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.
Teen Winter Reading Challenge
January 1st – February 28th
It’s winter in New England. Embrace the cozy life! Stay warm, read for fun, and win prizes.
Participation enters you in the running for free books and an exceptional raffle basket featuring free hardcovers, enticing gift cards and other goodies! You can register on our website, in person, or by emailing jbranciforte@essexlib.org.
Teen Winter Reading Challenge Flyer
Gratitude Wall – Interactive Display
Ages 12-18
Month of November
Contribute to our gratitude display by adding a sticky note to our wall of people, places and books that we’re grateful for.
Participation enters you into a raffle to receive a prize. We’re most grateful for you!
Teen Contest – Book Spine Poetry
Ages 12-18
Month of December
Create found poetry with a pile of books! Stack a few titles to create a poem, snap a photo and enter our contest to win a gift card.
Email your image to jbranciforte@essexlib.org before December 31st. Our contest winner will be notified in the first week of January. Ages 12+ please.
Take & Make – Foil Scratch Art
Ages 12-18
Month of December
Grab a supply kit and create. Follow the outlines of this month’s item to reveal metallic art below. Each kit will include the scratch art and wooden tool needed to make your masterpiece.
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.
Dungeons & Dragons (Teens)
Ages 13-18
Thursday, December 11, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, December 18, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 8, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 22, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 12, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 26, 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 Friendsgiving
Grades 7 – 12
Saturday, November 22, 2:00 PM
We’ll be airing old episodes of a beloved 90’s sitcom on the big screen and enjoying delicious food together on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Registration is encouraged.
Gift Making Workshop
Ages 12-18
Saturday, December 13, 1:00 PM
Music, snacks and fancy gift wrap! The winter season is upon us, and with it comes many gift giving opportunities. If you’re in need of a present for a friend, parent or teammate, find all that you’re looking for at our library workshop.
Projects include: painted canvases, winter gnome keepsakes, beaded key chains, glass message bottles and more. Visit a table, grab your supplies, and create here or take it to go. Be sure to visit the wrapping station on your way out to complete your handmade gift. Registration is encouraged.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Ages 13-18
Saturday, December 13, 3:00 PM
We have open seats on our Teen Advisory Board! 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. Snacks provided. Registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Retro Game Day
Ages 12-18
Saturday, December 27, 1:00 PM
It’s winter break! Join us for retro gaming glory and level up on the big screen. Snacks will be provided. Registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Teen Art Workshop – Tracing Shadows
Ages 12-18
Tuesday, December 30, 1:00 PM
In this class, we’ll use overhead light and everyday objects to create interesting shadows on paper. The real fun begins when we outline our shadows. While we’ll have many objects to choose from here at the library, you’re free to bring a special item that you have at home.
You’ll leave this short, relaxing class with a new artistic skill and a piece of art. All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is encouraged.
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.
