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by Becca, Main Library  Spring is here! Let’s celebrate by making some super easy DIY bird feeders. All you need for this craft is an empty toilet paper tube, some peanut butter (or peanut butter alternative), bird feed, and twine! If you don’t have some of these materials at home, just visit any City Library branch! Starting April 1, we have bags available with all of the supplies you’ll need (while supplies last). Just ask any librarian for a Teen Take-and-Make bag! Let’s get started! First, find a space to pour a couple spoonfuls of bird feed. This can be in a shallow plate, a folded up piece of aluminum foil, on a piece of cardboard, or anywhere that won’t get too messy. We used an aluminum foil boat to keep our space tidy.  Next, spread peanut butter on the outside of your toilet paper tube.  Now you can lightly roll your tube across your bird seed, making sure the tube is completely covered. You can tap the outside lightly to make sure your bird feed sticks.  Once your tube is covered with seed, loop a piece of twine through the tube and tie it at any length you like. You’re done! It’s that simple! Hang your new bird feeder on a tree branch in your yard or set it on a windowsill.  Enjoy watching your new bird friends have some lunch!
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by Christine, Chapman Branch 
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4. Create a small funnel out of paper if you like to help fill the eggshell with confetti, glitter, or cereal. You can also fill the eggshell with money or other small items.
5. Glue a piece of tissue paper to cover the hole in the egg.
6. Decorate the egg with markers, stickers, tissue paper, glitter, or whatever you like.
Have fun with springtime celebrations with family and friends by sharing your cascarones and cracking them over each others’ heads.
(Special thanks to my friend and co-worker, Gracie, who helped with this post and for demonstrating how to crack them!)
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by Lexi, Day-Riverside Branch
Quarantine has turned a lot of us into indoor-gardeners. And for good reason! Houseplants can brighten up any room and are a perfect first step for anyone looking to take on a little more responsibility! Trust me, if you can keep a houseplant alive, you are ready for just about everything. You don’t need to have a green thumb if you avoid the following pitfalls on the journey to plant parenthood.
Underwatering
Why? Underwatering your plants is like forgetting to feed your hamster. They need that hydration!
How can you tell? Under-watered plants will develop brown, crispy leaf edges. If you’re noticing that the lower leaves of your plants are turning yellow and curled, check the soil! Anytime the top 1-2 inches of the soil are bone dry it’s time to water.
How can you tell? Under-watered plants will develop brown, crispy leaf edges. If you’re noticing that the lower leaves of your plants are turning yellow and curled, check the soil! Anytime the top 1-2 inches of the soil are bone dry it’s time to water.
Overwatering
Why? Let me tell you, plants can be temperamental. Not enough water? They’re upset. Too much water? They’re even more upset! If you overwater your plants their roots will start to drown, rot and die. Most plants really don’t want additional water if their top 1-2 inches of soil aren’t dry, (there are certain jungly plants that need their soil to remain moist).
How can you tell? If you smell a rotten odor from the soil, the base of the plant stem feels mushy or a light white fungus appears on your soil, you are overwatering. If the plant’s leaves are suddenly dropping off or turning mushy, pull back your watering! Make sure you enter your drip tray every time you water and - instead of watering on a schedule - start testing the soil for dryness as an indicator for when to water. It’s tricky, but this is genuinely the toughest part of plant parenting. If you can master this, you can raise anything!
How can you tell? If you smell a rotten odor from the soil, the base of the plant stem feels mushy or a light white fungus appears on your soil, you are overwatering. If the plant’s leaves are suddenly dropping off or turning mushy, pull back your watering! Make sure you enter your drip tray every time you water and - instead of watering on a schedule - start testing the soil for dryness as an indicator for when to water. It’s tricky, but this is genuinely the toughest part of plant parenting. If you can master this, you can raise anything!
Plant Cleaning
Why? Plants that grow outdoors get naturally groomed - the wind and rain clean their leaves and blow away debris. Since your plants are indoors, they’ll need your help! Be sure to clean away any dead leaves at least about once a month. Use a spray bottle to mist and clean the leaves. Remember, plants breathe through little pores on their leaves and the dust that gathers in all households will often clog these pores. While the exact effect of spraying your plants is sometimes contested, most plant owners will swear that misted plants tend to thrive.
