2026 Award Winners
Odyssey Award: Trans History by Alex L. Combs
What does it mean to be trans? What does learning about trans history reveal about modern views on gender? Why do we care whether historical figures were trans or not?
Excellence in Nonfiction: Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
A chronicle of one of American history’s most notorious cult origins, “Jonestown” in Guyana, South America.
Stonewall Book Award: One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller Grace has left a lot behind. She used to have a great friend group, an amazing girlfriend, and a right foot set to earn her a Division I football scholarship-before she came out as trans.
American Indian Youth Literature Award: Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan
When Summer visits her family on a reservation in Alberta, Canada, she begins experiencing vivid dreams of running away from a residential school.
Teen Services: teenservices@stdl.org • (847) 923-3240
March Teen News
Join the Teen Advisory Group (TAG)
• Have your voice heard
• Shape library programs
• Earn volunteer hours
Apply to become a member to help design teen programs, complete service projects, and connect your ideas to the Library. Members attend monthly meetings, present programs, and complete service projects. This is a great opportunity to earn 25+ volunteer hours during your one-year term.
Who can apply?
Teens entering grades 9–12 who attend Schaumburg, Conant, or Hoffman Estates High School, or live in the Schaumburg Township District Library service area.
Application Period: March 23 – April 17
Term: May 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
Teen Advisory Group
Information Session
Tuesday, March 31 • 6-7 p.m.
Central Program Room
Grades 8-11 and Parents
Attend to learn the Teen Advisory Group’s expectations and requirements, and pick up an application.
For more details, scan the QR code.
schaumburglibrary.org
TEEN PROGRAMS
Mini Soldering Project – 12-19 years
Monday, March 9 • 5:30-7 p.m. • Central Program Room
Avant-Garde Art: Yayoi Kusama’s Polka Dots – 12-19 years
Wednesday, March 11 • 6-7 p.m. • Central Program Room
Drop In Craft: DIY Bag Charm – 12-19 years
Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 • All Day • Central Teen
Drop into the Teen space on Saturday (3/14) or Sunday (3/15) to create your own bag charm. We provide beads, charms, and cord for you to create a unique decorative piece for any bag or backpack. No need to register, just stop in! While supplies last.
Dungeons & Dragons Club: Create a Character – 12-19 years
Tuesday, March 17 • 5-7 p.m. • Central Program Room
Rainbow Connections – 12-19 years
Wednesday, March 18 • 5:30-7 p.m. • Central Program Room
Join us at the library for a monthly program with the Kenneth Youth Center where we talk about LGBTQ+ topics, create fun and affirming crafts, and connect with others in the community.
Java Coding Workshop – 12-15 years
Friday, March 20 • 4:30-6 p.m. • Central Program Room
Graphic Novels, Comics, and Manga, Oh My! - 12-19 years
Wednesday, March 25 • 3-4:30 p.m. • Central Program Room
Share your love of graphic novels, comic books, anime, and manga with your fellow teens! We have buttons, crafts, and snacks, in addition to books to check out and a stream of an anime TV show.
Teen Escape Room: Mushroom Kingdom Mayhem – 12-19 years
Friday, March 27 • 1-2 p.m. • Central Program Room
3D Design and Print – 12-19 years
Monday, March 30 • 6-7 p.m. • Central Program Room
Dungeons & Dragons Club: Paint a Miniature 12-19 years
Thursday, April 2 • 6-8 p.m. • Central Program Room
Student Advisory Trustee Quarterly Report
Volunteer Opportunities at the Schaumburg Township District Library
“Throughout the year, the Schaumburg Library provides countless opportunities for teens to volunteer. Linked under “events”, there are volunteer programs every month for students in grades 7-8 (junior high) and 9-12 (high school). Not only are they hosted at the Central location but also at both branches. These events allow participants to assist in library projects and gain valuable experiences along the way.”
~ Navya J. Conant High School Senior
“As we enter a new year, the Schaumburg Library Volunteer Squad offers the perfect opportunity for students to earn volunteer hours while giving back to the community. Volunteers can choose which events they want to attend, with no set hour requirement, making it easy to participate in during the school year and summer. Throughout the year, new opportunities open up for a variety of roles, including program assisting and helping with the Summer Challenge. The Volunteer Squad allows students to get involved, gain experience, and build valuable skills.”
~ Kirti D. Conant High School Sophomore
Recommendations for Spring Break:
Navya: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A great book to read over spring break is The Inheritance Games. It’s about a girl named Avery who suddenly inherits the fortune of billionaire Tobias Hawthorne despite never meeting him or being related to any degree. To secure her wealth, she must live in his mansion for one year with his four grandsons, all of whom contain their own secrets and opinions regarding their grandfather. The story is full of puzzles, riddles, and clever twists that keep you engaged and in constant suspense.
Kirti: Caraval by Stephanie Garber
If you’re looking for a fun, magical read that transfers you to a world filled with mystery and fantasy, Caraval is the perfect book to read. The novel follows Scarlett Dragna as she enters the legendary Caraval, a once-in-a-year performance where the audience becomes part of the game. As illusion and reality blur, Scarlett must decipher deception from truth and save her sister from the Caraval Master (Legend) before time runs out. Garber’s descriptive storytelling allows for an enchanting atmosphere where nothing is quite as it seems. The plot contains thrilling moments of adventure, romance, courage, and emphasizes the power of believing in magic.