Category Archives: Teens

SPF Suggested Summer Reading

For the 2023-2024 school year incoming students entering 6th-12th grade at the SPF School District are required to read 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction. Students are welcome to view the school’s website for additional information.

Due to the high demand of these items, we have generated individual lists for students to easily find these titles and place them on hold from the public library’s catalog. As a reminder students may choose any book they would like to read, even if it is not on their list and the librarians at the Scotch Plains Public Library are more than happy to help your child find the perfect book!



2020 – New Teen Events

We are excited to announce that starting in 2020 we will be offering new teen programs just for students in grades 6-12.

On Wednesday, January 8, we will be showing teens how to make Stuffed French Toast. Registration opens soon – December 30 – so don’t forget to save your spot!

We invite teens to sign up for our NEW Teen Advisory Board where they can help plan and implement programs for youth and give their feedback on services offered to teens. Members earn volunteer hours through participating in meetings, assisting in library events and through writing book reviews (a total of 12 hours per calendar year may be earned. Each review counts as 1 hour). Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6:00pm.

Immediately after our TAB meeting, TAB members and teens are invited to create their own Vision Board for the new year. You can fill your board with any of your new year goals, plans for the future, or interests. We will supply all the items you need to create your own board. Registration is required. Snacks will be served!

Check out our online calendar additional events including our Anime Club and daily Middle School program.

Fall Teen Events

Check out our teen calendar for upcoming events! This month, we have a bunch of exciting programs for teens.

Middle School Scene – Monday-Friday at 3:00pm
Every weekday we’ll have an after school program for program for students in grades 5-8 at 3:00pm. Check our website for exact dates.

Anime Club – Monday, October 7 at 7:00pm*
Anime club is back! Discuss your favorite anime, have some snacks, and watch an episode of the anime of the month. Registration is required. For grades 5-12.

Cooking Club – Wednesday, October 16 at 6:00pm*
Learn how to bake different types of cookies! Advanced registration is required and will begin on Monday, October 7th. Please note any food allergies or dietary restrictions on the registration form. For grades 5-12.

College Essay Writing Class- Saturday, October 19 at 2:00pm*
Learn to write a memorable and impressive college essay.  Show the colleges of your choice who you are in an articulate, original and truthful essay.  Classes will guide you through the process to reveal an accurate and positive written portrait. This program is limited to students in 9th-12th grade. Registration is required and will begin on Monday, October 7.

ACT Practice Test – Saturday, October 26 at 9:15am*
Above Grade Level of Union County will offer a free Proctored ACT Practice Test. The test is being offered as a community service with no obligation or solicitation. Advanced registration is required for this test – space is limited. Please contact Above Grade Level directly at 908-889-6396 or [email protected] to register or for more information.

TAB Meeting – Monday, October 28 at 6:00pm
TAB is the Scotch Plains Teen Volunteer group. During our meetings we’ll discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities, events, and the teens can give their input on what programs and materials they would like in the library. If you are not currently a member of TAB and would like to join, please fill out an application and turn it in to the teen librarian.  For grades 6-12.

Annual Halloween Party – Wednesday, October 30 at 5:30pm*
Join us for the 3rd annual teen Halloween party on Wednesday, October 30th at 5:30pm. We’ll watch something festive and eat pizza, candy, and snacks! This program is for students in grades 5-12. Advanced registration is required.

*Advanced registration is required. Visit
https://www.scotlib.org/events/category/teens/ for more informatoin.

Every weekday we’ll have an after school program for program for students in grades 5-8 at 3:00pm. No registration required. Our first fall cooking class will be on Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00pm, registration required.

Teen Summer Reading Programs

Starting July 8, there will be programs for grades 5-8 every Monday and every other Wednesday. We’ll also have programs on select Wednesday nights for students in grades 5-12, such as YA Cooking and Movie & Pizza parties. Check out our calendar for more details!

Teen Summer Reading Kickoff

Register now for our Teen Summer Reading Rainbow Party on Wednesday, June 26th at 6pm. There will be food, drinks, games, and prizes. The first 50 through the door will get a buy one get one free coupon for Chipotle! Click here to register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F3WML3V

Teen Summer Reading Kickoff

Join us on Wednesday, June 26th at 6pm for our Summer Reading Kickoff! Students entering grades 6-12 can come to enjoy food, games, prizes, and more! Registration is required. Sign ups for the Teen Summer Reading Program begin on Saturday, June 1st.

Teen Video Game Tournaments

We’re having our second rounds of video game tournaments! On Wednesday, April 3rd at 6pm we’ll be racing to the finish line in Mario Kart. On Wednesday, May 1st at 6pm we’ll battle it out in Super Smash Bros. Previous participation in tournaments is not necessary. Gr. 5-12. Registration required.

Teen Cooking Programs

Join us for the next in our series of YA cooking programs. On Wednesday, February 20th we’ll be making personal pizzas, and on Wednesday, March 20th we’ll be cooking up fajitas. Registration required. Grades 5-12. See calendar for more details.

January Teen Events



Welcome to the New Year! This month we’ll be hosting a ton of teen programs, including: a Mario Kart Tournament, a College Essay Class, the monthly Cooking Club, and more! Some programs require advanced registration. Please check the calendar for more information.



Remembering Stan Lee (1922-2018)

In honor of one of the most important figure in comic book history, we’ve created a Stan Lee display with a selection of some of our favorite teen and adult Marvel comics. Check out the display to see the inspiration behind some of your favorite superhero movies, and don’t forget to check out the other Marvel comics and DVDs at SPPL.