Community❯Youth Programs

Rainbow Reads is a book club for LGBTQIA+ teens and their allies. We will be reading YA fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels that feature LGBTQIA+ characters & themes, or literature written by someone from the LGBTQIA+ community.

This month’s book is The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich.

After you register for this club, pick up a copy of the book at the service desk at the Library. The book is yours to keep just for attending the discussion. This book is also available as an ebook on Libby. This service is free with your Library card.

• Registration is required for this event.
• This event is for registrants grade 6th Grade to 12th Grade.

We strive to ensure our events are accessible to everyone. If you require special accommodations to join us, please call 360.834.4692 or email [email protected] at least two weeks before the event.

Welcome youth in 7th-12th grade who want to make a difference in their community through the library!

We welcome newcomers! Reach out to let us at [email protected] to let us know you’re attending.

We meet the following Thursday dates from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• May 7
• May 21
• June 4
• June 18
• We don’t meet in July
• August 6
• August 20
• September 3
• September 17
• October 1
• October 15
• November 5
• November 19
• December 3
• December 17

Are you a teen? Do you have ideas for the library? Then come boss us around! We need your help to make sure the stuff we're doing at the library is stuff you actually want. Earn volunteer hours, eat snacks and meet other teens.

For ages 13–19

Develop your writing in a welcoming, creative environment alongside friends and local best-selling YA author Jamie Pacton. This is time to write, share ideas, ask questions, and meet other teen writers!

Do you know a young strategist, who's itching to learn the arcane arts? Look no further than Magic Academy - a series of supervised, sealed Magic: The Gathering leagues for kids ages 10-17.

One of our counselors will guide Planeswalkers as they collect cards and build decks that can summon creatures and create mystical effects, all while learning what it means to be a good sport.

Players with all levels of experience are welcome.

3rd Sundays + final session: September 20 - May 16 + May 23 | 4 – 5:30 pm | Brookwood

Learning public speaking skills early builds confidence, promotes understanding and critical thinking, and can be a foundation for lifelong success – plus it’s fun! This interactive program teaches public speaking and respectful debating. For youth grades 5th – 8th.

This is a series of nine classes + a final session. By registering, you are signing up for the full series.

On guard! Make your moves in a casual setting with other beginning players. Basic knowledge of the games is assumed. Grades 6-12.

Tweens and teens in 6th, 7th and 8th grade, you are invited to talk about graphic novels, craft and eat snacks! All supplies provided and it’s FREE! A limited number of books are available for pick up at the library.

Late-Night basketball returns every Friday and Saturday night through June 30 2027!

This program is open to middle school and high school players of all skill levels and will be led by Michael Holton Inc. Players should bring a water bottle, basketball shoes, and comfortable athletic clothing.

• Middle-school session: 6:00-8:00 pm
• High-school session: 8:00-10:00 pm

Register

Michael Holton was an All-American at Pasadena High School before becoming a four-year varsity letterman at UCLA. He started in the national championship game as a freshman in 1980 and later played six seasons in the NBA. Holton also served eight years as an assistant coach at the University of Portland, Oregon State, and UCLA, followed by five years as the Division I head coach at the University of Portland.

The Michael Holton Basketball Academy reports 20 years of experience working with middle-school students, including programming at HB Lee Middle School, Oliver Middle School, and the Salvation Army.

Late-Night Basketball is a City of Gresham-sponsored recreational activity for youth.

Email [email protected].

Do you like reading? Do you like talking about books? Join our book group for friendly discussions.

For ages 9–12

Tweens and teens are invited to get crafty! Come hang out with us and use your creative skills to make buttons, Shrinky Dinks, bracelets, felt plushies and more awesome creations! All materials and supplies are provided. Ideal for teens and tweens (ages 9-18).

Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages 9-12.

A safe place where ALL are welcome to be themselves. Find support, eat snacks, get creative, discuss favorite books, and more! Bring a friend, or make a new one. For grades 5-8.

Queer Youth Club is a youth-run club for that unites LGBTQIA+ and allied youth from neighboring schools. Email [email protected] for more information.

Immerse yourself in a world of excitement! Create a character and take on challenges with a team of other players in this interactive story. Whether you want to learn or are an experienced player, come play Dungeons & Dragons.

