Can’t decide what podcast to listen to, video to watch, or class to try? Try one of these inspirational options.
Learning Engagement
American Library Association YALSA, Teen’s Top Ten
Suggest your favorite book for the Teen’s Top Ten Award.
Code Switch is a podcast exploring topics about social identity– race, ethnicity, nationality, xenophobia–other big topics around diversity and inclusion.
The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning created the 15-day online #ArtWorksChallenge to provide an opportunity to get creative and have some fun while at home. You can also browse their website for virtual program opportunities tailored to your interests.
Grab the Mic is a program from award winning author, Jason Reynolds, in his role as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for the Library of Congress. His “Write. Right. Rite. ” video series is for all types of creative thinkers and storytellers.
The Junior Library Guild is offering a free, original story for middle school readers, “Aiden Tyler, Quaran-teen” by Rex Ogle.
The Kid Should See This is a curated library of videos about tons of topics—from food to music to tech and science. Search for your interests or subscribe to their newsletter.
Lake Erie Ink is an organization dedicated to creative writing and self-expression. They offer workshops and classes focused on supporting and inspiring youth and their creative endeavors.
Peace Out is a podcast featured on Bedtime FM that offers meditation and mindfulness exercises for wellness and relaxation.
Wide Open School is a website featuring many topics to explore, including science, cooking, art, language arts, emotional well-being. This space was created in partnership to support at home learning.
Smithsonian Open Access
Smithsonian Open Access provides access to more than 4.4 million 2D and 3D digital items from images and data from Smithsonian’s 19 museums, nine research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoo to download, share, and reuse—right now, without asking.
SYNC is a free summer program for teens 13+. Registered teens can download two popular audiobooks per week using the free Sora app, which also allows them to keep the books.
Information & Support
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Free and confidential 24/7 support services for survivors of rape and sexual assault.
Job Resources for Teens is a helpful list composed by Cuyahoga County for learning about work and/or volunteer opportunities.
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, QYou
The Queer Youth (QYou) Initiative at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland is a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-20. At QYou, we work to collaborate and provide youth with a network of support and opportunities to express themselves, make new friends, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Occupational Outlook Handbook is a page on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics where you can find information about different jobs, industries, and careers.
Safe Place
Heights Libraries is part of the Safe Place program, an initiative that provides access to help and resources for youth in need. Children and teens in crisis can turn to staff at all four branches. Safe Places are sites set up in public locations where youth in crisis situations can get help immediately. Safe Place is a national organization. You can also learn more about the program and services in Northeast Ohio from Bellfaire JCB or from Greater Cleveland RTA’s Safe Space FAQs .
Trevor Project
Free and confidential 24/7 Crisis Services for LGBTQ Youth struggling with issues such as coming out, LGBTQ identity, depression, and suicide.
