Teens to spend night playing games, hanging out

COLUMBUS — Since 2014, the Polk County Library has participated in the National Teen Lock-In, and this year is no different.

This free event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, and is open for any rising sixth through 12th-graders. The night includes several games and activities with people from across the country.

“Teens from all across the country compete against each other in Minute To Win It games, a photo scavenger hunt and other contests,” said Jen Dickenson, youth services librarian with the Polk County Public Libraries. “There are also opportunities to virtually connect with teens at the other libraries and authors of young adult books.”

While there are several activities planned such a scavenger hunt and crafts, the last hour is set aside for free time to hang out, play board games and talk with friends.

“This event happens after the library is closed, so it’s super fun to hang out in the library when no one else is there,” Dickenson said. “You can bring your friends or come by yourself and make new friends. It is our biggest teen event of the year.”

For more information, people may call Dickenson at 828-894-8721, ext. 227, or send her an email at jdickenson@polklibrary.org.