Library Research: Teen Events and Resources: Create

Create @ Your Library

FCPL has no shortage of programs for teens who like to explore and create. At your local library, you can do origami, knit or crochet, design and 3D print an object, make objects out of duct tape, learn how to paint in watercolor and so much more!

Online Resources

Zoho Writer
A next generation word processor with robust live-collaboration & MS Word support. Write, review & publish your documents all from one tool - all for free.
Teen Ink
Teen Ink, a national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos and forums. Students must be age 13-19 to participate, register and/or submit work.
Soundcloud Podcasting
Upload to one place, and your podcast will play anywhere on the web, as well as in podcast apps.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout makes it easy for podcasters at every level to upload, share and track a show, without any technical training.
Audacity
Audacity is a free, easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. The interface is translated into many languages.
NaNoWriMo
An idyllic writer's retreat, smack-dab in the middle of your crazy life.

Pinterest
Discover recipes, home ideas, style inspiration and other ideas to try.
Craftster
An online community for crafts and DIY where you can find loads of ideas, advice and inspiration. Hundreds of thousands of free craft projects, craft patterns, craft tutorials and more.
Craftbits
Thousands of free crafts projects and handmade DIY gift ideas in sewing, knitting and crochet patterns.
Make and Takes
All sorts of kids craft, easy recipes and home decor DIY for you and your family to make and take!
Dollar Store Crafts
Craft tutorials that use inexpensive materials.
Creativity Portal
Inspires deeper levels of creative engagement through writers prompts, art projects, reflective interviews and inspiring articles.
30 Minute Crafts
Fun projects that you can compete in under an hour.
Totally Tutorials
Craft tutorials for just about anything you could want to make.
A Little Craft in Your Day
Craft tutorials for teens, by teens.
Skip to My Lou
Free patterns, downloads and lots of inspiration.
All Free Knitting
Free online knitting patterns and projects.
Very Pink Knits
Knitting patterns and video tutorials.
Studio Knit
Free, easy-to-follow knitting instructions and quick knit projects... all with video tutorials!
The Crochet Crowd
Learn to Crochet with free patterns, many with video tutorials.

Khan Academy
Expert-created content and resources for every subject and level. Always free.
Code Academy
Learn to code interactively, for free
FreeCodeCamp
Learn to code with free online courses, programming projects and interview preparation for developer jobs.
Curiosity Machine
Free hands-on science and engineering projects for families and educators.
Code.org
Anybody can learn to code.
Maker Camp
A free summer camp for Makers of all ages who love DIY, creating, crafting, hacking, tinkering, & learning!
Makezine
Celebrate your right to tweak, hack and bend any technology to your will
Adobe Spark
A free online and mobile graphic design app.
Animaker
An online do-it-yourself animation video maker that brings studio quality presentations within everyone's reach.
DoodleKit
A free website builder with built in SEO ranking tools. No coding required.
Canva
Create designs for Web or print: blog graphics, presentations, Facebook covers, flyers, posters, invitations and so much more.
Piktochart
An easy infographic design app that requires very little effort to produce beautiful, high quality graphics.
Appy Pie
Use our easy App Maker platform and learn how to make an app for free.
Autodesk Design Academy
Helps educators introduce students to the world of design with free, hands-on supplementary projects and course materials

Audiotool
Make your own songs in the online studio app and publish them on the audiotool platform or listen to free music produced by the audiotool artists.
Soundation
Produce, remix and record songs in an online studio.
Looplabs
A cloud based music studio that lets you make music anywhere, anytime
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is an advanced drum machine for GNU/Linux. Its main goal is to bring professional yet simple and intuitive pattern-based drum programming.
Audacity
A free, easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. The interface is translated into many languages.
Mixxx
Mixxx has everything you need to start making DJ mixes in a tight, integrated package. Whether you're DJing your next house party, spinning at a club, or broadcasting as a radio DJ, Mixxx has what you need to do it right.
ZynAddSubFX
A fully featured open source software synthesizer capable of making a countless number of instruments, from some common heard from expensive hardware to interesting sounds that you'll boost to an amazing universe of sounds.
Noteflight
Create and use music notation on any device.

Local Opportunities

There are multiple local opportunities for you to create cool things with other teens in your community. Here are a few places to check out.

Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab at Virginia Tech
The Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab is the combination of an engineering lab, makerspace and innovative learning space for all backgrounds and age groups.
Fairfax County Teen Centers
County staff offer positive role models and host a variety of activities that help local youth to develop positive friendships and decision-making skills, and to have fun.
Arts Council of Fairfax County
The Arts Council of Fairfax County is the voice of the arts, dedicated to fostering dynamic and diverse local arts, ensuring that arts thrive by providing vision, leadership, capacity building services, advocacy, funding, education, and information.
Nova Labs
A community makerspace located in Reston. Check out their programs and events!