An oasis within the library for teens and tweens
The Teen Center provides a place for our kids to be kids in a place dedicated to them.
Teens are invited to spend time in our Teen Center where they can relax and participate in activities designed for them. They can socialize, be entertained, play games, or even do homework!
The Teen Center is also the library’s MakerSpace area. It is packed with great equipment. This includes 3D printers, a laser cutter, sewing and embroidery machines, powerful PCs for gaming and graphics, and much more.
EPA Air Quality Indicator
Teen Power Hour
After-school activities for teens and tweens from 3 pm to 5 pm.
The Belleville Public Library provides a series of activities for the Teens and Tweens in our Teen Center. Kids can come in and relax, do homework or participate in one of the scheduled after school activities.
STEAMPunk Engineers
This club takes STEM activities, puts the art back into the mix.
Participating teens gain supervised access to our equipment including a Glowforge laser cutter, an Epsilon w50 3D printer, and a Brother embroidery machine. Software available includes Autodesk Autocad, 3Ds Max, the Adobe suite with Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, After Effects and more.
Help us build Belleville’s craft maker community and enjoy a variety of geeky, creative and fun activities in the process!
Chess Kings and Queens
Learn chess fundamentals and strategies than can be applied to a variety of situations. All ages and skill levels are invited to attend. Learning this game is not only fun but a useful tool in learning how to face and overcome challenges.
Belleville Anime and Manga Club
Meet weekly with like-minded friends and revel in your Anime and Manga fandom. Watch anime, socialize, and participate in anime drawing and art projects and activities.
Teen Guitars Plus
Bring your guitar or another instrument and join us each Wednesday to share your talent and learn about making music.
If you are just getting started, you can try one of the library’s guitars.
Teen Center Equipment
Teen Center Equipment use is supervised by library staff. Teens can stop in after school to use equipment during our regularly scheduled program SteamPunk Engineers.
Adults and teens can make an appointment to use our equipment by contacting the Teen Center at ya@bellepl.org or calling us at 973-450-3434 x110.
Please note that teens are given priority access to Teen Center resources and equipment.
Computer Hardware
The Teen Center’s computers are equipped with i7 processors, 16GB RAM, and AMD Radeon W5500 Graphics cards.
They also are equipped with Wacom Cintiq Pro graphic pen displays for use with graphic and 3D modelling applications.
3D Printers
- BCN3D w50 dual head printer
- MakerBot Replicator Mini+
Glowforge Pro
Popular prosumer laser cutter which cuts and engraves wood, leather, acrylic and other materials.
Electronics Kits & Equipment
- Arduino Kits
- Raspberry Pi 4B
- Breadboards for circuit prototyping
- Rigol Oscilloscope
- Servos and motors
- Soldering Station
Video Recording Equipment
(For in-house use only)
- BlackMagic Studio Cinema Pro 6k cameras
- Atem Mini switcher
- Tripods and sandbags
- Light kits
- Green screens with stands
Software
- Adobe Creative Cloud – All Apps
- Acrobat Pro
- After Effects
- Animate
- Dreamweaver
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Lightroom
- Photoshop
- Premiere Pro
- XD
- and more
- Blender (3D modelling)
- Audacity (Audio Processing)
Sewing & Embroidery
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing Mannequin Dress Form
- Six-needle Brother embroidery machine
Crochet & Knitting
- 6 Crochet Kits
- 6 Sets of Knitting Needles
Teen Featured Resources
Volunteens
The library is aware of the school’s community service requirements and is happy to help teens with fulfilling this requirement.
When spots are available, you will see them posted here (teens only). You can sign up to be a Volunteen by contacting ya@bellepl.org.
All volunteers must be approved by the library director and spots are limited.
Other Volunteer opportunities:
Adult Volunteers should contact the Circulation Desk or the Adult-Reference Departments.
Academic Resources
Peterson’s Test and Career Prep
Search colleges and graduate schools, explore careers, find scholarships, and build resumes using Peterson’s Test and Career Prep. Practice tests for the SAT, PSAT, and other exams are included.
Create an account to save your progress and track your results over time.
BHS Scholarships
Belleville High School has a number scholarship applications available on their website for students planning to further their education. Whether you plan to go to a University, Vocational School or pursue a personal project you should take a look.
New Jersey Youth Working Papers
The State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development maintains a page with their online Working Papers application and other useful information for kids (minors) looking for employment. The application is to be filled out after being offered a job.
BPL Teen Center Mailing Lists
Let’s Keep in Touch
Teens:
Teens can stay informed by signing up for the mailing list at the library or by calling 973-450-3434, ext. 110.
Parents:
Parents can stay informed about Teen Center programs and activities by joining the mailing list. For questions or to collaborate, contact ya@bellepl.org or call 973-450-3434, ext. 110.
Educators:
Teachers, administrators, and homeschool families can collaborate, schedule library tours, or arrange class workshops by joining the educators mailing list.
To sign up, contact ya@bellepl.org or call 973-450-3434, ext. 110.
Teen Center Discord Server:
Stay in touch and connect with friends on the Teen Center Discord server. Join at https://discord.gg/qxEFBFUf3K.
Note: The Teen Center Discord server is for Teen Center teens ages 13 and older. Access is by invitation only.