Visit any Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh location and you’re likely to encounter an emerging artist.

There’s an even better chance that this accomplished musician, writer, filmmaker, designer or photographer is a teenager.

At The Labs @ CLP, young people in the Pittsburgh region have many opportunities to collaborate with each other and pursue individual interests in a variety of areas include writing, music, filmmaking, animation, photography, robotics and design.

Tonight, in a special ceremony for those who submitted creative work, the Library celebrates the creativity and innovation of local teens, who will be recognized for their talent and positive contributions at the annual Teen Media Awards. Teens from throughout Allegheny County had the chance to submit their original poetry and prose, photographs, films, music and inventions for award consideration; winners will be announced during the event, which will feature hip hop artist and activist Jasiri X of 1Hood Media as the keynote speaker.

The ceremony also will include the presentation of the Ralph Munn Creative Writing Awards and the publication of the Ralph Munn Creative Writing Anthology 2016. As the Director of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh from 1928 to 1964, Ralph Munn cared deeply about young adults and their creative pursuits. An endowment fund in his honor was created in 1964 and continues to provide creative writing opportunities for young adults living in Allegheny County. You can find editions of the Ralph Munn Creative Writing Anthology in the library’s catalog.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is a vibrant place for teens. Join us in celebrating teens’ creativity, artistry and inspiration tonight at the Teen Media Awards!

-Melissa F.

Melissa F. loves short stories (especially ones that are interconnected), literary fiction, memoirs, poetry and creative nonfiction. A native of Philadelphia, Melissa loves everything about Pittsburgh, especially working for the Library as Manager of Grants and Research.