City Library Teens
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Teen Squad
  • Teen Creations
  • About
  • Contact

Teen Poetry Contest Winners

8/15/2022

0 Comments

 
by Stephanie C., Main Library
Picture

On Saturday, August 13th, a gathering was held at The Main Library to celebrate the winners of The City Library's 2nd annual Teen Poetry Contest. 

The contest invites students entering grades 9-12 to submit a poem of 500 words or less. This year's theme was "Oceans of Possibilities." 

Three awards were given in each category (9th/10th Grade and 11th/12th Grade), 1st, 2nd, and Honorable Mention. 1st Place winners received a $100 prize, and 2nd Place winners received a $50 prize. 

Five of this year's winners were able to attend on Saturday to read their poems. The 2022 9th & 10th Grade winners are:
​
Picture

The 11th & 12th Grade winners are:
​
Picture

You can read all of the award-winning poems in The City Library's digital collection on BiblioBoard, and we've also included them here below. 

Congratulations to all of the winners and participants of the 2022 Teen Poetry Contest!

Picture

1st Place


​Dive Through Crystal
by Erika Prasthofer (10th Grade)


Dive through crystal, pyramid-spike
ripples of tourmaline blue and teal refractions.

Swallow glassy gurgles, splintering
the throat; let apexes and edges clank,

pinch to shard, crackle, peel fleshy drapes
from their adhesion to grenadine.

Shingling downward, each pastel, cloudy-tart
ceramic, stretchy remnant piles up, clingy

textiles in the windpipe.
A gasp in salty water gushes

assortments of polygon webs of flesh
outwards, provoking whirlpool current flows,

tweedling the webs as though within a vacant,
pale dreidel that rectifies to threads, frail

twines that sink, settle:
coral’s dust, misty flush.

Drown breath in beauty, bitter ultimatum.
Respiration perished in rhinestone particle,

absence of suspension and subtle drift,
a pulse meant to sift

across this vast microcosm
of bubbles, blubber, and barnacle.

Is there hope that printed ink on modern parchment
is natural, sharp, intricate enough to inhale, inject,
sting, and swallow through even the buzzing,


dingy conscience? ...where sensation tends to suffocate,
leaking to cement across rectangular shield glass,
flat, sleek, black until flashing skips of imagery--


a different kind of blue projection
than the ocean or the diver’s sapphire studs--
a blue bound to shed the throat, the voice


of sentimentality and instinctual conviction,
the entrance of energy and fuel to heed,
to a state of elasticity, indifference: to numbness.


Mahogany and glossy-amber locks,
golden-rouge, chalky-metallic luster

are chopped like seaweed root
from snail, conch, and oyster prick--

from basalt and serpentine,
from surface-churning havoc

of the sailor’s rudder.
They tickle her ghostly, whitened cheek

and arise, hanging
midway in slanted wavers, ruffling

across water’s turquoise, a gradient
that’s sun rim skims azure

with split ends and abrasions
where dandruff falls like ashes.

When do we suffer, halt the envy,
expectation towards numbness
and illusory emotion and color?

Maybe I will dive through crystal, pyramid-spike
ripples of tourmaline blue and teal refractions:

through nothing but a sheet of paper, memory,
and a dose of hyperphantasia


to sew, stitch, string beauty, mahogany locks,
with the needle of the dolphin

through the surface gems,
and it is then that one may take a gasp,
breathe heavily again.
​

2nd Place


​Love Song
by Samwise Risley (10th Grade)


Sing me a song of want my siren
Sing me a song of needs
Sing me a song of all I love
Then pull me beneath your seas

Tell me of all that which I hold dear
Show me the things I love
Sing me your song from deep below
And I’ll listen from above

Help me to soften a hardened heart
And show me what I desire
Then pull me down to deepest seas
To join your siren choir

I’ve been out at sea for far too long
I long for something new
Tell me the things I should do next
My fate is up to you

Sing me possibilities
Of all that I could do
Let me learn from your age-old song
And I’ll gladly leave with you
​
Devour me under the crashing waves
Drag me to the depths that you haunt
For I’d rather regret that which I never did
Than to never have known what I want


Honorable Mention


​My Once Endless Ocean of Possibilities
​by Lucy McKillen (9th Grade)


The possibilities
Everything is open and on the tip of my finger - beckoning me forward like the open
ocean
My choices, my decisions - like the moment before I plunge into the cold salty water
The things then forced unto me
The pressure - the weight of all of the water on top of me as I'm being pulled down,
           down, down
Being perfect
The ocean of possibilities, My ocean of possibilities now their ocean of
           possibilities

New possibilities - the darkness and limit of my previous choices
Not possibilities, challenges
Not challenges, a duty
The vast endless ocean turned into a small dark enclosure
My endless ocean of possibilities
Now my burden
Of people
Not people, family
Not family, my controllers
My once infinite ocean turned into a small pond of solitude to carry myself forward with
           people looking toward -
Their ocean of possibilities

Picture

1st Place


In Another World, the Titanic
by Sanskriti Negi (11th Grade)


In another world, the Titanic,
Peaceably sailed away,
Past the ice and dust and rock
And lived to see the day.

In another world, the Titanic,
Never left its English shores,
The great ship was deemed unfit to sail–
And would sail nevermore.

In another world, the Titanic,
Was never thought nor conceived,
So large a ship, so large a thought
A beast of a different breed.

In this world, the Titanic,
Sailed far away,
Never made it back home,
But it is where it will stay:

Beneath the icy ocean
Breathing beneath the waves,
A Rotting, sinking metal corpse,
Did it recall the glory days?
​

2nd Place


Setting the Sea to Find Me
by Keila Torres (11th Grade)


I wake up to see the sun’s rays
To feel the rough crashes of the sea
And touch the soft sand beneath Me

How long have I been here?

How did I get here?
My ship is nowhere to be found,
And my belongings just lay on the ground

Is this my final destination?

I do not know.

I look around

Trees span for miles
And I spot a folder of files

I pick it up, open it, and in a blink of an eye
I’m trapped under a bright blue sky

Dragged down, and down, and down

I do not put up a fight
I’m calm and alright

I hear voices telling me to drown, drown, drown
But I can breath just fine

In fact, I take a deep breath
And feel it through my spine

I’m not scared
And I realize

I didn’t have to set the sea
Because the sea is Me
​

Honorable Mention


Ocean's Muse
by Indigo Armstrong (11th Grade)


I’ve come, as many others
Looking to the seas, as they rush outwards
Stumble inwards, and endless cycle as they chase their own inspiration
Their muse to spark that motivation, The sun departs floating down as to let sleep take
the dove
As the moon rises above, the best light in the sky
It glints in the waters as waves reach up trying to fly, I still stand in my lonesome
The sand wedges itself between my toes, I dream to achieve that undying motivation
Many people get lost with no inspiration, wishing for such motivation
The ocean goes on not in desperation, not for fame, to gloat, to achieve
It is unaware of itself unable to see it’s glory, unable to leave
Getting lost in our woes
I came to find to find my muse, yet I find I am at a loss
Toss, tossing stones into the waters It becomes clear
As the sun arises coming near, The sea cannot refuse
I however, I refuse to rely solely on the motivation the muse can provide me
I will not forever go outward only to fall back and never fully be, I use any motivation yet
Determination, will be what I rely on
The ocean holds endless possibilities, yet forever will follow towards and away from the
shore
Such a bore, I will wield motivation that comes my way
Yet wield my determination to slay, no more pointless remedies
I see my vast possibilities before me a different sea on it’s own, the determination I can
use

​
0 Comments

Wasatch Charter School Art Exhibit

6/10/2022

0 Comments

 
by Rebecca West, Main Library
Picture

Wasatch Charter School is displaying an art exhibit at the Main Library from June 1 to August 20 with pieces inspired by the Great Salt Lake. 

Topics range from photography, over landscape-model knitting, Aztec mythology, Goshutes history, geology of the Great Salt Lake, weather and water cycle, to salt art. Through this exhibit, the artists hope to reflect the value of our famous Utah landmark and ecosystem and therefore also promote the protection of the Great Salt Lake.

This summer, you can come see this exhibit on Level 2 of the Main Library (210 E 400 S) in the teen area. 

The City Library offers free gallery spaces to teen artists, with the Main Library’s teen exhibit being just one of many library locations where you can share your art with our community. 

Interested teens can apply for an exhibit at the library at: slcpl.org/teen-art-exhibits
Or you can ask at any City Library for a paper application.

The Main Library has frames to lend you for your gallery and the teen librarian, Becca, can walk you through the process of putting together an exhibit of your own work. 

Apply Today!

​
0 Comments

West High School 2022 IB Visual Art Show

3/21/2022

0 Comments

 
by Yoli Pérez, Marmalade Branch
Picture
Support your local teen artists and view a fantastic art exhibit at the Marmalade Branch of the City Library. Over four weeks, West High School student’s artworks can be viewed and experienced. There are paintings, sculpture and ceramics, digital art and photography, and multimedia collage that can be viewed from Monday, March 21 to Saturday, April 16. Marmalade Branch is located just a few blocks north of West High School. The address is 280 W 500 N, SLC 84103. 

