October Programs for Teens

October Programs for Teens

October Programs for Teens

Teen Action Council

Have a say in what goes on at the Library for teens! Ages 13-18 are welcome to join us Wednesday, Oct. 2nd at 4 PM in the Community Room to voice their input. 

LEGO Club logo

Manga and Animation Art Club

Calling all teens ages 12-18 who love art and anime! Join our new Manga and Animation Art Club where we’ll learn from professional artists and each other. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, come to learn, create, and share your work with fellow fans! Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 PM in the Community Room we’ll be learning the techniques of drawing anime and manga faces. Don’t miss out!

Chess & Game Club

Learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Game supplies will be provided.

Ahoy, me hearties! Mark your calendars for our annual Pirate’s Dice Tournament on October 21! Come dressed as your favorite pirate and set yer sails for a jolly good time!

Young League of Writers

Calling all teen writers ages 12-18! Join the Young League of Writers on Wednesday, October 9 at 4 PM in the Community Room to master the art of a captivating climax. Share your stories, meet fellow wordsmiths, and take your writing to the next level. Let’s make those final pages sizzle!

Teen Anime Club logo

Teen LEGO Club

Attention brick magicians and LEGO enthusiasts ages 12-18! Join us for Teen LEGO Club on Thursday, October 10 at 4:30 PM in the Community Room. We’ll be designing and building our dream Halloween costumes… out of LEGOs! Bring your creativity and get ready for some spooky brick-tastic fun!

Dungeons & Dragons

Calling all teen adventurers! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons on Friday, October 11 at 3:30 PM in the Community Room. Whether you’re a seasoned hero or a curious beginner, this classic role-playing game lets you create your own character, choose your story path, and roll the dice to determine your fate!

Experienced players can bring their own characters (5th Edition rules), or try out one of our pre-made adventurers—perfect for those just starting out.

Ages 12-18. Ready your swords and spells… the journey awaits!

Cook With a Book

Teens, join us for Cook With a Book on Wednesday, October 16 at 4 PM in the Community Room! We’ll be diving into Brandon Mull’s Five Kingdoms: Crystal Keepers while making delicious chicken salad croissants. Bring your appetite and love for books! Ages 12-18 welcome.

Anime Club

Calling all anime fans ages 12-18! Join the Teen Anime Club on Thursday, October 17 at 4:00 PM in the Community Room for a screening of The Girl from the Other Side by Yutaro Kubo. Dive into this hauntingly beautiful story, chat about your favorite manga, and enjoy some fun games with fellow anime fans!

Family Friendly Films

Looking for a fun movie afternoon on the big screen? Join us for Free Family Friendly Films on Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room! We’ve got new releases and beloved classics lined up:

  • Oct. 18: Inside Out 2 (PG)
  • Nov. 1: The Garfield Movie (PG)
  • Nov. 15: Despicable Me 4 (PG)

All ages welcome, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible party aged 14 or older. Parents, please prescreen the films to ensure they’re right for your little movie fans!

Shiver and Shock Glow Party with Josh Allen

Get ready for a night of spooks and glow-in-the-dark fun at the Shiver and Shock Glow Party with author Josh Allen! Join us on Saturday, October 19 at 7 PM in the Library Community Room for an unforgettable evening of chills as Josh reads by the fire from his latest book, Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock! Feel the goosebumps rise and enjoy glow party activities for the whole family! This event is for all ages, so bring everyone for a frightfully fun night!

Fall Recital

Join us on Monday, October 21 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room for an evening of music and talent! All ages, instruments, styles, and skill levels are welcome to perform. If you’d like to participate, make sure to sign up by October 11. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the show—everyone’s invited!

Hogwarts Hijinks: The Weasley Halloween Heist

Calling all wizards and witches! Join us for Hogwarts Hijinks: The Weasley Halloween Heist—an exciting Harry Potter-themed escape room! Help Fred and George Weasley pull off their biggest prank yet by sneaking into Filch’s office to retrieve a confiscated item before time runs out.

October 21-26 in the Activity Room

Monday: 12-4 PM | Tues-Wed: 12-6 PM | Thurs: 12-5 PM | Fri: 12-4 PM | Sat: 11 AM-1 PM

Ages 8+ (young witches and wizards under 12 must be with accompanied by someone 14+)

Groups of 2-5

Sign up now—spots are limited!

Teen Crafts: Wandmaking

Calling all wizards and witches! Join us for Teen Crafts on Thursday, October 24 at 4:30 PM in the Community Room! Bring a friend, jam to some tunes, and create your very own Harry Potter wand to take home! Ages 12-18. Don’t miss out on this magical crafting session!

TeenTober: Black Lights ‘n’ Lasers

Celebrate TeenTober 2024 in style at our Black Light & Lasers Teen Party on Friday, October 25 at 7 PM in the Community Room! Ages 12-18 are invited to dress in their coolest black and white outfits for a night of glowing fun! Enjoy gleaming treats and laser tag in the spooky library stacks under black lights. Don’t miss out on this luminescent night of excitement!

Accidentally Wes Anderson Photo Competition

Calling all photographers ages 15+! Capture the quirky, symmetrical, and surreal with our Accidentally Wes Anderson Photo Competition. Submit your best photos from October 14 – November 1 at the Circulation Desk or email attachments to programs@madisonlib.org for a chance to win a copy of Wally Koval’s inspiring book! Check out photo examples in the adult display case throughout October and find the book Accidentally Wes Anderson featured in our foyer. Entries will be displayed in our display case throughout November. Good luck!

Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo

Idaho Teen Reading Challenge

Teens ages 12-18—are you ready for the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge? Sign up today at Madison Library District, Madison Jr. High Library, Madison High School Library, or online with the Beanstack app!

Read 8 books from 10 different categories and track your progress on Beanstack or with paper trackers, journals, or bookmarks available at all three libraries. For every book you finish, grab a prize at the Circulation desk or during visiting librarian days at your school library!

Complete the challenge by May 1 to be entered into a drawing for a $30 gift card AND help your library earn books! Let’s get reading!

Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo

Armchair Traveler Challenge

Have you ever wanted to travel to all 50 states? Take an epic journey with us this year as we visit each great state of our nation. Armchair travelers ages 12 and up will read one book set in each state, earning state stickers and opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will have the opportunity to earn small prizes along the way. Each reader who completes the journey will earn a special travel bag commemorating their travels. See more details here.

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

October Programs for Adults

October Programs for Adults

October Programs for Adults

Creative Writing Club

Join the Creative Writing Club! Calling all storytelling enthusiasts ages 18+! Meet us in the Community Room at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays, October 2nd and 16th. Share your writing, make new friends, and discuss your favorite work and the passion behind your craft. Let’s inspire each other!

Library Maintenance Closure

The Library will be closed Saturday, October 5 for Building Maintenance. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

Accidentally Wes Anderson Photo Competition

Calling all photographers ages 15+! Capture the quirky, symmetrical, and surreal with our Accidentally Wes Anderson Photo Competition. Submit your best photos from October 14 – November 1 at the Circulation Desk or email them to programs@madisonlib.org for a chance to win a copy of Wally Koval’s inspiring book! Check out photo examples in the adult display case throughout October and find the book Accidentally Wes Anderson featured in our foyer. Entries will be displayed in our display case throughout November. Good luck!

Free Family Friendly Films

Looking for a fun movie afternoon on the big screen? Join us for Free Family Friendly Films on Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room! We’ve got new releases and beloved classics lined up:

  • Oct. 18: Inside Out 2 (PG)
  • Nov. 1: The Garfield Movie (PG)
  • Nov. 15: Despicable Me 4 (PG)

All ages welcome, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible party aged 14 or older. Parents, please prescreen the films to ensure they’re right for your little movie fans!

Adult Makers

Unleash your creativity with wire-wrapped rings! Join Adult Makers on Friday, October 18 at 7 PM in the Community Room for a fun night of crafting. Whether you want to create something small and elegant, bold and statement-making, or quirky and fun, the choice is yours! No limits, just creativity. Ages 18 and up. All skill levels welcome!

