Teens

Welcome to the EPL Teen Page! 

Please stop by our beautiful new Teen Room (ages 11-19), located to the left of the main entrance. We have an XBoxOne, Young Adult (YA) books, audiobooks and graphic novels shelved in this room. This is your space! Here are some ideas of how you can use the room when you visit: 

  • Play computer games
  • Do homework
  • Surf the web (ask at the main desk to borrow a laptop)
  • Play video games on our large flat screen TV with our XboxOne console
  • Pick out a book/graphic novel to read or listen to on the comfy bay window couches   
  • Chat with friends, eat snacks, or just come talk to the librarians when we're free! We love to have you here! 

Questions? Visit the main desk, email, or call us!

Library Services 

Did you know you can access the Library catalog from home?  

Libby  
Libby gives you a ton of free digital books, audiobooks, and magazines. Download this if you have an Android or iOS device. 

Hoopla Digital If you still can't get enough and might also be interested in tv or movies, Erving also has Hoopla! This app is compatible with most devices. 

Visit our Services page for a complete list of the services the Library has to offer you (including printing, mobile hotspot borrowing, museum pass borrowing, and more).  

Teen Programs 

Many events at the library are for all ages, like our Plan a Pizza Herb Garden and Ukulele Sing Along events. Past events specifically for pre-teens and teens have included: Intro to Astrology for Teens, and Tarot Reading for Middle Grade and Teens. Drop in to Teen Movie Monday on the last Monday of the month at 3:30 pm! Stay up to date with us on our calendar page or Facebook for our latest event offerings.   

Makerspace Room & Library of Things

The Makerspace is a place where people of all ages can work on personal or collaborative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts & crafts, mathematics and more. Help yourself to the activities in the blue baskets or the monthly craft! Please feel free to ask a librarian for assistance.

Our Library of Things (LoT) is a great complement to our Makerspace. We have board games, electronics, cake pans, musical instruments, science kits, garden tools, videogames and more. Some LoT items are limited to patrons 18 years of age and older, so please ask a librarian if you are interested.

Teen life 

We're here to connect you to the information you need, whether it’s a book for leisure, the latest video games, or research help for a school project. We also know that when you come to the library, it's not always just to play videogames or check out books for school and leisure. Sometimes, you need help for the tough stuff in life. At our library, we will always be there to help you find the resources you need in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Some people prefer to browse on their own. We have computers at the library where you can look up resources in the catalog by yourself. Ask at the main desk if you would like to use a laptop.

Did you know you can privately access thousands of ebooks and audiobooks for free from your smartphone or tablet? Learn more about the Libby app from Overdrive, free for library card holders here at the Erving Public Library. 

Community Resources 

This is a list of online resources (in alphabetical order) that can be accessed privately anytime you need help with something. 

  • Anti-Bullying: Helpful information on what bullying is, who is involved, the roles played, and bullying prevention rights, along with ideas for advocacy and self-advocacy. 
  • Dating Violence Prevention: Learn about healthy relationships and get support if you think you or someone you know may be stuck in an unhealthy relationship. 
  • Generation Q: Peer-led social and support group for 14-21 year-old LGBTQIA+ youth and their straight allies in Greenfield and Northampton. 
  • Go Ask Alice!: “Go Ask Alice!” is supported by a team of Columbia University health promotion specialists. Browse the archives for previously answered questions about teen health, ask a new question, take fun quizzes, and more. 
  • National Eating Disorder Association: Complete screenings, contact the helpline and find support for yourself or a loved one affected by an eating disorder. 
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse: The trusted source for science-based information on teen drug use and its effects. 
  • Planned Parenthood Western Massachusetts: With or without insurance, you can always come to Planned Parenthood for any of your health care needs including (but not limited to) general healthcare, routine checkups, STD and cancer screenings, family planning, birth control, and more.  
  • Safety Zone: Safety Zone Emergency Shelter provides 24-hour, short-term housing for young people, aged 14 to 17, who have left home or do not have a safe place to stay. These temporary youth shelters are located throughout Western Massachusetts. 
  • Sex, etc: A website about any questions you’ve ever had about sex. Written by teens, for teens. 
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. 
  • Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is run by and for trans people with a goal to provide trans peer support and care for our community. 
  • The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQIA+) young people under 25. 

Free, private, access to information is an important tenant of library services. Our librarians are here to help you do research and locate the information you need, just ask.

Staff Contacts

NameTitlePhone

Youth Services Librarian

(413) 423-3348