Teen Spaces & Collections

Teen Services are for teens from 8th to 12th grade. Teen book collections are available to readers of all ages who enjoy young adult literature.

The Teen Room at the Main Library is now located near the Coddington Street pedestrian entrance and includes seating, desktop computers, outlets for plugging in laptops or other personal devices, and easy access to the teen collection. The collection includes fiction and nonfiction print books, and graphic novels.

The North Quincy Branch has a dedicated teen space with computers, teen materials, and board games.

Find free events, workshops, and clubs for teens at the library!

Online Resources

Explore a range of online tools designed for teens, including homework help, college prep, ebooks, and more—click below to see the full list!

Encyclopedias

Britannica Online

Comprehensive encyclopedia meeting the reference needs for all patrons from students to business professionals and lifelong learners. Offers “adult” and “kids”  interface. Includes a dictionary, thesaurus, videos, images, primary sources, and e-books.

Databases (by Subject)

Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints

Information and opinions on hundreds of today’s hottest social issues, with continuously updated articles, overviews, primary sources, statistics, images, videos, audio files, and links to websites.

Gale OneFile: Environmental Studies and Policy

Collection of 700+ journals and reference books covering environmental issues policies from scientific, government, and industry perspectives.

Gale OneFile: Health and Medicine

Articles from a variety of magazines, plus excerpts from reference books. Material includes a medical dictionary, medical directories, health periodicals, and pamphlets from leading health organizations.

Gale OneFile: High School Edition

Covers a wide range of topics for students in grades 6 through 8, drawing from periodicals, journals, reference books and more.

Gale Power Search

Select one or more databases from an alphabetical list and then cross search in a single search.

Boston Globe

Full-text coverage from 1980.

New York Times
How it works:
  • Unlimited access while using any device on the Thomas Crane Public Library network
  • Does NOT include access to the archives between 1923-1980
  • Go to nytimes.com
  • Click Register Now and create a free personal nytimes.com account
  • Offsite? No problem, just get a token for 72 hours of offsite accessUnlimited access while using any device on the Thomas Crane Public Library network
Access ebooks, audiobooks, comic books, and magazines online.
How it Works:
  • Requires Thomas Crane Public Library card or any valid OCLN library card . Get an e-card now
  • If you have an Android or iOS (Apple) system, we recommend using the Libby app
  • Stream on your computer or download to your Kindle reader using the Overdrive site
  • Loan period = 14 days
  • Loan limit = 10 titles at one time
Access ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, TV shows, and comic books online.
How it Works:
  • Requires Thomas Crane Public Library card and City of Quincy residency. Get an e-card now
  • Create a Hoopla account with an email address and password then log in and click the settings gear to add your library card barcode and PIN
  • Stream on your computer or download to Android, iPad, iPhone, and Kindle Fire devices
  • Loan period = 21 days
  • Loan limit = 7 total items per month (includes movies, TV, music albums, & comics)
Access movies and TV shows online.
How it Works:
  • Requires Thomas Crane Public Library card and City of Quincy residency. Get an e-card now
  • Create a Kanopy account with your library card number and PIN, and an email address and password
  • Stream on your computer, smart TV, Android, and Apple iOS devices
  • Loan period = varies by content type
  • Loan limit = 21 tickets per month. Number of tickets per item varies by content type.
Instructions to Get Started:
Teen Resource Guide

Learn more with our know-it-all guide, featuring detailed information on navigating college applications and exploring career paths after high school.

Fair Opportunity Project

Receive personal mentorship support to guide you through college applications, financial aid, and career exploration, all at no-cost!

Learn a new language anywhere, anytime, for any language goal — in 100+ languages.
How it Works:
  • There is no library card requirement; just sign up for a Transparent account
  • Stream on your computer or mobile device via a web browser, or download the Transparent Language app on Android or Apple iOS
Instructions to Get Started:
RMV Driver’s Permit Practice Tests

Handbooks and practice tests for Massachusetts car, motorcycle, and CDL licenses, plus FAQs about obtaining your Massachusetts driver’s license.

Navigating Daily Life & More

Find resources to help you with stress, school, daily life, and more.

If you’re feeling distressed, please visit the link above to find a variety of crisis hotlines and support services available to you.

Understanding Your Emotions

Processing emotions can be challenging. Learn how to identify different emotions and find advice on how to manage them effectively.

Coping with Stress

Healthy strategies to cope with stress.

Emotional Well-Being

Get tips on improving your emotional well-being and taking care of yourself.

Studying for a Test

Studying for a test isn’t as scary as it may seem! Learn how to ace your next exam with these study tips.

Study Tips

How do you study for class? Check out these quick and easy ways to boost your class performance.

Homework Focus

Struggling to stay focused on your work? Find advice on how to create a plan to tackle your assignments and meet deadlines.

We Think Twice

Want advice for a variety of areas in your life? From managing friendships and relationships to mental health and college advice, the link above offers helpful tips for it all!

Having Conversations

Having conversations: some are easy and others can be hard to start. Here are some tips to help you kick off and keep the chat going.

Physical Well-Being

Get practical tips on how to improve your physical well-being.

