Teens Department
At the Riverdale Public Library
Welcome to the Teen’s Section at the Riverdale Public Library
The Teen’s Section of the Riverdale Public Library offers a welcoming and resource-rich environment designed to support both young adults and their parents. Our extensive collection of books, multimedia materials, and educational resources caters to a wide range of ages and interests, helping to foster a love of reading and learning early on.
Parents benefit from access to guided programs that support teen development, literacy, and middle school and high school education. These include introducing teens to new hobbies, social groups, STEM workshops, and interactive activities that encourage engagement and learning outside of school. Our knowledgeable staff is available to provide personalized recommendations and assistance in selecting resources suited to each local teenager’s needs.
Overall, the Teen’s Section at Riverdale Public Library stands as a valuable community resource that supports educational growth, nurtures curiosity, and offers meaningful experiences with peers in a safe and inclusive atmosphere.
Questions? Contact Youth Services Librarian Ms. Geneva at 973-835-5044 or youthservices@riverdalelibrary.org
Interested in Upcoming Teen Events at the Riverdale Public Library?
Visit our Eventbrite Calendar to Learn more!
Digital Resources
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Libby
Libby/Overdrive is the library's free app for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks. Riverdale Public Library patrons can borrow titles instantly using their library card.
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Mango Language Learning
Mango offers free, conversation-focused language learning. Riverdale Public Library patrons can access it instantly online or through the app using their library card.
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NoveList K-8
Reader’s advisory tool for fiction readers, grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. This tool is designed for students in grades K-8 and offers reading lists, searchable lists of award-winning titles, series coverage, curriculum support, and the ability to search for books by a variety of criteria including Lexile scores, subject, author and popularity.
College & Career Resources
MLA - Peterson's Test & Career Prep
MLA — Peterson’s Test & Career Prep provides patrons with trusted resources for exam preparation, career planning, and skill-building. Through Peterson’s students and job-seekers can access practice tests (including SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT), study guides, resume and cover letter templates, career assessments, and interview prep tools. The platform also offers specialized test prep courses and timed practice exams to build confidence and track progress.
Preparing for the ACT? Riverdale Public Library offers free resources to help you succeed: practice books and past test collections for checkout, online practice tests and prep courses accessible from library computers or with your library card, study guides and subject-specific review materials, and one-on-one help from staff for locating resources. Ask at the front desk or call 973-835-5044 to learn what’s available or to reserve materials and computer time.
The College Board website offers free and official resources to help patrons prepare for the SAT, PSAT, and AP courses. Students can create a College Board account to access full-length practice tests, personalized practice plans powered by official test questions, score reports with diagnostic insights, and practice on the official digital SAT format. For AP courses, the site provides course descriptions, exam practice questions and scoring guidelines, and exam schedules to help students understand expectations and practice under real conditions. Patrons can also find registration information, deadlines, and accommodations details. Visit the College Board website to explore these tools and start a tailored study plan.
Discover scholarships faster with our College Board Scholarship Search — a free, easy-to-use tool that matches students with thousands of scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid based on profile details like major, GPA, activities, and background. Whether you’re planning for community college, a four-year university, or vocational training, this searchable database helps uncover options you might not otherwise find. Visit the Riverdale Public Library for guidance on using the tool, help refining your search criteria, and tips for applying.
Homework Resources
Academic Search Premier contains indexing for 8,025 publications, with full text for more than 4,500 of those titles. This resource offers an extensive collection of scholarly journal abstracts and full-text articles on a wide range of subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and more.
Full-text articles from popular middle school magazines. Includes the full text of thousands of popular middle school magazines, biographies, historical essays, primary source documents, and more. The reading level of all included articles are assigned a Lexile score.
Millions of articles from newspapers. Newspaper Source Plus provides a full-text digital collection of the world’s major news content. It includes millions of articles from newspapers, newswires and news magazines. In addition, it offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources.
Full-text articles from popular elementary/primary school magazines. Includes the full text of thousands of popular elementary/primary school magazines, biographies, historical essays, primary source documents, and more. The reading level of all included articles are assigned a Lexile score.
Citation Sources
Purdue Owl Guides
Health
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI provides education, support, and advocacy through local affiliates and national programs, offering resources such as family and peer-led support groups, public awareness campaigns, and training for mental health professionals and community members. Committed to ending stigma and expanding access to quality care, NAMI also works to influence public policy and increase funding for mental health services and research. Their mission centers on ensuring dignity, respect, and recovery for all impacted by mental health conditions.
211 Morris County is a free, confidential helpline that connects residents to local health and human services — including food, housing, mental health support, senior services, utility assistance, and disaster relief. Available 24/7 by phone or online, trained specialists help callers find resources in their area, navigate eligibility requirements, and arrange follow-up when needed. It’s a quick, centralized way for Morris County residents to get trusted information and referrals to community programs and agencies. For immediate assistance, dial 211 or visit your local library for help accessing services.
2nd Floor is a confidential, nonjudgmental helpline for young people seeking support with mental health, relationships, school stress, or crises. Trained volunteers provide listening, information, and referrals by phone, text, or online chat — available 24/7. Services are free and anonymous, designed to connect youth with resources and immediate emotional support when they need it most. For ages 11–25. (Not an emergency service; call 911 for immediate danger.)
Love Is Respect offers free, confidential support and information to help young people recognize and build healthy relationships and get help with dating abuse. Available 24/7 by phone, text, and chat, the site provides safety planning, legal guidance, and connection to local resources. It’s a nonjudgmental place for teens and young adults to learn about consent, communication, and how to stay safe — whether you’re worried about controlling behavior, emotional abuse, or physical violence. For immediate help, contact a trusted adult or local emergency services.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, help is available 24/7 through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Trained counselors provide confidential support, resources, and connection to local services for people in distress and their loved ones. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
The Franklin Lakes Public Library supports mental health and encourages anyone needing help to reach out—no one has to face this alone.
Interested in becoming a Teen Volunteer at the Riverdale Public Library?
The Riverdale Public Library welcomes teen volunteers seeking meaningful activities to enhance their resumes, as well as individuals interested in pursuing careers in Library Sciences. Volunteering with us provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and contribute to a community-centered environment. Whether assisting with library programs, organizing materials, or supporting patrons, volunteers play an essential role in our mission to serve all members of the community.