
All programs are open to Teens grades 9-12
HOURS:
After school / 3 p.m.-close
Weekends / 1-5 p.m.
Sunday / Noon-3 p.m. for high school students only
Book Reviews
We are looking for YA book reviews! If you have been reading over the last few weeks and want to earn some hours. Take some time and create a book review.
You can do this in video, audio, or written format. Be sure to include the following guidelines in your review:
- Title of book
- Author of book
- Number of pages
- Genre (fiction or nonfiction, and type: fantasy, science fiction, realistic, etc.)
- Is it part of a series? Yes/No
- Your best guess about reading level (i.e., middle school, high school, grades 7-9, mature, etc.) What grade you are in
- How you want to be credited (first name, initials, or anonymous)
- Describe what the book is about (plot, main characters, etc.). Don’t give an entire synopsis, as you would in a book report—this is more like a movie trailer, a teaser to make people want to read it. Especially don’t give away the ending, or any significant spoilers!!!
- Give your opinion of the book. This part of the review is not fulfilled by saying “It was awesome!” What did you like? What did you dislike? Why? What thoughts or feelings did the book inspire? To whom would you recommend the book? Remember, this isn’t a school assignment— it’s you, talking about a book you chose to read, and recommending it to your friends (or not).
Other things you could choose to comment on:
- The cover—did you like it or not, and why? Was it an accurate reflection of the contents?
- Indicate if this book is part of a series and, if so, whether you have read the rest of the series and would recommend it as well. (Again, no spoilers!)
- How would you rate this book, and why?
5 Hard to imagine a better book
4 Better than most
3 Readable/entertaining
2 Needs more work—weak plot, poor writing, whatever
1 HOW did this book get published?
Reviews will be posted on the YA Tumblr page . For each submission, you can earn one hour of volunteering, for up to 3 total hours.
Contact your representatives
Even if you’re not old enough to vote, you can still let your reps know what you think at every level of government.
Here are your representatives
Federal
Dick Durbin
Tammy Duckworth
Marie Newman
Not sure what to say? Here are some issues that are trending:
- Gun control/Gun rights
- Education
- Environment
- LGBT rights
- Economy
- Reproductive rights
- National security
- Health Care
You can also talk about anything else that is important to You!
Not sure how to contact them? You can:
- Call (Check out 5calls.org )
Write
- An email
- A postcard
- A Tweet
Please share a copy of your letter/or proof of your call in order to get service hours. You can get 1 hour of service per letter/call for a total of 3 hours.
Teen Programs Spring 2023
Mental Health Matters
Every Day, All Day
Take a look at our Mental Health Matters bulletin board! Check in for regularly updated tips and tricks for dealing with stress. In March, post your relaxation techniques and see what others have responded!
Weekly Programs
Movie Night Wednesday
Wednesdays through May 31 from 6-8 p.m.
Kick back with some friends and watch a movie every Wednesday! Call ahead of time to find out what the movie is.
Summer 2023 Teen Programs
Programs take place in the Teen Room, open Monday-Thursday from 3-9 p.m., Fridays from 3-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
Adult and Teen Summer Reading Program
Thursday, Jun. 1-Thursday, Aug. 31
Find Your Voice in our Bingo Reading Challenge! Log your reading at olpl.beanstack.org and explore library offerings to earn online challenge badges. Receive prizes for completing a bingo (a row, column or diagonal), another prize for finishing your entire bingo card, and receive two virtual raffle tickets for each online challenge badge you earn. To sign up, visit the Adult Services Desk, or call 708-422-4990. Earn your first prize for registering.
Anime/Manga Club
Thursday, Jun. 1 from 7-8 p.m.
Do you like anime or manga? Join our club! Watch anime and have snacks with your fellow fans.
Movie Night Wednesday
Wednesdays, Jun. 7-Aug. 30 from 6-8 p.m.
Kick back with some friends and watch a movie! Call ahead of time to find out what the movie is.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, Jun. 8 from 7-8 p.m.
Have a say in teen library programs and earn volunteer hours! If you are interested in joining TAB, please email Teen Librarian Hailey Everett at heverett@olpl.org.
Teen Resume Workshop
Wednesday, Jun. 14 from 5-6 p.m.
Want a summer job? Let’s talk resumes! Librarian Kate will guide you through the basics, demonstrate templates and formatting, and share tips that will make your first resume shine! Bring your school laptop or other device to follow along.
Teen Meditation
Tuesdays, Jun. 20 & Jul. 18 at 6 p.m.
Pop into the Teen Room to unwind and clear your mind with a mediation session!
De-Stress with Dogs!
Thursday, Jun. 22 from 7-8 p.m.
Your mental health matters! The organization Love on a Leash will bring certified therapy dogs to help ease your stress.
Practice SAT Testing (R)
Saturday, Jun. 24 from 1-4 p.m.
We are offering free SAT practice testing to all students. Please bring a graphic calculator. We will provide pencils, paper and water. Limited to 10 registrants.
Find Your Voice Painting Workshop (R)
Thursday, Jul. 6 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Paint a tiny, original work on a square 4-inch canvas for the Tiny Art Show at this workshop led by fine artist Andrea Zumhagen of Acorn to Oak Studios. We will provide tiny art kits.
Tiny Art Show
Thursday, Jul. 13-Monday, Jul. 31
Using an acrylic paint kit from the library, create an original painting on a square 4-inch canvas inspired by the theme “Find Your Voice.” Submit one completed and dry canvas to the Adult Services Desk by Friday, Jul. 7 at 6 p.m. Artist Linda Vorderer from Acorn to Oak Studios will judge submissions on originality, technique and expression of the theme. The best paintings from teens, adults and friends of Acorn to Oak will receive prizes. Join us for an opening reception on Thursday, Jul. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Art will be displayed on the second floor for the remainder of July.
Find Your Voice Open Mic Night
Thursday, Jul. 20 from 6-8 p.m.
Do you have a hidden talent you want to show others, like your singing, poetry or short stories? Come to our open mic night! If you are interested in attending, please email Teen Librarian Hailey at heverett@olpl.org.
Teen Volunteering Form
Interested in volunteering? Complete the volunteer form below to be notified of upcoming opportunities.