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TeenTober at the Miami-Dade Public Library System

October is TeenTober

The Library for Teens

Libraries across the nation are celebrating TeenTober, a special month dedicated to teens!

It's a time to showcase teen services and innovative ways for teens to learn new skills, pursue their passions, connect with others and have fun. Join us for awesome programs throughout October, including poetry, crafts, gaming, career exploration and more. From building new skills to exploring your creativity or just hanging out with friends, there’s something for every teen at the Library!

Find TeenTober Events Explore Resources for Teens

TeenTober Events & Programs

Skip TeenTober Events 2025 widget
Fluorescent Flamingos!
Wed, Oct 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Main Library
Join us for a fun and easy drawing class where we'll make funky, colorful flamingos!... more
Join us for a fun and easy drawing class where we'll make funky, colorful flamingos! Guided by a Budding Artist Miami instructor, participants will learn step-by-step foundational drawing skills to create their own unique tropical flamingos. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-375-2665 or hinzes@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.
Teen Book Cover Trivia
Wed, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Miami Beach Regional
Attention teens! On your mark, get set, and...test your book smarts! Guess the books... more
Attention teens! On your mark, get set, and...test your book smarts! Guess the books by their iconic cover art for a chance to win small prizes. Prizes available while supplies last. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.  
College Success Fair
Wed, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Naranja Branch
Thinking about college? At the College Success fair, you'll get help with applying for... more
Thinking about college? At the College Success fair, you'll get help with applying for financial aid, working on applications, tackling standardized tests, and exploring all your options for life after high school. Parents are welcome, too. Let us help you get ready for your next big step! For more information, contact the branch at gonzalezmi@mdpls.org or 305-242-2290. Ages 14 yrs.+
DIY Depot
Wed, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Flagler Branch
Calling all magical creatures! Need to replace your dusty old wand? Come join this... more
Calling all magical creatures! Need to replace your dusty old wand? Come join this workshop taught by the most talented fairy folk. You will find all you need and more, whether you want to create a fantastical design or a more practical piece. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at (305) 442-8710 or muniasm@mdpls.org. Ages 10 -18 yrs.
Use Your Voice
Thu, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Westchester Regional
Learn to express yourself and discover the power of your voice in a fun, interactive... more
Learn to express yourself and discover the power of your voice in a fun, interactive workshop with local TV and film professional Mauriett Chayeb-Mendez. After facing childhood bullying, Mauriett found her confidence through voice acting jobs for animated series and anime films that stream all over the world. Hear her inspiring story and take part in a mini vocal lesson that will help you find your own unique voice. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-553-1134 or gonzalezja@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.
Teen Typewriter Petting Zoo
Thu, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Miami Beach Regional - Children's Story Room
Teens are invited to get hands on with the power of words in an interactive retro... more
Teens are invited to get hands on with the power of words in an interactive retro typewriter program! Learn how to use a vintage typewriter and create your own short poem by clicking on the keys. For more information, please contact the branch at (305) 535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.
D&D Side Quest Society
Thu, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Sunset Branch
Create your own fantasy journey and get ready for an adventure like no other. Learn... more
Create your own fantasy journey and get ready for an adventure like no other. Learn how to create your own unique characters, battle against powerful creatures, guide your own campaigns, and cause tons of chaos with your friends using cool dice and the power of your imagination! Materials will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-270-6368 or duartel@mdpls.org. Ages 12 yrs.+
Sticky Note Art Gallery
Fri, Oct 09, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Miami Springs Branch
Help us create a month-long art gallery! Make a mini masterpiece on a sticky note and... more
Help us create a month-long art gallery! Make a mini masterpiece on a sticky note and add it to our growing collection. How creative can you get in such a tiny space? For more information, please contact the branch at 305-805-3811 or mayerr@mdpls.org. Ages 8 - 18 yrs.