How can you tell? By looking! Do you see dusty leaves? Give them a mist! Is your plant sitting in soil covered with dead leaves? Get those outta here!
How can you tell? By looking! Do you see dusty leaves? Give them a mist! Is your plant sitting in soil covered with dead leaves? Get those outta here!
Too Little Light
Why? Basic biology, baby! Plants need that light to photosynthesize. Without it? They’ll starve!
How can you tell? Your plant will become “leggy”. Longer and longer sections of stem will grow between leaves that will start reaching out for whatever light source they have available. If your plants are becoming scraggly and pale find a spot closer to the window or move them to a room with a south-facing window (or, if you’re out of options, a west-facing window).
How can you tell? Your plant will become “leggy”. Longer and longer sections of stem will grow between leaves that will start reaching out for whatever light source they have available. If your plants are becoming scraggly and pale find a spot closer to the window or move them to a room with a south-facing window (or, if you’re out of options, a west-facing window).
Too Much Light
Why? All plants need light to live, we know this! But bright, direct sunlight can really torment your plant. Even outdoors, most of these plants spend long parts of their day in some form of shade or other, (whether it’s under bigger plants or in the shadow of large rocks). Some of your houseplants will need some protection as well!
How can you tell? If your plant has scorched or bleached leaves, it’s time to move it farther away from the window, (even just a few extra feet can make the difference)! You can also transfer your plant to a room with north-facing windows.
How can you tell? If your plant has scorched or bleached leaves, it’s time to move it farther away from the window, (even just a few extra feet can make the difference)! You can also transfer your plant to a room with north-facing windows.
Know Your Plant's Origin Story
Why? Every plant species has very specific needs, hopes and dreams. It’s true! Whenever embarking on a new houseplant adventure, take a few minutes to research the plant’s OG environment. What is the soil like? How dry is the environment? How often is their rainfall? Knowing all of this will help you understand exactly what your plant does and does not need from you!
How can you tell? Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what species your plant is! Here are a few free apps that can help you. PlantNet, iNaturalist and PlantSnap are all excellent identification tools. Once you’re armed with the knowledge of your plant’s natural needs? Nothing can stop you.
How can you tell? Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what species your plant is! Here are a few free apps that can help you. PlantNet, iNaturalist and PlantSnap are all excellent identification tools. Once you’re armed with the knowledge of your plant’s natural needs? Nothing can stop you.
by Saia Langi, Glendale Branch
It’s no mystery that The City Library offers some amazing resources and programming to the many communities that it serves in Salt Lake. From using computers to browse the internet, printers to get your essays, even some sweet programs that keep teens connected like Alphabet soup, Teen Squad and Lit Loot boxes.
But tell me why it took me twenty eight years to find out that the library has ALOT more to offer its Teens? The next five resources that I will cover will help you level up and be ahead of the game when it comes to school, potential jobs and expanding your own horizons.
All these resources can be found on the SLCPL website in the Digital Library or even type it into google and you can gain access to them. Some require you to have a library card, others need you to create an account. All of these resources are 100% free!
But tell me why it took me twenty eight years to find out that the library has ALOT more to offer its Teens? The next five resources that I will cover will help you level up and be ahead of the game when it comes to school, potential jobs and expanding your own horizons.
All these resources can be found on the SLCPL website in the Digital Library or even type it into google and you can gain access to them. Some require you to have a library card, others need you to create an account. All of these resources are 100% free!
- To access the Digital Library, go to slcpl.org. Click on EXPLORE in the toolbar on top. Then click on Digital Library.
2. Once you have clicked on Digital Library. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and there you will find tabs that are under Browse by Topic. The 5 resources that I am sharing will be under the following tabs: Job & Career, Language Learning, Test Prep & Skill Building, and Digital Books.
Ever felt the existential dread of starting a resume from scratch? Fear no more! Cypress Resume is a great step by step guide for those starting a new resume or in need of sprucing up their old one. Found underneath the Jobs and career tab in the digital library, Cypress Resume will take the pain of organizing a professional resume into an easy step by step process. Simply enter the information in the boxes and presto! Cypress Resume organizes all of your work experience in a professional and stylish way that will be sure to get you an interview.
