Teen Services
Find your next great read!
Are you a teen stuck in a reading rut? Not sure what to read next?
Team up with the Teen Librarian to find your next great read!
Teens are invited to reserve a time to meet with Melissa to talk
about books you might enjoy reading next. For ages 12 – 18.
How does this work?
- Fill out the questionnaire about your reading interests and appointment availability
- Melissa will contact you to set up an appointment at the library.
- Meet in person for 20 – 30 minutes to talk about the books she thinks you might enjoy based on your answers to the survey. During that time you can talk about what you think of those suggestions and even read the first few pages or so of each book. If they aren’t grabbing your attention, take this time to browse the shelves together to find something different you might like even better.
- Pick some books to take home and read. Remember to bring your library card along so you can check things out on the day of your meeting.
First Reader’s Club
Teens ages 13 and up are invited to join our First Reader’s Club
at Willmar Public Library.
To participate in this new club, you will read the newest books we’ve
added to our Young Adult (YA) section, and then do a short review
of the book when you are done. These reviews will then be on display
at the library so other teens can use them to decide if they would also
enjoy the book. (Only your first name and age will be included on the review.)
You may do one review per month, and you will receive a small thank
you gift after every 4th review you submit. Participants will also be
invited to meet in person at the library every couple of
months to discuss books with other teens.
To participate, take a look at the list of new books and see what
grabs your attention. Each book listed is linked to our online catalog
where you can see a picture of the cover and a summary that might
help you make a decision. (Due to the content of some YA books,
please be sure to check the age range listed for the book
you select to ensure it is a good fit for you.)
After you’ve chosen the book you’d like to read for the month,
email Melissa and she will put the book on hold for you. When you
pick up the book, you’ll also get your review sheet to fill out when
you are finished reading. When you return the book, please return
the review sheet directly to a library staff member to be sure
it gets to Melissa so you get credit for the review.
Still have questions? Contact Melissa and she will be happy to help.
KPop Demon Hunters Party
Saturday, February 21 | 1:00 pm
In the Multipurpose Room
It’s a “Takedown” at the library! Join us for a party
celebrating all things KPop Demon Hunters! Vote for
your favorite songs, make a button, get some demon
markings, and more! All ages are welcome.
Teen Event:
Cocoa and Cozy Books
Monday, February 23 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Why should the adults get to have all the book club fun here
at the library? Join us in the multipurpose room to meet new
friends, enjoy a hot cocoa bar while you read, and talk about
what you’ve read. If you’d prefer not to discuss what you’ve
read, there is no pressure to participate. Bring a blanket
and/or pillow to help you be cozy. Stop in to read with us
and unwind for a while at the library. You may stop
in or leave at any time as your schedule allows.
Fun Friday for Teens
Friday, February 27 | 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Are you looking for something to do after school?
Bring some friends to the library and hang out in the
multipurpose room. We will plan an event on the fourth
Friday of each month specifically for teens ages 12 -18.
This month we will be having a Library Olympics which
will give you a chance to participate in
minute-to-win-it style games to earn prizes!
Teen Tuesday in the Makerspace:
3D Pen Shamrocks*
Tuesday, March 3 | 3:30 – 5:00 pm
This month we will be using our 3D pens in the Makerspace
to create some St. Patrick’s Day shamrocks.
We will provide all of the materials along
with some magnets and pens if you’d like
to turn your creation into something useful.
*Registration is required – register here
Zero Hour
Breakfast & Books
Wednesday, March 11 | 7:50 – 8:45 am
2nd Wednesday of each month
Attention Willmar High School students! Are you stuck at
school during Zero Hour with nothing to do? Join WPL’s
Teen Services Librarian, Melissa, and other Willmar High
School students for Zero Hour Breakfast & Books on the
2nd Wednesday of the month, in the computer lab by the library.
This informal book club for WHS students only gives you a
chance to talk about books you’ve loved (or even disliked) with
others. Make suggestions to friends and get suggestions from
new friends. Enjoy a donut while you hang out. Learn about
upcoming teen events that will be happening at the public
library. We will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month
during Zero Hour. Registration is encouraged
so we can bring enough food for everyone.
Boba & Anime
Friday, March 13 | 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Join us to watch anime and enjoy some boba tea with friends.
This program is for teens 12 – 18 only. No registration
is required but please plan to arrive on time
so you don’t miss out on your boba tea.
Career Workshop with Central Minnesota
Jobs & Training Services
Tuesday, March 17 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
In the Multipurpose Room
Join us as we partner with Karly from Central Minnesota Jobs
& Training Services to present to you a free career workshop for
teens and young adults. The workshop is open to people 14 to
24 who are looking for guidance on careers and employment
skills. The topic for March is Workplace Behavior and
Professionalism. Attendees will learn how to better understand
expectations, improve reliability, practice accountability,
and identify professional behaviors. Additional workshops will
be offered April 18, May 19, and June 3 at the library. If you
have questions you may contact Karly at (320) 894-5320.
Teen Movie Night:
Holes
Wednesday, March 18 | 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Hang out with us at the library and enjoy a free movie with
your friends! We will be watching Holes (PG). If you’ve read
the book, you can watch the movie and compare which you
like better! Popcorn and refreshments will be provided.
This program is for teens only. No registration is required
but we ask that you arrive on time out of respect for
everyone watching the movie.
Teen Event:
Cocoa and Cozy Books
Monday, March 23 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Why should the adults get to have all the book club fun
here at the library? Join us in the multipurpose room to
meet new friends, enjoy a hot cocoa bar while you read,
and talk about what you’ve read. If you’d prefer not to
discuss what you’ve read, there is no pressure to
participate – you are welcome to just listen. Bring a
blanket and/or pillow to help you be cozy. Stop in to read
with us and unwind for a while at the library. You may
stop in or leave at any time as your schedule allows.
Tween & Teen Spring Break
Puzzles and Popcorn Party
Wednesday, March 25 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm
You are invited to our Tween and Teen Puzzles and Popcorn
Party during your Spring Break! This is a drop-in event,
so you can join us any time between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m.
We will provide popcorn with mix-ins, along with
some punch to drink. Bring a bunch of friends and put
together jigsaw puzzles and figure out other brain
break puzzles of all kinds to pass the time.
No registration needed. Hope to see you there!
Fun Friday for Teens
Friday, March 27 | 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Are you looking for something to do after school?
Bring some friends to the library and hang out in the
multipurpose room. We will plan an event on the fourth
Friday of each month specifically for teens ages 12 -18.
This month we will be doing a library escape room! See
if you can use the clues to crack the codes and escape!
(Escape room kit is provided thanks to
PrairielandsLibrary Exchange.)