Vinyl Record Listening Party
Fri, Oct 09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Country Walk Branch
In celebration of TeenTober, bring a friend and a (family-friendly) vinyl record to... more
In celebration of TeenTober, bring a friend and a (family-friendly) vinyl record to the library and experience the retro vibes of analog music. For more information, please contact the branch at 786-293-4577 or imbimbog@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.
Teen Book Giveaway
Fri, Oct 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Miami Beach Regional
What better way to celebrate books than by adding to your own collection?! Teens are... more
What better way to celebrate books than by adding to your own collection?! Teens are invited to pick up a free book to keep for starting or adding to their own collections. While supplies last. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.  
Tabletop Gaming
Sat, Oct 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Palm Springs North Branch
Roll the dice and enter worlds of adventure, science fiction and beyond. With tabletop... more
Roll the dice and enter worlds of adventure, science fiction and beyond. With tabletop roleplaying games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering to painting Warhammer figures and independently creating RPG, there will never be a story left untold as long as we have players at our table. Registration required. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-820-8564 or padronc@mdpls.org. Ages 12 yrs.+
Halloween Mini Cake Decorating Class
Sat, Oct 10, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Virrick Park Branch
Boo-to-you! Join this interactive Halloween-themed mini lunch box cake decorating... more
Boo-to-you! Join this interactive Halloween-themed mini lunch box cake decorating class! Attendees will ice, fill and decorate cakes with spooky designs, such as a Witch’s Cauldron or Dracula’s Coffin. Each person will create their own Halloween-inspired cake, and the spookiest creation will win a haunting surprise. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-442-7872 or pricem@mdpls.org. Ages 13yrs.+
This event is full
3D Modeling Club: Decorative Tools
Tue, Oct 13, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
North Dade Regional - YOUmedia
Hairpin or letter opener? You decide. Use Tinkercad to design and customize your own... more
Hairpin or letter opener? You decide. Use Tinkercad to design and customize your own 3D creation. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly way to explore 3D modeling, experiment with your ideas and make something you can take from the screen to real life. Computers are provided on a first-come, first served basis. No experience necessary. Registration required. For more information, contact 305-474-3033 or hernandezjes@mdpls.org. Ages 14 yrs.+
Craft Club: Candy Wrapper Keychain
Wed, Oct 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Dade Regional - YOUmedia
Create a fun DIY candy wrapper keychain filled with tiny charms that jingle when... more
Create a fun DIY candy wrapper keychain filled with tiny charms that jingle when shaken! Learn how to assemble your keychain step by step and take home a charming accessory. All equipment and materials provided. Registration required. For more information, contact 305-474-3033 or hernandezjes@mdpls.org. Ages 14 yrs.+
Cooking with Chef Jill: Healthy Smoothies
Wed, Oct 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Palmetto Bay Branch
Make cooking easy, fun and delicious with Chef Jill! Learn how to whip up healthy... more
Make cooking easy, fun and delicious with Chef Jill! Learn how to whip up healthy smoothies. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-232-1771 or smithk@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.
Use Your Voice
Wed, Oct 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Kendale Lakes Branch
Learn to express yourself and discover the power of your voice in a fun, interactive... more
Learn to express yourself and discover the power of your voice in a fun, interactive workshop with local TV and film professional Mauriett Chayeb-Mendez. After facing childhood bullying, Mauriett found her confidence through voice acting jobs for animated series and anime films that stream all over the world. Hear her inspiring story and take part in a mini vocal lesson that will help you find your own unique voice. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-388-0326 or jacobsonf@mdpls.org. Ages 12-18 yrs.
See all events

Book Space

Book Awards

Alex Award

American Library Association’s ten best books written for adults that appeal to teens.

Nonfiction for Young Adults Award

Winner and finalists represent the best nonfiction books published for teens.

Printz Award

Winners selected by the American Library Association as best of the year.

Sunshine State Young Readers’ Award
(Grades 6‑8)

Nominations for the best book as voted by Florida students.

