BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – The Rockingham Free Public Library is inviting local teens to take over the library this September with “Teen Takeover: After School, Your Space,” a series of creative, social, and hands-on programs designed to give teens a place to connect, create, explore new interests, and spend time together.
The series includes a variety of experiences throughout September, beginning with “Zine Making” on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 3:30 p.m., where teens can create their own miniature magazines using art, collage, writing, and design.
This program will be followed by Teen Book Group on two Wednesdays, Sept. 9 and 16, at 3:30 p.m. both days, where participants will help choose the books, receive copies to keep, and enjoy relaxed conversation and food.
Teens can then try their hand at building and customizing their own tabletop pinball game during “Literary Pinball” on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 3:30 p.m. Space for this program is limited, and registration is required.
The series continues with “Teen After-Hours: Game, Movie, & Make Night,” on Friday, Sept. 18, from 5-9 p.m., an evening of games, crafts, movies, food, challenges, and hanging out after the library closes.
The series concludes with “Spill the Tea: A (Boston) Tea Party Reimagined,” on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m., a teen-friendly morning tea celebrating America’s 250th birthday through tea tasting, games, hands-on activities, and an exploration of what it means to speak out and make your voice heard.
“Young people deserve spaces where they can come as they are, try something new, and have a say in what happens,” said Young Adult Services Librarian Ava Auchmoody. “‘Teen Takeover’ is about making the library feel like their space – a place where teens feel welcome, connected, and empowered to shape what happens there. It gives them opportunities to take ownership, share their ideas, and build a stronger sense of belonging in their community.”
“Teen Takeover” reflects the library’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in their community and shape the programs offered to them. The series is intentionally designed to offer different ways to participate, whether a teen wants to make something, talk about books, play games, explore history, watch a movie, or simply spend time with friends. “Teen Takeover: After School, Your Space” is provided through a grant from Vermont Humanities.
For more information, contact the Rockingham Free Public Library at 802-463-4270, visit www.rockinghamlibrary.org, or email youthservices@rockinghamlibrary.org.