Teens
Learn more about what the library has to offer teens and how you can participate below.
Service Learning Hours
The library has opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and help youth and families while earning service-learning hours. Service-learning opportunities may include Be Involved programs, Teen Advisory Boards or “Buddies” programs.
Be Involved: Short-term commitment, long-term impact
Be Involved is a drop-in style program designed with teens and their busy schedules in mind. There are no applications or long-term commitments, and any teen is welcome to participate at any branch. To participate, check out our events calendar, pick a program that works for your schedule and stop by! Each Be Involved program features a hands-on project that benefits the local community.
Teen Advisory Boards: Foster Growth and Change at Your Library
Teen Advisory Boards are opportunities for teens to apply and participate in the evaluation and design of library services and programs.
The “Buddies” Programs: Explore, Learn, Create and Connect Together
Building Buddies, Programming Buddies and Reading Buddies are application-based programs that connect teens with younger students to help develop their literacy and problem-solving skills. Teens and their buddies have dedicated time to read, practice STEM-based activities and create together, fostering confidence and teamwork.
Contact your local branch to inquire about opportunities to earn service-learning hours.
Resources, Programs and Events
There's always something happening at your local library branch. Follow our recommendations below for popular teen programs and resources, or search the full event list.
Check out our upcoming Teen After Hours programs.
Get help with homework using the library's free online tutoring service, research databases and test prep resources.
Baltimore County Public School students, learn how to access your student library account.
Watch videos about new books, video games, anime, sports, cooking and more!
Contests and Challenges
Learn more about the following contests for teens.
Participate in the library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge from June through August.
High School Battle of the Books is a reading challenge for grades 9 through 12 where, with school support, students read and discuss Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award nominated books, then select one book to create a work of expressive art based on their personal interpretation or reflection of the book. Competition details will be available during the fall of each year.
Recommended for Teens
Learn More
For more information or questions, email yfe@bcpl.net.