Tagged Teens
Manga 101: Demographic Categories
Manga is often published chapter-by-chapter in anthology magazines which are marketed towards particular audiences. Some magazines focus on specific genres of manga (like fantasy, romance, etc.) while others publish stories in a variety…
Are You Philadelphia’s Next Youth Poet Laureate?
Are you a creative, engaged student who is passionate about writing, reading, performing, and experiencing poetry? Are you equally passionate about working with your peers and other students to bring more poetry to Philadelphia? If so,…
Autism Acceptance Month: Great Reads for Young People
Stories are powerful forces in the lives of young people; they help us connect, learn, heal, dream, and transform. Stories help us become who we most fully are when we see ourselves and our experiences reflected in them. For…
Manga 101: Answering Common Questions
Some of the most popular titles at the Field Teen Center are manga, or Japanese graphic novels. Manga includes a wide range of genres and art styles with more than 100 titles in our collections. Navigating it all can be overwhelming,…
Enjoy a Trustworthy Digital Encyclopedia With World Book Online
We are pleased to announce the launch of World Book Online , the online version of World Book Encyclopedia . It’s a great resource for children and teens and makes learning fun! World Book Online includes encyclopedia…
Indulge Yourself: Exploring Fanfic and Fan Culture with Field Teen Center
If you’re a teen who likes to read and write fan fiction, or if you know a teen who does, you’re in good company at the Field Teen Center . Fan fiction, also called "fanfic" or just…
ComicsPlus is Here!
Like comics? You're going to love this! Our newest electronic resources from ComicsPlus bring thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from a variety of library-friendly publishers for kids,…
The 2023 Youth Media Award Winners Are Here!
Just announced this week from LibLearnX in New Orleans, we give you the Youth Media Awards ! This highly esteemed collection of outstanding books, audiobooks, and materials for children and young adults is honored annually…
Exploring More Careers with Field Teen Center: Book Editor!
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a book editor? Or how to become a better storyteller? To answers these questions and more, Field Teen Center interviewed a professional book editor, the latest in a video series exploring…
It's Time for High School Choice!
Do you have teens in your life who will be attending high school in Philly next year? They’ve got options. It is time for High School choice selection! The Philadelphia High School system is large, diverse, and has much to offer.…
Empathy Versus Misinformation Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Empathy Versus Misinformation: Transgender Youth series of panels. There has been a lot of interest in transgender youth in the media, and yet so few easy ways to access reliable answers to…
Explore Creative Careers with Field Teen Center!
Throughout the month of July, Field Teen Center recorded interviews with a voice actor, four game designers, and a comic book writer. If you’re interested in creative jobs or if you just want to learn more about how your favorite…
Time Travel to the Beginning of the Universe
Interested in time travel? The superpowered James Webb Telescope has released its first images this month, giving us a window into distant space and the distant past. It’s dazzling. The Carina Nebula, a birthing ground for stars,…
Halfway through Summer of Wonder 2022!
The Summer Readers of Philadelphia are on a roll. Just halfway through the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder, we’re more than halfway to our citywide online reading minutes goal! If you’re not signed up yet, it’s…
Free Library Seeking Teen Social Justice Fellows!
Are you between the ages of 14 and 19? Do you have a passion and commitment for social justice? Are you looking for an opportunity where you can learn, serve your community, and develop/demonstrate your leadership skills? Would you like…
Jewish-American Heritage Month 2022
It's Jewish-American Heritage Month. Jewish-Americans have a rich and storied history and culture of our own. Many things we think of as chiefly Jewish are actually distinctly Jewish-American: From Bagels and Lox to the…
Deaf History Month 2022
Note: the use of "deaf" versus "Deaf" in this blog post is intentional. Deaf refers to the community and culture, while the lowercase deaf refers to the physical act of not being able to hear. Deaf…
Transgender Awareness Week 2021
Transgender Awareness Week , held annually from November 15 – 19, helps to raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face. The week is capped off on November 20 with Transgender Day of…
More Than Stonewall: LGBTQ Historical Nonfiction
All October we'll be talking about LGBTQ History on the Free Library's blog! So far we've discussed LGBTQ Historical Young Adult Fiction and LGBTQ History Told Through Comics and Graphic Novels . This week, we turn our…
Nourishing Literacy | Create Your Own Candy Buttons!