Shiver and Shock Glow Party with Josh Allen

Get ready for a night of spooks and glow-in-the-dark fun at the Shiver and Shock Glow Party with author Josh Allen! Join us on Saturday, October 19 at 7 PM in the Library Community Room for an unforgettable evening of chills as Josh reads by the fireside from his latest book, Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock! Feel the goosebumps rise and enjoy glow party activities for the whole family! This event is for all ages, so bring everyone for a frightfully fun night!

Hogwarts Hijinks: The Weasley Halloween Heist

Calling all wizards and witches! Join us for Hogwarts Hijinks: The Weasley Halloween Heist—an exciting Harry Potter-themed escape room! Help Fred and George Weasley pull off their biggest prank yet by sneaking into Filch’s office to retrieve a confiscated item before time runs out.

Dates: October 21-26

Monday: 12-4 PM | Tues-Wed: 12-6 PM | Thurs: 12-5 PM | Fri: 12-4 PM | Sat: 11 AM-1 PM

Ages 8+ (young witches and wizards under 12 must be with someone 14+) Groups of 2-5

Sign up now—spots are limited!

Fall Recital

Join us on Monday, October 21 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room for an evening of music and talent! All ages, instruments, styles, and skill levels are welcome to perform. If you’d like to participate, make sure to sign up by October 11. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the show—everyone’s invited!

Take a Break Book Club

Ready for a spooky-fun read? Join us on Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room for an open discussion of The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter by Aaron Reynolds! Share your thoughts on this hilarious ghostly adventure while enjoying ice cream treats. Ages 18+ welcome!
Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo
Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo

Armchair Traveler Challenge

Have you ever wanted to travel to all 50 states? Take an epic journey with us this year as we visit each great state of our nation. Armchair travelers will read one book set in each state, earning state stickers and opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will have the opportunity to earn small prizes along the way. Each reader who completes the journey will earn a special travel bag commemorating their travels. See more details here:

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

July 2024 Teen Activities

July 2024 Teen Activities

July 2024 Teen Activities

Summer Reading

Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and keep smashing our reading goals! The second prizes for every level will be available July 1st and the third prizes will be released on July 15th. The last day to sign up is July 20th, and the last day for prizes is July 27th. For more information, visit our Summer Reading Page: Do It: Summer Reading.

Chess & Game Club

Learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday* from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Mark your calendars for July 1st because we’ve gone mad with Mancala! Join us for an outdoor Mancala madness party with squishy balls, buckets of water, and a lot of fun! Bring a towel with you… because we can’t guarantee you’ll stay dry! Game supplies will be provided. (*There will be no Chess & Game Club July 29th.)

LEGO Club logo

LEGO Club

Ages 6-18 are welcome to join LEGO Club on Tuesdays at 2 PM in the Community Room!

July 2 – LEGO Scavenger Hunt Adventure

July 16 – Adventures in the Wildlife Refuge

Family Friendly Films

Join us for Free Family Friendly Films every Wednesday at 1 PM in the Community Room! Get ready for a cinematic journey filled with new releases and beloved classics. Check out our lineup:

7/03That Darn Cat, 1961 (G)

7/10Coraline (PG)

7/17Flushed Away (PG)

7/24Lightyear (PG)

Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older, and parents, please prescreen films to ensure it is appropriate for your child. Mark your calendars for a summer of movie magic!

Teen Action Council

Have a say in what goes on at the Library for teens! Ages 13-18 are welcome to join us Wednesday, July 3rd at 4 PM in the Community Room to voice their input. 

Anime Club

Calling all anime enthusiasts! Join us on Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room for the ultimate Teen Anime Club experience! Ages 12-18 are invited to immerse themselves in the world of anime, manga, and games.

JULY 05 – Unleash your creativity with Anime Arts and Crafts featuring manga art, bookmarks, buttons & magnets!

JULY 19 – Indulge in Anime Food, Snacks & Treats with delicious mochi, candy sushi & taiyaki!

Don’t miss out! See you there!

Teen Anime Club logo

Young League of Writers

Calling all young wordsmiths! Join us Wednesday, July 10th at 4:00 PM in the Community Room for Young League of Writers, exclusively for teens ages 12-18. Whether you’re eager to share your latest creations or simply looking to connect with fellow writers, this is the place to be! We have a special guest joining us: Janine Gilbert, screenwriter extraordinaire! She is known for adapting Jack Weyland’s book Charly for the screen and will be helping us learn how to write for the screen and stage.

This time, bring your short play for the Summer Reading 2024 Teen Writer’s contest and let’s polish it together for a stronger entry.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hone your craft and forge friendships with like-minded creative writers. See you there!

Teen Crafts

Hey, creative teens ages 12-18! Join us every* Thursday at 4:30 PM for Teen Crafts in the Community Room! Bring your friends and groove to music as you craft unique masterpieces to take home:

JULY 11 – Perler Bead Bookmarks

JULY 18 – Fairy Light Canvas Art

JULY 25 – Seashell Jewelry

Let your imagination run wild and let’s create together! *The Library will be closed Thursday, July 4th and there will be no Teen Crafts.

Dungeons & Dragons

Calling all brave adventurers ages 12-18! Join us Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room for Teen Dungeons & Dragons! Dive into our Summer Reading “One Shot” Campaigns where mysteries await:

July 12th: Adventures in the Lair of the Spider Hag

Experienced or new, all are welcome! Bring your own character or use one of our pre-made ones, crafted with the core 5th Edition player’s handbook. For more info visit:  Let the questing begin!

Cook With a Book: Keeper of the Lost Cities

Unleash Your Culinary Magic! Join us for Cook with a Book for teens ages 12-18. Dive into the enchanting world of Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger while whipping up some delectable Mallowmelt treats in our Community Room Kitchen. Get ready for a taste of adventure on Wednesday, July 17th at 4:30 PM. Don’t miss out on this deliciously literary experience!

Movies on the Lawn

Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience under the stars as “Movies on the Lawn” makes its triumphant return this summer! Join us for an exciting lineup of beloved films showcased on our giant outdoor screen, perfect for a cozy evening with friends and family. On July 19th at 9:30 PM we will be showing Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Don’t miss out on this enchanting summer tradition—grab your popcorn, bring your blankets and chairs and set up a comfy spot right on the lawn. Concessions will be available and free! Join us for an unforgettable evening of movie magic!

Teen Anime Club logo

Adventures in Scriptwriting:

Teen Writing Contest

Dive into the world of scriptwriting with our “Adventures in Scriptwriting: Teen Writer’s Contest”! Calling all teen writers aged 12-18! Do you have a flair for crafting captivating dialogue and compelling characters? Submit your best playwriting to Madison Library District’s contest and showcase your talent! Need guidance? Join us at Young League of Writers on July 10th for expert tips and tricks. All participants will win a prize! Plus, the 1st prize winner gets their script performed at our End of Summer Reading party. Don’t miss out! Submit your entry by July 20th. Details are available at the Teen Zone

Teen Anime Club logo

Adventures in Candyland: Teen Summer Reading Closing Party

Teens aged 12-18, join us for a sweet finale to your Summer Reading journey at our Adventures in Candyland Closing Party! Dive into a life-size Candyland adventure on Friday, July 26, from 7-9 PM. Will you brave Gloppy’s Chocolate Swamp or conquer Lord Licorice’s Forest? Whatever happens, hopefully you will find your way to King Kandy’s Castle where a treasure trove of sweet treats awaits! Explore and earn sweet rewards to decorate your own Candy Gingerbread Castle! Don’t miss out on this candy-coated extravaganza!

Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo

Armchair Traveler Challenge

Have you ever wanted to travel to all 50 states? Take an epic journey with us this year as we visit each great state of our nation. Armchair travelers ages 12 and up will read one book set in each state, earning state stickers and opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will have the opportunity to earn small prizes along the way. Each reader who completes the journey will earn a special travel bag commemorating their travels. See more details here.

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

June 2024 Adult Activities

June 2024 Adult Activities

June 2024 Adult Activities

Summer Reading 2024

Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and stay active all summer long! Sign-ups begin on Monday, June 3rd, either online or at the Library. Complete your reading goals and earn prizes provided by our amazing local sponsors. For more information, visit our Summer Reading Page: Do It: Summer Reading.

Creative Writing Club

Join our Creative Writing Club (Ages 18+) on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM. This summer’s dates are: June 5th, June 12th, July 3rd and July 17th. On June 5th we will be meeting in the Activity Room, but every other date will be in the Community Room! Share your literary gems with fellow storytelling enthusiasts and bond over love for the written word.

