By M. Diane McCormick 

Being a teenager can be challenging, and The Library – through programs, online portals and more – is looking for ways to offer help and a safe space. 

“Our teen programming focuses on social-emotional health in all aspects,” said Youth Coordinator Samantha Lowe. “We’re building relationships between The Library and the teens and between the teens themselves, and helping them find ways to express themselves in a healthy way.” 

In August, the Library welcomes its first Summer Reading Challenge program for teens. “Myles Bullen: Poetry, Rap, and Navigating Grief” brings in nationally recognized rapper Myles Bullen for two programs on using the tools of self-expression and joy to face and overcome mental health challenges.  

The Library has many resources to help teens along the journey. They include: 

Fiction 

• “The Atlas of Us,” by Kristin Dwyer: The story of a grief-stricken girl rediscovering herself and family through life in the wilderness. 

• “Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories”: Whether it’s “Pride and Prejudice” launched into outer space, or “The Great Gatsby” playing out on an island off Costa Rica, these reworked tales help readers see themselves as the heroes in their own stories. 

• “This is Me Trying,” by Racquel Marie: Separated friends reconcile in the wake of suicide and mental illness. 

• “M or F?” by Lisa Papademetriou and Chris Tebbetts: A gay teen helps a friend communicate with an online crush, but things get complicated. 

Nonfiction 

• “Outofshapeworthlessloser,” by Gracie Gold: Olympic skater Gold honestly relates her struggles amid bulimia and the pressures of competition. 

• “The Emotionally Intelligent Teen,” by Melanie McNally: A guide to build skills for dealing with feelings, building stronger relationships, and boosting self-confidence. 

• “Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys,” by Charlotte N. Markey: Understanding what’s going on the in the teen male body and finding self in a world focused on athletics and muscularity. 

• “The Girl’s Guide to Relationships, Sexuality, and Consent,” by Leah Aguirre: Building the tools to stay safe and feel empowered and confident. 

• “Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen,” by Arin Andrews with Joshua Lyon: The funny, poignant, and painful memoir of a teen’s gender reassignment.

Additional resources 

Online visitors can find resources and help in the community through: 

• The Library Health & Human Services page which links to state, county, nonprofit, and health system providers.  

• Library’s databases to help teens manage academics and explore careers, including Tutor.com, Power Library and Power Kids, and Science Reference Center.