Learning Commons - Teen | Connetquot Public Library

The Learning Commons includes dedicated and welcoming space for our teen members to learn, work, play and collaborate, which will include our extensive Teen book collection and room for classes, events & meetings. In addition to our popular line-up of teen classes, Connetquot Public Library offers several opportunities for members in grades 6-12 to earn community service credits. This includes: joining the Teen Advisory Board, submitting book reviews or just dropping in and completing an assigned task.

Applicants must be in 6th-12th grade to apply. Teen Advisory members work on projects, volunteer at library events and earn community service credits. Teen Advisory members should be dedicated, creative, have an interest in helping their community and be able to work well with others. Please complete this application and return it to the Learning Commons service desk to get started. Note: Applications are accepted in September

Teens looking for extra community service hours can come down to the Learning Commons and earn one (1) hour of community service per week, completing the assigned task in the Drop-In Community Service basket. You will be given the community service certificate upon completion and verification that the task was completed correctly.

The Suffolk County Battle of the Books program is an inter-library competition between teams of teens focused on 8 young adult novels for teens entering 6th - 9th grade in September. The book titles, battle location, dates, and times are announce at an informatiomal meeting usually held in May. Please check our registration calendar to get started.

2021 - 1st Place Champion
2019 - 1st Place Champion
2018 - 1st Place Champion
2018 - Team Spirit Award
2017 - Team Choice Award.
2016 - Team Choice Award
2016 - Team Spirit Award
2013 - Team Choice Award

The Suffolk County Advanced Battle of the Books is an inter-library competition between teams of teens focused on 3 young adult novels for teens entering 9th grade though entering 12th grade in September. The book titles, battle location, dates, and times are announce at an informatiomal meeting usually held in October. Please check our registration calendar to get started.

2019 - Best Delivery of Answers Award

Connetquot Public Library is looking for teens in Grades 6-12 willing to read and review books from the teen collection. Here is a chance to be a reader, reviewer and critic and to earn community service credit as well. All reviews will be compiled in a binder and online as a reader's advisory guide to help other teen readers. Please submit a registration form to get started.

Thank you for your interest in the Mutt-i-grees® Community Service Program. The Mutt-i-grees® in the library program is an exciting initiative that builds on children’s and teen’s affinity for animals and highlights the unique characteristics and desirability of shelter pets. We hope to do this by encouraging teens to participate in projects that will promote awareness about shelter animals and increase their quality of life while in a shelter environment.

Teens will be able to choose up to three tasks per month to earn community service credit. These projects can be worked on at home, then brought back to the Learning Commons Services Desk. If you have an idea for a project that is not listed, you must contact Dina Oliveira, Teen Librarian, at doliveira@connetquotlibrary.org to get approval.

Mutt-i-grees® Community Service List and Guidelines

You may complete up to three different tasks per month.
Please make sure we have your name and email address for each task completed.
You will earn community service credit as noted for each task completed.
Projects must be returned at the Learning Commons Services Desk to receive credit.

1 HOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:

Make five (5) Fleece/T-Shirt Rope Dog Toys
Make fifteen (15) No-Sew Cat Toys
Collect ten (10) gently used towels for donation to a local animal shelter. Towels should be washed, dried and neatly bagged
Make fifteen (15) Dog Biscuits following the enclosed recipe

2 HOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITES:

Create one (1) No-Sew Fleece Cat Bed
Make five (5) No-Sew Cat Blankets, following the enclosed instructions
Make twenty-five (25) No-Sew Cat toys
Make twenty-five (25) Fleece/T-Shirt Rope Dog Toys
Read a book from the Teen Fiction department involving a cat or dog, and write a Teen Book Review. (Please Follow the Teen Book Review Guidelines)
Be an advocate. Research a topic related to animal welfare and write your local representative to express your support or concern. Examples include spay and neuter programs and support for animal shelters. Submit a copy of your letter to receive credit

Cards for Hospitalized Kids(CFHK) is an internationally recognized charitable organization that spreads hope, joy & magic to hospitalized kids across America through uplifting, handmade cards

What supplies do I need?

The only supplies you need are paper and a writing utensil, such as crayons, markers etc.

What are the supplies I can use?

Many people choose to use other craft supplies such as: Special Markers, Stickers,Glue-on craft decals & Other craft supplies.

Addressing the card:

Since we do not yet know the child's name, please make sure you do not address the card to a specific person. If you want to address the card, or writing within the card, here are some suggestions: "Hey There" "Hey you!" "To: a very special person"

Make sure that you do not...

Other than signing your first name, please do not include any personal information, such as: phone number, address, email address etc. Write any religious comments such as "God Bless" or "I'm praying for you". Hospitals will not allow us to distribute cards with this information.

How to sign your name:

Now, sign your first name on the card. You can also sign your state, such as "Katie from New York", if you wish to.

What are the supplies I can't use?

The only rule regarding craft supplies is that nothing is excessive to the point of falling off. This is extremely important, as it can create health concerns for some patients. To see if this is an issue, typically just running your finger over it and seeing how much rubs off will suffice. If little or nothing comes off, it is OK. This is especially true for glitter.

Decide what to write on the card:

At the request of hospitals, DO NOT WRITE "Get well", "Feel Better" or other illness related comments. This is very important since some of the patients suffer from medical conditions that are chronic, life-long, progressive and/or terminal.

We recommend that you write uplifting messages such as:

Stay strong You are awesome Never forget how amazing YOU are You rock I hope you have a great day today You shine brighter than the sun You inspire me Be Brave I believe in YOU

For every 10 thoughtful cards made, you will receive an hour of community service. Please drop off at the Learning Commons Services desk to receive your Community Service Certificate. Any questions, please email: teenreviews@connetquotlibrary.org or you can call Dina Oliveira, Teen Coordinator at 631-227-3868