Teens
Teens
For Grades 7-12
MY READS - Great reading options for teens
MY HOMEWORK - Educational resources for kids in grades 7-12.
MY LIFE - Additional resources picked just for you!
Hanging out at the Library
Looking for something to do? Come and hang out at the library! Join a gaming tournament or take part in our pop-culture themed trivia, escape room nights, movie nights, or sit back and do some crafts.
My Reads
Want a personalized Tween book recommendation? Fill out this quick form and one of our staff of reading experts will send an email of our top 3 picks for you!
Resources
PTPL/WAGGIN Resources
Beanstack is a reading platform that allows the library to create custom reading challenges. PTPL uses Beanstack for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, Summer Reading, and other challenges throughout the year. To get started, click on the link above and create an account. Beanstack is also available as an app for free.
Explore the WAGGIN catalog for books, movies, music, and more from the twenty libraries in the WAGGIN network. The catalog contains over 850,000 materials, most of which can be requested and sent to the WAGGIN library of your choice
Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! Also available as a free app on the Apple and Android app stores. Titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.
Read your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device. You will find top magazines covering business, leisure, fashion, product reviews, current events, and more. New issues often added before they appear in stores. To access, enter your Peters Township library card number.
Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks for free—anytime, anywhere—with your Peters Township (WAGGIN) library card. The OverDrive for TeenseReading Room is a section of OverDrive specifically devoted to what teens like to read
POWER Resources
Contemporary Authors
Discover biographical and bibliographical information on more than 145,000 of today's most influential authors, including novelists, poets, playwrights, nonfiction writers, print & broadcast journalists, editors, photojournalists, syndicated cartoonists, script and screen writers, and more.
Select from over 16,000 eBooks from the world’s leading publishers, across all major subject areas. Read books online, perform full-text searches of a single book or across thousands of books, or browse categories to find what you’re looking for. Selected eBooks can be downloaded to portable devices.
Additional Resources
The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18, and have been published during the previousyear. It is awarded annually by the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association.
Welcome to the Guys Read Virtual Vault of Good Books. This is the place to come if you’re looking for something to get a guy reading. We’ve collected recommendations from teachers, librarians, booksellers, publishers, parents, and guys themselves
The Margaret A. Edwards Award honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award is administered by Young Adult Library Services Association,a division of the American Library Association, and sponsored by School Library Journal magazine.
The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a bookthat exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. The annual award is administered by Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, and sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association.
Teenreads.com offers readers aged 12-17 reviews and excerpts of YA books, as well as adult titles that are appropriate for a teen audience. Features include CoolNew Books, Word of Mouth forum, author interviews, biographies, and more.
The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choosetheir favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country.
YALSA Excellence in Non-Fiction Award Books
YALSA's Award for Excellence in Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a Nov. 1 –Oct. 31 publishing year. The annual award is administered by Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association.
My Homework
Educational resources for kids in grades 7-12.
PTPL/WAGGIN Resources
This is a FREE resource for all residents of Pennsylvania offering live chat assistance with a real librarian, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Your local WAGGIN Librarians staff the chat service at various hours throughout the week; however, at times when they are not available, you will be connected with a librarian outside our area who can help you with your questions.
This service does what public libraries have always done best: quickly provide accurate, unbiased information when you need it. Please note that if local staff are not available, you will be communicating with a librarian who does not work at your local library and does not have access to your individual records related to overdues, renewals and other account-specific activity. For those types of individualized questions, please email: wagginhelp@gmail.com
A to Z –The Worldis a comprehensive database covering world history, cultures, languages, foods, religions, and much more. It covers 175 countries and covers topics such as business, culture, society, language, education, history, points of interest, national symbols, and more.
Whether you’re looking for professional development or personal enrichment, these six-week, instructor-led, courses are the perfect way to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. New sessions start every month. To access, create an account with your WAGGIN library card number.
Mango is a language-learning system teaching conversation skills for over 70 languages. You’ll learn more than grammar and vocabulary, you’ll learn how to communicate. Create an account OR login as a Guest with your Peters Township library card number. Also available as an app.
***Don't forget to check out Mango's new Language Learning Resources page for useful phrases, downloadables, videos, and other useful resources!
Google Tutorials:
Gmail Tutorial
Google Docs Tutorial
Google Drive
Google Forms
Google Sheets
Google Slides
Microsoft Tutorials:
Microsoft Excel Tutorial
Microsoft Outlook Tutorial
Microsoft PowerPoint Tutorial
Microsoft Publisher Tutorial
Microsoft Word Tutorial 1
Microsoft Word Tutorial 2
Provided by Niche Academy, these quick tutorials can help you perfect your office skills. If you need additional help, please check out Gale Courses, which is located a few items up in this section.
