Library Websites to Use for Teens 2024
By Monserrath Angel
Digital literacy is just as effective as traditional literacy. It has many benefits such as acquiring digital skills, learning how to communicate, and fostering creativity. Teens are known for predominantly using social media and technology to access information and explore their interests. In this day in age, almost everyone uses digital literacy whether it’s for texting, research, or entertainment purposes.
Library websites are an excellent way to support digital literacy, especially for teens. Several of the websites featured in this article are focused on Southern California, but they can also be valuable resources for anyone seeking helpful reading materials online.
LAPL Teen Web
The Los Angeles Public Library website offers many helpful resources, including a teen blog where young people can post about various topics. The site features several sections personalized to teens, such as teen reviews, career advice, college preparation, exam study guides, homework help, community service opportunities, and resources for health and wellness.
2. Teen’Scape Los Angeles Public Library
Also included on the LAPL website, Teen’Scape provides more information on the services the Los Angeles Public Library offers for teens, as well as ways to contact them for additional questions.
3. Teens - Pasadena Public Library
The Teens section on the Pasadena Public Library website includes a Teens Newsletter, a list of book suggestions for teens, College and Career resources, an events calendar for local teen activities, volunteer opportunities with participation details, and Teen Zine, a bi-annual publication featuring writing and art contests for teens to enter.
4. Teens’ Online Library | Santa Clara County Library District
The Santa Clara County Teens’ Online Library provides free access to ebooks and other tools. It also features volunteer opportunities for tutoring, homework help, online classes, a teen blog, and college and career assistance. Additionally, the website offers a section on teen health, with information on how to contact local and national crisis centers and help service hotlines, as well as resources on drug information and sexual health.
5. YALSA’s Homepage | Young Adult Library Services Association
YALSA features the "Teens' Top Ten," an annual list of books nominated and chosen by teens based on their favorite reads from the previous year. The website also promotes TeenTober, a nationwide celebration in October that encourages teens to engage in various forms of literacy, both physical and digital.
