Who says learning about American history needs to be boring? This year, the DeKalb Public Library’s Teen Services Department has been celebrating America250 with interactive programs that bring history, culture, food, sports, and teamwork together in exciting new ways.
Instead of reading about history in a textbook, teens have had the chance to experience it through hands-on activities, friendly competition, and creative events.
We’re not done celebrating yet, but let’s look back at the year so far:
Photos: A teen has a surprised reaction to Oregon Trail at the American Video Games and Technology for Teens program (April) and two teens pose while exploring the 18th/19th Century writers area of the American-Themed Teen Escape Room (July).
JANUARY
We celebrated American innovation with our American-Made Board Games program featuring games of Monopoly and Uno (we had others like the Game of Life, Ticket to Ride and Battleship ready to go).
FEBRUARY
We honored Black History Month and celebrated America250 with the National Black History Month Multi-Media Trivia Contest. It featured questions based on videos, audio and images that celebrated the contributions of African-Americans to technology, medicine, art, music, sports and more. The contest featured a major comeback as the eventual winner trailed in the first two rounds to beat five other opponents.
MARCH
We had our successful Regional Candy Tasting featuring candy currently or originally manufactured in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennyslvania and Washington. Attendees had strong opinions (particularly on Abba-Zaba bars and Cactus Candy), but Ohio’s Anthony-Thomas Buckeye candies (chocolate truffles with a peanut butter core) came out the resounding winner of the taste test.
APRIL
Teens had the opportunity to play video and computer games while listening to American musicians at the American Video Games and Technology for Teens program. The games ranged from mini-Atari consoles to Oregon Trail to XBox. The gaming was soundtracked by the American-invented musical genres of punk rock, jazz and hip-hop played on a vinyl record player. Staff also participated and can confirm that Oregon Trail is still a difficult game.
MAY
Seven teens competed in the DeKalb in American History Trivia Contest using Kahoot. They learned about the library, NIU, the invention of barbed wire and other institutions, events and people important to DeKalb’s history. Fittingly, the eventual winner played the game using the nickname “Winner.”
JUNE
The summer kicked off with a World Cup Pre-game Party U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team the opening day of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. Teens challenged one another in EAFC26 on the Playstation 5 as well as in foosball for soccer-related prizes. They had the option of making custom buttons for their favorite national teams and playing a Kahoot Trivia game.
June had a bonus America 250-themed program with the Scoop the States ice cream tasting. Teens traveled across the country one scoop at a time from Alabama’s buttery pecan to Hawaii’s refreshing mango sorbet. The 30 participants sampled flavors inspired by different states while learning fun facts about each region. It was the perfect way to cool off and explore America one bite at a time. Superman ice cream (originally invented in Michigan) was the consensus favorite.
JULY
Teens helped plan our American-themed Teen Escape Room in four escape room planning meetings. In the escape room, participants worked together to solve puzzles and uncover clues about American writers through different eras while racing against the clock. If you missed it, we’ll be doing a version of it again in November to celebrate National Novel-Writing Month.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
The celebration continues with even more exciting programs you won’t want to miss!
On Thursday August 13th, we have a hands-on American Artists Appreciation Month celebration. Looking further ahead, in the fall you can join us for Constitution Week games for Teens (September), an LGBTQ+ People in American History Trivia contest (October) and two interactive Teens Vote! Programs (November).
Meanwhile, keep an eye on the calendar for the many all ages and Teen/Adult programs we have.
America250 is all about celebrating the people, stories, traditions, and experiences that have shaped our nation. Here in the Teen Room, we’re doing it through games, food, creativity, and hands-on experiences that make history both fun and memorable.
Whether you’ve already joined us tearlier this year or are looking for your first America250 event, there’s still time to be part of the celebration. Grab a friend and come see what all the excitement is about! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Do you have questions about this or other library programs? The Teen Services staff are happy to help! You can use your free DKPL library card to check out physical books and other materials, including video games and DVDs. Many titles are also available like e-books and audiobooks for your phone, tablet, or computer. Stop by the Teen Room with any questions or contact the Teen Services Staff at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450 or by email at [email protected].