Summer at the New York Public Library for Teens. Go on a journey of discovery this summer! Explore the expanded and enhanced Teen Centers at a New York Public Library branch near you, enter our contest to contribute to Teen Voices magazine, and get ready for the Teen Voices Festival! Plus, join us for author talks, arts and crafts, photography, zine-making, and much more.
Summer at the New York Public Library for Teens
Creative Writing Workshops for Teens at NYPL
July–August | Various Locations
This summer, get inspired by professional authors Don Hooper, Melissa Rivero, and Rebecca Keith at our special creative writing workshops for teens. Hear more about the writers’ creative journey and get started on a creative writing piece that you could submit to our Teen Voices Magazine Contest for a chance to be published and win $100! Teens who attend all three workshops at one of the following branches will receive a special gift and be invited to read their work at our Teen Voices Festival on August 7. Spots are limited! Register below.
Presented in partnership with House of SpeakEasy.
Teen Voices is The New York Public Library’s magazine by and for teens, showcasing your art and writing on a different theme each year. Submit your work this summer for a chance to be one of 25 published winners! Winning entries are each awarded a $100 gift card—plus, having your work published is a great addition to your resume or college application.
Wed, Aug 7 | 12–4 PM | Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Save the date for our annual Teen Voices Festival! Meet exciting YA authors, connect with organizations where you can get your work published, take part in free arts workshops, and browse artwork by NYC teens. Plus! Free giveaways and the opportunity to create work to submit to our Teen Voices magazine contest!
Culture Pass: Get Free Access to NYC Museums with a Library Card
Explore New York City’s museums and attractions with Culture Pass! Use your library card to book free passes at 90+ museums, gardens, and more across NYC this summer—and all year round. Many institutions offer group passes for up to four people, so you can go with friends or family!
More Free Events and Programs
Join us in branches all summer long for free programs where you can make art, get creative, and get involved—brought to you by our Teen Civics Ambassadors and library staff! See all events for teens.
Explore programs featuring authors from our annual Best Books for Teens list, plus thought-provoking conversations, real debates, and exciting performances with your favorite writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, fashionistas, and more.
Coming Soon: Apply to be a Teen Reading Ambassador!
Applications Open July 15
The New York Public Library’s Teen Reading Ambassadors program offers internships to teens to help develop job readiness and leadership skills. Participating teens will act as leaders and role models to younger kids, ambassadors for the Library’s mission to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning, and writers and editors of their own magazine. Plus—you get paid!
Inspired by journeys of all kinds, our expert librarians have curated a wide array of fun, thought-provoking, and inspiring books for all ages to read this summer! Check out these books for teens, including fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and more! Many are also available in accessible formats.
STEAM Discovery Kits
Build, code, and investigate with NYPL’s amazing STEAM Discovery Kits, available to borrow from 40 branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Explore robotics, coding, engineering, and more!
Explore NYPL’s Newly Expanded Teen Centers
Our Teen Centers are fully equipped spaces just for you, including areas for exploring technology and art, finding academic support, or just hanging out. Game, realize your movie-making dreams, 3-D print your latest invention, discover resources, and more.
Teens at NYPL
The New York Public Library is here for you today and to help you prepare for the future. Explore everything the Library offers for teens all year round, including free programs and events, college and career resources, access to millions of books and e-books, and more. Learn more.
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Summer at the New York Public Library for Teens
The New York Public Library's 