Authoring Research Questions
Better Search Techniques
Finding the Right Sources
In-Text Citations
Paraphrasing and Summarizing
Provided by Niche Academy, these tutorials can help you perfect your research skills.
With free PA DMV practice tests from Driving-Tests.org, you can take a variety of tests based specifically on Pennsylvania’s DMV materials. Driver’s handbooks are also available for download or online reading, covering standard, motorcycle or commercial licenses.
Salem Online offers web access to a variety of reference materials, including the Careers In series. The database features a linked table of contents and full-text searching. To access, select Library Card Number and enter your Peters Township library card number, then navigate to Careers.
World Book Encyclopedia Online features the same expert information found in the print version, with a consolidated layout that makes it easier than ever to find research tools, videos, audios and more. To access, enter your Peters Township library card number.
POWER Resources
POWER Teens, part of PA POWER Library, provides online resources including full-text research e-resources, collections of photographs and documents, the statewide catalog of materials held in libraries throughout Pennsylvania, and Chat with a Librarian.
Academic Search Main Edition
Discover full-text scholarly content for major college courses. Designed for academic institutions, Academic Search Main Edition provides articles from nearly 1,900 full-text journals and nearly 1,300 full-text peer-reviewed journals, covering biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, psychology, religion, and more.
View the greatest events in world history with the Associated Press’s extensive collection of photographs, audio sound bites, video, and graphics, covering the last 185 years. Over 3,000 photos, images, sound bites, and graphics are added to the collection daily.
Contemporary Authors
Discover biographical and bibliographical information on more than 145,000 of today's most influential authors, including novelists, poets, playwrights, nonfiction writers, print & broadcast journalists, editors, photojournalists, syndicated cartoonists, script and screen writers, and more.
Select from over 16,000 eBooks from the world’s leading publishers, across all major subject areas. Read books online, perform full-text searches of a single book or across thousands of books, or browse categories to find what you’re looking for. Selected eBooks can be downloaded to portable devices.
Explore encyclopedias, reference books, and primary sources on a variety of topics from history, government, technology, the environment, math, law, multicultural studies, physical and social sciences, and more. Titles can be searched individually and contain built-in citation tools.
GreenFILE is a database covering the environmental effects of individuals, corporations and governments, with records from scholarly, government and general sources.
Secondary school students will have access to age-appropriate content from magazines, journals, newspapers, reference books, and engaging multi-media covering a wide range of subjects, from science, history, and literature to political science, sports, and environmental studies.
Explore thousands of digitized documents, photographs, audio and video recordings, and more from unique collections in libraries and cultural institutions across Pennsylvania. Resources can be searched by institution, collection, or topic, and each individual resource.
Salem Online offers access to a variety of reference materials covering literature, science, history, health, and careers. Included here are the history of each decade, Presidents, the 50 States, and more. To access, select Library Card Number and enter your Peters Township library card number.
Perform research from hundreds of full text science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals, and other reliable sources. View more than 280,000 high-quality science images from sources such as UPI, Getty, NASA, National Geographic and the Nature Picture Library.
Science Reference eBook Collection
Explore science from over 230 full-text eBooks! This collection of reference titles covers a wide variety of topics such as animals, biology, climate change, computing, engineering, experiments, life science, nature, oceans, physical science, and weather.
Additional Resources
American Archive of Public Broadcasting
Discover over 40,000 hours of clips (both video and audio) from public broadcasting programs, covering the last 60 years. The AAPB site features an easy to use search function, as well as special topical collections and exhibits.
Biography.com captures the most gripping, surprising and fascinating stories about famous people. With biographies and daily features that highlight newsworthy, compelling and surprising points-of-view, we are the digital source for true stories about people that matter.
The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. The resources include maps of the major world regions, physical maps, political maps, and more.
Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)
DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA—photographs, books, maps, news footage, oral histories, personal letters, museum objects, artwork, government documents, and so much more—are free and immediately available in digital format.
The cultural institutions participating in DPLA represent the richness and diversity of America itself, from the smallest local history museum to our nation’s largest cultural institutions.
View Tutorial
Khan Academy’s mission is “to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.” Courses include topics in math, science, history, computing, and economics, as well as test preparation for exams such as the SAT, GMAT, NCLEX-RN, and college and career skills.
