Power Up Afternoons is our weekday after-school offering designed for K-12 students. It's a chance for school-aged students to connect and make friends while activating creativity, innovation, and learning. Students and families can drop in any time during Power Up Afternoons to see what we're exploring together that day. Find out when Power Up Afternoons is happening at your nearest library
Every week, we will be bringing experts to the library to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for a variety of topics including science, art, nature, magic and so much more. In these workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a new field with an expert who will guide you through hands-on activities.
You can also keep learning at home by checking out a book on the topic while you’re in the library or by accessing our eResources. We’re excited to highlight the experts that will be joining us as guests at a library near you soon!
STEAM
Comic Drawing Workshop
Learn to draw your favorite characters like Dog Man and Cat Kid, plus other famous cartoon figures (Octonauts, Snoopy & more)! No experience is necessary. Presented by author Oliver Chin. This program is for K-3rd graders.
- Wednesday, March 1 at 3:30 PM at the Atherton Library
- Thursday, March 2 at 3:30 PM at the Portola Valley
- Monday, March 13 at 4:00 PM at the Millbrae Library
- Tuesday, March 14 at 3:30 PM at the Pacifica Sanchez Library
- Wednesday, March 15 at 3:30 PM at the Brisbane Library
- Tuesday, March 21 at 3:30 PM at the Belmont Library
- Wednesday, March 22 at 3:00 PM at the Woodside Library
- Thursday, March 23 at 3:30 PM at the Pacifica Sharp Park Library
Flying Classroom
Join us for a STEM challenge in a live zoom session with The Flying Classroom. This expedition is designed around creating solutions and is an engineering-focused, immersive learning experience!
- Wednesday, March 8 at 4 PM at the East Palo Alto Library
- Wednesday, March 15 at 1:30 PM at the Portola Valley Library
Little Explorers Petting Zoo
Join us for a hands-on reptile, amphibian, and exotic insect program with Little Explorers Petting Zoo. Meet and learn about lizards, amphibians, exotic insects and of course, snakes!
- Thursday, March 16 at 3:30 PM at the Pacifica Sharp Park Library
- Tuesday, March 21 at 3:30 PM at the East Palo Alto Library
- Wednesday, March 22 at 3:30 PM at the Foster City Library
- Thursday, March 23 at 3:30 PM at the Atherton Library
- Friday, March 24 at 3:30 PM at the Millbrae Library
Mad Science
Join us for a spectacular demonstration of “magical” chemical potions, the wonders of dry ice, and the dynamics of air pressure!
- Friday, March 3 at 2:30 PM at the Foster City Library
- Monday, March 6 at 3:30 PM at the Portola Valley Library
- Monday, March 13 at 3:30 PM at the San Carlos Library
- Monday, March 20 at 3:00 PM at the Half Moon Bay Library
Mindful Yoga Storytelling
This fun, interactive movement class is for stretching into more confidence during new situations, embracing your unique self-expression, cooperating with others, and enjoying what it's like to relax. Youth (and caregivers) will connect through yoga poses, storytelling, music, and songs to take home skills in stress release, mindful attention, and compassionate communication. Come boost your joy, patience, and healthy self-care with new friends!
- Wednesday, March 1 at 3:30 PM at the Brisbane Library
- Monday, March 6 at 4:00 PM at the Atherton Library
- Tuesday, March 7 at 4:00 PM at the East Palo Alto Library
- Wednesday, March 8 at 4:00 PM at the Millbrae Library
Special Experiences for Teens
Jobs for Youth
The career journey is about more than getting a job: it’s about finding, and being yourself. Join us for a Jobs for Youth workshop focused on job preparation and lifelong career success. During this workshop, you will learn how to communicate more effectively, network and master the job application process and interview effectively. Open to all 9th-12th grade students!
- Thursday, March 2 at 4:00 PM at the San Carlos Library
- Monday, March 20 at 3:30 PM at the Pacifica Sharp Park Library
Ending the Silence
The National Alliance on Mental Illness presents a special opportunity to hear from a young adult living with mental illness who will share their journey of recovery. Teens will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding of an often misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.
- Monday, March 6 at 3:30 PM at the Pacifica Library
- Wednesday, March 8 at 4:00 PM at the Atherton Library
- Wednesday, March 15 at 3:00 PM at the Millbrae Library
- Wednesday, March 22 at 3:00 PM at the San Carlos Library
Be Sensitive Be Brave
Join us for a foundational workshop on mental health, that infuses culture and diversity. Learn how to recognize mental health conditions, what to do when a friend or loved one needs support and tools for maintaining good mental health. For 9th -12th grade students.
- Tuesday, March 14 at 3:30 PM at the Belmont Library
