Fall Into Fun: Free Teen Activities at the Library
Fall Into Fun: Free Teen Activities at the Library
By Crystal Anderson, Teen Services Librarian
Looking for something fun (and free!) to do this fall? The library has you covered with activities, challenges, and events just for teens (Grade 7-12). Whether you’re into art, crafts, gaming, or just hanging out with friends, there’s something for everyone in October and November. Check out what’s happening below and mark your calendar for some cozy, creative, and spooky-season fun!
When you’re not at one of our events, make the most of your Teen Space at the library! It’s the perfect spot to study, relax, or catch up with friends. You’ll find comfy seating, charging outlets, and plenty of inspiration—from books and manga to games, art supplies, and more. Don’t forget to check out the interactive wall, where you can add your own artistic touch or see what other teens have made. It’s your place to unwind, explore, and make it your own!
The library also has study rooms available for use by request at our front desk. Or want to have a teen club/program in partnership with the library? Contact Crystal Anderson at: crystal.anderson@bellevue.net, (402) 682-6673.
Teens: Share your ideas with us! Tell us your favorite things about the library and make suggestions for your future events and more! Fill out a survey in our Teen Space or online at: bit.ly/teensurvey
October 2025
Pop-Up: Diamond Painting
Tuesday, October 14 (4:30-6:30 PM)Make sparkling art one rhinestone at a time during this Teen Space pop-up on Tuesday, October 14–drop by anytime between 4:30-6:30 PM! This pop-up: potion bottle magnets, ghost coasters, and more! For teens in Grade 7-12.
• Where: Bellevue Public Library (Teen Space)
• No registration required; supplies limited.
Journal Studio: Halloween Version
Saturday, October 25 (2:00-4:00 PM)
Explore the eerie, the imaginative, and the just plain weird! Try out spooky prompts and fun supplies, experiment with visual journaling, tap into your mysterious side, & more. Relax in a chill, no-pressure space–whether you’re new to journaling or already obsessed, there’s a page here for you! Note: You can bring your own journal or choose a new one provided by the library. (Limit: one journal per teen.)
Participants are welcome to stay for the entire event or whenever they have finished their journal activities. No registration required; supplies limited. For teens in Grade 7-12.
During this meet-up:
- Junk Journaling: International Candy Taste-Testing
- Habit Headstones & Tiny Coffin Reflections
- Haunted Object Diaries & Experimental Potion Recipes
- Web of What-Ifs, Monthly Mood Trackers
- Freewriting, Ghostwriting, & Pumpkin Prompts
Hocus Focus: DIY Fidget Board
Thursday, October 30 (3:30-5:00 PM)
Our DIY Fidget Board event returns—and this time it’s spooky! Move from station to station to explore different textures, gadgets, and sensory elements–then mix, match, and design a fidget board that’s totally you. Whether you need a focus tool or just love to fidget, this is your chance to make something fun, functional, and uniquely yours. Keep your hands busy and your mind calm! *Note: You can leave early if you’re finished with your board!) For teens in Grade 7-12.
- Where: Bellevue Public Library (Large Meeting Room)
- Registration opens Saturday, October 4 at: bellevuelibrary.org
Maple Magic – October Teen Kit
Celebrate the beauty of fall with a hands-on wooden maple leaf craft! Build and decorate a layered 3D maple leaf using a laser-cut wooden kit. Paint it or go full glitter—your leaf, your vibe! For teens in Grade 7-12.
- Registration opens Saturday, October 4 at: bellevuelibrary.org
- Kit pick-up starts: Saturday, October 25
Skeleton Show – Teen Contest
September 27-October 19
Fashion an outfit for a 6-inch skeleton to display in our third annual show! Whether it’s extremely humerus or bone-afide supermodel, your skeleton can show off any kind of look. The kit will contain all the contest and prize info!
• See the contest entries on display in late October!
November 2025
Cabinet of Curiosities: Gilded Insect Plaques
Teen In-Person Event (MRA) – Friday, November 7 • 4:00-5:15 PM
Celebrate the beauty of the natural world! In this teen workshop, you’ll transform rubber insects into shimmering golden specimens and mount them on painted wooden plaques for a wall-worthy piece of art. Add a touch of curiosity and elegance to your room while exploring the wonder of nature in a creative way
- For: Teens in Grade 7-12.
- When: Friday, November 7 (4:00-5:15 PM)
- Where: Bellevue Public Library (Meeting Room A)
- Registration opens Saturday, October 25 at: bellevuelibrary.org
Double Pop-Up: Diamond Painting & Book Bedazzling
Teen In-Person Event (Teen Space) – Tuesday, November 18 • 4:30-6:30 PM
Make sparkling art one rhinestone at a time during this Diamond Painting event in the Teen Space on Tuesday, November 18–drop by anytime between 4:30-6:30 PM! This pop-up: food magnets, various coasters, and more!
And did you miss the Bling Your Own Book (BYOB) event in September? Bring a book to bedazzle during this pop-up and make the cover as bold as the story inside—transform it with sparkles, gems, and creative flair!
- For: Teens in Grade 7-12.
- When: Tuesday, November 18 (Drop-In: 4:30-6:30 PM)
- Where: Bellevue Public Library (Teen Space)
- No registration required; supplies limited.
ArtVibe Pop-Up: Mini Gallery Art Magnets
Teen In-Person Event (Teen Space) – Sunday, November 23 • 2:30-4:00 PM
Tiny art, big style: create your own mini magnets by choosing from a variety of artwork—from elegant and fancy to fun and silly—and then framing them in tiny gallery-style frames. A playful way to display art in your locker, at home on your fridge, or to share with friends!
- For: Teens in Grade 7-12
- When: Sunday, November 23 (Drop-In: 2:30-4:00 PM)
- Where: Bellevue Public Library (Teen Space)
- No registration required; supplies limited.
Pop-Up: Bead Bash
Teen In-Person Event (Teen Space) – Tuesday, November 25 • 4:30-6:30 PM
Dive into Bead Bash and make your own trendy beaded fish bag charm—then mix and match from a variety of beads to create bracelets, necklaces, and other fun accessories. Come hang out and get crafty!
- For: Teens in Grade 7-12.
- When: Tuesday, November 25 (Drop-In: 4:30-6:30 PM)
- Where: Bellevue Public Library (Teen Space)
- No registration required; supplies limited.
Mini Mushroom Wreath
November Teen Kit
Bring fall indoors with this teen kit: Mini Mushroom Wreaths! Craft your own woodland-inspired wreath using moss, mushrooms, and other autumnal accents. A perfect project to add a touch of cozy forest magic to your space—sign up to reserve a kit!
- For: Teens in Grade 7-12.
- Registration opens Saturday, November 1 at: bellevuelibrary.org
- Kit pick-up starts: Saturday, November 22
100 Books: Teen Reading Challenge
Join other teens in the ultimate personal reading challenge! Earn rewards for every 25 books you read, with a goal of reaching 100 books before you graduate from high school.
Whether you are new to the challenge or continuing from the Beanstack version, sign up at our Teen Services desk to receive your updated challenge log and other info!
Questions about teen programs and services? Contact Crystal Anderson at: crystal.anderson@bellevue.net or at (402) 682-6673.
