Books & Audiobooks
Asian teen girl reading a book at the park on warm summer day.
Teen Summer Reading Challenge
Dates: Monday, July 7 to Friday, August 22, 2025
Ages: 13 to 18
Join the excitement at any WPL location this summer! Here’s how you can participate:
- Check Out Any Library Item: Borrow any item from one of our four library locations and show your receipt to staff at a service desk to receive an Instant-Win Scratch Ticket (maximum 1 receipt/checkout per day). Scratch the ticket for a chance to win a small prize.
- Enter the Grand Prize Draw: Fill out the information on the second half of your scratch ticket and place it in the ballot box for a chance to win one of 4 Grand Prizes. No matter the outcome of your scratch ticket, you’re still eligible for the grand prize!
- Digital Checkouts: Submit our online form below with a picture of your checked-out eBook or eAudiobook to be instantly entered for the grand prize OR visit any WPL location and show staff to receive a scratch ticket.
- Attend Library Programs: Participate in our exciting teen summer programs at any WPL location for another Instant-Win Scratch Ticket and another chance to win! Check out our lineup of teen events to join the fun.
The grand prize winner will be drawn on Monday, August 25, 2025. Don’t miss out on the fun and fantastic prizes—start reading and participating today!
Digital Checkouts Entry Form
Upcoming Programs for Teens
Socials and Clubs
Teen Social Club
August 5th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Through fun and engaging team activities, you'll grow as a leader, sharpen your public speaking skills, explore your creativity with technology, and discover possible future careers. You'll also learn how to communicate more effectively and get involved in meaningful community service.
Socials and Clubs
Share a Book, Swap a Book
August 5th: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Is there a book that impacted you that you think others would benefit from reading? In this program, we'll bring in our personal copies of a book that is meaningful to us (but we are willing to part with), and discuss why we loved it and why others should read it, with a “show and tell” segment. Then, we’ll swap our favourite “must read” and other favourites with one another.
Crafts and Hobbies
Learn to Cricut for Teens
August 6th: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Curious about how Cricut machines work? This program gives teens a chance to learn the basics with a hands-on tutorial and plenty of time to experiment.
Crafts and Hobbies
Learn to Cricut for Teens
August 13th: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Curious about how Cricut machines work? This program gives teens a chance to learn the basics with a hands-on tutorial and plenty of time to experiment.
Lifelong Learning
The Price is Right: Adulting Edition for Teens
August 20th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Come on down! It’s time to play The Price Is Right—with an adulting twist. In this fun and interactive game show-style program, teens will guess the prices of everyday essentials needed when living on your own in college or university. Play familiar games, win prizes, and learn what it really costs to stock a dorm or first apartment. It’s the perfect mix of fun, facts, and future-ready skills.
Games
Game Night
September 4th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Teens
Drop-in
About the Program
Hang out, play, and have a blast! Whether you’re joining with friends or making new ones, enjoy an evening of games with tasty snacks and drinks as you connect, laugh, and play together.
Socials and Clubs
Teen Social Club
September 9th: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Through fun and engaging team activities, you'll grow as a leader, sharpen your public speaking skills, explore your creativity with technology, and discover possible future careers. You'll also learn how to communicate more effectively and get involved in meaningful community service.
Games
Game Night
September 11th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Teens
Drop-in
About the Program
Hang out, play, and have a blast! Whether you’re joining with friends or making new ones, enjoy an evening of games with tasty snacks and drinks as you connect, laugh, and play together.
Crafts and Hobbies
DIY Tote Bag Decorating
September 13th: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Decorate your own reusable tote bag to take to school, carry books, or run errands in style. Using fabric paint and your imagination, you’ll create a design that’s totally unique to you.
Music
Karaoke Juice Bar
September 24th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Drop-in
About the Program
Grab the mic, sip some juice, and sing your heart out! Whether you’re belting out your favorite song or cheering on your friends, this teen karaoke night is all about fun, laughter, and good vibes. Enjoy tasty juice and snacks, hang out with friends, and show off your singing skills—or just soak up the energy.
Health and Wellness
Teen Comfort Kit Workshop
October 8th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
In this informative program for teens, Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council will join us to make comfort kits and learn about self-soothing and self-care.
Special Events
Tea and Tales with Muslim Women
October 9th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
Tea and Tales with Muslim Women is an interactive and educational travelling culture café that employs art, entertainment, and dialogue to build bridges of understanding between Muslim women and the larger community. In this one of a kind program you are invited to enjoy cultural teas and treats from around the world while taking part in candid conversations with Muslim women.
Health and Wellness
Scrubbing Away Beauty Standards & DIY Lip Scrub
October 11th: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Tweens
Registration required
About the Program
As we approach the end of the year, we'll take a moment to reflect on the beauty standards that stood out in 2025, as well as those from the past. We'll explore why these ideals might not be realistic or healthy. The central theme of our program is that beauty is subjective—a key message for tweens and teens to understand. Additionally, we'll highlight the importance of self-care, and participants will have the opportunity to create their own lip scrubs to take home.
Socials and Clubs
Teen Social Club
October 14th: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Through fun and engaging team activities, you'll grow as a leader, sharpen your public speaking skills, explore your creativity with technology, and discover possible future careers. You'll also learn how to communicate more effectively and get involved in meaningful community service.
Special Events
Puppet-Prov
October 15th: 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Get ready for laughs, surprises, and a totally unscripted puppet performance like no other! Local queer comedian and puppeteer Kez Vicario-Robinson brings their one-of-a-kind energy to this interactive improv show. Expect wild characters, quick wit, and lots of fun in a safe, welcoming space that celebrates creativity and self-expression. You never know what’ll happen when the puppets take the stage!
Socials and Clubs
Audiobook LIVE! - Spooky Stories
October 29th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Registration required
About the Program
Get comfy and spooky with a chill Halloween hangout. Bring your favorite pillows and blankets, enjoy popcorn and cider and settle in to listen to some spooky stories.
Games
Game Time
November 15th: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Teens
Drop-in
About the Program
Hang out, play, and have a blast! Whether you’re joining with friends or making new ones, enjoy an evening of games with tasty snacks and drinks as you connect, laugh, and play together.
