Teen Book Box
Reader Subscription Service
Ages 12-18
Reserve a Teen Book Box on our website by filling out our Book Box form and our Teen Librarian will use your reading preferences to create a subscription box just for you.
Included in your package will be a book or two tailored to your reading preferences, a themed snack, and other small goodies. Your box will be set aside and checked out to you on our hold shelf. This is a zero pressure individualized guide for finding a new favorite book.
First come, first served. Our number of boxes per month is limited.
Take & Make – Sticker by Number
Ages 12+
Month of April
Choose a kit with your preferred picture and find the corresponding sticker for each space. Watch as a colorful art piece emerges! The Teen Department creates a monthly series of free make and take art projects for our crew. Ages 12+ please. First come, first serve.
Send a photo to jbranciforte@essexlib.org or show us your finished project for a chance to be honored in our crafty D.I.Y. hall of fame.
Teen Contest – Playlist Contest
Ages 12-18
Month of April
Help us celebrate the rise of the bookish playlist. One lucky winner will receive a music inspired gift card. Identify a young adult book that you’ve enjoyed and create a playlist of moody vibes from known artists based on story, character and setting. No more than 10 songs please!
Email your playlist and a quick description to Jessica at jbranciforte@essexlib.org by April 30th. Our winner will be announced during the first weekend in May.
Dungeons & Dragons (Teens)
Ages 13-18
Thursday, April 9, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, April 23, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 14, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 28, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Come create your own character and join the adventure where we will fight monsters and explore new lands. Both new and experienced players are welcome. These sessions are for teen players.
Sessions held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Registration encouraged. New players welcome.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Ages 13-18
Saturday, April 11, 3:00 PM
Join our Teen Advisory crew! We’re recruiting teens of all ages to help us make the library a better place for young adults. Help us choose books, plan programs, design the teen department and mentor young readers, all the while earning volunteer service hours. Tell us how to best serve your community and help us follow through.
Snacks provided. Registration is required as space is limited.
Teen Cooking Workshop – Sushi Style Bowls
Ages 13-18
Thursday April 16, 12:00 PM
Learn to create handmade sushi rolls and bowls using simple ingredients and take your cooking skills to the next level. Snacking encouraged!
Registration is required to ensure that we have enough materials for this event. Please leave a note with any food allergies during registration.
Teen Volunteer Program
Ages 12-18
The Essex Library Teen Department is looking for young adult volunteers. All teen volunteers are trained to help us organize our book collection, review new book possibilities, design displays, and create art used in the Teen area and at the front desk. There are also opportunities to mentor younger children and to help our Teen Librarian develop and run programs.
Being a library volunteer looks great on your resume, helps with job experience, and delivers an avenue to help your peers and the greater community.