Please fill out the Character Creation Form, so we can have your pre-generated character ready for your first session. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

For ages 9–19

The p:ear Kitchen and Food Program was developed to provide homeless young people with the opportunity to eat fresh, sustaining meals in a community setting ensuring kids can participate in p:ear's other programs and other aspects of their lives well-nourished. Join p:ear for a morning / early afternoon in support of this great program and community space. Half of the volunteers will roll their sleeves up to help spruce up the kitchen and common rooms to make them shine. The other half will pop into the kitchen to cook or prep food to freeze, which will prepare our staff for future meals. P:ear will provide the tools, ingredients, and recipes... you provide the expertise and love! Volunteers must wear closed toe shoes and are encouraged to bring an apron (if desired). These opportunities are scheduled for Mondays11am - 3pm for up to 10 volunteers per day. We're on the corner of 6th and Flanders. Please knock our door to be let in! PARKING Street parking available around North Park Blocks for $2.00/hr AND a pay parking lot kitty-corner from the park. $5.00 day rate. TRANSIT Streetcar stops at 10th & Glisan northbound, 11th & Glisan southbound. -MAX stops at Greyhound Depot on 5th & 6th (Yellow, Green and Orange Lines) -Buses: #17 from Downtown or NE, #77 from NE or NW -Or use TriMet’s Trip Planner https://trimet.org/#/planner Questions? Contact Violet at [email protected] or 503-228-6677 MISSION p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, ages 15-25, through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful, healthy lives. Each year our programs serve more than 700 homeless and transitional young people. p:ear staff and volunteers serve as mentors, friends, and role models, while p:ear's unique programs create opportunities for young people to grow intellectually, express themselves constructively, communicate in positive ways and engage in meaningful interactions with the larger community of Portland. Project Requirements: Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to attend this project. All volunteers under 16 are required to bring a Youth Volunteer Release Form and must attend with a parent or legal guardian. Please download, complete, and bring this waiver with you on the day of the project. If you plan to bring guests you MUST reserve slots for them. The best way to do this is to create a Volunteer Team, then sign up your team for this project. Remember to reserve slots for your children, as well as yourself. IMPORTANT NOTE: You are responsible for ensuring that everyone signed up through your team attends - only sign up team members who have confirmed their availability. Teams that repeatedly sign up, but do not show up or show up with fewer volunteers than they signed up, may be removed. To add or remove team members from a project, click on "My Account" and then "My Teams," above. Click "Sign Up" below to reserve your spot! Need help signing up? Call 503-200-3355.

Do you like to game? Are you in middle or high school? If so, join our gaming club! We'll play games, talk about games and eat snacks.

Made possible by gifts to The Library Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our library's leadership, innovation and reach through private support.

Middle school students are invited to talk about comics and eat snacks! Every meeting includes a short activity related to this month's book. A limited number of books are available for pick up at the library.

Join us for open game play of chess.

For ages 9–19

Great books, no homework! Join us each month for a discussion and snacks. Ask staff in the Teen Room to sign up and check out this month's book!

For ages 13–19

Join us for tween & teen chess club, where any level of player can enjoy games! Learn new strategies and improve your skills in a welcoming environment. From beginners to experienced players, play in an open and friendly setting! Get opportunities to play and learn through hands-on practice.

Join our new Pokémon™ Club to learn, play, and connect through the Pokémon™ Trading Card Game (TCG). Whether you’re new or experienced, this inclusive space is all about casual play, learning, and having fun—no competition required.

La Center Community Library

Wednesday, September 23, 4:00pm–5:00pm

Wednesday, October 28, 4:00pm–5:00pm

Wednesday, November 25, 4:00pm–5:00pm

Do you like to game? Are you in middle or high school? If so, join our gaming club! We'll play games, talk about games and eat snacks.

Immerse yourself in a world of excitement! Create a character and take on challenges with a team of other players in this interactive story. Whether you want to learn or are an experienced player, come play Dungeons & Dragons.

For ages 9–19

Get ready to build and create in this LEGO club just for teens. We provide all the bricks, you just bring your creativity.

