PROGRAMS @ YOUR LIBRARY
***All in-person programs are cancelled until further notice!***
Visit our front page for the current schedule of online / virtual programming!
BOOKS & eLIBRARY
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
Click here to download the free Teen Book Finder app for Android & iOS!
«««« SEARCH THE LIBRARY CATALOG ... Get the mobile app »»»»
South Plainfield Public Library Collection: Young Adult Novels
South Plainfield Public Library Collection: Young Adult Graphic Novels
South Plainfield Public Library Collection: Search the catalog by subject for Nonfiction
Audiobook and eBook Downloads: Young Adult Fiction (eLibrary NJ / Overdrive)
Audiobook and eBook Downloads: Young Adult Non-Fiction (eLibrary NJ / Overdrive)
Audiobook and eBook Downloads: Hoopla [NOTE: First you'll need to set up a Hoopla account]
Audiobook and eBook Downloads: RB Digital [NOTE: RB Digital Audiobooks and ebooks have moved to the Libby app]
Books for Teens by Topic (Hennepin County Library, MN)
Comics on Hoopla [NOTE: First you'll need to set up a Hoopla account]
Diversity in YA Books: Rich in Color
We Need Diverse Books: Resources
Great Books for Teens by Theme (AdLit.org)
The Hub: Your Connection to Teen Reads (American Library Association) and
Teens Top Ten (American Library Association)
LitPick Book Reviews by Students (age 12 and up)
Magazines (RB Digital) [NOTE: First you'll need to set up an RB Digital account]
No Flying No Tights: Graphic Novel reviews
NPR Best Young Adult Books of 2019 UPDATED! & 2020 NEW!
NPR 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels (2012)
Planet eBook: Free classic literature for your device (EPUB, PDF, MOBI) NEW!
Reading Rants: Out of the Ordinary Teen Booklists
Read Kiddo Read (age 10 and up)
Select Reads Newsletters (replaces NextReads)
(personalized recommendations of books, audiobooks, dvds, and music)
Teen and Young Adult Literature (New York Public Library)
Teen Book Series & Sequels (Bettendorf Public Library, IA)
Teen Book Suggestions (Pasadena Public Library, CA)
YA Books Central Teen Book Reviews
Young Adult Reading Lists by Topic (Ocean County Library, NJ)
Young Adults' Reading Choices (International Reading Association)
«««« NEWS »»»»
«««« SCHOOL »»»»
SCHOOL
Brainfuse HelpNow NEW! offers live online tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests. Other features include Personalized eLearning Tools, 24-Hour Writing Lab for constructive feedback, expert guidance on homework questions, Adult Learning Center, and Foreign Language Lab/Spanish-Speaking Support. Apps for Android or Apple mobile devices are available from the Apple App Store and Google Play. (Sponsored by the NJ State Library)
Method Test Prep ACT & SAT prep programs can help students raise their ACT scores an average of three points and their SAT scores an average of 150 points!
RB Digital's Method Test Prep can be enjoyed on your mobile devices through the RB Digital app, as well as desktop or laptop computers.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
Databases & Premium Resources «Library card required»
See also: College Admissions Info for Families (National Association for College Admission Counseling)
10 Study Methods That Work (Chadron State College) NEW!
Tips for Improving Your Concentration (Ferris State University) NEW!
Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder (UNC) NEW!
Study Skills E-Guide To Academic Success (Dartmouth College)
AP Central (Advanced Placement exams)
See also: Testing & Education Reference Center
Free Online College-Level Courses:
Class Central (Search Engine for Free Online Courses & MOOCs)
Open Courses, Lectures, and Materials: A Guide for Learners
Universal Class Personal Enrichment Courses «Library card required»
«««« JOBS/CAREERS »»»»
CRISIS
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER PLEASE CALL 911!
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Save a Friend: Tips to Prevent Suicide
Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929, live chat, or text 66008)
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence Statewide Hotline: 800-572-7233
Getting Out of an Unhealthy Relationship
NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault Statewide Hotline: 800-601-7200
No More: Resources to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ youth (live chat, text 'START' to 678678, or phone 1-866-488-7386)
LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743 NEW!