Short Story Contest: “Oh the Places You’ll Go!”

Attention all writers aged 18 and up! Are you passionate about storytelling? Then seize the opportunity to enter Madison Library District’s Short Story Contest!

We are accepting submissions from June 3rd to June 28th. The theme? “Oh, the places you’ll go!” Based on the infamous Dr. Seuss tale of facing life’s ups and downs, tell us a story of the places you’ll go, whether fiction or non-fiction.

The grand prize? A $100 Barnes & Noble gift card! The winning entry will be announced on Friday, July 26th and showcased in our August newsletter.

To submit your masterpiece, send it via email to programs@madisonlib.org. Make sure to check out the full rules of entry on our website.

Family Friendly Films

Join us for Free Family Friendly Films every Wednesday at 1 PM in the Community Room! Get ready for a cinematic journey filled with new releases and beloved classics. Check out our lineup:

6/12 – Migration (PG)

6/26 – Alice in Wonderland (G)

Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older, and parents, please prescreen films to ensure it is appropriate for your child. Mark your calendars for a summer of movie magic!

Adventures in Magic with Matt Seraydarian

Kick off Summer Reading 2024 with a spellbinding adventure that’s perfect for all ages! Magician and illusionist with Matt Seraydarian will amaze and transfix in the Community Room on Thursday, June 13 at 6:30 PM! Matt’s magical mastery combines music, stories, and inspiring messages, promising an unforgettable after-dinner delight! Don’t miss out! For more mesmerizing moments, check out The Magic of Matt Seraydarian on YouTube. See you there!

Movies on the Lawn

Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience under the stars as “Movies on the Lawn” makes its triumphant return this summer! Join us for an exciting lineup of beloved films showcased on our giant outdoor screen, perfect for a cozy evening with friends and family. Showtimes are limited to June 21st at 9:30 PM: Wonka & July 19th at 9:30 PM: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Don’t miss out on this enchanting summer tradition—grab your popcorn, bring your blankets and chairs and set up a comfy spot right on the lawn. Concessions will be available and free! Join us for an unforgettable evening of movie magic!

Take a Break Book Club

Hey, Adult Bookworms (18+)! Log into the world of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One with our Take A Break Book Club! Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just love a good story, this is the place to be. Mark your calendars for June 27th at 6:30 PM and get ready for an evening of lively discussion in our Community Room!

Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo

Armchair Traveler Challenge

Have you ever wanted to travel to all 50 states? Take an epic journey with us this year as we visit each great state of our nation. Armchair travelers will read one book set in each state, earning state stickers and opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will have the opportunity to earn small prizes along the way. Each reader who completes the journey will earn a special travel bag commemorating their travels. See more details here:

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

Teen Activities March 2024

Teen Activities March 2024

Teen Activities March 2024

Chess and Game Club

Learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday in March from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Game supplies will be provided.

Teen Action Council

Have a say in what goes on at the Library for teens! Ages 12-18 are welcome to join us Wednesday, March 6 at 4 PM in the Community Room to voice their input.

Teen Crafts

Join us for Teen Crafts, where creativity takes center stage. Ages 12-18, bring your friends and listen to music while you make an awesome art project to take home with you. Dive into beginner book binding on Thursday, March 7 at 4:30 PM. Then, on March 21 at the same time, master the basics of watercolor painting!

Family Friendly Films

Lights, camera, action! Join us for Family Friendly Films at the library! Whether you’re craving the latest hits or timeless classics, we’ve got you covered! Bring the whole family and enjoy a free afternoon of movie magic on the big screen Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room. On March 1st, get ready to groove with Trolls: Band Together, and mark your calendars for March 8th for a magical journey with Wonka! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Teen Anime Club logo

LEGO Club

It’s LEGO Club time! Ages 6-18, get ready to beat the timer with lucky LEGOs in a thrilling challenge! Join us in the Community Room on Tuesday, March 12 at 4 PM.

Teen Anime Club logo

Young League of Writers

Unleash your creativity with the Young League of Writers! Join us on Wed. March 13th at 4:00 PM in the Community Room for a gathering of teen writers aged 12-18. Whether you’re eager to share your latest work or simply looking to connect with fellow wordsmiths, this is the place to be! During our hour and a half session, we’ll focus on point of view and verb tenses. Plus, don’t miss our helping hand critique session, where we’ll provide constructive feedback on your Monet “Water Lilies” short story. Bring your imagination and let’s create something amazing together!

Anime Club

Dive into the world of anime with us! Ages 12-18, join our Teen Anime Club for a screening of My Clueless First Friend on March 7, followed by exciting Anime Club Binge Selections on March 28! Bring your love for manga, games, and endless discussions. Be part of the fun on Thursdays in the Community Room at 4:30 PM. See you there!

Dungeons & Dragons

Calling all adventurers! Join us for Teen Dungeons & Dragons on Friday, March 15th at 3:30 PM! Embark on an epic journey where you create your own character, shape the story, and roll the dice to determine your fate. This event welcomes all teens aged 12-18, whether you’re a seasoned hero or new to the realm! Dive into a 1-2 hour session for first level characters (with leveling opportunities between sessions). Feel free to bring your own character or choose from our pre-made ones. Remember, all characters should be crafted using resources from the core 5th Edition player’s handbook. Make sure you sign up for our Teen Discord Server where we’ve posted preparation details. Don’t miss out on this magical adventure! 

Cook With A Book

Get ready to Cook With a Book! Join us on Wednesday, March 20th at 4:30 PM when we’ll be delving into the world of The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall while whipping up some scrumptious chocolate chip cookies! Teens aged 12-18, bring your appetite for literature and baking as we discuss our favorite moments from the book and create delicious treats together. Pick up your copy from the circulation desk today!

Library Closed March 22

The Library will be closed Friday, March 22 for Staff Development. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

Teen Anime Club logo

Spring Teen Writing Contest

Hey teens ages 12-18: Do you love writing? Are you dreaming of gardens in the summer? Enter our Teen Writing Contest! Let Claude Monet’s enchanting “Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies” inspire your creativity. Craft your tale for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a $30 Barnes & Noble gift card or a classic feather quill pen and ink set. All participants receive a prize, so don’t miss out! Keep it under 4,000 words and email your masterpiece to programs@madisonlib.org by Monday, March 26. Visit the Teen Zone on our website or the Circulation desk for detailed rules and instructions. Winners will be announced at our Teen Hunger Games Party on Friday, March 29.

Hunger Games Party

Calling all brave tributes! Join us on March 29, 7-9 PM in the Community Room for an epic night inspired by Suzanne Collins’ gripping series, The Hunger Games! Teens aged 12-18, prepare for games, trivia, crafts, and a feast fit for a tribute’s banquet. Will you fight for victory in the arena or join the resistance against President Snow’s tyranny? Don’t miss out on this thrilling event!

Idaho Teen Reading Challenge

Are you a bookworm between the ages of 12-18 looking for an exciting reading challenge? Look no further! Get ready to dive into an adventure from October 2023 to April 2024 with the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge, designed to engage readers in discovering new books and genres while offering the chance to win prizes!

Pick a book from each of the following categories:

  • Read Before You Stream
  • Retelling of a Classic
  • Sci-Fi/Fantasy
  • YRCA Nominee
  • Found while Browsing
  • Judge a Book by its Cover
  • One-Word Title
  • True Story
  • Your Favorite Genre
  • Free Choice!

Log your reading using the Beanstack app, or pick up a paper tracking sheet from the circulation desk or Madison Jr. High Library. Each time you read a book from one of the categories, come to the Library’s Children’s Reference Desk for a prize! What are you waiting for? Get reading!

Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo

Armchair Traveler Challenge

Have you ever wanted to travel to all 50 states? Take an epic journey with us this year as we visit each great state of our nation. Armchair travelers ages 12 and up will read one book set in each state, earning state stickers and opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will have the opportunity to earn small prizes along the way. Each reader who completes the journey will earn a special travel bag commemorating their travels. See more details here.

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

BFF’s 2 WFF’s Teen Writers Contest Winners!

BFF’s 2 WFF’s Teen Writers Contest Winners!

BFF’s 2 WFF’s Teen Writers Contest Winners!

