By Crystal Anderson, Teen Librarian
As the leaves begin to change and the days grow cozier, there’s no shortage of things for teens (Grade 7-12) to discover at the library! All year long, you can find FREE opportunities to create, read, study, explore, and simply hang out—from hands-on crafts and creative pop-ups to take-home activity kits and seasonal events. The library is also a place to settle in and stay awhile, with dedicated Teen Space seating, study areas, and collections of manga, graphic novels, fiction, nonfiction, and other teen favorites, plus innovative resources in our maker space! Check out what’s happening for teens at the library this October!
Pumpkin Scrub Bars
October Teen Kit: Get ready for a little autumn self-care! Make your own fragrance-free pumpkin sugar scrub bars at home with vegetable glycerin soap, cane sugar, olive oil, and shimmery orange colorant. Mix and mold, then pumpkin-ify your shower! (Microwave required.)
- For: Teens (Grade 7-12).
- Registration opens Saturday, October 3 at: bit.ly/pumpkinscrubbars
- Kit pick-up starts: Saturday, October 24
Make-A-Snake!: A Bead Bash Event
Teen Event (Large Meeting Room): Friday, October 9 (4:00-5:15 PM)
Slither by the library to make a beaded snake keychain—because you need a tiny, colorful friend to hang from your backpack or purse! Then enter the bead chaos: make a beadable pen or string together a bracelet or necklace, and just generally unleash your inner craft goblin upon an assortment of beads and charms. There’ll be snacks, a movie, and plenty of opportunity to hang out and make something snake-shaped (or otherwise)—no artistic dignity required.
For teens (Grade 7-12). No registration required; supplies limited.
Gem Jam
Teen Pop-Up (Teen Space): Wednesday, October 14 (4:30-6:00 PM)
Make brilliant art one rhinestone at a time during this pop-up (formerly known as Double Pop-Up: Diamond Art & Book Bedazzling) on Wednesday, October 14—drop by the Teen Space anytime between 4:30-6:00 PM! You can also bring a book or another item to bedazzle; transform it into the star of your shelves with gems and creative flair. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and get crafty with friends!
Featuring: Bedazzle your very own alien rubber duck! PLUS, choose from a variety of diamond painting magnets, bookmarks, coasters, and more—including some spooky season options!
- For Teens (Grade 7-12)
- No registration required; supplies limited.
Color Crush: Fall Café
Teen Pop-Up (Teen Space): Thursday, October 22 (3:30-5:00 PM)
Color Crush is your cozy hangout spot–drop by anytime and hang out between 3:30-5:00 PM on Thursday, October 22! Enjoy some drinks and snacks, all in a relaxing, art-filled space. Bring your sketchbook to doodle or share your latest creations—then explore an expansive variety of coloring pages, using alcohol ink markers and other cool art supplies. Whether you’re here to create, color, or just vibe with other teens, our Fall Café edition of Color Crush is the perfect place to unwind and be inspired. For teens in Grade 7-12. No registration required; supplies may be limited.
Featuring:
- Special October activities: Tiny Pumpkin Decorating, Mini Haunted House 3D coloring papercrafts, & spooky cute coloring!
- Choose from fun coloring books and pages!
- Experiment with different art supplies: alcohol ink markers, color pencils, glitter pens, & more!
- Try sticker coloring, stained glass designs, and other artistic techniques!
Spookysplosion: An ArtVibe Event
Teen Event (Large Meeting Room): Saturday, October 31 (3:00-4:30 PM)
Ghosts, goo, snacks, and a little mischief? Come hang out at Spookysplosion for an afternoon of fun:
- Paint a whimsical ghost portrait! Decorate a little wooden ghost frame, then assemble it into your own Halloween keepsake.
- Candy corn squish! Mix up a scented orange slime with a sweet candy corn-inspired twist.
- Bring friends, come in costume if you want, enjoy snacks and a movie!
For teens (Grade 7-12). No registration required; supplies limited.
Questions? Contact the Teen Services Librarian at: [email protected]
Follow the Bellevue Public Library at:
- Web Site: bellevue.net/176/library
- Instagram: @bellevuepubliclibrary
- Facebook: @bellpl