Ken Burns in the Classroom
Ken Burns and his collaborators have been creating historical documentary films for more than forty years. Known for a signature style that brings primary source documents, images, and archival video footage to life on screen, these films present the opportunity to pose thought-provoking questions for students, and introduce new ideas, perspectives, and primary sources.
Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Online
The Prints and Photographs Online Catalog (PPOC) contains catalog records and digital images representing a rich cross-section of still pictures held by the Prints & Photographs Division and, in some cases, other units of the Library of Congress. The collection includes photographs, fine and popular prints and drawings, posters, and architectural and engineering drawings. While international in scope, the collections are particularly rich in materials produced in, or documenting the history of, the United States and the lives, interests and achievements of the American people.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
The dictionary by Merriam-Webster is one of America's most trusted online dictionaries for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation. Each month, the Merriam-Webster site offer guidance to more than 40 million visitors.
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
Search more than 275,000 synonyms, antonyms, related words, and idiomatic phrases. The thesaurus is more than just a list of synonyms; it is your guide to more precise and effective use of language.
NewsGuard uses journalism to fight false news, misinformation, and disinformation. Their trained analysts, who are experienced journalists, research online news brands to help readers and viewers know which ones are trying to do legitimate journalism—and which are not.
Wolfram|Alpha is a free online computational knowledge engine that generates answers to questions in real time by doing computations on its own vast internal knowledge base. Subject areas include math, science, society & culture, and everyday life.
My Life
Additional resources picked just for you!
PTPL/WAGGIN Resources
CreativeBug offers arts and crafts workshops and techniques, featuring over 1000 online art and craft classes and videos. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print, and more. Watch classes anytime, anywhere; and since the classes never expire, you can start and stop projects at your own pace.
Read your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device. You will find top magazines covering business, leisure, fashion, product reviews, current events, and more. New issues often added before they appear in stores. To access, enter your Peters Township library card number.
Freegal offers access to 15 million+ songs and music videos–with new music added daily. What you download is yours to keep, there are no DRM restrictions. To access, enter your Peters Township library card number. (You must be a registered PTPL member to use this service.)
Stream new and popular films, classics, and documentaries on your computer or device–with new content added weekly. There is even a section just for kids! To access, create an account using your Peters Township library card number. (You must be a registered PTPL member to use this service.)
With free PA DMV practice tests from Driving-Tests.org, you can take a variety of tests based specifically on Pennsylvania’s DMV materials. Driver’s handbooks are also available for download or online reading, covering standard, motorcycle or commercial licenses.
POWER Resources
Auto Repair Source has accurate, Authoritative and up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.
Small Engine Repair Reference Center
Small Engine Repair Reference Center provides detailed repair guides for all types of small engines and resources that support routine maintenance and extensive repairs.
Additional Resources - Get Creative!
Canva is a free graphic design program for creating any type of visual documents, such as flyers, bookmarks, cards and more! It is used by non-designers as well as professionals, and with it's drag-and-drop approach, can be used to create both web and print media design and graphics.
Thingiverse is the world's largest 3D printing community with millions of free downloadable 3D models. Browse through other people's designs and modify them to suit your needs. You can even upload your own modifications or new designs to share with others.
TinkerCAD
Tinkercad is an easy-to-use 3D CAD design tool. Quickly turn an idea into a CAD model and easily export the file for use on a 3D printer. Create a free account today. If you're new to 3D, try the built-in lessons to get started! If you're an old-hand, just jump right in and start drafting!
View Tutorial
Additional Resources - Crisis
Fact is that while you’re a teen, you’re still growing and developing, and drug abuse during these years can have a lasting impact. The more aware you are, the better prepared you will be to face the influences.
Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Visit the Crisis Text Line website for more information or to volunteer.
Youth and family members can connect to the 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline or 1800RUNAWAY.org online crisis services to work through problems and find local help. Reach out to us—we are here to listen and here to help.
What is Internet addiction and how much time online is too much? What can you do to better manage your technology use in your daily life? Find out where you fall with the NetAddiction Internet Addiction Test.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens
Designed for teens, teachers, and parents, the purpose of the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens website is to facilitate learning about the effects of drug use on the brain, body, and lives of teens.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Prevent Suicide PA is an organization devoted to supporting those who are affected by suicide, providing education, awareness, and understanding by collaborating with the community to prevent suicide, and reducing the stigma associated with suicide.
TeensHealth has doctor-reviewed info to help you be your best in body and mind. Get facts and advice on nutrition, moods, sex, infections, body image, and more, with easy-to-follow articles, videos and health tools.
You Matter is a safe space for youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness. You Matter is a movement to spread the word that your problems, worries, fears, and above all you—unique and real you—matter.