Teens recently joined the Field Teen Center and Nourishing Literacy teams for a SWEET Make and Take project! Candy buttons are small dots of colorful sugar candy attached to a strip of paper. It was surprising and cool how simple…
Teen Open Mic
Show off your passion, skill, and TALENT at the new teen open mic nights every first Tuesday at the Independence Library. Musicians, dancers, poets, authors, comedians, and all teens are welcome on stage. Sign-up sheet to perform is in…
Teen Open Mic
Show off your passion, skill, and TALENT at the new teen open mic nights every first Tuesday at the Independence Library. Musicians, dancers, poets, authors, comedians, and all teens are welcome on stage. Sign-up sheet to perform is in…
SAGA Club: Sexuality and Gender Acceptance
Queer or questioning and looking for community? SAGA is a space where LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies can socialize and discuss issues affecting the queer community. Join us each week for games, crafts, and…
SAGA Club: Sexuality and Gender Acceptance
Queer or questioning and looking for community? SAGA is a space where LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies can socialize and discuss issues affecting the queer community. Join us each week for games, crafts, and…
Teen Space Thursday
Teen Space will continue every Thursday throughout the summer (please pay attention to any changes in the program time), teens at Blackwell Regional Library will have their own hangout space to play games, read manga or graphic novels…
Teen Gaming
Join us for board, card, and video games. Feel free to bring your own games. For youth ages 12-17.
SAGA Club: Sexuality and Gender Acceptance
Queer or questioning and looking for community? SAGA is a space where LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies can socialize and discuss issues affecting the queer community. Join us each week for games, crafts, and…
Teen Space Thursday
Teen Space will continue every Thursday throughout the summer (please pay attention to any changes in the program time), teens at Blackwell Regional Library will have their own hangout space to play games, read manga or graphic novels…
Teen Anime Club
Love anime? Want to connect with fellow fans? Join us as we stream shows and chat about our favorite characters, Each session will feature an anime related activity. New viewers welcome! For youth ages 12-17…
SAGA Club: Sexuality and Gender Acceptance
Queer or questioning and looking for community? SAGA is a space where LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies can socialize and discuss issues affecting the queer community. Join us each week for games, crafts, and…
Teen Space Thursday
Teen Space will continue every Thursday throughout the summer (please pay attention to any changes in the program time), teens at Blackwell Regional Library will have their own hangout space to play games, read manga or graphic novels…
Teen Gaming
Join us for board, card, and video games. Feel free to bring your own games. For youth ages 12-17.
Teen Tuesday
Spook yourself and some friends with a scary movie and pizza! For ages 12 and up. Text @ricteen to 81010 for reminders.
Teen Cubing Club
Calling all teen Rubik's Cube enthusiasts (or those who just want to learn)! Join us for fun with twisty puzzles. We'll practice together, learn algorithms, and share tips to improve our solving times. You can bring a cube if…
SAGA Club: Sexuality and Gender Acceptance
Queer or questioning and looking for community? SAGA is a space where LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies can socialize and discuss issues affecting the queer community. Join us each week for games, crafts, and…
Teen Space Thursday
Teen Space will continue every Thursday throughout the summer (please pay attention to any changes in the program time), teens at Blackwell Regional Library will have their own hangout space to play games, read manga or graphic novels…
Teen Anime Club
Love anime? Want to connect with fellow fans? Join us as we stream shows and chat about our favorite characters, Each session will feature an anime related activity. New viewers welcome! For youth ages 12-17…
Summer Art Club
Hang out and make art with us! We will introduce different projects throughout the summer, including embroidery, friendship bracelets, painting, origami, and more. Daycares and schools are encouraged to call Kayla for scheduling…
Teen Open Mic
Show off your passion, skill, and TALENT at the new teen open mic nights every first Tuesday at the Independence Library. Musicians, dancers, poets, authors, comedians, and all teens are welcome on stage. Sign-up sheet to perform is in…
Teen Tuesday
Spook yourself and some friends with a scary movie and pizza! For ages 12 and up. Text @ricteen to 81010 for reminders.
Let's Talk About Consent: 7th - 12th Grade
Books and resources to aid parents, caregivers, and educators discuss the topic of consent and personal boundaries with teens in grades 7th - 12th.
Poetry - Novels in Verse
Poetry with special appeal for tweens and teens.
LGBTQ Teens - Resources for Parents and Families
Resources for Parents and Families of LGBTQ Teens.
LGBTQ Teens - Nonfiction
Information on bullying, safety, coming out, and other important topics relevant to LGBTQ teens.
Fantasy - Teens
YA fantasy fiction from the classics to newer sub genres, graphic novels, and epic series too!
Asian American Historical Fiction and Nonfiction for Teens
Recommended historical fiction and nonfiction for middle and high school students.
Graphic Novels - Realistic stories for Teens
Graphic novels that reflect real life.
YA Best of 2015
If you are looking for amazing Young Adult books, check out this Top 50 list created by three of our Teen Librarians – Erin H., Abbe K., and Rachel F.