ASIF: Adolescent Self-Injury Foundation
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Teen Central: Teen Help for Teen Problems
NJ Youth Resource Spot: resources & programs for young people in New Jersey
«««« HEALTH »»»»
ACTIVISM
Generation On: We Can Change the World
iMatter Youth Movement to End the Climate Crisis
Voices of Youth Media Tools & Resources
National & Community Service (Americorps) & Peace Corps
Learn About Current Events & Issues
PLEASE NOTE: The library's Volunteer Tutoring program has been SUSPENDED until further notice .
«««« NEWS »»»»
CREATIVITY
...ART......MUSIC......MEDIA......THEATER......WRITING......MORE...
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
ART STUDIO
Artist's Toolkit UPDATED LINK!
Art 21: Twenty-First Century Art & Artists VIDEO
Art & Writing Awards (Alliance for Young Artists & Writers)
Making Mini-Comics [Archived page]
New Moon Girls: Submit Your Work
River of Words Environmental Art and Poetry Contest
MUSIC STUDIO
BBC Music Maker Advice [Archived page]
Gaiada Virtual Audio Loop Machine for DJs, Performers and Musicians
Guitar Basics, with Virtual Guitar Tuner, Scales & Chordbook
MEDIA STUDIO
Multimedia Tutorials (audio, video, photography, web, flash, and more)
Open Broadcaster Software for video recording and live streaming
Radio Diaries: DIY Radio Handbook
Transom Public Media Tools and Techniques
Youth Radio DIY: How to Make a Podcast
THEATER
Actorama.com Monologues & Scenes
American Theatre Wing (AWT): Working in Theatre
National Theatre: How We Made It, How You Can Make It, and more (Royal National Theatre, UK) NEW!
National Theatre: YouTube channel
WRITING
BookTrust Writing Tips for Teens
NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) Resources for Young Writers
The Writer Magazine: Writing Prompts
The Writer Magazine: Improve Your Writing
Write It! Poetry, Essays, Fiction, & more [Archived page; some links are broken]
New Pages: Young Authors Publishing Guide
New Moon Girls: Submit Your Work
Polyphony Lit Magazine UPDATED LINK!
Art & Writing Awards (Alliance for Young Artists & Writers)
River of Words Environmental Art and Poetry Contest
MORE
Copyright Law and Fair Use for Creative & Digital Artists & Filmmakers: Online Comic Book
Intellectual Property Law: Why Should I Care?
«««« TECH »»»»
«««« NEWS »»»»
DRIVING
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
I Just Got My License - Now What?
Parent-Teen Driving Agreement (CDC)
Parent-Teen Driving Agreement (AAA) NEW! [Link opens a PDF]
FITNESS & SPORTS
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
Food, Fitness, Exercise & Sports
Mental Skills Training for Athletes
Presidential Youth Fitness Program (replaces Presidential Active Lifestyle Award) NEW!
Sports Nutrition: Tips, Tools, & FAQ
Steroids (Drug Facts for Teens)
Youth Sports Participation During COVID-19: A Safety Checklist NEW!
Useful Websites: More Fitness links
Kids' Sports & Coaching Webfinder
«««« OUTDOORS »»»»
«««« HEALTH »»»»
HEALTH
«««« Click here for CRISIS LINKS »»»»
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
TeensHealth & TeensHealth Safety
Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers
Nutrition for Teens (Choose My Plate)
10 Steps to Positive Body Image
Bullying: Teens Against Bullying
Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco: Tips for Teens NEW!
Underage Drinking: Myths vs. Facts NEW!
SmokeFree TXT for teens: text QUIT to 47848
ElderCare Advice for Teen Caregivers [NOTE: Archived page]
Love is Respect: Healthy Relationships
That's Not Cool (What Is or Is Not Okay in your Relationship)
How to Make Healthy Decisions about Sex
LGBTQ Youth: Q & A on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and more
Military Kids Connect (Military Life, Feelings, Health & Wellness)
Pedestrian Safety NEW!
Distracted Walking; Heads up, Phones Down NEW!
Self-Help Brochures on Mental Health topics
Teens and Young Adults: Coping with COVID-19 NEW!
Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks NEW!
Talking to Your Parents (Or Other Adults)
How to Talk to an Adult UPDATED LINK!
Dealing With Your Parents' Divorce
Youth & Young Adult Books and Articles for people with LGBTQ parents UPDATED LINKS!