If you are like me and want to learn a language but are too lazy to do so, Mango languages is an easy way to start learning a new language and stay engaged. Once you have clicked on the Mango languages link it will take you directly to the login portal. You can choose to sign up or continue as a guest. Once signed in, you can pick from a list of languages that are offered. From Spanish to Korean, Haitian Creole, and Cherokee. Heck! They even offer Pirate. Whatever you choose, Mango Languages will have units that will teach you the basics as well as the daily conversations that native speakers have.
HelpNow is the perfect resource for studying and getting homework help. You can sign up for live tutoring sessions, get study guides and flashcards on science, math, reading and writing for all grades. You can even get feedback on essays by submitting it to the writing lab. This is not only a great resource for homework help but it also has college readiness courses as well as GED prep for those who want to continue their education. This invaluable resource will be sure to help you as you navigate through your schooling journey.
Need a book but don't want to go all the way to the library to pick up your hold? Libby is the resource for you. With over hundreds of different titles and genres, Libby is an Ebook and audiobook library that is totally available to you on your kindle, phone, or Ipad. Just head to the app store, download the Libby app, find the Library that is closest to you, enter your library card and viola! Instant access to The City Library book collections in the palm of your hand. If you are accessing Libby through the digital library on The City Library’s website, you will need to click on Digital books and then Overdrive. (Libby is the app that connects you to Overdrive on your handheld devices.)
Once you finish setting up, you are allowed to check out 15 items total and even place holds for popular titles. It's easy to use and you don't have to worry about overdue books again!
Once you finish setting up, you are allowed to check out 15 items total and even place holds for popular titles. It's easy to use and you don't have to worry about overdue books again!
This interactive resource is for Teen students and adult learners alike! Similar to Helpnow, Learning express Library can help you with homework and preparing for college, except the key differences are the fact that you can look up and find careers based on your skills and/or interests. It is a great resource for college students and those who are seeking to hone in on their job skills. Learning express library is a perfect platform for practice tests especially if you are looking to gain U.S citizenship. No matter what stage of life you are in, Learning Express Library’s resources can prepare you for whatever goal you are going after.
by Stephanie C, Main Library
If you are interested in finding a job there are lots of ways to go about it. You can go to the mall, or a restaurant and ask if they are hiring. You can ask your family if they know of any good part-time gigs. You might be able to make money on your own by selling things you make or using skills like playing music or mowing lawns. And some of you might even be ready to get the jump on your dream career by getting a paid internship. If you are ready to find a job, and you'd like some help, the Department of Workforce Services has classes, counselors, and tools that will get you on your way.
This flier has a great summary of a lot of the DWS resources for youth.
This flier has a great summary of a lot of the DWS resources for youth.
Here are some specific opportunities you should be aware of:
Job Fairs and Job Searching
DWS regularly offers job fairs to help folks learn who is hiring, ask questions about various jobs, and actually submit applications. If you aren't ready for that step yet, consider looking at this super informative Job Search Tools page with information about everything from skill assessments to interview tips.
Free, Virtual Classes
DWS offers a few free one-time classes to help you master job searching. Some classes focus on figuring out which job is right for you and some help with resumes and interviewing. Find current classes by searching the DWS calendar here. By clicking on "Tags" you can choose what types of events you want displayed.
Internships and On The Job Training
DWS can help you find a short-term paid position or internship to gain the skills you need to get started in a career. They have programs in a variety of fields, including the medical and industrial fields. They also have funding programs to help you get the clothes and supplies needed for a job. Amazing! To learn more about training opportunities click here.
GED
In addition to job searching, DWS also has a program to help students finish high school. They can offer financial support, and can even help students get devices needed to communicate and do school work. Visit this page and look for the "How To Apply" section.
by Amrita, Anderson-Foothill Teen Squad
We've put together a booklist of books for activism! These book categories contain various topics that aren't very popular in young adult book sections, so we're giving them a spotlight. Each category has two sub sections, one for non-fiction and one for fiction, so there should be something for everyone. Hope you like it!
Many of these titles are available to check out from The City Library. Search our catalog here.
And click here for a printable version of the booklist.