By: Samantha Lowe, Youth Services Coordinator
This fall, the Dauphin County Library System is inviting tweens and teens to explore their creativity in new ways. Whether it’s painting, crafting, journaling, or publishing their own zines, our libraries are offering welcoming spaces where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others who share their interests.
At the Elizabethville Area Library, Craf-tween-ess Club gives tweens a chance to make creative projects ranging from book boxes to tie-dye tote bags. Programs like these offer more than just a fun afternoon—they encourage imagination, problem-solving, and the joy of making something by hand. Jen Hoedemaker, who runs the programs notes the importance of age-specific programming for tweens.
“Tweens are a funny age. Not quite teens, but definitely not little kids. They need a space to be themselves too. The crafts are challenging enough to keep their attention, but also easy enough where the kids can still chat and socialize.”
Over at the Love Memorial Library, teens can discover the art of Junk Journaling (Coming Soon). Program leader Alison Yarrish says the activity has become a favorite because it combines creativity with self-expression.
“Our teens really love cool quotes and stickers, and they enjoy using materials that we have here that they do not have at home,” Yarrish said. “They each receive a blank journal to fill with ephemera from their lives. Anyone can participate in journaling with very little investment.”
She hopes participants leave feeling inspired by the idea that creativity doesn’t require expensive supplies.
“We want kids to feel empowered to express themselves in any way they can,” she said. “We love providing art supplies that get them excited, but we also want them to see that creativity is all around them, no matter what materials they have.”
The Alexander Family Library is taking a different approach with its new Bad Art Club (Coming Soon), where perfection isn’t the goal.
“Bad Art Club celebrates the differences kids bring to their artwork,” said Janos Boon. “It’s not only a safe space to explore, but a place to be brave, share ideas, and celebrate our unique creativity.”
Participants will experiment with a variety of artistic techniques, including printmaking and chalk murals. Rather than focusing on grades or finished products, the club emphasizes exploration and collaboration.
“Teens will see examples, learn a few techniques, and then be free to experiment in a judgment-free, rubric-free environment,” Boon explained. “We hope they’ll inspire one another to think about art in new ways and discover possibilities beyond what they experience in school.”
Meanwhile, the Madeline Olewine Memorial Library is introducing teens to the world of zines—small, self-published booklets that can be about absolutely anything. 
“We don’t always have the chance to talk about what’s important to us, and not everyone feels like they’re inherently creative,” said Em Anderson. “But we all have something we’re passionate about. The only things you need to make a zine are a piece of paper, a pencil, and an idea. From there, the possibilities are literally endless.”
For Anderson, zines are about more than paper and ink.
“They’ve always been a way for people to share information, express themselves, and build community,” Anderson said. “Whether they’re silly or serious, informative or artistic, zines give everyone a chance to share what matters most to them.”
Inspired? Keep the creativity going at the Harrisburg Zine Fest on Saturday, September 12, at the Cooper Student Center at HACC. More than 20 vendors will be selling and trading zines, and visitors can participate in hands-on workshops, meet local creators, and discover a thriving community of independent artists and writers.
These programs offer much more than something to do after school. They give young people the freedom to experiment, the confidence to share their ideas, and the opportunity to discover that creativity belongs to everyone.