Teen Summer Programming

 

Happy Summer! Learn about and register for:

  • Teen Summer Reading Club - complete challenges & win prizes!
  • Weekly Virtual Programs
  • Special Events, including Graphic Novel, Comics, and Manga Festival & Storyboard and Animation Workshop
  • Summer volunteer opportunities for Piscataway teens

Summer Reading Club

The Teen Summer Reading Club is open to teens entering Grades 7-12 in Fall 2020. It will run from June 18-July 31, 2020.

Register for the summer reading club by clicking here.

Once you register, you will receive a copy of the checklist (Google form).

Directions:

  • Complete as many items on the checklist as you can by Friday, July 31. You can choose to submit the Google form once at the end of the program or you can submit the Google form multiple times as you complete different challenges. Each item will only be counted once.
  • You should only include titles and activities that you complete from June 18 - July 31. Please only use each title or activity once.
  • There will be weekly raffles and two grand prize raffle drawings for a gift card. The more items you complete, the more raffle tickets you earn for grand prize drawings. Raffle winners will be notified by email.
  • Participants that complete at least 10 challenges will get invited to our End of Summer Reading Club virtual party. Details will be emailed to eligible participants.
  • You can also access the checklist here. You can also download a PDF version by clicking here.

Questions? Contact the Teen Services Department at teens@piscatawaylibrary.org. Erica, Kate-Lynn, or Dean will get back to you!

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Piscataway Library. 

Weekly Virtual Programs

For teens entering Grades 7-12 in Fall 2020

All programs this summer will be virtual. Once you register, you will receive the link to the online event. Questions can be directed to the Teen Services Department at teens@piscatawaylibrary.org.

Join us on Mondays at 3pm for Talk It Out! Teen Services Librarians and Community experts will lead conversations around teen-centered issues, including how to take care of your mental health! Register for Talk It Out by clicking here. (Please note we will not meet on Monday, August 3 and 10. Talk It Out will resume August 17.)

Looking for more things to do? The Teen Services Department has created a Boredom Busters page, with DIY Crafts, Entertainment, Digital Escape Rooms, and Food (recipes and crafts).

 

Special Events

For teens entering Grades 7-12 in Fall 2020

All events will take place virtually (a link will be provided via email a few days in advance of each event).

Details are still being finalized for some of our summer special events! Check back for updates!


Graphic Novel, Comics, and Manga Festival - July 31, 11am

Highlights include:

  • Discussion on the graphic novel collections at Piscataway Public Library
  • Keynote by Tim Smyth on the literary value of graphic novels
  • All About Manga and Anime
  • Cosplay, Collectibles, and Collections
  • and more!

About our Keynote: Tim Smyth, a U.S. and modern history teacher at Wissahickon High School in Pennsylvania, has spoken about how he uses comics in his classroom at numerous conferences. His first book, "Teaching with Comics," is due out in spring 2021.

This event is open to all ages. Registration is required to receive the link to an online program.

If you love comics, be sure to also check out the Virtual Library Comic Convention on July 30 from 1-6pm. The New Jersey State Library announced their participation with VLCC, which will feature interactive sessions with leading talent. During the convention, San Jose (CA) librarians will be talking about grassroots graphic novel creation and comics creators will discuss comic book art and the creative process, including those from publisher Capstone’s comics universe. Other states also participating in the VLCC include MN, KY, WV, OH, MT, CA, MA, RI and WA.

Register for the VLCC here: https://createsharediscover.com/vlcc-events/

In the meantime, check out more than 3,000 comics, graphic novels, and children's materials available to residents of New Jersey through August 31st. You can access the collection by visiting njsl-vlcc.biblioboard.com.


Storyboard and Animation Workshop - 4 sessions - August 3, August 5, August 10, August 12, 3-5pm
Learn the history of animation, how animation works, different tools that are available to get started, and how to create and publish your own work. This program is presented by Likeable STEM.

Registration is required. - Registering for this course registers you for all 4 sessions. Please only register if you commit to the schedule for the entire course.

Please note: This workshop series is open to teens entering grades 7-12. Attendees will need to have access to a computer/laptop, stable internet connection, and video & audio connection.


 

Volunteering

For Piscataway residents entering grades 6-12 (ages 11-17) in Fall 2020

Looking to earn some volunteer hours? Check out our summer volunteer opportunities by clicking here. Some opportunities have limited availability.

Questions? Contact the Teen Services Department at teens@piscatawaylibrary.org.