BLOG: Great Websites for Teens, Parents of Teens and Young Adult Librarians by Amy Dean of the Ames Free Library

As Assistant Youth Services Librarian at the Ames Free Library, I recently updated the library's Teen Website section.  Throughout my studies as a Master's student of Library and Information Science at Simmons College, I've learned about tons of new sites and technologies! Here are some great recommended sites for teens!

The Hub Blog This blog is written by teens and librarians and features book reviews, apps, videos, contests, podcasts, and information on teen authors.

Go Ask Alice Have a health related question? Ask Alice anonymously and she’ll respond! This site also features fun quizzes, and a list of emergency health related hotlines that are available 24 hours a day.

Belief Net This site explains various faiths and explores spirituality. It also features quizzes, horoscopes and more!

Seventeen Get the latest on fashion, beauty and dating!

Teen Ink Magazine, website and books written by teens for teens! Submit your own work, enter contests and check out the college guide!

Do Something Do you want to volunteer to give back to your community? This site helps teens find fun ways to get involved with the causes they are passionate about.

Teens Health A teen reference guide to health related issues and questions.

Push to Talk: a blog for teens A blog from the Seattle Public Library written by teens and the librarians who serve them.  Check it out to find book reviews, opinion pieces on teen issues, free stuff, surveys and more!

For Parents of Teens:

The Search Institutes's 4o Developmental Assets for Adolescents.  This website features 40 assets that promote healthy teen development that help 12-18 year olds "grow up healthy, caring and responsible."  Check out the full list of developmental assets and see ways adults can take action to promote the assets.

For Young Adult Librarians:

YALSA  is the American Library Association's website for Young Adult Library Services.  There are tons of great resources here! There is a vast collection of award winning reading lists, events, professional tools, information on Teen Reading Week and more!

Have fun exploring!