Book Lists

Epic Reads

Young Adult books from A to Z. Including videos, new releases, interviews, top lists and much more!

YALSA Teens’ Top Ten

A “teen choice” list nominated and voted on by teens.

Websites

Book Riot

Book Riot is the largest independent editorial book site in North America, and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content, all designed around diverse readers and across all genres.

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg is a volunteer effort to digitize and archive cultural works, to "encourage the creation and distribution of eBooks". Most of the items in its collection are the full texts of public domain books.

Internet Archive

Internet Archive is a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.

What Should I Read Next

Type in the name of a book you like and get recommendations for similar titles!

Teen Book Reviews

Not sure what to read next? Explore book recommendations from local teens at the Miami-Dade Public Library System! Select a title to learn more and scroll down to read reviews written by our teen volunteers.

Homework Help

Websites

Ask a Librarian

Virtual reference services from a Florida librarian through live chat, texting, and email.

Student's Internet Research Guide
Separating Fact vs. Fiction

A guide for ways to search smart, check for credible sources and cite your sources.

Crash Course

Check out the playlists for past courses in physics, philosophy, games, economics, U.S. government and politics, astronomy, anatomy & physiology, world history, biology, literature, ecology, chemistry, psychology, and U.S. history.

Dictionary.com

Look up the meaning of a word.

Hippo Campus

HippoCampus.org is a free, core academic web site that delivers rich multimedia content on general education subjects to teachers and college professors, and their students, free of charge.

Khan Academy

Free video tutorials for math, biology, physics, chemistry, finance and history.

MDPLS Online Homework Help & Tutoring Program

Sign‑up weekly for free one‑on‑one tutoring from certified teachers.

TED‑Ed

A collection of education videos on topics including math, social studies, psychology, science and the arts.

Databases

Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos

Spanish-language student encyclopedia.

General OneFile
Gale Cengage Learning

One-stop source for millions of full‑text articles, updated daily.

InfoTrac Student Edition
Gale Cengage Learning

Indexed and full-text magazines, newspapers, podcasts, and reference books with information on the arts, science, people, government and history.

Peterson's Test Prep
Gale Cengage Learning

Practice questions bank for math, reading and science and practice tests for various exams.

World Book Online—Info Finder

Encyclopedia, articles, learning resources, and research tools for middle school students.

World Book Online—Reference Center

Encyclopedia, multimedia, eBooks, primary sources and citation builder for high school students.

College

Books

A group of students holding books and supplies over a green gradient background

The Complete Guide to Paying for College

Yellow paper pad with text: Countdown to College: 21 To-Do Lists for High School

Countdown to College
21 “To‑Do” Lists for High School

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2020

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2022

Landscape and Architechture: The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences

The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences

The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2022

The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2022

Websites

The ACT

Learn all about the ACT including practice questions and upcoming test dates.

BigFuture by The College Board

Plan for your college future by finding colleges, exploring careers and finding ways to pay for college.

FAFSA

Get help paying for college with a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Florida Department of Education
Office of Student Financial Assistance

Information about student loans and state grants, scholarships & applications.

The SAT

Learn all about the SAT including practice questions and upcoming test dates.

Databases

Accredited Schools Online

A comprehensive accreditation resource for anyone in the process of selecting a college.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) 

Teaching thousands of software, creative, and business skills, LinkedIn Learning tutorials are current and effective.

Peterson's Test Prep
Gale Cengage Learning

Online practice tests, prep courses and eBooks for SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP exams. Also, search for colleges and scholarship opportunities.

Peterson's Career Prep
Gale Cengage Learning

Use this database to search thousands of college and graduate school entries. Identify scholarships that meet their financial needs. Take online practice tests and use test prep eBooks to obtain your education goals.

