★ or less”

Sad People Music

Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 by Dana

It’s getting colder, the leaves are falling, the days are getting shorter.
That’s right kids, it’s sad people music season.
Sad people music is a mood. A vibe. It’s songs for when you want to feel your feelings. Wallow in bed and be miserable for a little while. Let someone else perfectly describe the angst of existing as a sentient creature on a rock hurtling through space. There is a kind of joy in knowing that other people have felt like us, have worried like us, have cried like us. Continue reading “Sad People Music”

First Time Cosplaying Tips

Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 by Laura W

First time cosplay tips

I’ve wanted to cosplay for many, many years. Before this year, however, I never had the courage. I always assumed that I would take up too much space, that people would look at me too much. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that taking up space is not actually a bad thing. If people judge me adversely for cosplaying, that’s their problem, not mine. With this in mind, I recently created my first costume! One of the absolutely hardest parts for me was starting. With many projects, it can seem incredibly daunting at first. Luckily, we have many resources here to help with that. Regina made an absolutely wonderful list of costuming books. Though it’s labeled as being for Halloween, many of the titles work year-round! If even a book is overwhelming, keep reading for my list of how to get started. Continue reading “First Time Cosplaying Tips”

October Teen Reviews

Posted on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 by Megan

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 

Anne Shirley, “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery

 

Just like Anne (with an e) we love October at the library! Our teens love this spoopy, leafy, ghostly time of year too! Check out our readers’ reviews below. We’ve got everything from classics to some downright grisly reads!

Continue reading “October Teen Reviews”