Creative Exploring is picking up STEAM - teens at the library

Drop by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library this month and see all of the imaginative creations made by teens this summer in the library’s teen space, the Hub. The Teen DIY exhibit located near the Marketplace features artwork, collages and DIY projects like a marble machine, string art, an LED greeting card and wax stamp art.

The Teen Services staff offers teens a variety of hands-on opportunities to be creative in engaging ways using STEAM topics (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Mathematics) making their library experience fun as well as educational.

Teens are also involved in programs that hone their skills in creating video entries for the seventh annual Teen Film Fest which will be held at the library from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 16. Programs include DIY Movie Props, Film Editing, On Camera Techniques, and Super Awesome Action Hero. With special effects and a green screen, kids can fly and perform physics-defying magic.

Teens, ages 12-18, can submit their film fest videos to try and win one of six $50 cash prizes. The film fest is open to the public and will be judged by Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire, Arts Commissioner Toni Higgins Thrash and Metropolis playwright Scott Woldman. There will even be a teens-only after-party from 9-10 p.m. in the Hub.

The film fest is presented by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and the Arlington Heights Arts Commission. Complete details can be found at www.ahml.info/teens/filmfest or by calling the library at (847) 392-0100.