Teens Can ‘Level Up At The Library’ This Summer

by Crystal Anderson, Teen Services Librarian

June 1-July 31: Come to special events, join awesome clubs and contests, grab activity kits, and more—whether you’re into books, art, or just hanging out, there’s something for everyone. Read, create, and explore with the Bellevue Public Library all summer long! 

• Going into grade 7-12? Or did you just graduate high school? You can join the Teen “Level Up At Your Library” Summer Program anytime throughout June and July. View/download the full Summer Program booklet at: bit.ly/teenlevelup2025
• 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

Teen Certifications, Challenges & Contests

Fantasy Reading Map (June 1-July 31)

Get ready to unlock a world of magic and epic rewards with our summer reading challenge for teens—only at the library! Read to move across a fantastical map filled with mythical creatures, enchanted lands, and hidden treasures. As you journey through the realm, you’ll collect stamps, conquer challenges, and earn exciting prizes along the way! Sign up at the library’s Teen Services desk (June 1-July 31) to get started with your own reading map!

Babysitting Certification Courses

Become a safe and reliable sitter! The Nebraska Extension Services will provide babysitting certification to 15 students (age 11-18) per course. Learn the basics of child development, safety & more through their Building Better Babysitters program! Student fee: $10 – See more payment details when you register

• Thursday, July 3 (10:00 AM-3:00 PM) – Registration open now at: bit.ly/babysit73
• Thursday, July 24 (10:00 AM -3:00 PM) – Registration opens June 21 at: bit.ly/babysit724

Tiny Art Show (June 14-July 15)

The TEEN-y tiny art show returns! Sign up for a mini canvas kit, then use any 2D and/or 3D supplies at home to create your entry. See your art on display in the library for a community showcase–and vote for the top three! Sign up to receive a Tiny Art Show kit at: bit.ly/tinyart2025

 Teen “Nailed It!’ Contest (June 21-July 20)

Think you can “Nail It”? Prove it in our sixth annual contest! Teen bakers and brave kitchen creatives—it’s time to show off your skills! We’re challenging you to recreate the same over-the-top, glamorous cake from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether it’s a masterpiece or a delicious mess, we want to see your best attempt!

Snap some photos of your final creation and submit it to earn bragging rights and a chance to win one of the top three prizes! Icing disasters and frosting fails welcome: this is all about creativity, effort, and having fun! Sign up to be a contestant at: bit.ly/teennailedit2025

Here are last year’s Cryptid Cake contestant entries:

And the year before: Celestial Cakes!

Maze Maker Challenge (June 14-July 15)

Learn the art of designing your own maze—from concept to completion–with this challenge kit! Craft your a-maze-ing masterpiece, then submit it to be included in a special collection that will be shared with the community. Can others draw their way out of your maze–or will they get lost in the lines? Complete the challenge for bonus rewards! Sign up for a Maze Maker Challenge kit at: bit.ly/mazemaker2025

Summerween Challenge (June 7-July 31)

Do you prefer to celebrate Halloween twice a year? Then join the Summerween Challenge below to get in the spooky spirit–and receive bonus rewards! Sign up now at: bit.ly/teensummerween

Dragon Scavenger Hunt (June 21-July 30)

The Teen Space is full of hidden dragons—can you find them all? Grab a log sheet, explore the space, and track down every reading dragon concealed among the bookshelves. Redeem your completed log at the Teen Services desk for extra Grand Prize tickets. Limit: One scavenger hunt completion per teen. No registration required.

June: Activity & Program Highlights

Gamefest (Friday, June 6 – 3:30-5:15 PM)

Stay cool and hang out with friends for some video, tabletop, and ping pong gaming! We have four multiplayer gaming stations (Nintendo Switch, Wii U)—plus a variety of tabletop titles! You may bring games that are multiplayer and rated Teen or below. No registration required. For teens going into Grade 7-12 (Fall 2025) and 2025 high school graduates.

Note: The library closes at 6:00 PM on Fridays. Please have transport arranged or somewhere to go when the event ends. Parents/guardians must provide transport to minors after dark, in inclement weather (includes high heat), and/or who live a considerable distance away.

Diamond Painting Pop-Up (Tuesday, June 10 – Available: 5:30-7:00 PM)

Make sparkling art one rhinestone at a time during this pop-up in the Teen Space—drop by anytime between 5:30-7:00 PM! Choose from a variety of keychain, coaster, and sticker designs that will take between 15-35 minutes to complete. No registration required; supplies limited.

Forever Plants (Thursday, June 12 – 2:30-4:00 PM)

Assemble your own miniature version of the trending beaded plant! All supplies are provided–just bring your creativity and get ready to craft the cutest tiny plant that never needs watering. Registration open now at: bit.ly/foreverplants

The Journal Studio (Sunday, June 15 – 2:30-3:45 PM)

Welcome to The Journal Studio–a new creative club just for teens! Explore all kinds of journaling, from bullet and junk journaling to gratitude and freewriting, while trying out fun supplies, getting inspiring prompts, and hanging out with friends in a chill, no-pressure space. Whether you’re new to journaling or already obsessed, there’s a page here for you! Registration open now at: bit.ly/journalstudio615

Snail Trail Bookmarks Pop-Up (Tuesday, June 17 – Available: 5:30-7:00 PM)

Get crafty by creating your own magical snail trail bookmarks! Add a little sparkle and whimsy to your reading with these one-of-a-kind bookmarks, perfect for marking your favorite pages in style. Even snails know that reading is an adventure! No registration required; supplies limited.

The Green Scene (Tuesday, June 24 – 3:30-4:00 PM or 4:00-4:30 PM)

Learn the basics of plant propagation with Plants By Becky–no green thumb required! Discover how to grow new plants from simple cuttings, then pot your own clipping to take home and watch it thrive. It’s fun, easy, and a great way to bring a little life into your space! Registration open now at: bit.ly/teengreenscene

Popping Boba Tea (Teen Kit)

This fun kit includes all you need to mix up a cool and refreshing drink with strawberry tea and either mango or strawberry popping boba! Registration open now at: bit.ly/poppingbobakit

DIY Fuzzies: Bumblebee (Teen Kit)

Can you master the bendy techniques of pipe cleaner crafts? Make a fuzzy, little bumblebee (keychain attachment optional)! Registration open now at: bit.ly/fuzzybumblebee

July: Upcoming Popular Programs

Here’s a sneak peek of our second month of teen activities! See the full July calendar for teen event and registration details at: bit.ly/teenlevelup2025

• Bead Bash Pop-Up (July 1)
• Diamond Painting Pop-Up (July 8)
• Journal Studio (July 10)
• DIY Fidget Boards (July 13)
• Air Plant Terrarium Pop-Up (July 15)
• Gamefest (July 18)
• Art of Henna: An Interactive Introduction (July 22)
• Tea Garden Workshop (July 29)
• Make Stuff: Art Lab (July 31)
• Power Crystal Gems Soap (Teen Kit)
• Holographic Dragon Slime (Teen Kit)

Questions about the Teen “Level Up At Your Library” Summer Program? Contact Crystal Anderson at crystal.anderson@bellevue.net or at (402) 682.6673.

Follow the Bellevue Public Library at:

• Website: bellevuelibrary.org
• Instagram: @bellevuepubliclibrary
• Facebook: @bellpl