This winter, Cranston Public Library’s teen programs will focus on the exploration of new technologies and community service. 

Head of Teen Services Linda Archetto explained the goals of the library’s upcoming teen events, saying, “Cranston Public Library’s wide variety of teen programs seeks to engage, inform, enlighten and prepare teens for their futures. Participants will access digital tools, pursue interest-based learning and connect with their community.”

One of this season’s digital learning opportunities is the Teens Make Movies Club. The club, which launched last fall, gives young people the opportunity to use library-owned iPads and the iMovie app to script, shoot and edit a promotional video for the library’s summer reading program.

Another tech-centric event is the new 3D Printing Workshop beginning in March. Made possible by a $500 legislative grant from state Sen. Hanna Gallo, this three-part series will teach teens how to find 3D printing files, create their own 3D creations and use the library’s 3D printer.

Popular Minecraft clubs for teens will continue at the Auburn Branch and Central Library. Participants will take turns inventing and leading group challenges. Teens can volunteer to become “Minecraft Experts” and assist in the instruction of Minecraft to elementary-aged children in other library programs.

Another community service opportunity can be found with the workshop-style Teen Knitting Club at the Oak Lawn Branch. Teens will learn how to knit blankets by teaching and helping each other while earning community service hours. All completed blankets will be donated to local hospitals.

The Teen Team, a volunteer-led organization, provides teens with an opportunity to earn community service hours while contributing to youth programming and library fundraising. In December 2014, the Teen Team raised money for the library by holding a sale of donated books and movies. The money raised will fund Jan. 24’s “Frozen”-themed family program at the Central Library.

Eric Pjojian – former Teen Team member, currently studying Actuarial Science at the University of Connecticut – explained the benefits of joining the Teen Team, saying: “I’ve been able to meet people of all kinds of backgrounds. There’s a whole slew of different volunteers, all with their own experiences–their own adventures. It’s nice to see all these different kinds of personalities get together to try to make youth programming better.”

The Teen Team meets on the first Monday of every month.

More information on youth programming at Cranston Public Library, including program registration details, can be found by visiting the Youth Programs Calendar at cranstonlibrary.org/calendar.