BFF’s 2 WFF’s Winners

 

Congratulations to the winners of our BFF’s 2 WFF’s Teen Writers Contest! James and Joshua Mann, Eliza Jane Beard and Marie Tonks, and Victoria and Gabriel Ribeiro! You can read their submissions below.
Thank you to all those who entered! And don’t forget to join us for our next Young League of Writers meeting in September!

James & Joshua Mann

The Terran

Rosen liked to think that she minded herself well. Her mother and father always told her to “Mind yourself!” If that meant to be inquisitive and imaginative, then yes, Rosen did a very good job. Rosen was currently minding herself by talking curiously to the little people in her head. The people weren’t real, of course, but that didn’t make them any less good conversation partners. The main character in her current fantasy was Rosen, naturally, and she was flying a NeuXron-38 against the evil Terrans. Daxon, Rosen’s older brother, was very smart about different space- and starships. The NeuXron-38 was a “current and standard fightership.” Rosen was not entirely sure what that meant,  but it sounded cool, so Rosen imagined her having one..

At the moment, Daxon was in the cabin of her family’s starship, a TauCthon-11. Daxon called it an “outdated espionage and intelligence spaceship modded for deep startravel with Entrespace Corporation’s Gyrotech Drive.” Rosen had no idea what that meant, but it was long and complicated. That meant that the ship must be fancy. Rosen was glad that her family had a fancy ship. They were on their way to a new planet for some reason. Her mother caught her attention, pulling Rosen away from the next big twist in her imagination.

“Come here, Rosen,” her mother said. She was brushing her brown hair, common to Aclipsia.

Rosen slowly put her toys on the floor of their ship and walked over to her mother, who had set down her brush.

“Mommy?”

Her mother picked the little child up, setting Rosen on her lap. “Let me tell you a story.” Rosen snuggled close. Mommy’s stories were always the best.

“Once upon a time–”

Above them, a circular door opened and a ladder slowly slid down. This was the ladder up to the cabin. Rosen’s father climbed down and took a deep breath, his blue face pale and tired. “Livia, I think it’s best if you drive with Daxon for a while. I’m seeing stars.”

“Dear, you’re in space. Stars are natural,” Rosen’s mother replied.

“Unnatural stars, then.”

Mommy looked at Rosen. “I suppose the story will have to wait.”

Rosen frowned. “I can come with you to the cabin. So you can tell me the story there!”

Mommy smiled. “Yes, I suppose so.” Mommy let Rosen jump off her lap, then stood up, taking Rosen’s hand. Mommy walked to the ladder and motioned for Rosen to go first. Rosen started climbing. The ladder’s corridor was dark and cramped. After a few minutes of climbing, Rosen came to the hatch in the ceiling that led to the cabin.

As Rosen poked her head up she saw her brother lying on the floor looking up. Which “up” now also could be forward. Daxon was studying the stars through the clearsteel over Rosen’s head. The cabin had confused Rosen for a little while. This part of the disc-shaped ship appeared like the top when it was on the ground, but was the front when it was in flight.  

A big grin was on Daxon’s face and the starlight made his iridescent eyes flash. Rosen knew he loved flying. Daddy and Mommy traded off because neither liked it, but Daxon could pilot all day long. He was the one that set the “low-speed auto-piloting system” every night. 

“Hi Dax!” Rosen called, pulling herself into the cabin. She laid down with her head next to Dax’s but her feet away from him.

“Hello, Rosie.” Dax’s shimmery irises searched the stars. Rosen had been told that she and Dax had similar eyes. Dax hit a few buttons and then looked at Rosen. “What are you doing here?”

“I came with Mommy.” Right on cue, their mother came up into the cabin. She walked over to the second pilot station and got into the seat. Each station had a seat that was more like a bed. In front of each pilot station was a control screen connected to a steering system. There were a pair of handles, one on each side of the screen. Mommy had shorter arms than Daddy, so she had to slide the controls closer.

“Dax, do you care if we turn down the lights a touch?” she asked.

Dax moved a slider, moving the cabin into almost complete darkness. “I was waiting for you to come up here. Dad always wants the lights to be bright, but it’s better to fly in darkness.”

Mommy nodded. “I agree.”

Mommy settled down fully and fully committed herself to her task. 

Dax started whispering to Rosen. “Rosie, do you see that star?” He pointed.

Rosen nodded. Dax kept talking. “There’s a planet orbiting that star. It’s called Echori—”

“Echori! That’s where Sharloth is from!” Rosen exclaimed. Sharloth was a family friend. 

“Yeah. Echori is the destination of some of the pioneers. I think Sharloth is going with a couple of them.” Pioneers. So that was what they were. 

“What’s pioneers mean?”

“So we’re in a group of ships, right?” Dax began. Rosen nodded. “This group is called a company and we are traveling away from Aclipsia. Pioneers are people who do new things. We’re pioneers because we’re the first Acliptics to leave Aclipsia forever.”

“Why do we need to leave?”

“Aclipsia was a great place, but there were some things that weren’t as good. We’ll explain it when you’re older.” The mythical land of older. Dax had certainly gotten there. He was old, close to eighteen. So old. Rosen was only seven.

“For now, though, just look at the stars.”

Rosen looked at the void.

“It looks like it never ends. Just think of this, Rosie. We’re gazing into infinity. Pinpricks of light dividing the light from darkness, giving order to an otherwise directionless, inky, and empty plane.”

Rosen blinked. This was common with Dax. He said lots of things that Rosen didn’t really understand.

BAM!

All three Acliptics looked toward the sound. Rosen saw a figure sliding off the cabin’s window. The figure landed next to them, on the wide hull of the starship.

Mommy was the first to respond, immediately beginning the descent down the ladder. Daxon began tapping out something on the screen in front of him. Rosen assumed he was charting an autopilot path. Her guess was confirmed when he tapped a button and the ship shuddered, slowing down. Daxon and Rosen rushed to the ladder.

They entered the main floor to the sight of Daddy putting on his spacesuit. He put on his helmet last, the reflective black glass covering Daddy’s azure Acliptic face.

Daddy walked to the far wall and stepped into the airlock and was gone.

***

Noaa walked out of the ship, holding onto a bar. He would have to move quickly if he wanted to rescue the mysterious figure. Noaa connected his safety tether to the ship from where it was fastened on his belt, then pushed out into the darkness. He activated his propulsion system. It was a backpack-like object. It ran on a miniature version of the starship’s thruster. Noaa soon reached the hull next to the cabin. He saw the mysterious figure. Noaa didn’t recognize the suit, but he was sure Daxon would. Daxon knew all that sort of stuff.

Noaa flew closer to the person. Noaa grabbed his second rope, extending it and tied it around the figure’s waist. Noaa picked up the person, then activated his thrusterpack, flying back to the airlock’s outer door. He punched in the code to open the door, then flew inside. As soon as he did, the artificial gravity generator laid hold on him again and he dropped to the floor. He disconnected the tether and it coiled back up into his belt. He closed the outer airlock door, then moved over and opened the inner door. He couldn’t speak through his helmet, so he motioned for his family to help him carry the person into the ship. Daxon and Livia came over and picked up the mysterious figure.

Once they were fully inside the ship, Noaa closed the inner door and untied his rope, letting it fly back into his belt like the tether had. He pulled off his helmet.

***

Rosen watched her family carry the person back into the ship. She wondered what sort of person it was. The person wore a dark blue spacesuit and had four limbs. It had a similar frame to an Acliptic.

“Daxon, what planet is that suit from?” her father asked. 

Daxon walked closer examined it. “I don’t know. It looks sorta like a Centaurian battle suit, so from somewhere around there.”

Daddy’s eyes flicked around. His jaw clenched.

The person twitched, one hand moving. Their second hand moved too. The hands moved to their helmet, paused for a moment, then removed it. The person sat up.

The person’s skin was tan and their brown hair was left long and braided along the back of their head.

“I’m Zhe Asimov,” the person said in a deep voice, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Are you Acliptic?”

Rosen nodded. “We are. Where are you from?”

“Mind yourself,” her father said gruffly. “He’s a Terran.”

Everyone except Daddy gasped.

Terran?” Zhe asked. “I’m afraid you’ve misidentified me. I’m an Earthling.”

“That’s what a Terran is. The Bismarck’s soldiers.”

