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For Teens

Teens are important to the Library!  Visit the Teen Hub for more about services for ages 13-18 

Questions? Comments? Ask or tell us!

Teen Spaces

Teen Spaces

The Library offers programs for teens age 13-18 at many locations, but we also have dedicated teen spaces at the following locations.

Can I visit if I'm not 13-18?
All ages are welcome to enter and explore the space and browse books. The seating, equipment and activities are reserved just for teens age 13-18. 

Teen Central at the Central Library

Teen Central at the Central Library

Teen Central is a space that serves teens age 13-18 and is located on the 3rd floor of the Central Library. 

Special equipment and supplies for teens 13-18 in the space:

  • Alienware gaming computers
  • Instrument Library (acoustic and digital)
  • Art and homework supplies
  • Teen zine library
  • Comfort cabinet with hygiene supplies 

Hours:
Same hours as the Central Library

Read more about Teen Central

Attend upcoming events at Teen Central (teens 13-18 only)

Teen Central Equipment

Teen Central Equipment

Instruments in the Music Lab are reserved exclusively for teens age 13-18 at all times, and are available for free-play experimentation any time the library is open 

  • Music Lab Macs with MIDI keyboards x 6
  • Keyboards: Full electric keyboard and Yamaha PSR-EW400 Keyboard
  • Left-handed electric guitar
  • Electric Drum Kit
  • Fender Precision Bass
  • Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
  • Electro-Harmonix 22500 Looper Pedal
  • Fender Mustang GT100 Amp
  • Fender Rumble Studio 40 Bass Amp
  • Synth Library (available upon request)
     

Media Creation Equipment
Available for use any time the library is open - some available upon request as indicated

  • Akai MPK 225 Midi Keyboard Controller
  • Wacom Intuos Pro (M) Tablets with Stylus
  • Novation Circuit Tracks Groovebox & other synthesizers [available on request]
midi keyboard and mac computer guitars, keyboards, drum set in music lab Copy link to section
A white room with blue accent walls is broken up with curved tall white tables, white shelves of teen books, and pops of color with pink potato-chip shaped chairs Copy link to section
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Teen Art

Teen Art

The Austin Public Library regularly displays teen art exhibits at locations around Austin. Find information below about current and past exhibits, and the library locations where they are displayed.

 

Navarro High School Art Exhibit

Navarro High School Art Exhibit

Navarro High School Art Exhibit - Little Walnut Creek Branch (April through May)

Celebrate the student artists of Navarro Early College High School as they exhibit their work at the Little Walnut Creek Branch of the Austin Public Library through the month of April. 

Celebra a los estudiantes artistas de Navarro Early College High School mientras exhiben su trabajo en la sucursal Little Walnut Creek de la Biblioteca Pública de Austin durante todo el mes de abril.

A girl is centered in the painting with a sad expression, her black hair flowing and a large monarch seated on her chest, surrounded by flowers and flowing water Copy link to section

Touch the Art! A Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired Exhibit

Touch the Art! A Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired Exhibit

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Art Exhibit - Teen Central at the Central Library

Touch the Art!

In this exhibit, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired art students show us how art can engage so many senses! From small weavings and ceramic sculptures to large-scale cardboard and rope structures, the art in this exhibit surprises us at every turn!

Available for viewing April 28 - May 20, 2026

 

colorful clay sculptures and plateware inside a glass display case A wheel threaded with yarn, with colorful yarn strands interwoven in a spiral pattern at the center Copy link to section

Past Teen Art Exhibits

Past Teen Art Exhibits

2026:

  • Teen Artist Exhibit (Teen Central, 3rd Floor - Central Library): Teen Artists submitted their work and judges determined which artists were selected. Selected artists became vendors with the City of Austin and were paid for their 3 month exhibit. 

     

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Teen Magazine and Podcast

Teen Magazine and Podcast

The Austin Public Library, in collaboration with the Library Foundation, has a Teen Library Fellowship. Teens in the Fellowship are paid to work on Community Action Projects, which include a magazine and podcast. 

