Teens: HPL
Unearth a Story This Summer
Reading Registration
Join Houston Public Library’s Summer Reading Program—free for all ages—and start earning prizes just for reading. Sign up and track your progress all summer long.
Events
Discover hundreds of free events across Houston, from author talks and live music to hands-on workshops and family fun. Find something happening near you and be part of the Summer Reading experience.
Recommended Reads
Books You Might Have Missed
Teen Events
Interactive Programs
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Join us in a game that allows you to embark on epic adventures in a fantasy world filled with magic, monsters, and endless possibilities!
TEEN STEM
Explore the world around you through different Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math experiments and activities.
BOARD GAMES
Whether you are feeling nostalgic or love the thrill of competition, come and enjoy your favorite classic board games, card games, party games, and more at the library!
WRITE ON! WITH HPL
From characters, to plotting, to pacing – we’re talking about ways to improve your creative writing skills! Get your creative juices flowing as you explore the art of creative writing. Registration is required.
Join the Fun!
Calling all creative teens and tweens grades 6 -12 to compete and have their chance to shine! The Get Graphic contest is your opportunity to showcase your talent. Submit your original comic, either solo or with a team, and compete for recognition.
All participants will receive a digital invitation to the Get Graphic reception, where your creativity will be celebrated, and contest winners will be announced on November 15th. This year, our keynote speaker is Huda Fahmy, critically acclaimed Author/Illustrator of the National Book Award finalist Huda F Cares? and author of Yes, I'm Hot in This.
All participants will receive a digital invitation to the Get Graphic reception, where your creativity will be celebrated, and contest winners will be announced on November 15th. This year, our keynote speaker is Huda Fahmy, critically acclaimed Author/Illustrator of the National Book Award finalist Huda F Cares? and author of Yes, I'm Hot in This.
Download & Stream
MOVIES, MUSIC & TV
Borrow and enjoy movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card.
EBOOKS & EAUDIOBOOKS
Sign in with your library card number to start borrowing now. Check out up to 15 items at one time and keep for 14 days. Find themed titles for holidays and celebrations!
PRESSREADER
Download or stream over 7000 newspapers and magazines from the U.S. and 55 countries around the world. Sign in with your library card and choose Houston Public Library.
COMICS
Read comics in your browser or in the Library Pass Comics Plus app. Just sign in with your library card number and choose a category. Titles can be filtered by age and language.
Teen Advisory Club
TAC will work to provide activities for teens and provide a platform for feedback on library services. Members can earn service hours by attending skill development workshops, volunteering to assist with programming, and assisting with creative art projects.
To be eligible for TAC, you must be between 13-18 years of age, live in the Houston area, be passionate about library services, and be able to attend monthly two-hour meetings.
Homework Help
LIVE TUTORING
Get live tutoring, studying tools, and collaborate with friends or experts in virtual study rooms. Achieve your learning and career goals now.
LEARNINGLINK
Your educational passport to use HPL resources at home for students at participating school districts. There is not a physical card associated with these accounts, just log in with your student ID.
EBSCO LEARNING EXPRESS LIBRARY
Improve your core academic skills, earn a high school equivalency, prepare for college, obtain occupational certification, find a job and more!
LINKEDIN LEARNING
A vast library of over 16,000 video tutorials in multiple languages covering software, technology, hard and soft business skills and many other topics, all taught by recognized industry experts.
College & Career Resources
The College & Career Resources page connects students and adults with the tools they need for success. Discover GED prep, local colleges, scholarships, internships, and job opportunities.
Whether you're planning for college or advancing your career, these resources are designed to support individuals in the Houston area every step of the way.
Whether you're planning for college or advancing your career, these resources are designed to support individuals in the Houston area every step of the way.
For Parents & Educators
TEACHING BOOKS
Tools for teachers and students including lists of award winners and diverse books, new books, series lists, meet-the-author videos, Lexile levels, reader's advisory tools, and lesson plans.
OUT2LEARN
Network of Houston-area after school and out-of-school programs and activities for youth ages 5-18 in the areas of academics, arts, sports, recreation, and college and career prep.
NOVELIST K-8 PLUS
Online resource for helping teachers, school media specialists and kids find that next great fiction or nonfiction book to read. Includes Lexile scores.
EXPLORA: ADULT EDITION
Searches for content from numerous resources. Results cover a broad range of topics including arts, literature, science, biography, history and health, plus resources for educators.
Ways to Fun
LIBRARY OF THINGS
Find out all non-traditional items that are available for checkout. Items range from kits to explore art, science, and literacy, to games for all ages, and even specialty bakeware.
TAKE HOME LAPTOPS
Check out laptops for free with a valid MYLink card to be used in and out of the library. Laptops may be checked out for a period of 3 weeks.
MOBILE BUSES & GAMING
Host your own mobile bus or gaming cube event and learning activity! Sponsor a groups of 6 or more, any age group, and best of all it's FREE. Learn more or reserve event now!
MAKERSPACE & MORE
Visit one of our TECHLink technology centers to bring your innovative and transformative ideas to life.