Teens

Teens age 13-18 are invited to join us for fun, free programs!

JUNE

Rainbow Connections - Teen Loot Bags: Available now at the Check Out Desk!

Celebrate Pride Month by picking up one of our Rainbow Connection Teen Loot Bags! Each loot bag will come with a colourful array of 2SLGBTQIA+ themed YA books (checked out to your library account), rainbow treats, colourful crafts, and a link to a quiz that will recommend your next great 2SLGBTQIA+ read AND enter you to win $20 Downtown Dollars!

Available for pick up at the Check-Out Desk while supplies last! Must have a current library card.

Teen Exam Cram

Let the Orillia Public Library help you ace your exams with study space, snacks, supplies, and self-guided study break fun (including prizes!). All high school students are welcome!

Where: Tables will be reserved near the Young Adult section and in the Fireplace Area on the 2nd Floor on the following dates and times:

Monday, June 16 - Thursday, June 19 (2-8 p.m.)
Monday, June 23 - Tuesday, June 24 (2-8 p.m.)

Summer VolunTEENS: Be a Reading Buddy!

Are looking for a meaningful way to earn Community Involvement Hours at the Orillia Public Library? This summer we are seeking highly motivated high school students to volunteer for our 6-week Reading Circle as a Reading Buddy! Candidates must be entering grades 9-12 in September 2025.

What is the 6-Week Reading Circle?

The Reading Circle is a free, TD Summer Reading Club program, that is being hosted by Orillia Public Library staff, for kids in grades 1-4. Volunteers (Reading Buddies) will assist with creating a fun, positive, and supportive environment through reading, playing games, and doing literacy-based activities with the kids that are registered to participate.

What Will You Be Doing as a Reading Buddy?

assisting with set-up and tear down
receiving training on supporting early and reluctant readers
being a positive role model for children entering grades 1-4
reading with children and providing encouragement (reading is fun!)
assisting and modelling activities and games

Time Commitment:

The 6-Week Reading Circle will take place every Tuesday from July 8-August 12. Volunteers would be needed from 1-3:30 p.m. each week. In order to ensure consistency, volunteers are expected to attend all 6 weeks, and any potential absences would be expected to be communicated ahead of time. There will also be mandatory online training to complete prior to the beginning of the program. Volunteers will receive a minimum of 17 Community Involvement Hours for participating in training and all 6 weeks of programming. Hours will be signed at the end of the program on August 12th.

SUMMER (JULY & AUGUST)

Teen Summer Bucket List (July 2-August 22)

The Teen Summer Bucket List is an independent challenge and prize program that can be completed wherever you are this summer! Earn online ballots by attending an OPL Teen program and/or by completing a listed challenge item. Earn a bonus entry into the draw when you submit a photo of you completing the activity! Starting June 16th you can grab your Bucket List Booklet at the Library or use the online Bucket List. Once you conquer a challenge, enter your ballot HERE (starting July 2nd) and get closer to winning!

Enter your ballots from July 2-August 22! Each ballot will increase your chance of winning cool prizes!

Prize Draws: Fridays: July 11, July 25 and August 8 at noon

Grand Prize Draw: Friday, August 22 at noon

Teen Summer Escape Book Box - Snowglobe by Soyoung Park (Available from July 4-August 15)

OPLTEENS is offering a limited-edition Summer Escape Book Box: Snowglobe! Don't miss out on reading the immersive and addictive dark dystopian novel Entertainment Weekly described as "Hunger Games meets Squid Games". The first round of boxes will be released on Friday, July 4th, so place your hold NOW! Need help? Give us a call at 705-325-2559. A valid library card is required to place a hold and/or sign out the book box. You will be notified when your book box is ready for pick up.

What is the Summer Escape Book Box? Our OPL teen volunteers selected the dystopian, reality TV inspired YA title, Snowglobe by Soyoung Park, to be placed in the curated Teen Book Box to read and return, with themed trinkets, goodies, and story-related activities for you to keep.

Looking for more? Attend the Teen Summer Escape Room Snowglobe (on your own or with friends), see details below.

Teen Summer Escape Room - Snowglobe (August 21 & 22)

Immerse yourself in the world of Snowglobe by Soyoung Park at the Teen Summer Escape Room! In a world of perpetual winter, you and your team will attempt to infiltrate the elusive climate-controlled city, Snowglobe. With limited time, you must solve intricate puzzles and evade security. As you navigate the icy wasteland surrounding Snowglobe your mission is to reach the main control room of Yibonn Media Group to expose the dark secrets of Snowglobe to the rest of the world. Will you be successful? Register and find out! Best for groups of 3-6 teens (ages 13-18). Reading the book is not required, but is recommended!

Want to guarantee a spot for your group? Register for a timeslot! At least one member of your group MUST have an up-to-date library membership. Want to come on your own or in a pair? Attend our drop-in Meet and Greet event – Don't be late!

Drop-in Meet and Greet Event: Thursday, August 21st

Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to participate

Registered Team Times: Friday, August 22nd

Teen Makerspace Nights: Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. (July 10-August 14)

Unleash your creativity at our Teen Makerspace Nights! Join us each week, in the Makerspace on the 2nd floor of the library, on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. to explore, work on cool projects, and enjoy treats! 

For teens ages 13-18. Drop-in and free!  Supplies are first-come-first-serve.

July 10: Tile Mosaic Coasters

July 17: Air Dry Clay Jewelry

July 24: Book Binding

July 31: Handsewn Bookmarks/Keychains

August 7: Paper Quilling

August 14: Perler Bead Party!

Volunteering at the Library

Looking for information on how to volunteer? Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

To stay up to date on our latest Teen programs, services, and opportunities, follow us on Instagram at teens.opl.