Have You Been DREAMING About Portal Magazine? Portal Issue #3 Is Available Now!
The New York Public Library's Teen Reading Ambassadors internship program brings together 10th–12th grade students to help further the Library's mission to inspire lifelong learning in others, particularly young children. Ambassadors work at NYPL After School programs across the city providing tutoring and literacy enrichment activities to children ages 6–12. They also show children the joy of reading by connecting them with engaging books from the Library’s collections!
We're so excited to announce the release of the third issue of Portal, our magazine for kids ages 6–12 written, edited, and designed by the Teen Reading Ambassadors. The theme of this issue is DREAMS.
The magazine features stories, comics, poems, and recipes, countless activities (including a board game, coloring page, and personality quiz), interviews with people who achieved their dreams, original artwork by kids just like you, and so much more!
Read Portal Issue #3 digitally or pick up a copy at your local NYPL branch starting Monday, August 7th.
To give you a taste of what you’ll find in the magazine, we interviewed the Teen Reading Ambassadors, chatted with an NYPL staff member, and compiled dreamy book recommendations.
LISTEN, WATCH, and BROWSE below!
LISTEN
The Teen Reading Ambassadors shared their thoughts about the Library, the magazine, and the TRA program. Click on the audio recordings to hear their ideas in their own words!
What did you create for Portal?
“The piece that I did was dreams in real life. I [interviewed] curators at the Library and they all chose a piece that they thought was representative of dreams. I talked about that and then made it into a format where you could look at the piece and understand the meaning behind it.” —Walaa Alyamani, Chatham Square Library
Walaa’s interviews can be found on pages 20–21!
“I did a piece on the science behind dreaming. [It’s] a combination of why we dream—there are different theories behind that—and also generally at what point in your sleep you dream…” —Angelina Mejia, Bloomingdale Library
Flip to pages 34–35 to check out Angie’s nonfiction piece!
How do you think the Library supports kids' dreams?
“[The Library] offers a safe haven for kids to explore new ideas and be themselves, when where they go to school or where they are at home might not allow that. And it’s a really great place to forge new connections and friendships.” —Mollie Kuritzky, Jerome Park Library
“I think the Library provides a lot of assistance. There are a lot of figures at the Library you can go to, talk to… they give perfect advice.” —Annabelle Guzman, Morrisania Library
“I think libraries really encourage kids to be open and explore new opportunities, and not be scared of any challenges that come at them.” —Selina Lin, Chatham Square Library
WATCH
Jaimely De Leon, a Teen Reading Ambassador at the Kingsbridge Library, interviewed Adriana Blancarte-Hayward, the Senior Manager of Outreach Services at NYPL.
Adriana talked about her dreams as a child, her work at the Library, being bilingual in New York City, and so much more. The videos below show snippets of Jaimely’s conversation with Adriana. You can find the interview in both English and Spanish on pages 44–45 of the magazine!
BROWSE
The Teen Reading Ambassadors regularly recommend books for kids, and we encourage you to check them out. If you’re looking for new book recommendations, flip to pages 54–55 of Portal. Issue #3 has eight dreamy book recommendations, including the three below.
Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black
by Dapo Adeola
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Stephanie Boye-Doe, Tompkins Square LibraryHey you! Yes, you! Do you want to be inspired? Do you need a reminder of how special you are and what good you can do for the world? Hey You! by Dapo Adeola combines the art of eighteen Black illustrators to remind you just how great you are. Each page opens a new experience and another reason to love being you!
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
by Anika Aldamuy Denise; illustrated by Paola Escobar
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Dariel Dominguez, Tremont LibraryThis book tells the story of New York librarian Pura Teresa Belpré. Pura Belpré was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and moved to Nueva York (Spanish for New York!) as an adult. Her first job in Nueva York was at a garment factory, but she quickly discovered this was not her dream job. Read Planting Stories to find out what Pura Belpré’s dream job was and how she was able to achieve it!
Mae Among the Stars
by Roda Ahmed; illustrated by Stasia Burrington
Ages 2–6
Recommended by Kianna Canada, Kingsbridge LibraryMae Among the Stars is inspired by Mae C. Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. When Mae was just a little girl, she dreamed of dancing in space surrounded by thousands of floating stars. With her parents’ encouragement and lots of determination, she achieved her dream. This book teaches kids to always dream big, no matter what.
At The New York Public Library, we believe what teens have to say matters. Read more from Teen Voices at NYPL.