Part of the Story - York County Libraries

Part of the Story 2026

Program Details

The topic for 2026, chosen by prior-year teens, is Building Community and Making Connections.

Date: April 16, 2026 9AM – 2PM
Location: Martin Library (York City)
Registration: February 27 – April 2
Who can Register: Parents/Guardians and Teachers of students in grades 9-12

Learn more about our annual Part of the Story program here.

During the Event

Teens will explore 3 topics:

What is community? What do teens look for in a community?
Teens’ role in relation to their community.
Making connections in their community: resources, volunteer opportunities, and more!

2026 Featured Author

Ben Philippe

Ben Philippe is a Haitian-Canadian author and television writer. His debut novel, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager, was named one of ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2020 and won the William C. Morris Award. Philippe’s work on television shows includes writing for such shows as The Paper, Interview With The Vampire, and Only Murders in the Building.

As the Part of the Story 2026 featured author, Ben will explore the idea of community and the individual’s role in creating a positive community with York County teens.

Registered teens will receive a free signed copy of his book Field Guide to the North American Teenager.

2025 Winning Designs

Out of dozens of designs created by teens during Part of the Story, two stood out above the rest. View the winning designs below!
These billboards will be placed along York County roads in spring/summer 2025.

2025 Part of the Story Winner 1 - Text in the middle says "Limit the cycle of addiction." This text is surrounded by a circle made out of various social media app logos such as facebook, instagram, tiktok, snapchat, discourt, and others. The bottom border says: YCL Teens, Winner: Part of the Story

2025 Part of the Story Winner 2 - Text: Stay Mindful. Be Present. Limit Tech Time. "Limit Tech Time" is in bold. Image is of a cartoon figure having its head pulled through the screen of a giant cell phone, as though it is a pool of water. The bottom border says: YCL Teens, Winner: Part of the Story

Teen Voices Matter

Part of the Story is a book-based program that engages teens in grades 9-12 by exploring an important, real-life issue affecting them and their community through a book written by a regional author. Through discussion with the author, other teens, and community members, attendees discover ways to tackle the issue and the importance of using their voice for positive change. Each teen gets a free copy of the selected book when they register (while supplies last). Teens help choose the theme each year!

Part of the Story is a welcoming, safe event where teens can have rich conversations about topics that matter to them, in community with supportive adults. Teens build connections with one another, gain important knowledge and skills, and identify ways that they can make a difference.

Past topics include “Immigration,” “Body Image,” “Bullying,” “Social Justice,” “Addiction,” and “Teen Mental Wellness.”

Let your voice be heard

Collaborate and Talk with Teens from around York County

Discussion is a huge part of what makes Part of the Story successful. Through open conversations with other teens and adults, this event creates an inclusive and safe space for teens to be creative, speak freely, and let their voice be heard.

What to expect during Part of the Story

The day includes a light breakfast, an interactive conversation with the featured author, small group activities and discussions. Teens break for lunch, which the library provides.

In the afternoon, attendees will have a conversation with Lamar Advertising about ways to raise community awareness around the day’s topics. Then you’ll work together on creative billboard designs. One group’s design is chosen by a panel of judges to be displayed on billboards around York County. Billboards are provided courtesy of Lamar Advertising.

Register for Part of the Story 2026

The registration period for this year's Part of the Story is February 27, 2025 through April 2, 2026. Check back soon to register!