• Read a Madison Choice Award Book.
• Participate in a teen library event.
• Read a book that includes dinosaurs.
• Have a Dinosaur Movie marathon with friends and/or family.
• Invent and draw your own dinosaur.
• Make Dinosaur Footprint Cookies.
• Plant and care for a garden.
• Create a scavenger hunt to find dino eggs.
• Play night games.
• Learn a new dance.

• Read a Madison Choice Award Book.
• Participate in a teen library event.
• Read a book that includes archaeology.
• Create a short story where archaeology plays a role and submit it to the Teen Writer’s Contest by Jul 25, 2026.
• Build a replica of ancient architecture.
• Visit a museum in person or online.
• Write your name in Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics.
• Make homemade ice cream.
• Watch a sunrise.
• Go star gazing.

• Read a Madison Choice Award Book.
• Participate in a teen library event.
• Read a book that includes fossils.
• Plan a “no-tech” day including activities without phones, computers, etc.
• Go on a hike and look for cool rocks.
• Make a S’mores Dip.
• Paint rocks and leave them around town.
• Do an act of service and submit it online at America250 in Idaho Ambassadors’ Service Challenge.
• Go camping.
• Plan and go on a picnic.

Dungeons and Dragons for teens at the Madison Library District! In this classic role-playing game, you create your character, choose how they interact with the story, and use dice to decide the outcomes of your actions.

This event is open to all teens (ages 12 to 18). Both beginners and experienced players are welcome.

The game will consist of one, 1 to 2 hour session for first level characters. Experienced players may use their own character if they wish, but pre-made characters will also be available. All characters should be made using only the resources available in the core 5th Edition player’s handbook. As an added bonus, players will be able to gain perks for their characters by reading!

If you are interested in a grand adventure, want to meet new and old friends, and have epic fun, register by clicking the button below.

Do you love storytelling?
We challenge you to dig up your imagination and craft a story that breathes life into the distant past.
Whether you are uncovering the secrets of a forgotten civilization in an archeological thriller, or discovering a perfectly preserved fossil that changes history in a paleontological adventure, we want to read it!

The Challenge:

Write a short story (up to 4,000 words) which contains an archeology or paleontology element.

How to enter:

1. Choose your genre
• Historical Fiction – Stories set during significant archaeological discoveries or excavations.
• Creative Nonfiction – Personal narratives or travel writing about sites/museums.
• Mystery/Adventure – Thrillers involving ancient artifacts, fossil finds, or archaeological puzzles.
• Speculative Fiction – Stories that imagine alternate histories, future discoveries, or fantastical elements grounded in archaeological/paleontological concepts.
• Time Travel – Narratives involving journeys to prehistoric times or ancient civilizations.
2. Write Your Story
   • Maximum length: 4,000 words
   • Any genre is welcome (mystery, sci-fi, realistic fiction, fantasy, etc.)
   • The story must be clearly inspired by an archaeological element.
   • Optional Story Prompts:
   • “A teen discovers an artifact that changes what we know about a famous ancient civilization.”
   • “The diary of a young assistant on a fossil dig that makes an impossible discovery.”
   • “A museum night guard witnesses something impossible among the exhibits.”
3. Submit Online
   • Email your original work to programs@madisonlib.org.
   • Please include your name, age, a phone number where you can be reached (parent phone # is ok), and the title of your story in the email.
   • Paste or type your short story in the email itself AND attach the document to the email.
   • Typewritten or handwritten paper copies will not be accepted.

Requirements:

• Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter.
• Open to Madison Library District residents only.
• 4,000 word maximum.
• Limit 1 short story per person.
• Work must be original, not previously published, and titled.
• Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate, or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified.
• AI generated stories will not be accepted. We want to hear your own voice!
• Join the Young League of Writers for tips and tricks about plot twists and great character dialogue, and to chat about writing with other teens. YLoW meets every 2nd Wednesday @ 4:00 pm in the Madison Library District Community Room.

Deadline:

All entries must be received by Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Winners will be announced at the Teen Summer Reading Final Party held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 7:00 pm. They will also be notified via phone and/or email.

Prizes:

ALL participants will receive a prize!

First prize – $50 Amazon Gift Card or Bluetooth Keyboard
Second prize – Fat Cats Fun Pack ($60 value)
Third prize – 4- $5 gift cards to Runnin’ for Sweets
All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.

AND just for participating… Everyone will receive a Free All-You-Can-Eat Buffet pass to Pizza Pie Cafe!

For more information please email Gina at the library at gina.m@madisonlib.org

Do you love Legos? Join other teens who love the ever popular bricks at Madison Library District’s amazing Teen LEGO club!

We’re also excited to welcome Joseph from Binary Cocoa as our gaming mentor, bringing his expertise to help players learn new games along the way.

Come when you can, bring a friend, and make Mondays something to look forward to!

Open to everyone ages 9-18.

Bring your friends and listen to music while you make an awesome art project to take home with you.

Join us and express your creativity!

For July

• July 2: Celebrate the 4th of July by crafting safety pin flag designs and stylish duct tape bracelets in festive red, white, and blue.
• July 9: Create dissolving dino eggs with hidden dinosaur surprises and make petroleum lip balms inspired by the prehistoric origins of petroleum.
• July 16: Build a beautiful wood and bead wind chime that adds color and soothing sounds to any space.
• July 23: Make Ice Age-themed tea lights that bring a cool, creative glow to your space.
• July 30: Make magical DIY dragon eggs with textured designs and vibrant colors, perfect for fantasy lovers.

The Madison Library District Teen Action Council will meet regularly to provide input for teen events and programs, give feedback about YA materials purchases, and provide suggestions for improvements for other aspects of the Library as it relates to teens. 

In the first half of the activity, we’ll share our writing with each other. Use the red, yellow, or green light system to indicate the level of feedback you’d like to receive.

In the second half, we’ll dive into a writing marathon, creating and exploring new ideas together.

Learn more about different parts of Asia through Movies, TV shows, Music, Food, Games, and Art.
We want to expand your cultural experience through different types of media!

• Friday, July 17: Create your own Oni-inspired mask using duct tape and cardboard while exploring the bold designs of Japanese folklore.
• Wednesday, July 29: Enjoy an The Apothecary Diaries-themed tea party featuring frog-themed games, moon cakes, and delicious egg bread inspired by Asian treats and culture.

Film director Wes Anderson has a distinctive style that many attempt to mimic. A recent book, Accidentally Wes Anderson, shares views of the best efforts by professional photographers. If all those pros are having such a good time making Wes Anderson fakes, we thought it might be fun for our patrons to do so as well.

Take a look at the style hints found in the adult section display case and take a photo that you think is "Accidentally Wes Anderson," and we'll display them during the month of November.

TO ENTER:

Email your photo to our programming team or leave it at the Circulation Desk by November 1.
Please include your name, library card number, and phone number.

The three photos judged to be closest to Anderson's style will receive a copy of the book.