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Tweens

Tweens belong at PPLD! Join friends (or make new ones) at one of our programs for ages 9 - 12, find resources and help for homework projects, and explore new book ideas using our many reading lists

Many of our locations keep special activities on hand for your enjoyment in the Library and some even have spaces just for tweens ages 9 - 12. Ask at your favorite Library to see what is available.

 

Reading Lists

a photo of a tween with a book on his head carrying multiple books

Novelist K - 8 Plus - Search fiction and nonfiction titles for tweens including read-alikes, series, genres, authors, and subjects. Browse lists of award-winning titles.

Fun Activities

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Tween Programs

Make new friends, try new things, and learn new skills! PPLD Tween programs are designed specifically for ages 9 - 12 and encompass everything from art, to science, to pop culture, to having a blast. 

a photo of the Junior Advisory Board

Tween Library Squad

Have a voice in your community, meet new friends, and make a difference, all while having fun! We want to learn from the experts (you!) what programs and events tweens want to see at the Library. Each meeting will include time for you to give ideas and feedback, as well as time for a fun project or activity. Ages 9 - 12. Registration Required. (Formally known as Junior Advisory Board.)

Photo of a small chest with Dungeons and Dragons game pieces in it

Dungeons & Dragons

Play D&D with other tweens, led by our very own Dragon Masters! New members are always welcome and no experience is necessary. Registration is required. For ages 9 - 12.

Games and Activities

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Pac-Man

How many Pac-Man mazes can you solve?

Prodigy logo

Prodigy

Play an epic fantasy game while honing your math skills!

Marvel HQ logo

Marvel HQ

Explore comics, games, and activities at Marvel HQ.

Ducksters games

Ducksters Games

Try your hand at one of these free online games.

Freerice

Freerice

Learn, play, and give back with Freerice! Each time you get a vocabulary word correct, sponsors will donate rice to the World Food Program (WFP).

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Star Wars

Learn and explore the world of Star Wars through videos and activities.

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Minecraft

Play classic Minecraft for FREE with up to nine friends.

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LEGO

Find games, videos, and more for all things LEGO.

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Nerf

Love Nerf? Try your hand at online nerf games.

Rocket League

Rocket League

Welcome to the high-powered hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem!

Art and Design

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If you love art, check out the Tate Kids museum's website where you will find free games, quizzes, art activities, and more.

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Help solve global problems using engineering and design thinking. New challenges, ideas, and information weekly.

Coding

Code Monster from Crunchzilla is an interactive tutorial for kids that focuses on action. Code changes immediately yield visible results.

Scratch is the world’s largest coding community for children. It is a great place to learn a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. 

Learn and build coding skills through fun projects and challenges at code.org

AppInventor.org is a site for learning and teaching how to program mobile apps with MIT's App Inventor.

Podcasts and More

Girl listening to something on headphones

Mars Patel

"Listen along as 11-year-old Mars Patel and his pals JP, Toothpick, and Caddie set out on an audacious adventure in search of two missing friends. The mysterious tech billionaire Oliver Pruitt might have a thing or two to say about their quest, because as he likes to say, “To the stars!” In fact, that’s just where they might be headed…"

Explore


 

Explore the world's leading philanthropic live nature cam network and documentary film channel.

Tai Asks Why

Tai Poole is trying to find answers to life's biggest questions. What happens after we die? What is love? How can we fix climate change? He may not solve them all, but give him a break ... he's only 11 years old.            
Join Tai as he heads to coffee shops, universities, and playgrounds seeking answers. His conversations with everyone from NASA experts to his little brother will expand your mind and touch your heart.

Becoming Mother Nature

"When Chloe is sent off to live with her mysterious and eccentric grandmother, she learns an unbelievable secret. Grandma Ivy is none other than Mother Nature herself! And Chloe is next in line to assume the power and responsibility of the job."

The Big Fib

In the era of fake news, kids need to learn to be able to tell what’s true from what’s false. And what better way to do that than a game show that puts kids in the driver’s seat, adults on the hot seat, and a sound-effects robot strapped to the roof? Each week, a kid interviews two experts in a particular topic, one of whom is a genuine, credentialed expert, the other a liar. Hilarious and fast-paced, the show teaches kids to ask insightful questions, weigh the evidence before them, and trust their gut.              

Now a TV show on Disney+

Smash Boom Best

Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together, and lets you decide which is best. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case – teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way.

 

Homework

Need help with your homework?

Explore our Homework and Educational Resources Guide for a variety of educational databases perfect for studying, learning, and researching.

Tween girl doing homework
Khan Academy logo

Access free practice exercises and instructional videos in a variety of subjects.

iCivics logo

Learn about civics in a new and interactive way – by playing games!

Science News Explores logo

Check out STEM related news and articles that are updated daily.

 

Tween Life

Mental Health

We All Have Mental Health

Ever wonder what we mean by "mental health"? This short video gives an overview of what mental health is and ways to manage it.

In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.

Research shows that when we take a few minutes to practice mindful breathing it can be an effective tool for coping with stress and anxiety.

Got 60 seconds? Take a mental health minute to learn about various mental health conditions.

Tween girl looking at camera with other tweens in background

Learn the top 10 tips for success in middle school from a middle school teacher.

Tween boy holding a Stop Bullying sign

Stop bullying on the spot. Learn more about what bullying is and how to help stop it.

Growing Up

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For information about your changing body and mind and the kinds of issues that older kids face, this is the place.

Tween girl doing yoga

Girlshealth.gov gives girls reliable, useful information on the health issues they will face as they become young women, and tips on handling relationships with family and friends, both at school and at home.

Have any questions? 

Contact a librarian to get help.

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