Josephine Community Library is preparing to welcome young people countywide for a dedicated hour of activities, creativity and connection during Teen Takeover Hour on Saturday, December 6. The event will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. at all four library branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams and Wolf Creek, offering a unified experience for teens and tweens between the ages of 10 and 17.
The library system designed Teen Takeover Hour as an opportunity for local youth to spend time together in a safe, supportive environment while enjoying a mix of hands-on activities and small take-home incentives. Participants will be greeted with snacks and simple giveaways as they arrive, setting a relaxed tone for the afternoon. Staff members at each location will guide attendees through a craft activity suited for a wide range of ages and interests. Afterward, each teen will select a complimentary book to take home from a curated list chosen to inspire creativity and personal expression.
Available titles include a guide to crafting friendship bracelets, a book exploring animal-shaped knot projects and two works of fiction centered on friendship and self-expression. The mix reflects the library’s ongoing efforts to engage young readers by offering content that supports both practical skills and imaginative storytelling. Organizers hope that providing free books at every branch reinforces the message that reading remains accessible to all young people, regardless of whether they currently hold a library card.
Registration is not required, and the program is open to any teen or tween within the eligible age range. While participation is free, space at each branch is limited, and families are encouraged to plan ahead. Library staff note that events like Teen Takeover Hour often serve as a first introduction for many young residents who may not yet be familiar with the full range of services the community libraries provide.
Josephine Community Library District, established in 2017, now serves as the foundation of public library access in the county. Its four branches work together to support residents of all ages, from early childhood learners to older adults seeking technology assistance or research resources. The district’s mission emphasizes connecting community members with reliable information, internet access, educational materials and practical support for everyday life. In recent years, the library has expanded programming to meet the needs of families, job seekers and local entrepreneurs while also placing significant attention on outreach for teens and youth.
Events like this weekend’s Teen Takeover Hour reflect that broader commitment. By creating a welcoming space tailored to young people, the district aims to encourage regular engagement with library resources and reinforce the library’s role as a gathering place for creativity, learning and community connection.
Residents seeking more information about Teen Takeover Hour or other programs can visit josephinelibrary.org, contact the library by email or call the main number for assistance. The district continues to invite community members to explore volunteer opportunities and learn more about the services offered at each branch as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen countywide access to learning and literacy.