Thursday is the grand opening of the teen space in Saluda Library.

This project has been years in the making, so we are super excited to finally offer this new area for middle and high school students. As someone who grew up in Saluda, I know how important it is to have a place to hang out after school — I wish this type of space had been available when I was that age.

The teen space will feature a chalkboard wall and arts and crafts supplies for creative expression, a big-screen TV and various video game consoles, computers, board games, tables for studying, and, of course, books.

Here are some young adult novels that will be published in the coming months that are sure to be popular.

“I Have Lost My Way” by Gayle Forman

Release date: March 27

A fateful accident draws three strangers together. Freya, Harun and Nathaniel meet in New York City, each with secrets of their own. Publishers Weekly calls the book “a celebration of the lifesaving power of human connection.”

“Sam & Ilsa’s Last Hurrah” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Release date: April 10

This duo previously penned New York Times bestsellers “Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist” and “The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily.” Their latest collaboration is packed with unforgettable hijinks as twins Sam and Ilsa plan one last blowout high school party before graduation.

“The Fates Divide” by Veronica Roth

Release date: April 10

The author of the popular “Divergent” trilogy returns with the second book in her “Carve the Mark” series. Booklist describes the story as “a richly imagined, often brutal world of political intrigue and adventure, with a slow-burning romance at its core.”

“On the Come Up” by Angie Thomas

Release date: June 5

Thomas’s debut, “The Hate U Give,” won numerous awards and received much critical praise. Her second novel features an aspiring 16-year-old rapper, Bri, who fights for her dream as the odds continue to stack against her.

“Villain” by Michael Grant

Release date: Oct. 16

Though some websites list it as the eighth book in the “Gone” series, “Villain” is actually the start of a sequel series set four years after the events of “Gone.” Not much has been revealed about the plot yet, but Kirkus Reviews says it is bombastic and engaging.

I hope to see you at the grand opening Thursday. Drop by between 4 and 6 p.m. to check out the space and enjoy free refreshments. There will be an official ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit www.polklibrary.org or call 828- 894-8721.