“Well, Bismarck’s been dead for decades,” Zhe said. “but I guess I am a Terran, then.”

“Who’s Bismarck?” Rosen asked. Zhe looked at her. “Bismarck was the leader of Terra when it was destroyed. He led my ancestors in the Last War.” He paused. “You would call it the Terran War, I think.”

Rosen’s mother returned. She hadn’t even realized that Mommy had left. Mommy was carrying a pistol. “We would. My grandfather died in the Terran War.”

“A pistol? Cool! We invented those, you know,” Zhe said. Zhe reached to his side and pulled out a similar looking object.

“Put the gun down!” Daddy shouted, who had retrieved a sword from somewhere.

“A sword? Nice! Terrans invented those too.” Zhe looked down at his gun. “Did you think I was threatening you? No, I was just gonna show your wife this one. It’s a lot better than her pistol. See, rather than using incendi—”

“Put the gun down!”

Zhe stepped back. “Sheesh. Fine.” He set the gun on the floor, then kicked it toward Rosen’s father. Daxon grabbed it.

“Why’d you do that?” Rosen asked.

Zhe looked at her. “It’s a Terran thing. As I was saying, my gun uses a compact, high-energy coilgun system, rather than an incendiary charge. Little girl, what’s your name?”

“Mind yourself!”

Rosen looked at her mother. “I am!” She turned back to Zhe, “I’m Rosen.”

“Rosen? I have a sister back home named Rose. What’s your name, young man?”

Daxon stared at Zhe from across the gun and said nothing. Rosen interjected. “His name is Daxon.”

Zhe nodded. “Daxon’s a cool name. I know, like, four people named Dax. Anyway, thanks for saving me, even though it was your ship that hit me to begin with. I must say, your blue skin is really cool. Can I have my gun back?”

Daxon faltered. “Dad, should I give it back?”

“Certainly not!” Mommy said.

Zhe shrugged, then leaned back. There was nothing behind him and he stumbled, then extended his arm, catching himself on the wall. He flashed a smile. “It’s dead anyway. I don’t suppose you have the right charging cord?”

Daxon looked at it. “No. We don’t.”

Zhe looked sad for a moment then perked back up. “I have one at home. Test it, though. Fire at me.”

Daxon took aim and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened. “See?” Zhe said.

Daddy narrowed his eyes but nodded to Daxon. Daxon put it on the floor and kicked it back to Zhe. “Thanks for that.” Zhe put it back in his holster.

Zhe smiled at Rosen. “This has been a great time and all, but I really must be going.” Zhe pulled his helmet back on with a metallic click. He pressed the button. It buzzed at him.

“Ah dang it. You have your airlock password protected,” Zhe’s voice was muffled.

Daddy continued glaring at Zhe. “Yes it is, you murdering Terran.”

Zhe turned to him and pulled his helmet back off. “I’ll have you know, I have never killed anyone.”

Daddy reached out at him and smashed Zhe with his sword’s pommel. Zhe collapsed.

“Quickly, Livia! Grab the ropes.”

***

Zhe awoke, tied to a chair.

Those Acliptics were not being very nice. The girl, Rosen, seemed nice, but the others, not so much. Just then, he realized that he was not alone in this room. The father was there, as was the mother. Daxon and Rosen were gone.

“So, Zhe. Why are you here?” The father continued his intense stare.

“Define ‘here’.”

“Why did you attack us?”

“I didn’t attack you! I didn’t even know you were here!”

“Likely story. Why are you really here?”

Zhe sighed. “I was working with my crew to fix a leak and I got swept away.” In reality, the crew was a squad— the Pendragon Team— and they were fixing an information leak. Zhe didn’t think it prudent to mention that he was in the military to them. His ship had exploded, likely from sabotage, and he had been thrown across the cosmos.

“Oh, sure. Now, we are going to kill you.”

Zhe paused. “Surely it doesn’t need to come to murder.” Zhe strained against the ropes. His wrists were bound. A rope was wrapped around his torso, binding his arms and body to the chair. Where were the knots?

There they were.

The mother placed her pistol against his forehead. “It didn’t need to come to murder when you killed billions of people in the war.

“I wasn’t even alive then. If I’m right, neither were either of you.” Zhe rotated his hands. These bindings were not expert. As a spy, he had been trained in escaping capture. He began working surreptitiously 

“That doesn’t matter.”

“Do you want to die? If I die, my suit will sent out out a beacon. The military will find me. You will all die. My people have started wars for less. Millions will die. It will all be your fault.” Zhe’s wrists were freed. He needed a little more time. He ejected a small knife from a storage compartment in his forearm. He started cutting the rope around his torso.

“No, it wouldn’t. I wouldn’t be the one to kill them.”

“I didn’t kill your grandfather. If it wouldn’t be your fault, it isn’t my fault.” He was almost through the rope.

She paused. The man glared. “Kill him!” Zhe smiled. The man’s gaze shifted to him. “Why are you smiling?”

Zhe stood up, the ropes falling down. He calmly slid his knife back into its sheath. The man lunged toward the woman, grabbing for the gun. Zhe swept his leg out, knocking the man to the ground. Zhe pulled his gun out and aimed at the man.

“Pshaw. Your gun’s dead, remember.”

“Nope. The safety was on.” Zhe flicked a switch. “Now it’s not.”

The man aimed the pistol at Zhe. He hadn’t realized the man had gotten it.

They stood still for a few tense minutes.

“Mommy! Daddy! Zhe!” Rosen burst into the room. The man dropped the pistol. Zhe put his back in his holster. It had actually been dead. Rosen hugged her father, trying to pull him up. He stood up, then crouched and hugged his daughter. For a brief moment, Zhe was surprised. Moments earlier, the man had been very close to killing Zhe, and seemed every bit a murderer. Now, he was being a good father. He was just trying to protect his family from Zhe, someone he saw as a monster and a threat.

Zhe spoke up. “So, can I leave now?”

Rosen looked at him. “Do you have somewhere to go?”

That gave him pause. He didn’t really have any way to get away from here. But, he had a communicator in his helmet, so he could get someone to come find him. Maybe.

“Where’s my helmet?”

Rosen grabbed it from a shelf across the room and handed it to him. Zhe grabbed it and slid it on. It clicked as it sealed to the rest of the suit. The helmet’s display glowed softly. It showed a string of messages directed at Zhe. They were all notifications from the rest of the Pendragon team. They were in a NeuXron-38 and flying next to the TauCthon-11. Apparently they’d tracked him.

“Yes. I have a ride.” Zhe pulled the helmet off. “Will you unlock the airlock for me?”

***

Zhe leapt out of the airlock, soaring out into the cosmos. The Pendragon team’s NeuXron was right there, with its airlock open to catch him. Pendragon’s pilot was absolutely gifted at flying, and she caught Zhe easily.

Zhe tumbled inside the ship. Finally, he was back home. Pendragon’s sniper appeared out of nowhere, as he was wont to do. “Were they Acliptic? Do we need to engage? Do you think it will come to war?”

“Yes. They were Acliptic, I mean. We don’t need to fight them. They were surprisingly human.”

Eliza Jane Beard & Marie Tonks

Ethan and Xander

In the perspective of Ethan:

I smile up at my mom as we walk to the playground hand in hand. The sunlight catches the fly-aways from her bun, making her head glow like an angel. As we approach the playground she squeezes my hand, “Go play, Ethan,” she says with a smile. I let go of her hand and run straight for the monkey bars and swing myself across. 

The interesting thing about this playground is that it’s right by the fence. An eight foot tall chain-link wall that divides the city in half. Half for the demons, and half for the humans. I don’t think it’s fair to cut a city in half like that. All the other second graders at school seem to disagree though. 

I look out towards the Demon’s city. It looks just like ours. Tall office buildings, short houses and medium-sized trees in-between. The Demons don’t have a playground by the fence. They just have a walking path with aspen and cottonwood trees lining the sides. I turn my attention back to my playground. It isn’t really mine, but I like to think that it is. Sometimes it’s even my castle, or my restaurant or sometimes it’s just a playground. I run across the wobbly bridge and shoot down my favorite slide. At the bottom, I notice something. Right in front of me, behind the tall fence, is a Demon. 