The Trevor Project

24/7 confidential and non-judgmental support for LGBTQ+ youth. Explore more LGBTQ+ related topics on their website’s resource center.

  • CALL: 1-866-488-7386
  • TEXT: 678-678
  • CHAT
Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY)

A youth-led, adult-supported group dedicated to social justice and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. Providing free programs, both in-person and virtual, as well as access to mental health and behavioral therapies.

No insurance or identification is required to participate.

Greater Boston Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (GBPFLAG)

Range of resources for parents/caregivers: support groups, trainings, workshops, scholarships, and more to create an inclusive and safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and allies.

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition

Provides vital support for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people of all ages in MA and New England. Services include: job skills training, financial aid, assistance with legal name changes, and access to gender-affirming products.

GLBTQ+ Adolescent Social Services (GLASS)

Offers free and confidential in-person HIV/STI testing, treatment, and PrEP for LGBTQ+ youth ages 16-29, including LGBTQ+ youth of color, their allies, and those living with HIV.

*Check out a more expansive list of LGBTQIA+ resources under our Find It Guides page

Tough Topics

Stop Bullying

If you or someone that you know is experiencing bullying, there are ways to get help.

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line offers free 24/7 mental health support and crisis intervention via text.

Teens Against Bullying

Designed by teens, for teens, to learn about bullying and ways to take action.

National Eating Disorders Association

NEDA offers programs and services to support youth and families looking to get help with eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Resource Center

EDRC is a non-profit working to promote awareness, recovery, and advocacy of eating disorders.

Dougy Center

Podcasts, activities, and informative articles to support youth and families navigating grief.

The Dinner Party

Connect with other young adult grievers, and navigate the ups and downs of life and loss, together.

NACG

The National Alliance for Children’s Grief provides resources for supporting youth who are grieving.

AMF

A support network empowering people to connect and heal through community.

What’s Your Grief?

Explore resources, guidance, and online courses for grief education, support, and expression.

MHA

Mental Health 101: Learn about mental health conditions, finding treatment, and getting and providing support.

Nemours TeensHealth

A resource for teens covering all things health-related. Discover Doctor-reviewed advice, articles, videos, and health tools.

QFRC

Free on-site and virtual health programs, services, and activities for families and youth in Quincy. No insurance needed.

Planned Parenthood

Pregnant and not sure what to do? Find resources and information on pregnancy and abortion, or chat online with sexual health educators.

Human rights Campaign

Get the facts from HRC: Find answers to important questions you may have on gender-affirming care and transitioning.

Abortion Funds

Use this resource page to connect with abortion funds, find trustworthy clinics, understand Medicaid coverage, get logistical support, and more.

Abortion Care in MA

A guide for learning about abortion & reproductive health services, finding a provider, and exploring payment options.

Safe Haven Act

The Safe Haven Act allows a parent to legally surrender newborn infants at a hospital, police station, or manned fire station.

988 LIFELINE

The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Call, text, or chat with a Lifeline counselor for help. Your conversations are free and confidential.

Homeless Youth Services

Are you a youth or young adult without a safe or reliable place to stay? Find housing, mental health, and substance use resources.

Locate Emergency Housing

Locate emergency housing options and health centers in Massachusetts by region for youths in crisis or in need of shelter.

Planned Parenthood

Explore what menstruation is and find helpful tips for navigating your first period cycle.

PERIOD.

Your menstrual health matters! Check out educational resources on menstrual equity.

Unicef

Fast Facts: Learn nine things you didn’t know about menstruation, and fight stigmatization.

Planet Puberty

Resources for parents and caregivers of kids with intellectual disability and autism navigating puberty.

Free Period Ministry

Helping students access free period products in schools and other institutions across Massachusetts.

Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 services for survivors of domestic violence. Get help now via phone, online chat, and text.

Love is Respect

Information and resources for young people. Learn about relationships, personal safety, and supporting others.

Break the cycle

Tools and resources for personal growth & self-empowerment, and fostering healthy & respectful relationships.

teens for courage

Healthy Relationships 101: Learn about the basics of healthy relationships and dating, and get help and resources.

How to help a friend

If you suspect that someone you care about may be in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, learn how you can support them.

DOVE YouthSpeak

YouthSpeak is a Healthy Relationship Education and Abuse Prevention Program for Middle and High School students.

Jane Doe Inc.

Find help: Resources, programs, services, support, and advocacy for sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

Statewide Resources

Locate Rape Crisis Centers in Mass offering free and confidential services for adolescent and adult survivors.

Sexual Assault Hotline

24/7 online chat and phone crisis support service. If you or someone you know has been assaulted, help is available.

Teen Substance Abuse Guide

A collection of resources for young adults seeking information and support on substance abuse.

Partnership to end Addiction

Addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery resources for youth and families.

Teen Events

Come hang out with us! Check out our calendar to see what’s happening:

TAB

Join Teen Advisory Board (TAB) at the Main Library or North Quincy to gain volunteer hours, meet other teens, and help us decide on events, books, and other teen services! Email quteen@ocln.org for more information.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out the Teen Volunteer Application and return it to a library desk.

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