Teen Services
7-12 th graders are welcome to hang out with friends and explore their interests at all Chemung County libraries. Teen feedback and participation is at the heart of teen services at all our libraries. Events are teen interest driven, and whenever possible, teen led.
Steele Memorial Library has a dedicated Teen Space, and a Teen Advisory Group that meets twice a month for snacks, brainstorming event planning sessions, and input on what books, video games, and e-books/e-audiobooks are important to get for the collection. All our branch locations also welcome teen feedback and active teen participation.
Teen Events
Student Resources
Brittanica High School
Meeting the reference needs for high school students. (NOVELny)
Database provided by NOVELny
Brittanica Middle School
Meeting the reference needs for middle school students. (NOVELny)
Database provided by NOVELny
Brittanica School
Read with Libby
Teens who have their own library card can access Chemung County Libraries’ ebooks and e-audiobooks via the free Libby app. The Libby app allows patrons of all ages to download any book or audiobook they want with their library card.
Read with SORA
Teens who use the SORA app at school to get their school library’s ebooks can access our public library ebooks with their SORA app. Use the “hamburger” menu icon inside the SORA app to add your public library. Just select “Southern Tier Library System.” Please note that the SORA app limits teens to ebooks at their grade level only.
Teen Space at Steele
The Teen Space at Steele Library is a dedicated area on the second floor for 7th to 12th graders only. Teens can hang out with friends, read, study, enjoy snacks, books, computers, smart TVs, video gaming, and craft or art supplies. Teen library events held in the space are based on teen interests and feedback.
Please note: Adults can come in to browse for books, but they cannot stay in the space unless they are with a teen. Children younger than 7 th grade cannot hang out in the space unless they are with a teen 16 or older. All equipment, events, and seating are for 7th to 12th graders only.
Teen Advisory Group at Steele
Anyone in 7th to 12th grades can join the Teen Advisory Group that meets twice a month at Steele Library. We have snacks, brainstorming event planning sessions, and input on what books, video games, and e-books/e-audiobooks are important to get for the collection. TAG members can also help set up and run events, as needed. There’s a fair amount of fun and silliness, too. Volunteer Credit is available. For more information, contact the Teen Space at Steele Library: 607-733-9173 x2311.
Youth Activities
Air Chemung Youth Clubhouse
Clubhouse is for Chemung County teens (ages 12-17), We provide a community-based, non-clinical setting for the promotion of long-term recovery through skill building, recreation, education, wellness, evidence-based prevention programs and other social activities.
Chemung County Youth Bureau
recreational, educational, and employment programs and services for children, teens, and families in Chemung County
EOP Head Start, Early Head Start
Birth to Five is a school readiness program. Free for qualifying families. Open enrollment all year.
EOP: Ernie Davis Community Center
serves ages 13-21 with meals, afterschool programs, and tutoring
Safe Zones
support and activities for LGBTQ teens in Chemung County; a program by the Chemung County Youth Bureau
Southside Community Center
afterschool programs and snacks for all school age youth M-Fri
Tanglewood Nature Center
educational programs for children and adults
The SPOT program
recreational program for 12-15 year olds in Chemung County; a program of the Chemung County Youth Bureau
YWCA Elmira
Offering quality before-school, after-school, and summer programs for Chemung County pre-schoolers through 6th graders at multiple sites.
Teen Web Resources
Teen’s Top Ten - Teens around the nation nominate and vote on their favorite books each year.
YALSA Book Finder (or download the app) - Search 4,000+ books, audiobooks, and films from YALSA's book awards and book lists.
Queer Books for Teens - Find books, resources, and more for LGBTQ teens! From the site: "Created in part with support from the Carnegie/Whitney Grant from the American Library Association and the GLBT-RT resources committee, this website should act as a resource for anyone interested in Young Adult literature with significant LGBTQIAP+ content published between 2000 and 2017."
Khan Academy - Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more.
Hour of Code - Learn Computer Programming or Coding (free & fun for all ages)
Homeschooling resources - The Chemung County Historical Society has many resources available for homeschool families.
Loving Education At Home - A statewide organization dedicated to supporting and promoting home education throughout New York.
Common Core Curriculum - Common Core curriculum broken down by grade level.
New York State Homeschooling Regulations - No matter what state you live in, it's necessary to know your state's homeschooling regulations. And in a highly regulated state such as New York, it's especially important. Learn the regulations by studying the information on this site.
Home School Legal Defense Association: High School & Beyond - HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) is a national homeschooling organization that provides support and resources for homeschooling from young children through teens! This link is for teen specific homeschooling information.
Workforce NY (youth section) (for ages 16-24) - Everything from interviewing techniques, resumes, and working papers to applying to colleges.
Non-Driver ID Card- How to get a New York State ID if you don’t drive.
Getting Working Papers- New York State Department of Labor
Chemung County Youth Bureau‘s Employment Program- Youth ages 14 – 20 that are “work ready” have the opportunity to gain valuable job skills and experience through employment in several businesses and community organizations throughout Chemung County. For more information contact (607) 737-2907.
Free NY DMV Practice Tests - These NY DMV practice tests are good for the permit test and driver’s license test.
Applying for a Learner Permit - You must be 16 or older and apply at a DMV office.
Are you 18? Register to Vote! Let your Voice be heard!
Career One Stop "Get My Future" - A free site for teens from the Department of Labor. This site has everything from how to graduate from high school, job hunting help, and college application advice to finding the right careers for you.
211 Teen Helpline - A free, safe, and confidential source of support and information for youth, parents, and professionals, 2-1-1 Teen HELPLINE operates 24/7 through the various platforms – including calling the contact center, searching the website, and chatting online for meaningful, guided connections to help.
Get help for physical abuse - Chemung County Children and Family Services
For Those Left Behind - Grief resources for those who have lost someone to suicide.
Teens Against Bullying - Created by and for teens, this website is a place for middle and high school students to find ways to address bullying, to take action, to be heard, and to own an important social cause.
Teen Mental Health - MedlinePlus from NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine.
National Runaway Safeline - Judgement free help for runaways
Teen Sexual Health - MedlinePlus from NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Teen Pregnancy - MedlinePlus from NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Planned Parenthood & Southern Tier Pregnancy Place - Confidential, free, or low-cost help for teens re: pregnancy, sexual health, birth control, parenting, and more.
The Trevor Project - Help and information for LGBTQ+ teens and allies. Their 24/7 crisis line is 1-866-488-7386. Texting and chat is also available.
Feeling suicidal? Worried about a friend who is? - Chemung County Crisis Program (607.737.5369) or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.TALK) or text Hello to the number 741741.