He looks at me calmly. Almost timidly. One eye is black and the other is white. His pupils are diamond-shaped and also black and white. Miss-matched to the color of his eyes. He has pale skin and white hair with thick and short black horns sticking out. He wears a black and white hoodie with white pants. There is very little color on him at all. Even the diamonds at the ends of his forked tail are black and white. 

He blinks at me but doesn’t say anything. He isn’t even smiling. Maybe a normal kid would have been scared of him, but not me. We just stare at each other for a long time until my curiosity gets the better of me. I stand up and walk over to the fence. His pale little hands are gripping the chain-link. “Hi!” I say, trying to sound friendly. He looks a little startled and scared but when he sees that I’m nice, a shy smile creeps onto his face, “Hello.” he says. He sounds just like me. Just like a human. I notice his little tail starts to wag a bit. “I’m Ethan!” i say. His smile grows wider, “my name is Xander.” 

Just then, my mom calls me, “Ethan! Time to go.” the smile disappears from Xander’s face. “I come to the park every day. Maybe I can see you again,” I say. his smile doesn’t return. He only nods, “bye Ethan.” I smile, “goodbye Xander.”

 

That night at dinner all I can think about is Xander. He’s the first Demon I’ve ever seen. Ever  talked to. I poke some mac-and-cheese onto my fork, “so…” I start, “I made a friend at the park today.” my dad smiles. The ceiling light over the table reflecting off of his glasses and his bald head. “good for you Ethan,” he says. My mom smiles too. All warm and gentle, “that’s wonderful Honey.” the smile lines by her eyes wrinkling. My older sister doesn’t react. I chew my mac and cheese, swallow, and continue. “His name is Xander and he’s a Demon.” my sister chokes on her water. My father looks mad. My mother looks a bit scared, “WHAT?” they say in unison. My eyes go wide and start to sting, “I-thought… I thought you understood.” my mom softens, “Ethan, honey,” my sister cuts in, “you can’t be friends with a Demon.” I feel a tear roll down my cheek. “But, I don’t understand. I thought you guys knew… this isn’t fair!” my dad slams a fist onto the table, “go to your room Ethan.” he says. I’m openly crying now. But I don’t care. I stand up abruptly and run off to my room. I can hear my mother’s voice in hushed tones as I slam my door behind me.  

 

I never understood racism before. Back in the renaissance times all the way up to the 1800s Demons would keep humans as slaves. We were lesser beings. We didn’t have wings or horns. We couldn’t fly. But we fought back. Over the course of years humans became independent. Free. but even at my young age, I could tell something was wrong. I have one green eye and one brown. The kids at school would make fun of me. Calling me a Demon and getting everyone to avoid me. I felt the pain of the Demons. Racism had flipped on its head. The tables were turned and now the Demons are treated as lesser. 

Nine years later I am sixteen. And still friends with Xander. We kept meeting in secret at the playground. And eventually my parents warmed up to the idea. But no one else did. Whenever me and Xander would go anywhere he was looked at like a monster. But that’s okay. We have each other.

A knock comes from my door, “Ethan!” my mother calls, “your friend is here.” I stand up and grab my skateboard. She doesn’t have to specify which friend. Xander’s the only one I have. “Okay. I’m coming.” 

Me And Xander hop the Fence discreetly between two leafy trees. Xander is the first to talk once on the other side. “I’m still so glad that your parents will actually let me into your house! It was so hard to meet up before…” he drifts off but i know what he means. Demons don’t have phones. The only electronic devices that are sold on that side of the fence are televisions. “Yeah,” I say, “I’m glad too. I just wish other Humans would understand you.”

 Xander shakes his head, “It’s really fine. I honestly don’t mind.”

 I groan quietly, “You should though! You should care. It really bothers me.” Xander chuckles a little, “okay Ethan. I can try to be more offended if it makes you feel better.” I playfully thwack him on the shoulder, “you know what I mean. What are we doing today?” I ask curiously. Xander smiles and rocks back on his heels, “we’re taking my little sister to a ballet!” I groan louder, “Ballet? Really Xander?” he slumps a little, “well, I don’t really have a choice in the matter. It’s closing night and I promised to take my sister.” Xander’s always been the softer friend. “Shouldn’t ballet be boring to a five-year-old?” I ask. Xander immediately shakes his head, “no no no, not for Akari. You do know she dances, right?” I nod, “yeah, I know but I thought she did Jazz not ballet.” Xander shrugs, “ballet is the heart of dance. It’s difficult and artistic. All dance is based on it.” I shake my head, “no, what about breakdancing?” Xander smacks his forehead, “bro, you know what I mean. Akari is not into breakdancing!” i laugh, “yes, but you said “All Dance.” so…” Xander laughs and looks at his feet. Fiddling with a loose strand of thread on his half-black half-white hoodie. His aesthetic hasn’t changed much in the past nine years.

 All the way to his house to pick up Akari the other Demons look at me weird, but not the way the Humans look at Xander. They look at him in disgust while the Demons look at me with fear. The demon’s side of the Fence is a lot like mine. But the demons don’t have as many luxuries. No cars or lawn mowers. No phones, computers or tablets, which means no things like door-dash or even Email. The whole city seems to run on the postal service.  

We approach Xander’s home and Akari bursts through the door, “XANDIE!!!” she shouts, slamming into him with a hug. He stiffens at her touch but smiles and pats her head, “You all ready to go?” She pulls away from him and nods enthusiastically. Bouncing up and down. Xander smiles, “okay then!” Xander and Akari go and get their bikes and I slap down my skateboard. It’s Dark green with a white racing stripe down the middle. I’ve had it since the fifth grade. Xander and Akari return and Akari clasps her pink sparkly helmet to her head menacingly, “you ready to race Ethan?” I nod, placing a foot on my skateboard, “you know it! And this time, I’ll win!” Akari puts on her sassiest girl-boss face, “no, I don’t think you will.” she sticks out her tongue and bursts ahead. She’s got a lot of attitude for a five year old. “Akari! Wait up!” Xander shouts, trying to clasp his helmet as quickly as he can, “stop! I need to watch you”

I kick off my skateboard, “It’s okay, I’ve got it.” After I turn the corner I have Akari in view and before she disappears behind another corner Xander has caught up and we can all relax. Akari’s full-speed is about as fast as a relaxed ride for me and Xander. 

After a long ride and a lot of complaining from Akari we make it to the performance center. I pull my oversized green hoodie’s hood over my head to hide the fact that I don’t have horns or large pointed ears. It’s not illegal to go to the other side of the Fence but sometimes you won’t get let into things. It’s better safe than sorry.  If you really paid attention, you would notice that my hood is too smooth to have large ears under it but my multi-colored eyes are distracting and Demon-y enough that my cover never gets blown. 

We step into the large building and Xander pays for two adult and one kid tickets. It only comes to a total of five dollars. Things are cheaper on this side of The Fence. Akari is worn out from the bike ride over but she is still excited. Xander looks pretty excited too but I still don’t see the appeal. 

We find our seats in the audience and sit down. Akari is bouncing, Xander is fiddling with that loose thread on his hoodie again and I am slouching in my seat. I should be more optimistic about this. I don’t know. I’m still being supportive though. I am here. Sitting on a seat in an auditorium full of demons in a city full of demons. I’m not supposed to go to the other side. My parents don’t like the idea. But Xander coming to the human side was… well, I just prefer this. 

The house lights go down and the curtain goes up. Akari squeals Xander taps his fingers on his arm rest. I try to look interested. 

A lone dancer glides onto stage with what are in my opinion, the most painful looking shoes in the world. Then she flails around like a feather falling from a bird’s wing. It’s graceful I guess but I really don’t see why someone would devote their life to this. But as the show goes on, I find myself getting more involved with the story. A girl who is betrothed to the richest prince alive. But she thinks he’s a jerk. She likes this other dude who gets framed and imprisoned by the prince. The girl is sad and finds out that the prince plans to execute the other guy the next morning. It sounds like a pretty normal storyline except that the prince turns out to be a Dragon, which I did not expect. Xander leans over during the final scene (the wedding, obviously) and whispers, “did you notice that one back up dancer? She’s really good.” I have no idea who he’s talking about, “um… no, who?” Xander points just a little bit, “the one who’s hair is half pink, back there, on the left.” I watch the girl he mentioned. He’s right… Her Dancing and emotion seem to be just as good as the lead, if not better. Not to say the lead wasn’t amazing, she and the other guy were doing some absolutely bonkers partner-moves and spins. The lead guy has wings which they used to their advantage. Big white feathered ones like an angel’s.

