The Vortex is our unique space specifically designed for teens to read, study or hang out with friends. Teens in grades 6–12 can play board games and video games, use the computers or reserve a study room with a library card or school ID. You can use our maker cart and kits to create your own blackout poetry, duct tape wallet or beaded bracelets.
We also host regular programs just for teens, like movie screenings, arts and crafts and much, much more! Visit our events calendar to view a complete list of our programs, including dates and times for video game open play.
Monday–Thursday: 2–8:30 p.m.
Friday: 2–5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday: noon–5:30 p.m.
The Vortex will open at 11 a.m. on Valley View School District holidays and 1 p.m. on Valley View School District early release days.
Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday: noon–5:30 p.m.
Browse our new arrivals and handpicked collections of books perfect for teens. There’s something for everyone here! If you see a book you like, click the cover photo to check availability. Come back here every month for new lists!
Do you need volunteering hours for school? Have you always wanted to work at a library? Maybe you’re just looking for a fun way to give back. We’re looking for teens like you to help prepare crafts and materials for programs, organize and clean supplies, make photocopies, cut paper and more. Check out all upcoming volunteering opportunities on our events calendar.
Read all about our teen events, book recommendations, Vortex news and pop culture happenings.
Capacity: 1–4 people
Teen study rooms are limited to patrons in grades 6–12. A library card or school ID for each person in the room is required. One-hour time limit.
The Vortex is home to our young adult fiction and audiobook collections, as well as our brand new, CREATE collection. The Vortex is not open during all the hours that the library is open, but staff at the 2nd Floor Service Desk can provide short-term access to the Vortex’s collections any time that the library is open. Non-teen patrons can access the Vortex to browse the collections but may not remain in the room.
Explore. Make. Create. Our collection of CREATE books will inspire you to think outside the box and spark your creativity to produce wonderful results. The collection includes DIY books on drawing, science experiments, manga, face painting, screenwriting, costume design, nail art and much more! If you want to learn how to draw your favorite manga characters, make a duct tape wallet or build your own robot, stop by the Vortex and explore.
These kits are designed to assist young babysitters and include a selection of books, games and toys, as well as additional resources for guidance and aid. We have six kits in total, each geared towards a specific age group (Baby, Toddler, Pre-K–Grade 2 and Grades 3–5). These kits come in a clear backpack for easy transport and include a list of contents to help you when packing up the kit. Learn more about the Babysitting Kits.
Right outside the Vortex, you can browse our displays featuring popular materials and genre fiction. You can also browse our anime, graphic novel and teen nonfiction collections, including our Teen Test Prep collection. This specialty collection brings together the most up-to-date study guides needed for school exams all in one place. We own over 100 test prep books to help prepare you for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE and PSAT. We also have guides on various AP courses, including biology, chemistry, computer science, English, European history, U.S. history, Spanish and U.S. government.
Teen Test Prep collection
CREATE collection
Questions? Vortex staff can be reached at 630.685.4199 or fountaindaleteen@fountaindale.org.
