Saxons, did you know that TEENtober was created solely to celebrate teens and promote year-round library services for you? The American Library Association crafted this unique nationwide celebration just for teens! Taking place every October, TEENtober aims to help teens learn new skills and fuel their passions both in and outside the library.

This year, your library—conveniently located near the US Bank—transformed into a hub of creativity and connection during its first-ever TEENtober celebration! During lunch, the library offered everything from book recommendations and voting for the top read (this year’s winner was “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling!) to artsy activities like watercolor painting and blackout poetry*. The celebration wrapped-up with a fun-filled board game session, turning the library into a playground of laughter and strategy.

TEENtober wasn’t just about fun; it was about building community. Participants enjoyed positive vibes and earned raffle entries for each activity they joined, with a chance to win new books, goody bags, and In-N-Out gift cards. Congratulations to our winners: Allysa Miller, Tavion Mills, Abasen Ibrahimkhil, and Deissy Ramos-Ramirez.

If you missed out this year, don’t worry—TEENtober is here to stay, so mark your calendars for next October! In the meantime, make your library your go-to hub for academic success. Whether you’re studying, tackling homework, or in need of after-school tutoring, we’ve got you covered. Take advantage of free printing for schoolwork and a supportive environment where you can thrive. Plus, dive into ongoing, self-directed activities that foster creativity and learning year-round.

• Blackout poetry is a form of visual poetry created by taking an existing printed text—often a page from a book, newspaper, or magazine—and selectively “blacking out” words to reveal a new, hidden message. By covering unwanted words or phrases with a marker (usually black), the poet leaves only the selected words visible, forming a new poem that often captures a unique theme or mood.The process is both creative and introspective, as it requires the poet to find connections within the original text and reinterpret its meaning. The blacked-out portions can also add an artistic flair, sometimes accompanied by drawings or designs that complement the poem’s theme. Blackout poetry encourages both creative exploration and reflection, transforming existing text into a fresh work of art.