All Demons can fly, but wings just make it easier or something, Xander explained it to me once. But the girl with the half-pink hair… She just dances differently. Her movements are more graceful. Smooth but crisp at the same time. Then the ballet ends. The curtains close, the house lights go back up. I find myself a little sad that it is over. Not as sad as Akari, who is crying and looks on the verge of a fit. Xander picks her up onto his back and carries her as we leave the audience seats and walk into the lobby. I walk through the crowd of demons and dancers, but then I realize that Xander isn’t  behind me. I turn around scanning the crowd. The Dancer with the half-pink hair walks towards me bare-foot. Holding her pointe shoes in her hand, “you’re with the short black-and-white demon, right?” my head snaps up, “um, yeah, if we’re talking about the same Demon. He’s also not that short. You’re just tall.” she waves a hand in the air, “whatever. I’m only six two. Follow me. He’s standing in a corner.” I want to protest that six foot two is pretty tall, especially for a girl, but now I’m mostly worried about Xander. I follow her through the mass of people and find Xander standing next to a drinking fountain and the wall. Hands bunched into fists. Akari is standing in front of him, tugging on the sleeve of his hoodie. “This is your friend, right?” the girl asks. I nod, “yeah. Come on Xander. It’s quieter outside.” I say, taking his hand and leading him through the crowd. The girl and Akari follow us.

Once outside and away from the buzzing, constant noise Xander begins to relax. We sit on a bench while Akari talks to the girl like she’s famous. The girl laughs and grabs a marker. Signing Akari’s sparkly helmet that she had kept on the whole show.  Akari’s eyes go wide and she runs over to Xander, “LOOK! Xandie! Stacy signed my helmet!” Stacy. So that was her name. Xander looks a bit confused, “um… Stacy? Where did you even get that marker from?” he asks quietly. Stacy caps it and tucks it back into her bodice, “I always Dance with this marker. Then, after a show, I sign something. Anything! The first thing I signed was my first pair of pointe shoes. I think I signed that bench you’re sitting on, too.”  Akari peers all around the bench and spots the signature after a while, “here! On the bottom!” she shouts. I raise an eyebrow, “um… isn’t that vandalism?” I ask. Stancy places a hand on her chest dramatically, “I find that very offensive!” Xander smiles, “he’s right.” Stacy rolls her eyes, “yes, your Human friend is right. But I’m still offended.” she says, crossing her arms.

 My eyes widen, “you can tell I’m a human?” 

Stacy laughs, “um, that hood isn’t a very convincing disguise.” I fold my arms as well, “okay, now I’m offended.”

Xander speaks up, “um, Stacy? I noticed that you’re a really good Dancer. Why were you not any of the leads?” his voice is just above a whisper. As it usually is with new people. Stacy sighs, “I wanted to be the Leading lady. I still have her dance memorized. But my coach said that my Hair was too distracting.” Xander looks shocked, “that is so unfair! You were really good.” Stacy smiles, “Thank you. It is unfair. You really shouldn’t keep someone from doing something just because of how they look.” Akari twirls around, “I Like your pink hair!” Stacy blushes a little, “Thank you Akari.” Her Hair is a very bright, distracting Pink but she makes a good point. A point that I’ve wanted more people to make since the second grade.

                    

In the perspective of Xander:

The other side of the fence is a lot brighter. And louder. 

I tuck my ears down as far as they can go, tightening my hoodie further around my face. 

Ethan doesn’t know I’m here, and, frankly, I don’t really either. 

Crossing the fence is easy enough, there aren’t any guards. No one in their right minds would pass anyways. I guess that means me and Ethan aren’t in their right minds.

I don’t really think that of course. In my opinion, we’re the only ones who make sense in any way. 

When I was little, my grandpa would tell me stories about the Shok War. that’s only what the Demons call it though. The Humans call it the Victory War.

My grandpa told me that Shok meant “Mourning” in Hindi, and that that was what the Demon King had spoken back then. Most of the Demons called it the Shok War because they were losing their servants and had lost their dominance over the Humans. But my grandpa, and a few others, called it that because of the large amount of deaths that had occurred during it. Grandpa had said it was too many to count. Mostly on the Demon side. 

He had even lost his wife, Akari, who is my little sister’s name sake. 

When the war ended, the wall was built, using Demon slaves. I guess we kind of deserved it from all the pain and suffering we had caused the Humans. They don’t keep us as slaves any more though. We scare them too much.

 It starts to rain and I pull my sleeves over my hands. 

As I pass the playground I smile, it is the same playground where I met Ethan all those years ago. It’s too small to really do anything now, but occasionally we will sit on the swings and talk about when we were little. 

 I was really scared back then, what with my parents just getting divorced and all, and I had run from an especially large fight without realizing where I was going. When I ended up at the fence, I heard laughing and stepped closer. 

I didn’t expect for Ethan to see me and come over, but I’m very glad he did. Even on Demon terms my family isn’t very popular. I’m not verry popular.

I cross the street, careful to look both ways, even though it’s two o’ clock at night and no one is out. 

A particularly loud song coming from a party nearby makes me wince and walk farther away.

I take a deep breath to calm myself down and stand still for a moment, listening to the rain and focusing on my senses. 

The rain is soothing, as usual, and I’m able to make my way past the house and towards my destination.

The library. 

We don’t have any back in Volataun, so my only chance is to cross the fence and see if I can find anything at the Human library. 

 The door is locked, unsurprisingly, but Human locks aren’t made to avoid Demon tails, so I get in pretty quickly.

I pull off my hood and shake the water out of my hair, blowing my bangs off of my face. 

The W section is in the back, and it’s quite dark. I pick my way through the shelves until I find the book I’m looking for. 

The Victory War and The Conquering of the Demons. 

It has a grisly image of a Human stabbing a Demon through the heart on the cover and I grimace, opening the book. 

It’s mostly gloating about how amazing Humans are and how they defeated the Demon army with only half their forces unchained. I shiver at the mention of Adelram Lee, the human who led the revolt, and the reason my family is hated so much.

My grandfather had taken in a few ‘slaves’ who he treated as part of the family so they wouldn’t have to suffer. One of those was Adelram. Grandfather’s favorite. He didn’t know that during the night he was meeting with other Humans and plotting their revenge. He also didn’t know that one day Adelram would take a knife to Akari’s back and leave her to bleed out on the kitchen floor for my grandfather to find. 

I flip farther through the book and find the pages I’m looking for, titled: “The End of the War and The Destruction of Raaja” 

Raaja was the Demon king. The last one before him and his family were murdered, leaving no one to take his place. 

Unfortunately there isn’t much about who actually ended the war and how it happened. The Humans say that Raaja surrendered as long as they wouldn’t kill his family, but they did that anyways, so I’m not sure, especially since after their murders the rest of the Demons wouldn’t just back down. We aren’t like that. 

But before I can finish, I hear the door open. 

“We know you’re in there, Demon scum!” A drunken voice calls.

Rain pours in through the now open door, and over the man standing in it. He looks a little tipsy, and I’m not used to seeing drunk Humans. We’re not allowed alcohol in Volataun, and it’s a rare thing for any Demons to see one like this. 

It makes it easier for you to avoid them though, and I’m glad for that as I race through the aisles, trying not to let the now five Humans notice me as I slip through the books. 

I’m nearly to the door when one of them grabs me by the arm. His grip is hard and rough and it makes me squeal. I turn around and bite him to make him let go. 

He screams and shouts that I’m feral, yelling various other expletives as I thrash, trying to get out of his grip. He didn’t let go even though I bit him, and now the others are beginning to circle around me.

 I shrink back into myself, my ears and tail tucking close to me. One of the humans yanks my tail and I scream again, tears spilling down my cheeks. “Let me go!” 

The human with my tail laughs and yanks harder. “So it speaks!” 

I thrash my tail, trying to get the human to let go, and it hits the human’s arm, making it bleed slightly. The human roars as if his arm has been cut off and he yanks again, eliciting another scream from me. 

The human pulls me closer and I see a knife in his hand. He leans close into my face and I can smell the alcohol on his breath.

