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.

Gather together with us to learn about and create Manga and Animation art while working together to learn new skills.

FOR SEPTEMBER:
This session, we’re diving into size and proportion—essential tools for bringing your characters to life and making them jump off the page. Whether you’re sketching heroes, villains, or everyday characters, you’ll leave with techniques to level up your art.

No need to apply — just bring your art and show up!

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

CRAFTING FOR SEPTEMBER:
Needle Felted Tiny Toadstools – For this activity, we’ll learn the art of felting wool. Then we’ll create cute little toadstools that you can use to decorate.

Join us and express your creativity!

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

Are you a brick magician, “block” head or looney for LEGOs? Join other teens who love the ever popular bricks at Madison Library District’s Teen LEGO club!

Would you like to share your writing with other teens your age or just make new friends? Join the Young League of Writers for ages 12-18. We will meet for an hour and a half to share what we’ve all been working on and talk about what makes writing great.

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!

For september:

This month we will make a Korean hat called a Gat, just like the Sanja boys in K-pop Demon Hunters, while listening to your favorite k-pop and slurping down ramyeon!

No need to apply — just show up!

Madison Library's Year-Long Reading Adventure

For patrons ages 15 and older.
Read fun new books and audiobooks and win stickers and other great prizes!

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Sign up at the Circulation Desk to get your reading log.

Step 2: Read a book that fits a task listed in one of the Canvases. Read another. And another. You can get a sticker for each task.

Step 3: For every Canvas completed, bring your log in to the Circulation Desk for a small prize and an entry for the grand prize final drawing at the end of the year.

Step 4: Keep reading! If you complete your artist's portfolio, you'll receive a special 2025 Armchair Traveler prize in commemoration of your achievement.

If you finish early, you can obtain an additional reading log and work towards becoming a Master Artist, earning extra prizes and entries into the final drawing!

Reading is the perfect way to spark your imagination,
and we are ready for an adventure in creation!

GET YOUR BRUSHES READY, HERE WE GO!

Madison Library's Year-Long Reading Adventure

For patrons ages 10 to 14.
Read fun new books and audiobooks and win stickers and other great prizes!

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Sign up at the Circulation Desk to get your reading log.

Step 2: Read a book that fits a task listed in one of the Canvases. Read another. And another. You can get a sticker for each task.

Step 3: For every Canvas completed, bring your log in to the Circulation Desk for a small prize and an entry for the grand prize final drawing at the end of the year.

Step 4: Keep reading! If you complete your artist's portfolio, you'll receive a special 2025 Armchair Traveler prize in commemoration of your achievement.

If you finish early, you can obtain an additional reading log and work towards becoming a Master Artist, earning extra prizes and entries into the final drawing!

Reading is the perfect way to spark your imagination,
and we are ready for an adventure in creation!

GET YOUR BRUSHES READY, HERE WE GO!

Most Items Located Behind the DVD Cases in Our Main Foyer

We have a wide variety of materials for all your learning and entertainment needs!
Having a hard time finding something? Ask a librarian!

We also provide the following materials:

• FICTION – arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name and starting on the north wall. Some of our most popular titles can be found here, including dystopian novels, fairy tale adaptations, and some of the biggest book-to-screen adaptations.
• NONFICTION – specifically written for teenagers encompassing many topics, such as art, history, growing up, comics, and ACT prep.
• GRAPHIC NOVELS, MANGA, and COMICS – Here you will find popular manga and superhero titles, among others.
• AUDIOBOOKS – books on CD
• eBOOKS and eAUDIOS – downloadable from the Libby app on your device
• MAGAZINES
• KITS – we have several types of kits:
  • SPEEDY READER KITS – the entire book series in one bag; in pale blue and grey bags.
  • READ-ALONG KITS – includes a book and an audiobook of the same title so you can follow along with the audio reader.

Do you love storytelling? Ever looked at a comic or cartoon and wondered what happens next—or what came before? Now’s your chance to take that spark of imagination and turn it into a story! Whether you’re into fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, or real-life drama, this is your moment to shine!

The Challenge:

• Find a comic panel or cartoon that sparks your imagination—and use it as the inspiration for a short story.
• What’s the story behind the image? Who are the characters? What’s going on—or what happens next? You decide!

How to enter:

1. Choose Your Comic or Cartoon
   • Find a single-panel comic or cartoon that inspires you.
   • It can be funny, mysterious, emotional, or totally surreal.
   • Make sure it’s appropriate for a general audience.
   • You may use your own drawing, select one from here, or an existing one you’ve found on the web—just add the image or link to your story document.
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 or connected to your chosen cartoon/comic.
3. Submit Online
   • Email your original work to programs@madisonlib.org.
   • Please include your name, age, phone number 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.
   • The comic or cartoon you selected as a prompt must be in the document with your short story. It can be either an image or a link.
   • Typewritten paper copy 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.
• 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 19th, 2025.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 25th, 2025, at the Teen Summer Reading Final Party. They will also be notified via Facebook, Instagram and email.

Prizes:

ALL participants will receive a prize!

First prize – $30 Amazon gift card
Second prize – Fat Cats Date Pack ($60 value)
Third prize – $5 gift cards to Runnin’ for Sweets. 4 participants will be awarded.

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