Creating community, collaborating and using technology to build our literacies are the core values of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Teenspace. In our Teen Time and Labs programs we find ways to incorporate those outcomes into our activities and interactions. Even though the Library is closed right now, that doesn’t mean we can’t achieve those goals together.
Creativity and interest–driven activities serve as calming experiences to reflect and stretch our brains. We know there’s a lot going on and teens have a great deal to process and understand in these times. CLP is providing multiple ways and resources teens can use to create and collaborate to decompress and connect with others in our digital spaces.
Follow us @clpteenspaceon Instagram! Every Tuesday and Thursday on our Teenspace Instagram we are doing fun creative activities that teens can learn and share alongside with us! Right now, we are participating in a 31 Day Drawing Challenge facilitated through Creativebug. Creativebug is a database of video craft, DIY and art activities for all ages, accessible for free with your Library card. Tutorials are loaded with resources by their amazing teaching artists from material lists, to lesson plans, to templates. Visit here or see our tutorial in our @clpteenspaceInstagram story highlights.
Have a musician or music lover at home? Check out STACKS. Using STACKS you can, “Discover music from Pittsburgh’s vibrant, diverse local music scene.” Check in for open submission times and share your work to be judged by a panel of Pittsburgh musicians.
Along with sharing creative activities every Tuesday and Thursday on our @clpteenspace Instagram we will also be reviewing and previewing apps to create with. All you need is a phone to envision your next masterpiece. Right now in addition to some great free and opensource software many apps are providing free access and we will be sharing how to’s and recommendations on IG. You may have tinkered with one of the cool synths or MIDIs we have in our locations, but did you know you can access some of them in app form? One of our favorites, the Moog Minimoog Model D can be downloaded so you can play at home. Another favorite Korg, is offering free downloads of their iKaossilator, another Teenspace fave. Search the app store for these apps and watch our Insta as we share and discover more.
Another great free resource we use all the time is Tinkercad. Using Tinkercad you can prototype circuits, codes or 3D printing without touching any equipment. Teens can experiment and create from home. They can save their work and try out their invention or 3D print the design when CLP reopens. Tinkercad offers free scaffolded tutorials and classes. Bring the makerspace home!
And of course, there’s the amazing craft collection available on Hoopla. Hoopla offers no waitlist e–books that are available immediately with your Library card. Hoopla is loaded with amazing books to learn anything from crochet to creating plant–based dyes. Check out some crafty titles available here,and log in with your library card!
There’s so much out there to try and do — it can be overwhelming. But we are here to help. Give us a follow @clpteenspace on Instagram and we will sort through creative resources to highlight fun activities for teens to create and learn together while we’re all staying at home. If you have trouble accessing any of the Library’s e-resources don’t forget we are available for live chat every day from 10:00am-5:00pm at www.carnegielibrary.org.