Seisiún na nÓg is our monthly youth session lead by our Youth Officer Niamh Branigan. Youth are welcome to sit in to listen and chat with young musicians about learning Irish music; or bring their instrument and strike up an Irish tune they might be learning currently.

First Saturday: Intro to photography. Get to know your camera with Q/A.

Second Saturday: YOUTH ONLY. Club is facilitated by teen staff this week.

Third Saturday: Art in photography. Try out new concepts, film, DIY hacks.

Fourth Saturday: Women & non-binary photographers only this week.

Fifth Saturday (if applicable): Photography Walk! Get out and take pics with a guided stroll around town.

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Ages: At least 10 but less than 21

Openings: 0

5:30-7:30pm, every Sunday Contact: Irene, [email protected]

Join us for open game play of Magic the Gathering. Decks will be provided, or bring your own.

Cards are provided through a generous donation from the non-profit magikids.org.

For ages 13–19

Grab some lunch at Kiddush and bring it upstairs for Tea & Talmud! Teens ages 12–18 are invited to hang out with friends, enjoy good conversation, and explore Jewish texts and traditions together in a relaxed, welcoming space.

What is a Junior Teen Idea Club? Tweens are invited to gather in the teen area of the library with their friends, eat some snacks, and share their interests. Help US to create exciting programs and events just for YOU. Monthly meetings will be on third Thursdays right after early release from school. The program will be a combination of hanging out, fun crafts, games, brainstorming, and talking about books. This program is designed to give you a chance to make the library everything you want it to be.

Designed for 5th to 8th grade. This program is free, with no registration required. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact the Youth & Teen Services Librarians at 503-697-6580 or [email protected].

Are there manga we need on on our shelves? Have a great idea for a program? If you’re in grades 6-12, join us for Teen Library Group and help shape our teen space! We meet on the second Tuesday of the month for discussion, planning, and activities, fueled by plenty of snacks.

Come together to play Magic: the Gathering. Participants enhance their social skills , critical, creative & strategic thinking abilities, Also mathematical, and reading competence can improve

Ages: At least 10 but less than 21

Openings: 0

Tweens and teens in 6th, 7th and 8th grade are invited to talk about graphic novels, craft and eat snacks! All supplies provided and it’s FREE! A limited number of books are available for pick up at the library.

Do you know a young strategist, who's itching to learn the arcane arts? Look no further than Magic Academy - a series of supervised, sealed Magic: The Gathering leagues for kids ages 10-17.

One of our counselors will guide Planeswalkers as they collect cards and build decks that can summon creatures and create mystical effects, all while learning what it means to be a good sport.

Players with all levels of experience are welcome.

Develop your writing in a welcoming, creative environment alongside friends and local best-selling YA author Jamie Pacton. This is time to write, share ideas, ask questions, and meet other teen writers!

Immerse yourself in a world of excitement! Create a character and take on challenges with a team of other players in this interactive story. Whether you want to learn or are an experienced player, come play Dungeons & Dragons.

For ages 9–19

Tweens and teens in 6th, 7th and 8th grade, you are invited to talk about graphic novels, craft and eat snacks! All supplies provided and it’s FREE! Books are available for pick up at Fairview library.

At our first meeting in September we will VOTE on which books we will read throughout the year, and everyone will receive the October book.

Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages 9-12.

Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages 9-12.

Join us for teen council. It’s a fun way to make new friends, earn volunteer hours by helping your library and your community — AND get free snacks!

Do you like reading? Do you like talking about books? Join our book group for friendly discussions.

This month we are discussing Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez.

For ages 9–12

Limited copies are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the library.

Join us for teen council. It’s a fun way to make new friends, earn volunteer hours by helping your library and your community — AND get free snacks!

Do you like to game? Are you in middle or high school? If so, join our gaming club! We'll play games, talk about games and eat snacks.

Made possible by gifts to The Library Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our library's leadership, innovation and reach through private support.

Do you like to game? Are you in middle or high school? If so, join our gaming club! We'll play games, talk about games and eat snacks.

Made possible by gifts to The Library Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our library's leadership, innovation and reach through private support.

Do you like reading? Do you like talking about books? Join our book group for friendly discussions.

For ages 9–12

Limited copies are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the library. You can also check our eBook and eAudiobook resources.