three teens sitting in chairs and socializing
Library News

TeenTober at BPL

It’s TeenTober! Every October, libraries highlight all the ways you can connect, create, and explore with us—not just this month, but all year long. We’ve lined up programs made for teens, giving you chances to try new things, meet people, and build skills that can help you reach your goals now and in the future.

Programs for Teens in October

Some programs require registration; all programs are FREE.

Make a Free Magnet

Stop by Central Branch and get creative! Visit the 3rd floor MakerSpace during its open hours in October to create a free, custom magnet. Bring your own printed design that's at least 1.375 inches in size, or use one of our templates to colour in and decorate. Once your design is ready, use our button maker to press your design. One free magnet per person. Ages 13 to 18

Teen R & R

Teen R & R is a NEW meetup just for teens, launching in October! Drop in anytime during the hour to hang out, recharge, and have fun. Take a break from studying to relax and unwind with Nintendo Switch, chill painting, and our Oculus VR set. Bring friends or come solo. Ages 13+

Drop-in Cricut for Teens

Personalize your stuff with decals made with the Cricut machine. We'll show you how! Ages 13 to 19.

Sat Oct 11 | 2-4pm | ALTON - Details

Find Your Vision

Dream it, see it, do it! How do you envision your best life? What are your goals and dreams? A vision board can help you figure out what matters most to you. Create your own collage of images, words, and ideas that reflect your hopes for the future. All supplies provided—just bring your imagination! Ages 14-17. Join us—no need to register.

Wed Oct 15 | 6:30-7:30pm | ALDERSHOT - Details

Teen Toastmasters

Do you get nervous speaking or presenting in public? Learn how to be a confident presenter and leader during this 8-session weekly course. We ask that participants attend all eight classes. Ages 13-19. Presented by Burlington First Toastmasters.

Runs weekly, Wed Oct 15 to Wed Dec 10 | 7-8pm | TANSLEY WOODS - Register

Mastering AI Tools for Teens

Discover the power of AI in this hands-on course, focusing on language models such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity. Master the art of prompt engineering, and learn about ethical AI use. Presented by CryptoChick for ages 13 to 17.

Wed Oct 22 | 7-8pm | CENTRAL - Register

Teen Screen

Featuring Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, and Catherine O'Hara. Grab your friends and join us for a chill movie night just for ages 13 to 18. Hang out, relax, and enjoy the show on the big screen. Doors open at 5:45pm. Movie starts at 6pm.

Thu Oct 23 | 5:45-8pm | CENTRAL - Details

Books + More

Beyond our extensive collection of almost 10,000 print books and graphic novels for teens, we also have over 2,100 teen eBooks and audiobooks available to borrow from BPL's OverDrive digital collection using the Libby app on your device. And did you know you can also use your BPL card to borrow digital books from our six OverDrive partner libraries? We share an online collection of around 33,000 young adult eBooks and audiobooks!

You can also use your BPL library card to stream movies and TV shows, download comics, and read the latest issues of magazines online.

Need space to study or work on group projects? We're ready for you! The library is one of the few places you can still go without spending any money. Our Central, New Appleby, and Tansley Woods branches have private study rooms and quiet pods that you can book online. Central Branch also has small group tables located on the 3rd floor.

Your library card is also your key to accessing FREE virtual learning resources, such as the online encyclopedia Britannica Library, and BrainFuse. BrainFuse offers live tutoring sessions, personal writing support, video tutorials, practice tests, and a collaborative virtual workspace just for students.

Check out the library this TeenTober, then keep visiting throughout the year.