Our free access to World Book Online (WBO) continues through April 30th so you still have time to take advantage of this great resource. WBO is a place to find so much more than just help with your school assignments.

With your library card, you can access WBO’s Activity Corner which has a huge collection of projects and crafts. You can filter your search by age, type of activity, culture, etc. You will find projects that involve jewelry making, drawing, woodcraft, knitting, writing, science, construction . . . the list goes on and on.

So, if you are feeling creative but need inspiration and instructions, be sure to visit the Activity Corner at World Book Online.

Calling all fans of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy! Here is a challenging and fun digital escape room created by Leah Shreve of the Longview Public Library in Longview, Texas.  You will use clues and solve puzzles to escape the room. Don’t miss this chance to find out just how well you know Katniss’s story!

Hunger Games Digital Escape Room – Welcome to District 12!

A bucket list helps you keep track of experiences that you hope to have in your life. It is a fun way to focus on your goals and to acknowledge the steps you take to reach each one.

For inspiration and ideas, click here for “85 Fun Things Every Teenager Should Do”.  Are you ready to start creating your own list? Be sure to put this at the top of it – 1. Leave my house!

Yes? Then here is a book group that is just right for you. Focused specifically on Young Adult books, “Addicted to YA” gives fans an opportunity to participate in group discussions about favorite books and characters. This is a great way to connect with others, especially during this time of self-isolation. Share your thoughts and find out what other readers think. The book group is also a great place to learn about other YA books that may be of interest to you. Click here to learn more!

Are you a fan of Marvel Comics? Until May 4, fans can access several of the most iconic and beloved Marvel Comics for free on the digital comics subscription service, “Marvel Unlimited”.

In a recent press release the company confirmed that Marvel Unlimited is now offering all fans free access to some of the most iconic stories from recent years. To take advantage of this awesome opportunity, simply update or download the Marvel Unlimited app onto your smartphone via the Apple or Google Play app stores, and click the “free comics” button that appears on the landing screen.

April is National Poetry Month!  So, now is the perfect time to discover more about the world of poetry. Whether you are interested in learning more about the art of reading or writing poems, here are two great websites for teens:

The Academy of American Poets: You will find poems, recommended reading lists, interviews, advice and so much more.

The Poetry Foundation:  With a focus on engaging and inspiring teens, this website provides a wealth of information. Be sure to check out the “Poetry Out Loud” program which helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Have you grown up watching and loving Pixar movies? Danielle Feinberg, Pixar’s director of photography, offers a fascinating Ted Talk about the “magic ingredient that brings Pixar movies to life.” Feinberg grew up wanting to be an artist and studied computer programming in college. Computer animation enabled her to combine her artistry with her knowledge of math, science and coding. The interesting and inspiring 12-minute video is available here.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Adjusting to the new (but temporary) normal is hard. Online learning, separation from friends and relatives, missing out on important milestones . . . all of this can lead to feeling sad and anxious.

The Voices of Youth community, supported by Unicef, is a place to find teens are who going through the same experiences as you. Click here to see Your Art, Your Stories and Resources to help you through this strange and challenging time. If you scroll down to the Resources section you will find a great article that highlights six strategies to help teens deal with the changes brought about by COVID-19.

Remember – – – You Are Not Alone!