It’s almost 4 p.m. on a November Monday, and a very un-library-like scene is unfolding inside Chicago’s Harold Washington Library teen center.

Rap and pop music bump from a set of speakers, as teenagers released from schools around the city funnel into the center and settle in for the afternoon. Read the rest »

Lollapalooza might be known for bringing hordes of young people outdoors to celebrate summer in Chicago, but June’s Teens in the Park Fest (TIP Fest) gave it a run for its money. TIP Fest was one part free concert, one part open house for Chicago’s array of summer youth programs. Read the rest »