U.S. Congressional Serial Set (1817-1980)
The bound, sequentially numbered volumes of all the Reports, Documents, and Journals of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives constitutes a rich source of primary source material on all aspects of American history. Upon…
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy is an authoritative, comprehensive Web-based reference work about philosophy, useful to scholars of all levels as well as the general public. Published through Stanford University’s Center for the…
Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries
With an extraordinary array of more than 35,000 individual tracks of streaming music, spoken word, and natural and human-made sounds, users can listen to performances by American folk icons such as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger…
Slavery in America and the World: History, Culture, and Law
This HeinOnline collection brings together a multitude of essential legal materials on slavery in the U.S. and the English-speaking world. It includes nearly 2,000 titles, with every statute passed by every colony and state on slavery,…
Sanborn Maps, 1867–1970 (Formerly Sanborn Maps Geo Edition)
Explore America’s building history through over 660,000 black-and-white, large-scale maps, which chart the growth of more than 12,000 towns and cities. Read this blog post to learn more.
Reference Solutions (Formerly ReferenceUSA)
A powerful tool providing access to in-depth information on businesses and residents. Research companies, locate addresses, phone numbers, conduct market research, and more.
Readers' Guide Retrospective: 1890-1982
Popular Music Library
Popluar Music Library contains a wide range of popular music from around the world, including hundreds of thousands of tracks from major genres in pop music, including alternative, country, Christian, electronic, hip-hop, metal, punk,…
Philadelphia Works Resume Builder
Resume Builder is a simple online tool for creating a resume. It uses a template that makes it easy for users to fill in the blanks, provides job descriptions from the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET OnLine service, and produces a…
Philadelphia Tribune (1912-2001)
Full access to the oldest continuously published daily Black newspaper in the United States.
Dorothy Roberts | Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World
In conversation with Marc Lamont Hill Addressing social justice issues of policing, state surveillance of families, and science, Dorothy Roberts ’s books include Killing the Black Body , Shattered Bonds , and Fatal Invention . She has…
Christopher Emdin | Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success
Christopher Emdin is the author of The New York Times bestseller For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood… and the Rest of Y’all Too , a combination of theory, research, and practical application that offers a helpful approach to…
Paul Tough | The Years That Matter Most: How College Makes or Breaks Us
Paul Tough is the author of the bestselling How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character , a “persuasive wake-up call” ( People ) to the deprivations of knowledge suffered by American kids from both extremes…
Leslie Odom, Jr. | Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning
In Conversation with Kalela Williams, Director of Neighborhood Enrichment Programming Philadelphia's Leslie Odom Jr., burst on the scene in 2015, originating the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical phenomenon Hamilton. Since…
Jennifer Weiner | Little Bigfoot, Big City
Watch the video here . Jennifer Weiner is the “funny, fierce, feisty” ( Glamour ) no. 1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels that dive headlong into the ups and downs of relationships, careers, and family…
Arianna Huffington | The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One, Night at A Time
Ten years ago, Arianna Huffington launched The Huffington Post , a news and blog site that quickly became one of the most widely read, linked-to, and frequently cited media brands on the internet. In 2012, the site won a Pulitzer Prize…
WOAR
Women Organized Against Rape—Philadelphia's Only Rape Crisis Center. Women Organized Against Rape is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate sexual violence.
We Can Teach Kids Consent Without Bringing Sex Into the Conversation
How a sexuality educator about how she began broaching the topic of consent and boundaries with her 4-year old.
The Consensual Project
The Consensual Project partners with schools and universities to bring students a fresh understanding of consent. The innovative curriculum, workshops, and website empower young people to incorporate consent into their daily lives.
Scarleteen
Advice, help, and information about teen sexuality. Special sections for teen gals and guys. This special section has a ton of information about what consent looks like.
RAINN
RAINN – Rape Abuse & Incest National Network – is an anti-sexual assault organization working with local rape crisis centers across the U.S. Also has a web-based crisis hotline providing live and anonymous support.
Philly schools pass sweeping policy protecting transgender students
"Without debate or comments from the public, the Philadelphia School Reform Commission adopted a policy on Thursday, June 16 that immediately allows transgender students to, among other things, be referred to by their pronoun of choice;…
Midwest Teen Sex Show
Midwest Teen Sex Show was a comedic, semi-educational video podcast featured brief 3-5 minute monthly episodes on topics relating to teen sexuality like birth control, sexuality, hook-ups and more. Although the show is no longer…
Its Never Too Early To Teach Children About Consent and Boundaries
Great article from a Canadian writer about how parents can model consent and keep the conversation open and positive.
It's On Us
This initiative from the White House aims to change the conversation and the culture around campus sexual assault.
6 Ways to Talk to Your Kids About Consent
This quick article from September 2015 includes 6 tips on how to talk to your kids about consent – its appropriate for parents of children and teens. Bonus points – funny gifs.
1 in 6
Resources and stories focused on male survivors of unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives.