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

How To Make A Mini Piñata

5/23/2022

0 Comments

 
by Christine, Chapman Branch
Picture

The end of the school year is coming in just a couple of weeks and that's cause for celebration. Today's post features a Do It Yourself tutorial for making a mini piñata. These tiny piñatas are great for any occasion, and pretty easy to make, so you could even make them as gifts for your friends.

Our example features a rainbow color scheme, which would make a great Pride Month gift or party accessory, but you can use any colors of tissue paper for different holidays or events.

Picture
A piñata covered in rainbow tissue paper hangs on a white cabinet door knob
​​
​
You can view and print the piñata instructions by clicking the button below.​
​
Piñata Tutorial

​Enjoy & Congratulations on making it to summer!
​
Picture
A rainbow piñata lays on grey carpet surrounded by candies and rainbow confetti
0 Comments

100 Word Story

11/15/2021

0 Comments

 
by Saia, Glendale Branch
Picture

I love to write and try to find new ways to level up my own skills as a writer. Most times, writing can be a daunting task, so to make it easier I like to find different writing exercises to help get words onto the page. Writing 100 word stories is one of these exercises. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

1. Don't think. Just write!
Lots of times I tend to overthink things. Writing is no exception. When writing a 100 word story, turn off that little voice in your head that says your story isn't good enough. That voice knows nothing of writing a story and will keep you from having fun. Write down what needs to be said and don't take yourself too seriously!

2. Pick a random theme. If you truly can't think of anything to write about, pick a random theme, topic, or subject and start writing about that. Google has fun random theme generators that can help you out when you are feeling stuck. 

3. Edit!
It's very likely that you will go over one hundred words when writing your story. This is absolutely, positively, 100% A-OK! When I actually start to write, I realize that one hundred words isn't that much! Once I have gotten down all the things that I want, I go back and edit it down to one hundred.  This helps me find the most important parts of the story to keep and to let go or minimize the parts that don't help move the feeling of the story. 

What are you waiting for? Pick up a pen and paper or open up your laptop and get to writing! There are so many stories to tell and so many eyes and ears eagerly awaiting to read what you have to say. Below is an example of a 100 Word Story that I wrote for this blog post. What will yours be about?

At last, it’s over.
My sword was held high behind me with my arm extended out. I could hear the blood drip from the blade onto old dry leaves. Nothing but ash and silence could be found around me. At last it’s over, the last foe cut down-At last we’re free. All fear dissipated. All doubts gone. All that remained now was emptiness. I turned slowly, surveying the smoky landscape. I could see the faint shapes of the fallen in the distance. The emptiness grew inside me as the sound of leaves cracked under my feet. It's all over.

We would love to feature some of your 100 Word Stories on our Teen Creations page. If you'd like to share, please submit them here. 
Picture
0 Comments

Teen Zine Team

11/1/2021

0 Comments

 
by Becca, Main Library
Picture

Calling all zine makers, creatives, writers, and artists! We want you to join Teen Zine Team!

What is a zine? A zine is a self-published magazine that comes in any shape and size and can be about any topic. Did you know The City Library has a large collection of zines that you can check out? Visit the Main Library to browse this great, eclectic, and interesting collection.

Picture
Picture

The Teen Lounge on Level 2 of the Main Library also has its own Teen Zine wall. All of the zines you’ll find on this wall are made by teens and are free to take! No checkout necessary.

Picture

If you want to learn more about this awesome form of alternative press, we would love to have you join us at Teen Zine Team.

Teen Zine Team is a weekly meetup with Grid Zine Fest and The City Library where you can explore your creativity by working on individual zines, collaborative projects, bookbinding, and more. No experience needed! If you’re brand new to zines, we’ll show you how to get started.

In the past, Teen Zine Team members have attended events such as Grid Zine Fest’s summer zine swap and picnic, Alt Press Fest’s writing and zine-making workshops, and we table together at local zine festivals.

Picture

Teen Zine Team is held on Thursdays from 4-5pm on Zoom until we can meet in person again. If you don’t have zine making supplies at home, sign up here for your own zine-making kit.
We hope to see you there!

Click here to join the zoom meeting. 
Meeting ID: 984 1761 2674
Passcode: 834217

Held in partnership with Grid Zine Fest.


Picture
0 Comments

Healthy Recipe Project

8/9/2021

0 Comments

 
by Samantha, Sprague Teen Squad
Picture

This summer, Sprague Teen Squad volunteer Samantha created a digital cookbook of easy healthy snacks! Check out a sneak peek below, and download the full cookbook here.
​

Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Paying for College - A Financial Field Guide

7/19/2021

0 Comments

 
by Rocio, Day-Riverside Teen Squad
Picture

​College can be expensive.


Many times students are told to apply for scholarships as a way to pay, but that is easier said than done.  Applying for scholarships, especially those that cover four year tuition, required countless steps. It is not just getting good grades, but having volunteer hours, writing personal statements, getting recommendation letters among other things.

This guide provides different resources to help guide you through the process of applying for financial aid. How to prepare before applying, getting the right requirements, websites, programs, and writing centers to help.

Download a copy of the guide here: 
Financial Field Guide

Progams

While in high school it is important to involve yourself with different programs that can help you throughout the years. They are meant to help everyone enroll into college and be able to pursue a successful college life. 

Each school may or may not have them all, you can check your school website or ask faculty where they can direct you. 

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
AVID begins typically during middle school, but you can also join during your freshman year. If you do want to enroll, you must contact the AVID advisor.

Services Provided:
  • Help teach you note taking
  • Critical analysis skills
  • College advice
  • College visits 
  • Tutoring 
  • Volunteer and internships opportunities
  • College application
  • Scholarships  

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)
You can become part of GEAR UP anytime just need to fill out an application if you want to. They provide workshops and other events to help students during school and if they wish to go to college. 

  • Tutoring 
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Internships
  • College applications
  • Scholarships
  • ACT
  • College visits
  • Help for first year of college 
  • Letter of recommendation 

TRiO 
Trio is a program that is offered both in high school and college to help low income and first generation students prepare and go into college. During high school they offer different workshops and services during the school year and summer.

Every college also has it. It is alright if you don’t apply during high school. You can just contact TRIO advisor and they will help you get set up. 

PACE 
Only college freshman can apply

Program provide by SLCC 
  • Has advisors for students
  • College visits 
  • Job shadowing
  • scholarship
    ​

​College Credit/Experience During High School


​During high school you can gain college credit for a much cheaper cost or even free. You can also gain experiences for different career paths. 


One way of getting college credit and experience is by taking AP, CTE, TRIO  and CE classes. 

AP (Advance Placement) requires you to take or teach yourself the required material to take an exam. Depending on your score you can get full college credit. The test is scored between 1 to 5, five being the highest, this earns you full college credit.  You must get a three or higher to pass the yrdy and get some college credit. You will have to pay for the exam. There is usually a financial aid offer that will lower or cover the cost completely. Once you pass it is important to inform the college advisor in order to transfer the credit over.

CE (concurrent enrollment) are college classes for free to get college credit as well. It is a partnership between local high schools with colleges and universities. You must pass the class with at least C- in order to get credit, anything lower will not qualify. 

CTE (Career and Technical Education) are classes which teach different skills to prepare students. For students who already know which career pathway you want to follow or  for students who just want to try out new opportunities. Check your high school CTE classes and see if they offer anything that could be beneficial for you to prepare. Talk to counselors and ask to be placed into these classes.

Internships are short term periods where students get work experience. These are offered up by companies and organizations. Depending on the company/organization some may pay you, other times you will work for free. You can ask counselors or teachers if they know of any opportunities. If you know of a company you like to work for, you can email them asking if they have an internship. 
​

Preparing for Scholarships


Scholarships are not as easy as they may seem. For those to cover full tuition, housing, and other expenses you must do extra work. These scholarships typically require you to have good grades, personal statements, letters of recommendation, volunteer hours, or any experience with leadership. 
 
It is, of course, important to have good grades especially if you want to go into any Ivy schools. Sometimes life may get in the way, and it is understandable if you fail a class or your grades drop as long as you show that you improve and work to fix it. 

Volunteering is one activity that you must complete ahead of time. It can vary but some scholarships/schools may ask for 40 to 200 hours of volunteer work. It cannot be completed in one week, and you should start as soon as you can. Here are places to look for volunteer:

Asking  teachers/counselors 
Teachers and counselors are constantly being informed about different opportunities. They will be able to provide you with information or tell you who you can contact. 
 
Community Websites/post
Community websites will usually have information about any local volunteer services.

Homeless centers
Homeless centers are always looking for people to come and serve food. You will need parental permission if you are under 18.

Religious services
If you are part of any religion, most times they will have a variety of jobs from cleaning, to projects, or being a mentor. 

Public Library
Many public libraries have a volunteer program for teenagers where they create their own projects which are posted on their website. The project can be about anything it is up to you.  The Salt Lake City Public Library has one! 

Pride Center
They provide different jobs all year around. Anyone can apply.