USEFUL WEBSITES: Health & Fitness & HOMEWORK LINKS: Health
«««« CRISIS LINKS »»»»
«««« FITNESS & SPORTS »»»»
JOBS/CAREERS
«««« PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR IDENTITY & YOUR PRIVACY WHILE JOB-HUNTING »»»»
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
Employment and Youth with Disabilities [NOTE: If a Captcha window pops up, click anywhere on the underlying page to get rid of it]
Resources for Job Seekers with Disabilities
More Career Resources for Students with Disabilities
My Next Move: What Do You Want to Do for a Living?
Protect Yourself, Your Identity & Your Privacy while Job-Hunting
Soft Skills to Pay the Bills - Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success
Teens 4 Hire: Top 10 Qualities Employers Want Most
Teens 4 Hire: Best Things for Teens to Do if You Can't Land a Job
U.S. Government Jobs & Internships for Students & Recent Graduates
Young Entrepreneurs Tutorial: Starting a Business (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Young Workers: You Have Rights! (OSHA Worker Safety)
Young Worker Safety & Health (CDC)
More Resources for Young Workers (U.S. Department of Labor)
Babysitting: The Basics [NEW!]
Babysitting Student Guide / Worksheets NEW! [Link opens a PDF]
JOB SCAMS:
Beware of bogus pet sitting jobs NEW!
Pandemic Job Scams NEW!
Instagram Scam Alert NEW!
NEWS
«««« Learn about FAKE NEWS & FACT CHECKING »»»»
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
ASNE School Journalism Training
DIY: How To Be an Ethical Journalist
Multimedia Tutorials (audio, video, photography, web, flash, and more)
Story Craft: Nieman Storyboard
Write It! Online Journalism Tutorial
More resources on Fake News & Fact Checking
Homework Links: Current Events, Issues & Controversies
«««« TECH »»»»
«««« MEDIA STUDIO »»»»
«««« ACTIVISM »»»»
«««« WRITING »»»»
OUTDOORS
South Plainfield Recreation Department
Other local parks and recreational facilities
Staycation Guide: Things to do in the South Plainfield area
Summer Safety Center for Teens
«««« FITNESS »»»»
MONEY & SHOPPING
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
Money Talks: Financial Literacy Videos for Teens
Plan for the Journey Ahead: Personal Finance Lessons for Teens
Reality Check: Calculate the Cost of Your Dream Life
Hit the Road: A Financial Adventure Game
More Fun, Less Stuff Gift Catalog
Clean Clothes Campaign: Where Can I Buy 'Clean' Clothes?
More Green Living, Green Shopping, and Recycling links
«««« JOBS/CAREERS »»»»
TECH
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
«««« CYBER SAFETY: Living Life Online, Connect Safely: Quick Guides, OnGuard Online, and Cyber Security Tips »»»»
«««« CYBER PRIVACY: Why Privacy Matters, Privacy Tips for Teens, and 8 Creepy Things Your Smartphone Knows About You NEW! »»»»
Alice: Learn Computer Programming in a 3D Environment
Blender: Open Source 3D Content Creation Software
Cognitive Class: Free Data Science and Cognitive Computing Courses NEW!
Free Code Camp (Learn to code HTML, CSS, Javascript & more)
The Coding Train: Beginner-friendly creative coding tutorials & challenges NEW! VIDEO
Inkscape: Free Vector Graphics Software
Thonny: Python IDE for beginners
Invent Computer Games with Python & Scratch (eBooks are free to read online)
Scratch: Create and Share Interactive Stories, Games, Music & Art
Sketchup Free 3D Modeling Tool [NOTE: Free registration required]
SourceForge: Download, Develop, and Publish Free Open Source Software
Exploring Computer Science: Student Resources [Archived page]
Introduction to Computer Science (Harvard) UPDATED LINK!
More Computer Science courses (listed on ClassCentral.com)
«««« MEDIA STUDIO »»»»
FOR GIRLS
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the websites linked on this page include Flash presentations. Flash was discontinued after 12/31/20, so many of these sites may not be available after that date.
Spark Movement for Antiracist Gender Justice
Tumbln' with Kiki Magazine (Jewelry, Fashion & Craft projects) [Archived page]