Mind & Matter - A Teen Voices Magazine

Digital issues will be available here by May 2026. Free print copies were mailed to every library location - ask your location's youth librarian for a copy or check out the digital versions on the Foundation's website! Copies will also be available for sale in the Central Library Shop later this spring. 

Teens age 13-18 are invited to submit their writing, art, photography, comics, and more to the magazine - nonfiction and creative works welcomed! Submit your work here. 

APL Volumes - Teen Voices Edition

Check the latest episode out on iTunes , Spotify, iHeartRadio, or here

If you have questions about these projects, please email kathleen.houlihan [at] austintexas.gov 

 

Cover of issue 1 of Mind and Matter with a collage featuring faces, open mouths shouting, clippings of text and the word "Risk!" at the bottom Frank Hobbes at left in a room with a microphone across from Zell Miller III at right, being interviewed for the podcast Copy link to section

Teen Volunteering and Jobs

Teen Volunteering and Jobs

Volunteer with the Library
Take on a volunteer position with the library

 

Teen Jobs at the Library

Teen Fellowship
The library, with support from the Library Foundation, has a paid teen fellowship program for youth. The Fellowship seeks to connect teens with their libraries and each other to create positive change in their communities.  

The Fellowship Application for the 2026-2027 school year will be open May 1-31, 2026. The position runs through the school year. Ten (10) teens may be hired each year, with a pay of $22 per hour for up to 10 hours of work per month. The Teen Fellowship at the Library envisions a future where teens are active in decision-making about their libraries and work on projects that support teens by leveraging library resources. Read the FAQ here. 

Teen Fellows have been working on several projects around the theme of Teen Voices, including a Teen Magazine, Workshops, Open Mics, and a podcast and radio show in partnership with KOOP Radio. We encourage future applicants to participate in this year's projects to get a sense of what the project work is like. 

Interest Form: Fill out this form to get updates on the Fellowship and its projects

 

Internships 
The library hosts paid interns every summer through various City and County sponsored internship programs. Find out more about these opportunities on the Youth and Family Services site for the City of Austin. Annual application window for summer is the end of January through March.

Service Projects 
Service Project field trips are available at the Central Library for groups of teens in 8th-12th grades. To request a service-based field trip, check out our Field Trip guide and fill out the request form there. 

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Teen Support

Teen Support

Book a Teen Librarian for Help
Individuals can Book a Teen Librarian to get 30 minutes of 1-on-1 or group assistance on research projects or using library resources from a librarian, or get Job Coaching help with anything from resumes, to mock interviews, to college essay feedback.

Snacks
The Snack Pack partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank is ongoing and provides snack packs for youth age 17 and under. Snack availability varies since the CTFB relies on donations, but will be at the following locations as availability allows (ask a youth librarian at each location for the latest info):

Hygiene Supplies
Most library locations provide access to menstrual equity hygiene supplies, and may provide access to other resources, too. Ask at your location, or visit Teen Central for more information. 

Tutoring 
Visit Brainfuse (or download the app) to get free online tutoring, including writing feedback, and language practice support. Also get help filling out the FAFSA!

Research Tools 
Visit our Homework Help databases to conduct research for your next project. Not sure where to start? We love Gale OneFile. 
Learn a language with the library's apps

Adulthood Resources 
Did you know that you can get your Passport at the library? Or take a course on protecting your mental health with hoopla (free from the library)?  Check out our Adulthood Guide with other resources that you might need as you transition into adulthood.

Driving Permit Practice Tests 
Free online practice for your driving test.

 

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Educator Support

Educator Support

Educator Cards
Group Cards for teachers in schools, child care centers, group or supported living homes in Austin (as well as teachers at any school in Travis County)

Field Trips
Request a Free Field Trip to the Central Library. For branch locations, please contact the branch directly

Curriculum Support
Ask a Librarian to help put together lists of curriculum-aligned resources

Book a Librarian for a meeting to discuss research support for your curriculum

Book Selection
Learn how books are selected for teens and young people.

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