Teens

The Democracy Project

The Democracy Project is a teen-led program empowering young people to take action to improve our communities. Teens who want to make a difference work together to identify a problem, design a project, and find solutions. This nonpartisan program is a partnership between Humanities Montana and local libraries in Billings, Missoula, and Whitehall. Through project-based learning, the Democracy Project teaches civic literacy and supports young people as they learn to engage in government systems.

The Democracy Project is free and open to people 13–19 years old. If you are an interested teen who lives in one of our chosen sites (or know someone who might be) submit a letter of intent by filling out the short form below.

Special thanks to the Charles Englehard Foundation and The Library Foundation of Los Angeles for their support for the Democracy Project.

Sign up by filling out this Interest Form

TEEN TOBER

A new, nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October meant to celebrate teens and promote year-round teen services. Themed activities will occur each week throughout the month.

October 1 - 9: Digital Literacy- Teens can create a digital infographic about how to spot fake news! The first 3 teens to send a design will receive a free copy of True or False: A CIA Analyst’s Guide to Spotting Fake News by Cindy L. Otis. Infographics should be emailed to justicev@billingsmt.gov and will be posted to our Teen Blog. Winners will be notified by email.

October 11 - 16: Writing- Teens are welcome to submit a blog post about any topic they would like! Want to write about your favorite music album? Or comment on current events? All teens who send a post between Oct. 11 and 16 will be entered to win a copy of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Winners will be selected at random and will be notified by email.

October 19 - 23: Technology & Gaming- Teens who visit the Tech Lab will be entered to win a Magic the Gathering gift set OR Pokemon Kindra-Ex gift set. One entry per visit, per day for the set of your choice. Winners will be notified by email.

October 26 - 30: Art & Music- Teens can take advantage of the art supplies and recording equipment located in the TECH lab. Come paint, draw, or record a song! Art activities will be available to help jump start your creativity!

Teen Book Club

Lobizona by Romina Garber- Meeting is October 26th at 6pm at the library.

Some people ARE illegal.

Lobizonas do NOT exist.

Both of these statements are false.

Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who's on the run from her father's Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida.

Until Manu's protective bubble is shattered.

Her surrogate grandmother is attacked, lifelong lies are exposed, and her mother is arrested by ICE. Without a home, without answers, and finally without shackles, Manu investigates the only clue she has about her past--a mysterious "Z" emblem—which leads her to a secret world buried within our own. A world connected to her dead father and his criminal past. A world straight out of Argentine folklore, where the seventh consecutive daughter is born a bruja and the seventh consecutive son is a lobizón, a werewolf. A world where her unusual eyes allow her to belong.

As Manu uncovers her own story and traces her real heritage all the way back to a cursed city in Argentina, she learns it's not just her U.S. residency that's illegal. . . .it's her entire existence.

Sign up now

Limited spots available!

Teen Book Boxes

Themed boxes that feature one or more books that teenagers can KEEP! Each box contains surprise items related to the book inside and will vary. Items included may be just for fun or educational! Supporting educational content may be photos, translations, historical information, etc.

November Registration is now closed.

If you have received a Teen Book Box in the past, please consider filling out this feedback form so we can bring this program back next year!

View the books we sent out in previous months and download the educational materials from our READING page!

Free 3D Printing From Home

Use the TECH Lab's 3D printers by sending your designs to us and picking them up when they're finished!

What you need:

An internet device and connection.
Access to 3D making software. Create a free account at tinkercad.com or sketchup.com and view their training lessons. View the TinkerCad Introductory Guide and SketchUp Beginner's Guide created by our Teen Advisory Group!

Steps:

Create a design and pick a filament color. Email your 3D design as an STL file, your color choice from the list below, and your name. Note that 3D models will be limited to one color and sizes may need to be adjusted. Our printers can only print objects that fit within a 10"x6"x6" space. Paint is available upon request. Email Vanessa in the TECH Lab at justicev@billingsmt.gov with any questions.

PLA Filament: best used to reliably create high detail parts. It is best for cosmetic prints used in low-stress applications. It is perfect for beginners due to ease of printing. Dremel PLA is a high-quality PLA designed for reliability and ease of printing. It has a high softening temperature to minimize risk of nozzle jams while maintaining print quality.

PLA FILAMENT WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including acetaldehyde, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

— https://shop.dremel.com/3d-printer-filaments/