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Summer at the Library: For Teens

Join us to Make Waves this summer at The New York Public Library. Discover a world of free programs and events to inspire you, including Anti-Prom, author talks, arts and crafts, photography, zine-making and more. Plus, submit writing and artwork to our new teen magazine for a chance to win a prize, check out the latest book recommendations, and explore all that the Library offers teens this summer—and all year round!

Explore Summer at the Library for all ages in español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), বাংলা (Bengali), Русский (Russian), and English.

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Free Book Giveaway!

We are giving away 500,000 free books for kids and teens at branches this summer! Drop by your local branch, pick up new books to take home for kids and teens to keep, and check out everything the Library has to offer this summer—and all year round.

Learn More
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  • Make Waves: Submit Your Work to Our New Teen Magazine!

    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.

    Submit Online
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  • Get Inspired!

    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
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Free Programs & Events

Join us in branches all summer long for free programs exploring who you are, what you care about, and how you can make a difference through photography, zine-making, poetry, and more. Plus—find inspiration for your magazine submissions!

  • All Events for Teens
  • Outdoor Events
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Summer Staff Picks

Our expert librarians have curated a wide array of fun, thought-provoking, and inspiring books for all ages to read this summer! Check out these books for teens, including fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and libros en español! Many are also available in accessible formats.

Explore the List
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  • Stay Connected

    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.

    Sign Up
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  • Library Cards

    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.

    Apply Now
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  • Did You Know?

    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!

    Learn More
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  • Anti-Prom at NYPL

    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.

    Learn More
    Photo of Anti Prom celebration inside the main hall in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
  • Visit the Teen Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)

    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!

    Learn More
    Photo of a smiling teenager in the recording studio booth at the Teen Center at SNFL.
  • Apply to be a Teen Reading Ambassador!

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

    Learn More
    Photo of a large group of NYPL's Teen Reading Ambassadors standing outside of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building while wearing jackets and face masks.
  • More Book Recommendations for Teens

    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.

    Learn More
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  • TeenLIVE Author Talks

    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.

    Learn More
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  • STEAM Discovery Kits

    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.

    Discover
    Steam Discovery Kits
  • E-Books & Audiobooks

    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
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  • Personalized Book Bundles

    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.

    Try It Now
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  • NYPL App

    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
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Explore Summer at the Library

Discover oceans of possibility at The New York Public Library this summer with free events and programs for all ages, book giveaways, our all-new Make Waves program for kids and teens, reading recommendations, and much more! 

Explore Summer at the Library for all ages in español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), বাংলা (Bengali), Русский (Russian), and English.

Graphic illustration of a diverse group of people playing with and surfing on books in an ocean with superimposed text in blue that reads: Summer at the Library.

Thank You

The Book Giveaway is supported in part by a generous grant from the Gray Foundation. 

Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2022 city-wide sponsor for the Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Additional support is provided by The Rona Jaffe Foundation; New York Yankees Foundation; anonymous donors; and the continuing major support of the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.

Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.

Logos for: the Gray Foundation, the New York Life Foundation, The Rona Jaffe Foundation, New York Yankees Foundation, and Summer Reading at New York Libraries.
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