February Programs for Teens
February Programs for Teens
Old School Poetry
This February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for your soulmate, a dear friend, or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you’d like to share your love with the world!
Poetry & Verse Contest: Terrible Things Can Happen to You!
What’s the worst that could happen? Find out with our poetry contest, Terrible Things Could Happen to You! Inspired by Flora and Ulysses, this contest invites ages 8+ to submit poems up to 600 words in any style of verse. Categories include Tween (8–11), Teen (12–17), and Adult (18+), with up to three poems allowed per entrant (submitted in one document to programs@madisonlib.org). Entries open February 3 and close February 24, with winners announced February 28 via Facebook and our newsletter. Don’t wait for disaster—start crafting your verse today!
Chess & Game Club
Learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday* from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Game supplies will be provided.
*There will be no Chess and Game Club on February 17 due to our Presidents’ Day Closure.
Teen Action Council
The Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, February 5 in the Community Room at 4 PM!
Cook with a Book
Calling all cynics, poets, and squirrel enthusiasts! Join us for a Cook with a Book adventure inspired by Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo. Teens ages 12–18 will celebrate the “possibility of miraculous things” by making doughnuts fit for the Giant Doughnut Diner. The fun begins on Thursday, February 6, from 4 to 5:30 PM in the Community Room.
Don’t miss this heroic combo of delicious fun and literary delight—because superheroes deserve doughnuts too!
Family Friendly Films
Family Friendly Films are back this February! Join us every other Friday at 3:30 PM in the Community Room for an afternoon of movie magic on the big screen.
February 7: Cars (Rated G)
February 21: Cats Don’t Dance (Rated G)
Bring the whole family to enjoy new favorites and beloved classics! Please note, children 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible party aged 14+. See you there!
Young League of Writers
Aspiring writers ages 12–18, join the Young League of Writers to discover the art of bringing stories to life! At this month’s meeting, we’ll explore how to craft authentic and compelling character emotions. The group will meet on Wednesday, February 12, at 4 PM in the Community Room. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your storytelling skills!
Terrible Things Can Happen to You:
Emergency Preparedness
Readers of the ‘Terrible Things Can Happen to You!’ comic know that being prepared is key! Join us on Wednesday, February 12 at 7 PM in the Community Room as Jennifer Porter, INL Fire Department Deputy Chief of Operations, and Ben Porter, Shelley Fire Department, teach us basic first aid and emergency preparedness inspired by Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo.
Manga and Animation Art Club
Manga and Animation Art Club is back! For ages 12-18, join us on Thursday, February 13, at 4:30 PM in the Community Room for an exciting hands-on session. This time, we’re bringing motion to life by practicing animated in-betweeners with a classic bouncing ball—perfecting the smooth arcs, timing, and energy that make animation pop! Don’t miss out on this creative adventure!
Dungeons & Dragons
Calling all teen adventurers! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons on Fridays, February 14 & 28 at 3:30 PM in the Community Room. Whether you’re a seasoned hero or a curious beginner, this classic role-playing game lets you create your own character, choose your story path, and roll the dice to determine your fate! Experienced players can bring their own characters (5th Edition rules), or try out one of our pre-made adventurers—perfect for those just starting out. Ages 12-18. Ready your swords and spells… the journey awaits!
Teen LEGO Club
Calling all brick magicians, “block” heads, and LEGO fanatics!
Join us for Teen LEGO Club on Wednesday, February 19, at 4:30 PM in the Community Room. Connect with other teens (ages 12-18) who love the ever-popular bricks as much as you do! This month, we’re designing and building Superhero Scenes—bring your imagination and build something epic! Don’t miss this action-packed LEGO adventure!
Anime Club
Calling all anime fans ages 12-18! Join us for Teen Anime Club on Thursday, February 20, at 4:00 PM in the Community Room! We’ll be watching Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You. Come enjoy the show, relax, and connect with fellow anime enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Open Chess Tournament
Checkmate your way to victory! Join us for a Chess Tournament on Monday, February 24, 4:30–6:30 PM in the Community Room. Open to tweens and teens ages 9–18, players of all skill levels can compete for sweet prizes in their category!
Monitored by our chess master, Nick Allison, the tournament will follow Swiss rules of double elimination. Spectators welcome—bring your family and friends! Please, enter through the Community Room door.
Questions? Contact:
Nick Allison (208-807-7606 | riverbard1@gmail.com)
Gina Miller (208-356-3461 ext. 821 | gina.m@madisonlib.org).
Game on!
Teen Crafts
Unleash your inner artist with Teen Crafts!
Join us on Thursday, February 27, at 4:30 PM in the Community Room for a super activity—creating comic book collage art on canvas! Transform your favorite comic-inspired imagery into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This event is for teens ages 12-18, so grab your creative sidekick and join the fun! See you there for an art adventure that’s truly heroic!
The Science of Superheroes!
How do they do that? Well, they’re superheroes. But how do they do that? Join us on Friday, February 28, from 6:30–8:30 PM in the Community Room for an unforgettable evening of learning and fun for all ages!
Explore interactive stations that bring superhero science to life, and at 7:00, don’t miss a keynote by BYUI’s Brian Pyper—the most fun physicist you’ll ever meet—featuring plenty of audience participation. Come discover the science behind the superpowers!
Armchair Traveler Challenge: Apprentice Artist
Reading can inspire creativity and we are painting a masterpiece! Take an epic journey with us this year as we explore the world of art, from color and style to history and industry. Armchair travelers will read books to create a portfolio of canvases that earn them opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will receive small prizes along the way. Ages 15 and up will join the adult challenge, while 14 years and younger will be enrolled in the Junior Apprentice challenge. Sign up today at the Library Circulation Desk! See more details here.
Idaho Teen Reading Challenge
Teens ages 12-18—are you ready for the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge? Sign up today at Madison Library District, Madison Jr. High Library, Madison High School Library, or online with the Beanstack app!
Read 8 books from 10 different categories and track your progress on Beanstack or with paper trackers, journals, or bookmarks available at all three libraries. For every book you finish, grab a prize at the Circulation desk or during visiting librarian days at your school library!
Complete the challenge by May 1 to be entered into a drawing for a $30 gift card AND help your library earn books! Let’s get reading!
