What the Library Offers Teens

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

Byline: Isabelle Knapp 

This summer, I am interning with the Baltimore County Public Library's marketing department. Before starting in July, I thought the library only offered books and printers, but I now realize there is so much more—especially for teens. I browsed the website to learn more about these free programs, resources and materials and wanted to share my top favorites.  

a child's hands holding a game controller

1. Free Video Games  

Did you know that you can borrow video games from any of our 18 open branches for free with your library card? Some of my favorites include “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and “Super Mario Bros.” The library offers games for PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo and more. Take them home and enjoy playing them at your own pace. When you're finished, simply return them to any branch location. If you don't have enough time to complete the game within the 21-day loan period or want to play it again, you can always renew it for another 21 days as long as no one else is waiting to borrow. It's a great way to try new games without spending any money! Browse your favorites now.  

2. Free Streaming 

Of course, the library offers free computers where you can look up music and movies, but it also offers a digital library that you can take with you wherever you go. Say you're going on vacation or don't have a chance to visit the library, then the digital library is perfect for you. With hoopla, Kanopy and PressReader, you can access tons of movies, books, teen magazines and more. Or you can go on Libby to access anime and manga. With our digital library you have access to music from artists like Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift or your favorite Disney movie classics. As a big fan of movies and shows, Kanopy offers some of my favorites, like “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Mean Girls,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and more. 

3. Homework Help 

I know it's summer and school is the last thing on our minds, but the library offers several tools to help with homework or projects throughout the school year. Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) students already have instant access to library materials through student accounts. Use your ID number or ask someone at the service desk for help if you don’t know it, and you can check out up to five books. You also get access to our resource databases with your student account. This includes:  

  • Brainfuse—Chat with an online tutor 24 hours a day to get help with math, science, English, social studies and more. 

  • LinkedIn Learning—Offers training on a wide variety of topics, including business skills, web design, music and audio, photography, video editing and more.  

  • Peterson Test Prep—Provides online practice tests and study materials for the GED, SAT, ACT, law enforcement tests and more.  

  • Mango Languages—Teaches conversation skills in over 70 languages to help you ace those foreign language classes or English as a second language (ESL).

Browse all databases to find one that fits your interests and needs.

4. Free Teen Programming 

Photo of the In Use sign at the recording studio of the Catonsville branch

Bored on a Friday night with nothing to do? I know I am sometimes! If you’re someone who needs something to do one Friday, several branches hold Teen After Hours events only open for teens and tweens. They also have many other programs, like Dungeons & Dragons, Summer Teen Fun and Anime Club. These events are perfect opportunities to connect with people your own age and make new friends.

5.Record Your Talent 

I have a few friends who would love to record their songs or poems, but they just don't have the right equipment. If you are like them, then the library has your back. At the Catonsville Branch, you can get access to a recording studio. While you do have to get certified to use the recording studio, it only takes an hour! After that, you have free access to it whenever it’s open. It's available for those 14 years old and up. Get certified today.

Grab Your Library Card

These five resources and programs are just the tip of the iceberg on all the free things the library has to offer for teens. However, the first thing you need to do is sign up for a library card—also free—to take advantage of these offerings. Those 14 and older can get a card with a valid ID, and those 13 and under need to come in with their guardian to sign up. You can get all the details on our services page. Have a great summer!

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