Teens
Hi Teens!
This page is just for you…we’re really glad you’re here.
You probably already know about our glorious young adult collection downstairs (a.k.a. UNDERGROUND) in the library – fiction, graphic novels, audio books, magazines, nonfiction…we’ve got a little of everything, and something just for you. And if there is a title you wish we had, or an idea you’d like to share, please let us know! We love suggestions! You can reach us anytime by email at yrr@akspl.org, or give us a call at 909-798-7674.
Oh, and be sure to follow us on Instagram at akspl_teens!
While you’re here, explore some of the resources the library has to offer…
Teen Events
Be sure to pick up a reading log from the Young Readers’ Room. Every 30 minutes you read earns you an opportunity drawing ticket. Enter for a chance to win the prize of your choice, including tablets, JBL earbuds, giftcards, and more! 🙂
Teen Underground Writers' Club
- Ages 13-19
- Monday, 2/24/2025
- 4:30-5:30 PM
- The Teen Underground (Lower Level at A.K. Smiley Public Library)
If you are a teenager and you love to write, this is the club for you. Everyone's welcome! 🙂
Virtual Reality is here…in the Teen Underground!
If you’ve always dreamed of giving VR a try, now is your opportunity!
- Virtual Reality in the Teen Underground (a.k.a. VR in the TU)!
- Second Wednesdays of the month
- 3:30-5:30pm
- Ages 13-19
- The Teen Underground (Lower Level at A.K. Smiley Public Library)
- 125 W. Vine St., Redlands, CA 92373
- Games offered rated E (Everyone) – T (Teen) on the Meta Quest 2
- FREE!
Special Details:
- Based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, players must be at least 13 years old to use the library’s Virtual Reality equipment.
- A Waiver and Release of Liability form must be signed by a parent/guardian here at the library (see a copy of that form below)…the form will be provided for parents/guardians to sign when you arrive at the Teen Underground.
- Players will be registered in 15 minute intervals on a first-come, first-served basis from 3:30pm -5:30pm in the Teen Underground on the day of the event. Of course, you may quit any time before 15 minutes if you’d like, no problem!
- Please give us a call at 909-798-7674 if you have any questions.
Games (read all about them before you play!):
Rated “E” for Everyone:
Rated 10+:
Rated “T” for Teen:
Virtual Reality Waiver and Release of Liability Form
For fun:
For school:
(Remote user login: Library card number)
Manipulate 3D interactive models to visualize and understand concepts in biology, chemistry, earth, and space science.
Explore hot-button issues from multiple perspectives and form your own conclusions. From energy and the environment to culture and politics, find reliable statistics, viewpoints, primary sources, infographics and more.
Job/Test/College Prep Resources:
Need help with that Algebra homework? Click here for middle and high school subject specific tutoring. (Remote user login: 14-digit library card number and pin). After logging in, click “Tools for Learners” (top menu) and then click “LearnNow” (drop-down menu).
Want to prep for your college entrance exams? How about career prep? How about finding the right college? Do it all here. (Remote user login: 14-digit library card number and pin) After logging in, click “Tools for Learners” (top menu) and then click “Learn Now” (drop down menu).
What to read:
Community Service Opportunity Alert!
If you’re a teenager (check), you love to read (check), and you’d like to write book reviews to help your fellow teens find good books to read (check?), email us at yrr@akspl.org. We’ll give you the lowdown on how to get started. And as an added bonus, you earn community service hours!
Printz Award Winners
For excellence in Young Adult Literature…in other words, the best of the best YA books.
YALSA Teens’ Top Ten
Umm, I think you’ve got this one figured out. (“YALSA” = Young Adult Library Services Association)
Alex Awards
The year’s ten best adult books that appeal to teen audiences (a.k.a. you).
Stonewall Book Award
Exceptional kids and YA books relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.
Bored? We’ve got you covered…
As with all of the media you consume (books, movies, music, websites, podcasts…you get the point), we encourage you to talk to your parents and families about what’s right for you.
Get your facts straight.
If you’re anything like me, you need help figuring out which sources of news to trust. The Media Bias/Fact Check website is incredible at helping you discern the bias each news source brings to their stories and offers daily fact checks on the latest current events.
More reliable fact-checking resources can be found here:
Factcheck.org – A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center
Snopes.com – The self-proclaimed “definitive resource for researching urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.”
Code Switch Podcast (NPR)
Fearless conversations about race hosted by journalists of color. From Code Switch: “This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story.”
Young Voter’s Guide to Social Media and the News
Being an educated voter can be tough. Use this resource to access unbiased info to help you cut through the hype.
Avoid confirmation bias.
The first step in combating confirmation bias is recognizing it. Click here to find out more.
Song Exploder Podcast
For music lovers…a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and share the stories behind how they were made.
Tell your story.
Calling all writers! Hang out with Jason Reynolds, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and try your hand at an electric series of creative writing prompts…from explaining love to a magical pet to writing your own shower song.
Bullet Journaling, Anyone?
Have you ever thought about starting a Bullet Journal? Now may be the perfect time to do it. Watch the clip above to see how it’s done (spoiler alert: there are no rules).
Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast
If you’re into the weirder parts of history they don’t always share with you in the classroom, this podcast is for you.
Ciao! Hola! Salut!
Learning another language is cool! Try Duolingo! Japanese, Greek, Hindi, Swedish, Vietnamese and MORE!
Stay smart.
I dare you…go ahead, click this link. From visual illusions to language and logic brain teasers, this site is sure to make you a genius.
Debby Irving’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge.
Change is hard. If you care about making social justice issues a priority in your life, Debby Irving’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge can help.
Understand the impact of misinformation.
Can our democracy survive in our current toxic news environment? Agggh…give this podcast a listen for answers (or at least some in-depth explorations).
Throughout the year, we have opportunities for teens to earn community service hours. We recruit our teen volunteers for fall, winter/spring, and summer sessions, and offer occasional single-day community event opportunities. In-person volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Please reach out to yrr@akspl.org and we’ll let you know what opportunities are currently available!
All in-person teen volunteers are required to submit a Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability Form and, if you’re 18 or older, complete a LiveScan with the City of Redlands. We’ll provide all the details after you’ve reached out! Thanks so much for thinking of the library! 🙂