Library services for young people

Are you aged between 12 and 15? Your local library has services just for you.

Popular Teen book
Popular Teen book of the month
Creature of the Night Book Cover


When Bobby’s mother moves the family into a rented house in the country, a neighbour tells him that a child was once murdered there. Bobby doesn’t care. All he wants is to get back to Dublin and resume his old life stealing cars. But getting his old life back turns out to be difficult, especially as the longer he spends in the old cottage, the more convinced he becomes that something strange is going on there.

Can you write a first rate crime story? CWA Dagger logo

That’s the challenge issued to you by the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA).

You have up to 1000 words to get the readers hooked, although you don’t have to write as much as that – perhaps you can create such a brilliant story that even 100 words will be enough to knock the judges dead…

Crime novels include a very wide variety of material – detective stories, creepy psychological thrillers, historical whodunits, spies, terrorist plots… from cops and robbers to vigilantes and robots, the choice is yours.

So write alone or write with a partner, but get writing now, because the closing date is 19 February and if your entry isn’t with your local library by that date, it won’t be included in the judging. Read the rules carefully and make sure you stick to them. If you’re short of inspiration, why not borrow some crime novels from the library and see how the professionals do it?

In April, all short listed entrants from your area will be invited to a regional  award ceremony, where the name of the winning entry from your area will be announced. That entry will go forward to the national shortlist, and the overall winner will be announced during National Crime Fiction Week in June.  

If your entry is selected for the area shortlist, you will be notified no later than 5 April 2010.
Good writing and good luck!

  • Download a PDF poster to read more about it.[PDF file] (File size 449Kb)

Young People’s libraries update

  • Watch out for some new library spaces just for you in 2010 at Chelsea Library and Brompton Library.
  • Reading groups: If you would like to get involved in a Teenage reading group at Chelsea Library or Brompton Library, please email us.
  • If you would like to get involved in planning library events or choosing new books for the libraries please email us.

 

Books for young people Books for Young people

  • Every library has a great selection of your favourite authors and series, including Stephenie Meyer, Anthony Horowitz and Manga.
  • You can also find study guides for Key Stage 3 and 4 and GCSE, plus information on practically anything you might want to find out about.
  • If you cannot find the books you need, let us know.
  • We would also like to hear your comments about the library and what you would like to find there.
  • Remember, Young people do not pay fines on books returned late.

 

Books for adults

  • With your library card, you can borrow any book in the adult libraries.
  • You do not pay fines if they are returned late.
  • You can borrow novels, information books or graphic novels.
  • If you cannot find the book you want, ask the library staff.

 

DVDs, CDs and magazines DVDs

  • Young people pay a reduced charge when borrowing CDs and language courses, and there are more than 46,000 CDs in the libraries
  • DVDs can be borrowed from every library - there are films, TV shows and language courses (some have age restrictions - ask the staff for details)
  • You can find stories and plays to listen to - look out for titles on your reading lists

 

ComputersComputers for Young Adults

  • Every library has at least one computer for 12 to 15 year olds.
  • You can book one hour per day, to search the internet, play computer games or to complete assignments. 
  • It is free to use, but there is a small charge for printing.

 

Study Support

There are books to help you study, revise and complete assignments.

Some libraries have separate sections for Study Guides.

Brompton Library has a separate Study Support Centre with 14 computers and staff to help you. Chelsea Library, Kensal Library and North Kensington Library also have Study support sessions.

See Learning Support.

Central Library and Chelsea Library have separate Reference Libraries which you are welcome to use.