“You should have never come here, ugly. You should have known someone would find you and make you pay.” 

He presses the knife against my cheek, delicately running it down my face. 

I don’t dare move.

He suddenly smiles widely and digs the edge into my cheek. 

My screech is so loud all of the humans flinch and cover their ears, the human holding me dropping his knife and stepping back, terrified.

 I grab my cheek and dash out of the library before they can catch me again, crying hard and flying as fast as I can.

I hear them yelling behind me, but I don’t stop to look back.

I can’t go home now, not since my face is like this. Mom would never forgive me again and I would never be let out. 

Instead I run to the first place I can think of: Ethan’s home. I only pray that he’s there. 

 His house is warm, much warmer than the cold, wet outside, and from the window I crept in from, it’s very cozy. 

I’ve only ever seen the main entryway of Ethan’s house, I’ve never even asked to be let in. I don’t think Ethan’s mom would approve of me coming anyway. But I don’t have a choice now. 

I land and creep up to where I know Ethan’s room is and I knock on the door quietly. 

Surprisingly, I hear shuffling footsteps coming from inside. Ethan wasn’t asleep. 

I hear him come to the door and yawn loudly. 

“I’m coming, I’m coming. Sorry Mom, I didn’t know you would still be awake. I was just waiting for Dad.”

He opens the door and I see his eyes widen. Before he can say anything, or even scream, I clamp my hands over his mouth.

                                            To be continued

Victoria & Gabriel Ribeiro

Chocolate Chips

 

July Teen Activities

July Teen Activities

July Teen Activities

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

CHESS AND GAME CLUB

Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided.

Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room.

For Ages 9-18

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

TEEN ACTION COUNCIL

Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to help teens. Have a say in what happens at your Library!

Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 4 PM in the Community Room.

For ages 12-18.

“ALL TOGETHER NOW” BLOCK PARTY

This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this summer! Inspired by our summer reading theme “All Together Now”, we’ll have lawn games from all over the world, food trucks to fill any craving, a climbing wall and bounce houses, plus international performers including Footworks Dance Studio, the Yellowstone Brass, Amelat Dance Company, and Proform Airborne Jump Rope. There’ll be something for everyone at all ages. Don’t miss out! The celebration begins July 8th 5:00-8:00 PM on the field next to the library. Stay for an after-party outdoor movie experience that starts at 9 PM! Concessions will be available for purchase.

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

TEEN CRAFTS

We’ve got crafts for teens at the Library! Join us Thursdays this month for clay figurines, magazine beads, dot painting, and macrame keychains!

Every Thursday in July at 4:30 PM
in the Community Room

BFF’S 2 WFF’S WRITING CONTEST

Do you and your friend love to write? Try writing a story together and perhaps you will become WFF’s… writing friends forever! Write a story about this year’s Summer Reading theme, “All Together Now,” and see how your collab writing stacks up against other teens your age. All participants will receive a prize!

Email an attached submission to gina.m@madisonlib.org by July 24, 2023. Winners will be announced July 28, 2023 at the Teen Summer Reading party. For more information, check out the contest rules.

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

YOUNG LEAGUE OF WRITERS

Would you like to share your writing with other teens your age or just make new friends? Join the Young League of Writers!

Are you working on your “All Together Now” collaborative short story? How do you know when it’s ready to submit? Join us to learn how to edit and polish your story so it’s ready for submission!

Wednesday, July 12 at 4 PM in the Community Room

For ages 12-18

TEEN DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Calling all teen adventurers! Join our party and learn to play Dungeons & Dragons! Please join the Library Teen Discord; more information is posted there about how to prepare beforehand. You can also find details in the Teen Zone.

Fridays, July 14 & 21 from 3:30-5:30 PM

in the Community Room

For Ages 12-18

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Lego Club

SUMMER STEM LEGOS

Join kids, tweens, and other teens for Summer STEM! We will be building world landmarks out of LEGOS!

Tuesday, July 18 at 2 PM in the Community Room

For ages 6-18

ANIME CLUB

Teens gather together to watch anime favorites, chat about manga, and play games! We will be watching One Piece and competing in a food eating contest!

Wednesday, July 26 at 4:30 PM

in the Community Room

For ages 12-18

Photography Contest 2022
Lego Club

FAMILY FRIENDLY FILMS

Enjoy free movies for the whole family at the Library!

Thursdays at 1 PM in the Community Room

Parents, please prescreen films to ensure they are appropriate for your children. Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older. 

SUMMER READING FINISHERS PARTY

Celebrate the end of summer reading with peace, love, friendship and… murder of course! Join us for a 60’s Murder in the Library Mystery Party where teens will discover who has attacked and murdered the Library’s books about love. Mysterious foods will also be served!

The party starts at 7 PM in the Community Room on Friday, July 28. For ages 12-18.

Photography Contest 2022
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

DISCORD SERVER

Join our Discord Server! Chat and get to know other teens in the area. The Server is monitored by Library Staff to ensure a fun and safe place for all.

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGallop into Story Time fun this October! Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months) on Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Book Babies (ages 0-9 months) on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM will both feature “Clippity-clop, on a horse and pony we’ll hop!” Note: there will be no...

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJoin us for Story Time fun at Madison Library District! Book Babies (0-9 months) Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room September theme: "Feelings... Big and Small!" Toddler Time (10-23 months) Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM September theme:...

July 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and keep smashing our reading goals! The second prizes for every level will be...

June 2024 Kid & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and stay active all summer long! Sign-ups begin on Monday, June 3rd, either online or...

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

June 1st-12th Teen Activities

June 1st-12th Teen Activities

June 1st-12th Teen Activities

Summer Reading

Sign-ups start June 7th in the Community Room

Each year, from June through July, we host Summer Reading. Our program for teens has lots of events and parties. 

The 2021 Summer Reading Theme is “Tails and Tales.” The possibilities are endless!

Teen Short Story Writing Contest
Monday, June 7th at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
 
  • Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter
  • Open to Madison Library District residents only
  • 2,000 word maximum
  • Limit 1 short story per person
  • Must include an animal as part of the main story
  • No photos or illustrations
  • Work must be original, not previously published, and titled
  • Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified

HOW TO SUBMIT:

  • Email your original work to Gina Miller or bring a hard copy into the library.
  • Subject line must say: “Tail”ish Tales Contest.
  • Please include your name, age, and phone number in the email.
  • Paste or type your short story in the email itself. Attachments will not be opened.

DEADLINE:

All entries must be received by Monday, July 26th, 2021.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 31st, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram and email.

PRIZES:

First prize- Scrivener writing software ($50 value).
Second prize- Fat Cat’s movie date pack.
Third prize- Florence’s Candy box of chocolates.

All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.

For more information please email Gina Miller.

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen Action Council
Monday, June 7th at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
 
Have a say in what goes on at the library for teens.
Summer Reading Kickoff: Interactive Movie

Friday, June 11th, 7-9 p.m. in the Community Room

Kick off the Teen Summer Reading program in style. Join us for an interactive movie night—eat gummy worms with Timon and Pumba, coconut candy with Zazu, etc—as we watch Disney’s The Lion King.

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGallop into Story Time fun this October! Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months) on Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Book Babies (ages 0-9 months) on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM will both feature “Clippity-clop, on a horse and pony we’ll hop!” Note: there will be no...

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeJoin us for Story Time fun at Madison Library District! Book Babies (0-9 months) Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room September theme: "Feelings... Big and Small!" Toddler Time (10-23 months) Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM September theme:...

July 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and keep smashing our reading goals! The second prizes for every level will be...

June 2024 Kid & Tween Activities

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and stay active all summer long! Sign-ups begin on Monday, June 3rd, either online or...

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Library Appreciation Week: Potatoes and Peeps

Library Appreciation Week: Potatoes and Peeps

Library Appreciation Week: Potatoes and Peeps

Library Appreciation Week is on its way, and we’ve got some great things planned.

Peeps Diorama Contest!

Submit a book-themed potato and Peeps diorama by 5 p.m. April 2 to be considered for a prize.

Potatoes and Peelers

During Library Appreciation Week (April 4-10), we’re giving away a free bag of potatoes and a potato peeler per family! Come to the library to get yours and see the entered Peeps dioramas.

 

We thank Webster’s Mile High Farms and Wilcox Fresh for sponsoring us this year!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

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