Teen Resources

Everyone needs a little help and guidance sometimes. Perhaps you're worried about what your next step is in life. You might be dealing with a difficult situation, or maybe you're just curious about certain topics. Whatever reason you have for using these resources, the library is happy to provide them in this convenient (and private) space.

Research

You might need your library card handy to use these, especially if you're accessing them from home. Lost your card? Swing by the library's front desk and we can issue a replacement.

All Topics

  • Gale Research Databases: A collection of databases covering a wide range of topics. (Freely available to anyone who is physically located within the state of Massachusetts.)

Books and Sources

  • Overdrive & Libby: Our collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks that are available to read on your computer or, with the Libby app, on your smart device of choice. (Requires you to sign in with your library card number and password. Choose "Merrimack Valley patrons" from the dropdown list.)
  • Hoopla: Another collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks, plus comic books, movies, and TV shows. (Requires you to create an account using your library card number and password.)
  • NoveList Plus: A catalog of fiction that can suggest new books for you to try based on the titles, authors, and genres you like. (Requires you to sign in with your library card number.)
  • WorldCat: A catalog that includes collections and services from all over the world.

Languages

  • Rocket Languages: An online tool that can help you learn 15 languages, including American Sign Language. (Requires you to create an account using your library card number.)

Music

  • Freegal: A service that gives you access to 18 million songs, as well as the ability to download 5 songs per week and stream 8 hours of music every day for free. (Requires you to sign in with your library card number and password.)

Special Interest

The following services are not offered through the library but are freely available for anyone who needs them. Links will take you to each organization's website. Note: Some of the websites below may require you to create an account.

In the Library

If you'd rather use physical materials in the library but don't want to ask a librarian or search the catalog, these Dewey Decimal numbers can be used to locate nonfiction concerning certain topics.

  • Abuse: 362.76
  • Abusive relationships: 362.8292
  • AIDS/HIV: 616.9792
  • Alcohol: 362.292
  • Date rape: 362.883
  • Depression: 616.8527
  • Divorce: 306.89
  • Drugs: 362.2
  • Eating disorders: 616.8526
  • Puberty: 612.661
  • Sex: 613.951
  • STDs: 616.951
  • Suicide: 362.2

The librarians will not judge you or make assumptions based on the materials you check out. But if you'd like to avoid the librarians altogether, you can use one of the self-checkout machines. There's one located in the teen room, another in the children's room, and a third upstairs to the right of the main desk. You must have your library card number with you (on your card or saved in your phone) and your account must be in good standing in order to use self-checkout.

And remember: The items you have checked out on your account are considered privileged information. We will not share that information with anyone, including your parents, unless we receive a court order.