Careers

Books

Grid of avatars depicting various careers with text: Careers

Careers
The Graphic Guide to Finding the Perfect Job for You

Big letter M with text: Girl Mogul

Girl Mogul
dream it. do it. change the world

Separate letters J, O, B & U on small tapestries

Job U
How to Find Wealth and Success by Developing the Skills Companies Actually Need

Orange, yellow background with text: Modernize Your Resume

Modernize Your Resume
Get Noticed… Get Hired

Small paracute illustration with text: What color is your parachute?

What Color is Your Parachute?
A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

Websites

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Source for career information covering hundreds of occupations, describing what they do, the work environment and how to become one.

Summerjobs.com

Resource for finding summer jobs and seasonal staff positions for high school and college students.

Databases

Accredited Schools Online

A comprehensive accreditation resource for anyone in the process of selecting a college.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) 

Teaching thousands of software, creative, and business skills, LinkedIn Learning tutorials are current and effective.

Peterson's Test Prep
Gale Cengage Learning

Online practice tests and eBooks for career certification exams, resume builder, and career/vo‑tech school search.

Peterson's Career Prep
Gale Cengage Learning

Use this database to search thousands of college and graduate school entries. Identify scholarships that meet their financial needs. Take online practice tests and use test prep eBooks to obtain your education goals.

Health & Relationships

Books

Color wheel with text: Gender Identity

Gender Identity
Beyond Pronouns and Bathrooms

Balloons and confettii with text: Life Sucks

Life Sucks
How to Deal with the Way Life is, Was, and Will Always be Unfair

Zen rock stack with text: Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and Meditation
Handling Life with a Calm and Focused Mind

Text Positively Teen surrounded by abstract multicolor outlines

Positively Teen
A Practical Guide to a More Positive, More Confident You

Websites

Center for Young Women’s Health

Health information for teen girls including guides, quizzes, chats and more.

Love is Respect

Safe space for teens to access information about healthy dating attitudes and relationships.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Find information for you or someone else who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

CORA
Community Overcomming Relationship Abuse

Learn about healthy relationship tools, ways to identify relationship abuse, and resources available to teens.

Teens Health

A place for teens to find honest information and advice about health, emotions and life.

Young Men’s Health

A website for teen guys about health information.

Volunteering & Community Service

Opportunities at the Library

Volunteer at the Library

Teens 16 and older can volunteer in the library.

Plarning

Teens! Earn volunteer hours for school by upcycling plastic bags into plarn (plastic yarn). Please contact the Country Walk Branch Library or Pinecrest Branch Library for more information.

Teen Library Advisory Committee

Teens ages 13 - 19 years can earn volunteer hours while helping make our library an even better place. Make new friends while helping choose books, planning and leading programs and learning new skills.

Write-Up: Teen Book Reviews

Read a book and write a review to be featured in our online catalog. Earn four hours of community service for your contribution. Ages 13 to 19 years.

Websites

Camillus House

Volunteers 14 and older assist Camillus House with helping the poor and homeless.

Children’s Bereavement Center

Help support grieving children and families in our community. Teen volunteers help co-facilitate Bereavement Peer Support Groups.

City Year

Young adults 17‑24 with a high school diploma or GED commit 10 months to full‑time service as tutors and mentors.

DoSomething.org

Become a member and join other young people taking action.

Environmentally Endangered Lands Program

Volunteer to help protect and restore natural areas in Miami‑Dade County.

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Volunteers 16 and older can help with the horticulture, visitor services and special events programs.

HistoryMiami

Teens 14 and up are welcome to volunteer with HistoryMiami.

Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center

Volunteers 16 and older can help with Restoration Days and Beach Clean‑ups.

Miami Children’s Museum

Teens 16 and older can interact, teach and inspire museum visitors. Volunteers of all abilities, interests and schedules are needed.

Miami-Dade Animal Services

Make a positive impact on the lives of animals. There are several ways you can help by becoming a volunteer.

Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Miami‑Dade County

Volunteer at one of Miami‑Dade County’s parks.

South Florida SPCA

Volunteers 12 and older can volunteer at the ranch working with the horses or at outreach events.