STUDENT GROUP 1: Exhibit dates:  March 21-April 2. 
STUDENT GROUP 2: Exhibit Dates: April 3-April 16

West High School students in the IB program are part of a rigorous global academic program called the IBO or the International Baccalaureate Organization. The IB program curriculum fosters growth, helping individuals who value an integrated lifestyle which extends beyond the walls and years of the classroom, as well as beyond the limits of geographical and political borders and cultural differences. Part of the IB curriculum means students are responsible to hang their own artwork, and carefully curate their own art exhibit. This practical experience supports students in their growth as young artists and helps prepare them for college, and life after high school. The City Library would like to thank Visual Arts teacher, Mr. Evan Smith, the art students themselves, and West High School for supporting this art show, and sharing it with the library community and Marmalade Branch.
​
Picture
Image of a painting that features a person with long black hair staring straight at the viewer. This is one of the student's artwork that will be featured in the show.
0 Comments

Zine Contest Winner

1/22/2022

0 Comments

 
by Lexi, Day-Riverside Branch
Picture

The Day-Riverside Branch ended their “Year of Zines” with a contest! Artists were instructed to design a zine detailing their ideas on how to build a better future, (because we are plumb out of ideas).
​

Picture

Our winning teen Emily, a past Teen Squad Volunteer, made this fabulous zine about Menstrual Equity! We are so proud of and inspired by her work, which details the effects of Period Product waste, the steps to self-production and the consequences of period poverty.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Her zine discusses the danger of undereducation, when it comes to menstruation, and details the physical dangers of inadequate access to period products.


Picture
Picture

Emily’s better future definitely sounds brighter, and she has inspired us to investigate ways we, as a Library branch, can contribute to ending period poverty!
​


0 Comments

Art Spotlight From The Teen Collaborative Creations Project

1/29/2021

0 Comments

 
by Claire, Main Library Teen Squad
Picture

Hi, my name is Claire and I am a Teen Squad volunteer this year at the Main Library.

I have created a virtual gallery that anyone in grades 6th-12th can submit photography, writing, paintings, or art of any kind. There are a handful of topics to help inspire your submission, or you can submit something that doesn’t relate to the topics at all. 

A piece I’d like to highlight from the month of December is a painting by Ryen.

Picture
Putrefaction by Ryen

Here is what Ryen said about their painting: 

“My art centers around the topic of unidentified bodies and giving a spotlight to these people who are often left ignored and unwanted even after death. I work to spread awareness about this trend and hope that eventually nobody will go unidentified.”

You can find future and past blog posts with updates about this project here on City Library Teens, and a full description of the project on this blog's Teen Squad page.

If you are interested in submitting, please fill out this Google Form.

And finally, if you want to see all the submissions that we get, you can find the gallery here.



0 Comments

5 eAudiobooks that Scream Girl Power

1/19/2021

0 Comments

 
by Lexi, Day-Riverside Branch
Picture
Are you looking for something to listen to and curious to explore the topic of women's empowerment? You can check out any of the following eAudiobook biographies through Libby and listen to these inspiring stories of girl power.
​
Picture
Wonder Girl: The Magnificent Sporting Life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias 

Babe Didrikson defied gender expectations when she conquered basketball, track and field and golf. This audiobook, narrated by Hillary Huber, covers her ambitious life, from her gold medals in the 1932 Olympics to her brave battle with Cancer.
Picture
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been on our mind lately and, if you want to learn more about this legendary dissenter, give this a listen. If you’d like to know more about this women, (who was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women, Glamour’s 2012 Women of the Year, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential people), this eAudiobook tells her lively story about the value of dissent.
Picture
Lab Girl

This story, told by Hope Jahren herself, explains in vivid detail how she was able to carve out a place for herself in Science. Her passion is contagious, as is her zeal for science. This wickedly funny eAudiobook biography demonstrates the mountains we can move when we work together.

Picture
I am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

Malala is an inspiration! This courageous teen repeatedly stands up for what she believes in and speaks out against intolerance, extremism and hate. She was only 10 years old when the Taliban took control of her region and declared that women weren’t allowed to go to school. Malala pursued education regardless and has become a symbol of strength and courage for any lady hoping to make a difference in the world.

Picture
My Beloved World

Anybody with an interest in politics has a lot to gain from Sonia Sotomayor’s My Beloved World. Sonia was the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, and her independent journey from a precarious childhood to law school provides a clear (and often humorous) roadmap for anyone interested in changing the system. ​
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Authors

    Blog posts are written by our Teen Librarians and, in some cases, teens like you. Visit your About page to learn more about our Teen Librarians.

    Archives

    January 2023
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    Categories

    All
    Alphabet Soup
    Art
    Book Recommendations
    DIY
    Events
    Library Programs
    Quarantine
    Resources
    Self Care
    Social Equity
    Super Summer Challenge
    Teen Squad
    Volunteering

Services

HelpNow
Creativebug
RBDigital

Your City Library

yourcitylibrary.org
Teen Page

Support

Contact
FAQ
Catalog
© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Teen Squad
  • Teen Creations
  • About
  • Contact