• Read a Madison Choice Award Book.
• Sign-up for the MLD Teen Discord Channel & introduce yourself. Or make a comment on one of the channels if you are already on the server.
• Participate in a teen library event.
• Try out a new art medium.
• Test a new to you recipe.
• Make some “found” art.
• Submit a short story based on a single panel comic to the Teen Writer’s Contest by July 19, 2025.
• Read a book in a genre you don’t usually read.
• Create a fantastical drawing and post it on the MLD Teen Discord Channel.
• Discover a new board game with friends.

• Read a Madison Choice Award Book.
• Sign-up for the MLD Teen Discord Channel & introduce yourself. Or make a comment on one of the channels if you are already on the server.
• Participate in a teen library event.
• Read a book by a local author.
• Visit a museum in person or virtually.
• Take a hike on a local trail.
• Help beautify a park by picking up litter and garbage.
• Use sidewalk chalk to write encouraging words around your neighborhood.
• Make origami art for a friend or family member.
• Make a group or collaborative art project.

• Read a Madison Choice Award Book.
• Sign-up for the MLD Teen Discord Channel & introduce yourself. Or make a comment on one of the channels if you are already on the server.
• Participate in a teen library event.
• Go on a photo scavenger hunt, find all the colors of the rainbow.
• Go stargazing on a clear night.
• Have a movie marathon with friends or family.
• Trade songs with friends and family for the ultimate summer playlist.
• Build something with your hands.
• Learn a new magic trick or card trick.
• Create a short film.

Dungeons and Dragons for teens at the Madison Library District! In this classic role-playing game, you create your character, choose how they interact with the story, and use dice to decide the outcomes of your actions.

This event is open to all teens (ages 12 to 18). Both beginners and experienced players are welcome.

The game will consist of one, 1 to 2 hour session for first level characters. Experienced players may use their own character if they wish, but pre-made characters will also be available. All characters should be made using only the resources available in the core 5th Edition player’s handbook. As an added bonus, players will be able to gain perks for their characters by reading!

If you are interested in a grand adventure, want to meet new and old friends, and have epic fun, register by clicking the button below.

Do you love storytelling? Ever looked at a comic or cartoon and wondered what happens next—or what came before? Now’s your chance to take that spark of imagination and turn it into a story! Whether you’re into fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, or real-life drama, this is your moment to shine!

The Challenge:

• Find a comic panel or cartoon that sparks your imagination—and use it as the inspiration for a short story.
• What’s the story behind the image? Who are the characters? What’s going on—or what happens next? You decide!

How to enter:

1. Choose Your Comic or Cartoon
   • Find a single-panel comic or cartoon that inspires you.
   • It can be funny, mysterious, emotional, or totally surreal.
   • Make sure it’s appropriate for a general audience.
   • You may use your own drawing, select one from here, or an existing one you’ve found on the web—just add the image or link to your story document.
2. Write Your Story
   • Maximum length: 4,000 words
   • Any genre is welcome (mystery, sci-fi, realistic fiction, fantasy, etc.)
   • The story must be clearly inspired by or connected to your chosen cartoon/comic.
3. Submit Online
   • Email your original work to programs@madisonlib.org.
   • Please include your name, age, phone number and the title of your story in the email.
   • Paste or type your short story in the email itself AND attach the document to the email.
   • The comic or cartoon you selected as a prompt must be in the document with your short story. It can be either an image or a link.
   • Typewritten paper copy will not be accepted.

Requirements:

• Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter.
• Open to Madison Library District residents only.
• 4,000 word maximum.
• Limit 1 short story per person.
• Work must be original, not previously published, and titled.
• Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified.
• Join the Young League of Writers for tips and tricks about plot twists and great character dialogue, and to chat about writing with other teens. YLoW meets every 2nd Wednesday @ 4:00 pm in the Madison Library District Community Room.

Deadline:

All entries must be received by Saturday, July 19th, 2025.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 25th, 2025, at the Teen Summer Reading Final Party. They will also be notified via Facebook, Instagram and email.

Prizes:

ALL participants will receive a prize!

First prize – $30 Amazon gift card
Second prize – Fat Cats Date Pack ($60 value)
Third prize – $5 gift cards to Runnin’ for Sweets. 4 participants will be awarded.

All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.

AND just for participating… everyone will receive a Free All-You-Can-Eat Buffet pass to Pizza Pie Cafe!

For more information please email Gina at the library at gina.m@madisonlib.org

Do you love Legos? Join other teens who love the ever popular bricks at Madison Library District’s amazing Teen LEGO club!

For Tweens ages 9 – 11, and Teens ages 12 – 18. 

Learn the art of Chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison!

Games and supplies will be provided.

Water Mancala Tournament!

Monday, June 23, at 4:30 pm

We wanted to do something a little different then usual and do an outside mancala game using squishy balls, buckets with water, and running around. It should be a lot of fun!

Bring your friends and listen to music while you make an awesome art project to take home with you.

Join us and express your creativity!

• JULY 3: Diamond Art Bookmarks
• JULY 10: Eraser Carving
• JULY 17: Little Bookshelf
• JULY 24: Nail Polish Spheres

EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL

Come out and gaze at the stars!  We’ll have our big telescope set up, and Cathy Stanton, former Star Ranger, will be there to take you on a guided tour through the universe.

Don’t miss it!

The Madison Library District Teen Action Council will meet regularly to provide input for teen events and programs, give feedback about YA materials purchases, and provide suggestions for improvements for other aspects of the Library as it relates to teens. 

Would you like to share your writing with other teens your age or just make new friends? Join the Young League of Writers for ages 12-18. We will meet for an hour to share what we’ve all been working on and talk about what makes writing great. 

Learn more about different parts of Asia through Movies, TV shows, Music, Food, Games, and Art.
We want to expand your cultural experience through different types of media!

June and July will be a Studio Ghibli Summer!

For July:

• July 18: Spirited Away – For this activity, we’ll watch Spirited Away (PG) and make soot sprites!

Games and supplies will be provided.

For Tweens ages 9 – 11, and Teens ages 12 – 18.

water Mancala Tournament!

Monday, June 23, at 4:30 pm

We wanted to do something a little different then usual and do an outside mancala game using squishy balls, buckets with water, and running around. It should be a lot of fun!

Have you ever wanted to make treacle tart from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? Or how about the scones from the Inheritance Games? Or maybe you would like to try the mallowmelt from Keeper of the Lost Cities.

For July:

• July 16: This month, we’re reading The Selection by Kiera Cass. “For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare.”
  We’ll be making strawberry tarts for our treat.

Film director Wes Anderson has a distinctive style that many attempt to mimic. A recent book, Accidentally Wes Anderson, shares views of the best efforts by professional photographers. If all those pros are having such a good time making Wes Anderson fakes, we thought it might be fun for our patrons to do so as well.

Take a look at the style hints found in the adult section display case and take a photo that you think is "Accidentally Wes Anderson," and we'll display them during the month of November.

TO ENTER:

Email your photo to our programming team or leave it at the Circulation Desk by November 1.
Please include your name, library card number, and phone number.

The three photos judged to be closest to Anderson's style will receive a copy of the book.