Shoutout to all Teens!!! National Youth Week 2025 is happening May 1 to 7, and we’re celebrating you (yes, we mean you!) at Vaughan Public Libraries! Held every year during the first week of May, National Youth Week celebrates youth engagement, showcasing your interests, skills, and the amazing diversity of young people across Vaughan.  

It’s all about giving youth a platform — and yeah, we’re here for it. Stop by the library for a week full of awesome programs. Just wanna meet up with friends? There’s something going down just for you. Come hang out, try something new, and show the community what youth can do! And of course, tag us on social media @vaughanpubliclibraries (IG) or @vaughanpl (TikTok) and use the hashtags #NationalYouthWeek2025 and #VaughanPL.

Check out some teen programs happening during National Youth Week 2025: 

Discover Dungeons & Dragons 
When: Thursday, May 1, 6 – 8 pm
Where: Dufferin Clark Library  
What is it about? Calling any new and experienced adventurers to join our Dungeons & Dragons activities evening: paint figurines, create characters, design environments, play out monster encounters, and more! 

Cricut Merch Maker 
When: Saturday, May 3, 2 – 4 pm  
Where: Maple Library  
What is it about? Create your own custom Cricut merch using our Cricut and heat press! Bring your own t-shirt, pillowcase, or bag to heat press! 100% polyester works best with infusible ink, but any synthetic fabrics are suitable. Tote bags will also be provided! For teens grades 9+. Register on Eventbrite! 

D&D Club  
When: Saturday, May 3, 2 – 4 pm   
Where: Pierre Berton Resource Library  

When: Tuesday, May 6, 6 – 8 pm
Where: Pleasant Ridge Library  

When: Wednesday, May 7, 6 – 8 pm 
Where: VMC Library  

What is it about? Game on! Join in on the action and adventure as we campaign our way through the world of Dungeons and Dragons. No previous gaming experience required. For grades 6-12. 

Vibe & Create 
When: Wednesday, May 7, 6:30 – 8 pm    
Where: Kleinburg Library  
What is it about? Unlock your creative potential through art, writing, and mindfulness! Boost confidence, make friends, and empower your mind. Recommended for teens and young adults.  

Chess Club for Teens
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2:45 – 4 pm  
Where: Pierre Berton Resource Library  
What is it about? Drop in and test your strategies, learn some new skills, or battle it out with other players. Beginners and pros are welcome! 

Happening Now ~ Reading Challenge 2025
Every month, check out our themed book lists for fresh reads that match your vibe. It’s a fun way to stay motivated, discover new books, and maybe even score some awesome rewards just for doing what you already love — reading! *P.S. Check with your local branch or VPL’s website for full details! 

January – READ A BOOK WITH ‘HOW TO’ IN THE TITLE 
February – READ A BOOK ABOUT NATURE 
March – READ A CLASSIC YOU ALWAYS MEANT TO READ 
April – READ A BOOK BY A FEMALE AUTHOR 

Thinking about Volunteer Hours?
Want to earn community service hours and get in on some fun behind-the-scenes action at the library? Say hello to Pop Up Volunteers at VPL! This awesome volunteer role is super flexible, so you can jump in when it works for you. Help out with prepping and running cool programs, get hands-on experience, and make a real impact at your library. Whether you’re into organizing, creating, or just want to be part of something exciting, Pop Up Volunteering lets you do it all. Help out, have fun, and earn hours! Apply to be a volunteer today!  

Get Ready for the Upcoming Design a Bookmark Contest!
Calling all teen artists and creative minds — VPL’s Design a Bookmark Contest is coming back by popular demand! From July 1 to August 24, 2025, you’ll have the chance to show off your art skills and create a bookmark design that could be featured at the library for everyone to see and build up your portfolio. Whether you love doodling, digital art, or anything in between, this is your time to shine. Stay tuned for full contest details and start sketching those ideas now — we can’t wait to see what you come up with! We’re so excited to see what you can create for this year’s contest and maybe your design will be the next winner! 

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the winners of last year’s Design a Bookmark Contest!  

2024 Winner – Digital
Deanna, age 15
Rationale: Deanna’s stunningly designed bookmark was a unanimous favourite with our judges. From top to bottom, your eye glides along the rainbow motif, absorbing a powerful message about libraries, learning, and adventure. Every inch of this bookmark is meticulously crafted and visually captivating. It exudes movement, balanced composition, vibrant colors, and a dynamic sense of personal identity and growth. The judges also appreciated the unique personal touch of the artist’s name, Deanna S., on the astronaut’s nameplate.

---

That’s a wrap on this post. Hope to see you at the library and say “hi” to us. We love having you and seeing you too. There’s always something going on at the library, so stay tuned for more teen programs, volunteer opportunities, and cool stuff made just for you. Catch you next time!