Summer at the Library: For Teens

We want to hear how you Make Waves in your world! Our new teen magazine will include writing and art by and for teens sharing who you are, what you care about, and how you’re using your voice to make a difference. 

All pieces selected for publication will be awarded a $100 gift card! Having your work published is also a great addition to your resume or college application.

The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM on Friday, August 19. All teens ages 13–19 who live in New York City are welcome to apply! Read our full submission guidelines.

Here are some ideas to inspire your writing and art:

• Define Yourself!
• Explore Your Rights
• Discover Your Community and Its History
• Map Your Community Spaces
• Profile a Changemaker
• Participate in Democracy
• Think Globally
• Use Your Voice

Get the best from the Library direct to your inbox! From our free programs, events, and exhibitions to activities for kids and research news, there's something for everyone.

Join your library community! New Yorkers can access millions of books, e-books, digital resources, and more—all FREE with a New York Public Library card.

There are no more late fines at the Library—and all old fines have been removed—so you can borrow books and more from any branch with no worries!

We’re delighted to welcome teens back in person to dance and hang out at Anti-Prom at The New York Public Library. Anti-Prom provides an alternative, safe space for teens regardless of your sexuality, gender identity, the way you dress, or any other reason.

Teens can find a fully equipped space just for them, including areas for exploring technology, finding academic support, or just hanging out. Find inspiration, pursue your interests, and discover resources for schoolwork, job help, or creating the next innovative breakthrough!

The Teen Reading Ambassadors program offers internships to teens to help develop job readiness and leadership skills. Applications will open in mid-July.

Discover books for teens by and about a diverse array of people and communities, handpicked by the expert librarians and staff at The New York Public Library.

Explore programs featuring authors from our annual Best Books for Teens list, plus thought-provoking conversations, real debates, and exciting performances with your favorite writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, fashionistas, and more.

Build, code, and stargaze with NYPL’s amazing STEAM Discovery Kits, available to borrow from 30 branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Explore robotics, astronomy, engineering, coding, and more.

Download SimplyE, the Library's free e-reader app, which makes it easy to borrow e-books and audiobooks from a catalog of more than 300,000 titles.

• English 
• Español
• 简体中文
• বাংলা
• Русский

Tell us what you like to read and we’ll handpick a personalized book bundle just for you! Get Shelf Help in open branches, online, or by calling Ask NYPL on 917-ASK-NYPL.

With the NYPL app, you can access everything the Library has to offer from home or while you’re on the go. Information available in:

• English
• Español 
• 简体中文
• Русский
• বাংলা
• Français