Teens Participate in Cool Summer Events at Oak Park Public Library

This summer, teens can find loads of cool things to do at the Oak Park Public Library. From writing and craft workshops and discussions of popular books and films, to open mic nights, chess play, and more, the Oak Park Public Library offers a multitude of free events for a range of teen interests. Teens and tweens are welcome to bring a friend and drop in for these free events, or make a new friend at an event.

This year's teen summer reading program, "You Are Here," kicks off June 7 and runs nine weeks through August 5. Teens ages 12 through 18 can stop by the Main Library (834 Lake Street) to sign up for a chance to win an IPod touch or a gift card to favorite local stores. Teens can also write book reviews on the OPPL teen website (www.opplteen.org) to be entered in a raffle to win a local gift card.

Teens interested in crafts and hands-on activities, can practice their talent with several projects in June. On Tuesday, June 7 at 4 pm create your own Day of the Dead mask. On Wednesday, June 15 at 4 pm make a tie for Father's Day at our "It's a Tie" workshop. On Tuesday, June 21 at 4 pm make your own now sew t-shirt bag. Teen Librarian Maggie Wiggins will introduce each of these crafts at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street. "These are great opportunities to hang out and take home a cool new something," states Wiggins. These workshops are free. No registration is required.

Teens with opinions about books and movies can discuss both at monthly Adaptation Stations. On Monday, June 13 at 4 pm the title for discussion is Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Each month teens are invited to the Main Library (834 Lake Street) to watch a popular movie adapted from a book. After the free screening teens talk about which they liked better, the book or the movie, over popcorn and snacks. Free, no registration required.

Teens who like to write, draw, and express themselves creatively can find an outlet at Teens N Zines. At this monthly program teens make their own mini-magazine to distribute to friends. Teen N Zines meets next at 4 pm on Thursday, June 23 at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street. This event is free and no registration is required.

Gamers and those seeking competition can drop in for Monday night Chess Open Play or for Open Boardgame Play on the first and third Wednesday. All ages and skill levels are welcome to drop in for Chess Open Play between 5:30 pm and 9 pm on any Monday that the Main Library is open. Bring your own board or use one of the Library's. Drop in for Open Boardgame Play between 6:30 pm and 9 pm on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street. Bring your own board games, or just bring yourself. Just drop by to enjoy the free competition.

Teens wanting to make a difference are encouraged to join TAC (Teen Advisory Council). At monthly meetings at the Main Library, teens give input and share feedback into Library operations.

Performers will want to share their talent at Fire on the Mic. At this monthly after-hours event, teens showcase their talent in poetry, song, dance, and more. Fire on the Mic runs 7pm to 9pm on the third Friday of every month at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street. Upcoming dates are Friday, June 17 and Friday, July 15. Fire on the Mic is free. No registration is required.

For more free teen and tween events at the Oak Park Public Library, visit www.opplteen.org/what-s-happening.