Books & Audiobooks
Upcoming Programs for Teens
Socials and Clubs
Open Mic Music Night
May 26th: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Dust off your instrument and share your love of music in a welcoming, recital-style open mic! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting back into the groove, this is a judgment-free space to play for an appreciative audience. Not ready to perform? Come and enjoy an evening of live music as a supportive listener. All skill levels are welcome—just bring your passion for music.
Crafts and Hobbies
Trinket Swap Party
May 27th: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Bring your coolest tiny treasures and swap them with other teens who love collecting fun little things! Whether you have mini toys, stickers, charms, trinkets, pins, art bits, or other small items, this is your chance to trade, show off your collection, and find something new. Everyone gets a small table space to set up their stuff, hang out, and meet other trinket fans.
Socials and Clubs
Clay Lip Balm Caddy Keychains
May 27th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Create something cute and practical! Design and sculpt a one-of-a-kind clay keychain container to keep your lip balm close at hand. Use your imagination to craft an accessory that shows off your personal style—fun, bold, quirky, or totally unique. In week one, you’ll sculpt your design; in week two, you’ll paint and finish it. Best of all? You’ll never lose your lip balm again!
Lifelong Learning
Film Screening: "Sensory Overload"
June 2nd: 06:30 PM - 08:15 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
In recognition of AccessAbility Week, we’re screening Sensory Overload, a documentary that highlights the experiences of neurodivergent and neurosensitive individuals and the allies who support them. The film follows people who are challenging stigma, shifting neurotypical perspectives, and advocating for environments that better meet their sensory needs. With an estimated 20% of people experiencing heightened sensitivity to the world around them, Sensory Overload sheds light on the importance of sensory‑inclusive spaces and the ongoing work to break down barriers in our communities.
Special Events
A Discussion with Graphic Novel Author Jon Claytor
June 13th: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Event
Join author and artist Jon Claytor to celebrate the release of his newest graphic novel, Nowhere. This unforgettable graphic novel is a hilarious and sinister reflection on growing up in a world where monsters are real, and a dreamlike meditation on adolescence and the absurdity of small-town life.
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.
