Today’s tech-savvy teens are flooded with digital content from around the world. But did you know that your own local library is equipped with the latest and greatest too? Tulsa City-County Library has the newest technology and exciting programing to spark the imagination of even the “techiest” teen.
Throughout March, Tulsa City-County Library celebrates “Teen Tech Month” by showcasing the newest digital resources and services available to help teens succeed in school, prepare for college and pursue 21st century careers.
From bringing designs to life on a 3-D printer to assembling and flying a drone, libraries are spaces for teens to have fun and learn more about their digital world.
Teens are invited to explore new ideas at a series of free programs planned at these Tulsa City-County Libraries:
BIXBY LIBRARY, 20 E. Breckenridge
· Teen Tech Take Apart, Saturday, March 11 ● 2-3 p.m. We’ll take gadgets apart to see what's inside. For ages 12-18.
· We Built This City: Create Shoe-Box Cities!, Wednesday, March 15 ● 11 a.m.-noon. If you were in charge of planning a city, what would it look like? What buildings or businesses would you include? Join us as we create our own shoe-box cities. The possibilities are endless! For third- through sixth-graders. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register.
· Bixby Teen Manga/Anime Club, Tuesday, March 21 ● 6-7 p.m. Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 10-18.
· Cubelets for Teens, Tuesday, March 28 ● 6-7 p.m. What are Cubelets and what can you do with them? Come to the library and find out! For ages 12-18.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY, 300 W. Broadway
· Adventures in STEAM, Friday, March 3 ● 2-3 p.m. Want to learn more about how computer programs work? Join us for a hands-on coding workshop for ages 9-12. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register.
· BATAB Meeting, Thursday, March 9 ● 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join the Broken Arrow Teen Advisory Board for snacks and activities while giving input for future library programs and displays. For ages 12-18.
· Read or Die Anime Club, Saturday, March 18 ● noon-2 p.m. Hang out with us as we watch anime, talk manga (and other stuff) and eat snacks. Come in cosplay or as you are! For ages 12-18.
BROKEN ARROW LIBRARY/SOUTH, 3600 S. Chestnut
· Paper Circuitry Workshop, Tuesday, March 14 ● 6-7 p.m. Learn the basics of electric circuits in a fun, artistic way! We'll use copper tape, conductive ink, LED lights and coin batteries paired with art supplies for a truly unique learning experience. Registration is required. Program is limited to 20 participants. Call 918-549-7323 to register. For ages 10-18.
· In the Middle Book Club, Monday, March 27 ● 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for snacks and great conversation about "The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky" by Holly Schindler. Snacks are provided. For ages 9-12.
BROOKSIDE LIBRARY, 1207 E. 45th Place
· Perler Bead Art, Thursday, March 30 ● 3-4:3 p.m. Arrange colorful beads into pictures or patterns on a plastic pegboard and fuse to create unique art. Supplies are provided. For ages 10-18.
CENTRAL LIBRARY, 400 Civic Center
· Series: Introduction to CSS for Teens, Monday, March 6 ● 4-5:30 p.m.
Location: Digital Literacy Lab. Join us for an introduction to the basics of computer coding with CSS. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7323 to register or register online. For ages 12-18.
· Sewing for Teens, Thursday, March 9 ● 4-5 p.m. Location: Maker Space. Join us as we learn how to sew on a button and other useful skills. For ages 12-18. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register. For ages 12-18.
· Drones in the Garden, Tuesday, March 14 ● 2-3:30 p.m. Location: Tandy Garden. Join us as we assemble and fly drones in the garden. For ages 14-18. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register.
· Homeschool Workshop: 3-D Modeling, Wednesday, March 15 ● 1-2 p.m.
Location: Digital Literacy Lab. We will explore the ABCs of 3-D modeling and 3-D printers using a free online tool. Space is limited. Register online. For ages 10-15.
· Retro Tech Gaming, Tuesday, March 21 ● 6-7 p.m. Location: Mary K. Chapman Children’s Storytime Room. Go back to a time when technology consisted of record players, joysticks and VHS. We'll play games and enjoy crafting. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7323 to register. For ages 12-18.
· Game Development for Beginners, Saturday, March 25 ● 1-3 p.m. Location: Computer Lab. We know you love playing video games, so come and learn how to create them! We will explore how video game environments are composed and how to add elements. Class size is limited. Register online. For teens.
· Not Your Average Book Club, Tuesday, March 28 ● 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Digital Literacy Lab. Read manga? Watch anime? Join us as we celebrate fandoms by creating our own manga/comic books on iPads and tablets. For ages 12-18.
CHARLES PAGE LIBRARY, 551 E. Fourth St., Sand Springs
· Build-A-Drone, Thursday, March 16 ● 3:30-5 p.m. We’ll build and fly a drone. For teens.
COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY, 1223 Main
· Play It! Gaming at the Library, Thursday, March 2 ● 6-7:30 p.m. We will have a Wii and Xbox 360. Plus, explore our free online video games. For teens and their families.
· Sukikyo! Anime Club, Wednesday, March 8 ● 3:30-5 p.m. Explore Cubelets, littleBits and Raspberry Pi. For ages 12-18.
· Gizmos, Gadgets and Robots! Wednesday, March 29 ● 3:30-4:30 p.m. Explore Cubelets, littleBits and Raspberry Pi. For ages 10-18.
GLENPOOL LIBRARY, 730 E. 1441st St.
· Tuesday Teen Lab, Tuesday, March 7 ● 4:30-5:30 p.m. We'll talk about new books, socialize and do a fun activity, like make and fly a drone!
HARDESTY REGIONAL LIBRARY, 8316 E. 93rd St.
