Books & Audiobooks
Asian teen girl reading a book at the park on warm summer day.
Teen Summer Challenge
Dates: Monday, July 6 to Thursday, August 20, 2026
Ages: 13 to 18
Join the excitement at any WPL location this summer! Here’s how you can participate:
- Check Out Any Library Item: Borrow any item from one of our four library locations and show your receipt to staff at a service desk to receive an Instant-Win Scratch Ticket (maximum 1 receipt/checkout per day). Scratch the ticket for a chance to win a small prize.
- Enter the Grand Prize Draw: Fill out the information on the second half of your scratch ticket and place it in the ballot box for a chance to win one of 4 Grand Prizes. No matter the outcome of your scratch ticket, you’re still eligible for the grand prize!
- Attend Library Programs: Participate in our exciting teen summer programs at any WPL location for an Instant-Win Scratch Ticket and another chance to win! Check out our lineup of teen events to join the fun.
The grand prize winner will be drawn on Monday, August 24, 2026. Don’t miss out on the fun and fantastic prizes!
Upcoming Programs for Teens
Environment
Nature Printmaking
July 11th: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Get creative with nature in this relaxed, teen art program all about printmaking! Using leaves, plants, and other natural materials as inspiration (and tools), you’ll experiment with different techniques to create bold, one‑of‑a‑kind prints. Discover how everyday materials can be transformed into art, try out new ideas, and build your own unique style along the way.
Special Events
WPL 150 Trivia
July 18th: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Continue celebrating Waterloo Public Library’s 150th anniversary with fun and engaging trivia. Test your knowledge with a mix of questions - from surprising and quirky facts to moments from the library’s history.
Socials and Clubs
Unplug & Unwind: Teen Social
July 20th: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Unplug & unwind at this relaxed hangout created by teens, for teens! Drop in and try a mix of creative stations - such as painting plates, mugs, or mini‑canvases; make fidget toys; bead bracelets and anklets; take on a robotics challenge; or play a board game with friends.
STEM
Rubik's Cube Club
July 25th: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Tweens
Registration required
About the Program
Love puzzles? Rubik’s Cube Club is the place to be! Learn how to solve the iconic cube, try out new solving techniques, and even explore speed-cubing skills. Each session includes beginner-friendly tutorials, fun time challenges, mini competitions, and cool cube tricks.
Outdoors
Community Concert
August 4th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Enjoy an evening of live music in a relaxed, welcoming outdoor setting. Whether you love discovering local talent or stepping up to the mic yourself, this program offers something for everyone.
Health and Wellness
Make a Reusable Picky Pad
August 5th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Create your own reusable, personalized fidget device! In this program, teens will make a “picky pad”—a soft jelly disc filled with beads that can be picked out for satisfying sensory play. We’ll also learn how these pads can be re-melted in the microwave and reused again and again.
Socials and Clubs
Unplug & Unwind: Teen Social
August 17th: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Unplug & unwind at this relaxed hangout created by teens, for teens! Drop in and try a mix of creative stations - such as painting plates, mugs, or mini‑canvases; make fidget toys; bead bracelets and anklets; take on a robotics challenge; or play a board game with friends.
Lifelong Learning
ADHD Strategies for Success
August 29th: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Join us for an informative and supportive session presented by psychologists from The ADHD and Spectrum Centre. This program is designed for caregivers and teens who want practical strategies for navigating the school year with ADHD.