Just Serve
It is an organization that provides thousands of opportunities anywhere in the United States. 
   
For students that are too busy, work or just can’t volunteer there are still other scholarships available. 

Going to college fairs, visiting campus, attending events where college advisors come to seek is a big step. You must learn and see the possible options that are being offered in state and out of state. Another thing to consider is looking and doing more personal research about the college you wish to attend.

Scholarships
​

  • Key to Success 
         It is an app and website for students in Utah to access scholarships from Utah colleges. The
         more scholarships you fill, you will gain points that can be used to get cards to stores,
         restaurants, etc. 
  • Complete Scholarships 
        It is a website, where you fill out basic information about yourself and will provide you with a
        variety of scholarships. 
  • Career one Stop
         A website provided by the U.S Department of Labor
  • Niche Scholarships 
  • The College Board 
  • Chegg 
  • Unigo 

Scholarship Websites for Utah Colleges
Every college has a scholarship website.
  • University of Utah
  • Weber State
  • Westminster
  • Utah Valley University 
  • Brigham Young University 
  • Utah State University
  • Davis Tech
  • Southern Utah University
  • Salt Lake Community College
  • Snow College 
    ​

Filling Out The Application


Personal statements are semantically essays that say something about yourself. Each scholarship will be different. Some might ask you to answer a question, others may leave it up to you. There are countless ways of writing personal statements, here are some websites that can help guide you. 
  • Owl Purdue 
  • Writing center 
  • Indeed 

Writing centers
There are writing centers both online and in schools. At school you can ask teachers or go to
tutors to help plan, draft, revise your personal statement as well. 


Brainfuse is a website provided by the Public library to help students with any type of work. 

Letter of Recommendation 
Typically you will be asked only for  two; it can vary depending on the scholarship. You can get letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, employers, counselors, and volunteer leaders. It is important that you ask a couple weeks or days ahead of time. 

Undocumented Students
DACA
Every person deserves a chance to go into a college while getting financial aid. DACA is a government program that gives young immigrants a working permit, protection from deportation, and allows you to attend college. 

It is important to apply and each college also offers up different workshops and events to help students who qualify to apply.

Scholarships
  • Educate Utah 
  • Dream Utah
  • Career one Stop
  • Niche
  • Scholarships  
  • Chegg 
  • Unigo 

All of these Utah colleges provide scholarships for undocumented students
  • University of Utah
  • Weber State 
  • Westminster
  • Utah Valley University
  • Brigham Young University 
  • Utah State University 
  • Davis Tech
  • Southern Utah University 
  • Salt Lake Community College
  • Snow College
    ​

FAFSA

FAFSA is an application for students to get financial aid. It estimates how much money you are qualified to get through the pell grant. Many colleges require you to fill them out or to apply for scholarships among other things. It is important to fill it out ahead of time to qualify for more money. It will also allow you to apply for work studies which are jobs on offer by schools to students. 

For those first time applying they usually will require you to fill out basic information for the first sections. As it continues you must either provide your parents or own tax information. It is important to fill out all the information properly.

There are workshops offered by AVID, GEAR UP, and colleges to help out parents and students fill out the information properly.

0 Comments

The Step Up Challenge

7/16/2021

0 Comments

 
by Anagha, Day-Riverside Teen Squad
Picture

My name is Anagha Rao, and I am a Teen Squad Volunteer at the Day-Riverside Library. For my Teen Squad project, I have founded a physical activity or fitness challenge for teens called the Step Up Challenge to encourage teens to stay physically active this summer.  
​

I first got the idea for the Step Up Challenge when I realized how my step count drastically decreased due to the pandemic and staying at home. I tried setting goals to get a certain amount of physical activity, but I had a difficult time staying motivated. I thought a fun challenge would be the perfect way to motivate people to get more physical activity while winning prizes at the same time. 
​

In order to participate in the Step Up Challenge, go to any SLCPL library and pick up a tracker. Then, log the number of steps, distance walked, or time spent exercising on the tracker. If you miss a day, keep going and don’t worry about it. Once you have logged 30 days of physical activity, bring it into any SLCPL branch for a prize. If you want an additional challenge, there is a fitness bingo that challenges you to try new types of activities and stretch outside of your comfort zone. After you have gotten a blackout, bring the tracker to any SLCPL branch for a bonus prize.  
​
​
Picture

​The challenge will run from June 21st until August 16th. It's important to make sure you plan ahead and have enough time for completing the 30 days.


Ask for a Step Up Challenge tracker at your local City Library branch!
​
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

    February 2023
    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