· Minecraft Gaming for Teens, Thursday, March 2 ● 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 ● 2-3:30 p.m. Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft.
· Hardesty Anime/Manga Club, Saturday, March 11 ● 1-2:30 p.m. Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18.
· Stop Motion Animation: Six-Day Workshop, Monday, March 13-Saturday, March 18 ● 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Oak Room. Learn how to make your own stop motion animation movie. Create the script and props, edit and prepare your film using an iPad. Register online or by calling 918-549-7323, or sign up at the ASK Desk on the second floor of Hardesty Regional Library. Hurry, there are only eight spots available! Snacks provided. For teens.
· Hardesty Spilled Ink Teen Creative Writing Group, Thursday, March 16 ● 6-7:30 p.m. Develop your craft through writing exercises. Come with your own writings to share with the group, or just come to socialize and get to know other writers. All methods of storytelling are welcome.
HELMERICH LIBRARY, 5131 E. 91st St.
· Teen Tech Build, Tuesday, March 21 ● 4:30-6:30 p.m. Explore Cubelets and more! Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library. For ages 10-18.
HERMAN AND KATE KAISER LIBRARY, 5202 S. Hudson Ave., Suite B
· Introduction to Kano Computers, Monday, March 6 ● 3:30-5 p.m. Use Kano computers to learn about computer science principles, create computers and practice computer coding. For ages 10-18.
· Amazing Cubelets: Minirobots, Monday, March 27 ● 3:30-5 p.m. Create cubed robots that roll, spin and twist at the flick of your wrist. Combine Cubelets with LEGOS to create more interesting robots. For ages 10-18.
· Teen Tech Scavenger Hunt, March 1-10. Show us how you use tech in your life by participating in our Tech Scavenger Hunt all month long! Get cool prizes too!
JUDY Z. KISHNER LIBRARY, 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave, Sperry
· Get Techie with Cubelets!, Thursdays, March 2, 9 ● 3-5 p.m. Learn how to build a minirobot toy that can spin and drive, respond to light and temperature, and so much more. You'll be amazed at what you create. For ages 10-18.
KENDALL-WHITTIER LIBRARY, 21 S. Lewis
· Gaming, Thursday, March 2 ● 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join us for online gaming! For teens.
MAXWELL PARK LIBRARY, 1313 N. Canton
· DIY: Smartphone Projector Box, Saturday, March 18 ● 1-2:30 p.m. Are you tired of crowding around your smartphone to watch movies and videos with your friends? Join us and learn how to build a Smartphone Projector Box that allows you to project images and videos from your smartphone without a cord, app or paid subscription service! Supplies are provided, but participants must bring a smartphone to class. Space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. For ages 10-18.
NATHAN HALE LIBRARY, 6038 E. 23rd St.
· Teen Tech Happening @ the Library, March 1-31. Explore tech with our 8-bit opportunities: a giant Tetris game, retro post-it characters and an online scavenger hunt.
OWASSO LIBRARY, 103 W. Broadway
· Trash Bots, Wednesday, March 22 ● 3-4 p.m. Turn trash into treasure! This upcycling program merges circuit boards with trash. Presented by the Tulsa Children's Museum. For grades 4-7.
PRATT LIBRARY, 3219 S. 113th W. Ave., Sand Springs
· Fun With Cubelets, Monday, March 13 ● 4-5 p.m. Cubelets are here! Join in the fun as we design clever robotic devices out of cute little cubes. There also will be iPads added to the mix! For ages 10-18.
RUDISILL REGIONAL LIBRARY, 1520 N. Hartford
· Teen Movie Day, Wednesday, March 8 ● 4-6 p.m. We’ll watch “Minions,” eat popcorn and hang out.
· Creating Robots With Cubelets, Tuesday, March 14 ● 2-3 p.m. We'll use Cubelets to build fun little robots. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register. For teens.
· Bookmark Crafts, Wednesday, March 22 ● 4-5 p.m. We will have washi tape, glitter and markers and everything you'll need to make a beautiful bookmark. Keep it for yourself or give it away to friends or family. For teens. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7645 to register.
SCHUSTERMAN-BENSON LIBRARY, 3333 E. 32nd Place
· Open Game Play: Wii and Board Games, Wednesday, March 15 ● 3-4 p.m. We'll have a variety of board and card games, plus Wii video games. For ages 10-18.
· The Craft Connection, Thursday, March 23 ● 6-7 p.m. Enjoy making crafts with your friends or family! For ages 10-18.
· Little Bits and Cubelets, Thursday, March 30 ● 4:30-5:30 p.m. Experiment with circuitry and electronics by playing with Little Bits and Cubelets! Create robots and other fun projects. For ages 10-14.
SUBURBAN ACRES LIBRARY, 4606 N. Garrison
· Cubelets, Wednesday, March 15 ● noon-3 p.m. We will use Cubelets to build robots. For ages 10-18. Registration is required and is limited. Call 918-549-7323 to register.
ZARROW REGIONAL LIBRARY, 2224 W. 51st St.
· Free 3-D Printing for Teens, March 1-31. To celebrate Teen Tech Month, we're offering free 3-D printing all month to ages 11-18. You will need to attend an orientation before using the 3-D printer. Call 918-549-7323 to reserve your time.
· Cubelets Robotics, Saturday, March 11 ● 1:30-3:30 p.m. Create your own robots the fun and easy way with mix-and-match Cubelets Robot Blocks! For ages 10-18.
· Minecraft Night, Thursday, March 30 ● 6-7 p.m. Location: Computer Lab. Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft! For ages 10-18.
For more information on Tulsa City-County Library programming, call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323, or visit the library’s Web Site, www.tulsalibrary.org.
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