Part of the Story - York County Libraries

Part of the Story 2025

Program Details

The topic for 2025, chosen by prior-year teens, is Teens Online.

Date: April 3, 2025
Location: Martin Library (York City)
Last Day to Register: March 21, 2025
Who can Register: Parents/Guardians and Teachers of Students in Grades 6-12

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

During the Event

A featured author and Human Libraries will explore 3 topics:

Social media and well-being: Learn about ways to engage with social media while also protecting your own well-being in a world that is always online.
Best online tools and resources for teens: Explore a variety of online resources that help you research topics, learn a new skill, find career opportunities, and more.
Personal safety on the internet: Keep yourself safe from internet dangers and learn more about the importance of protecting your online presence.

2025 Featured Author

Erica B. Marcus

Erica B. Marcus has spent almost 2 decades learning from the teens she works with as a classroom teacher, wilderness youth therapy field guide, and mindfulness educator/director.

As the Part of the Story 2025 featured author, Erica will explore tech benefits and possible drawbacks with York County teens. She believes that “bringing awareness and intention to our use helps us make healthier choices.”

Attention Hijacked: Using Mindfulness to Reclaim Your Brain from Tech, shares tips for evaluating our tech use and aligning it with our personal values. Erica’s interactive book includes discussion questions, writing prompts, and activities. Registered teens will receive a free signed copy of her book.

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. 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 recognize 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 with “Human Libraries.” A Human Library is a person who shares their experience and expertise with others. Teens break for lunch, which we provide.

In the afternoon, attendees will have a conversation with Lamar Advertising about ways to raise awareness around the day’s topic. 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 2025

Please select one of the following:(Required)

I am a parent or guardian registering my child for Part of the Story.

I am a teacher/school staff registering my students for Part of the Story.

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Student or Guardian Form

Student Name(Required)

First Last

School District(Required)

If you attend a private, charter, or home school, please select the appropriate option.

Grade(Required)

Guardian Name(Required)

First Last

Guardian Email Address

Fill in this field to receive confirmation that your registration has been successfully submitted.

Guardian Phone Number(Required)

Please choose a library for book pickup:(Required)

Teens and their teachers will receive free copies of this year's book while supplies last. We will notify you when your book is ready for pickup.

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Teacher Form

Teacher Name(Required)

First Last

Teacher Email Address(Required)

Fill in this field to receive confirmation that your registration has been successfully submitted. If your school restricts external emails, we recommend using a non-school-issued email.

Teacher Phone Number(Required)

School District(Required)

If you attend a private, charter, or home school, please select the appropriate option.

Class/Students' Grade(s)(Required)

Select the grade levels of the students you are bringing to Part of the Story. Please choose all that apply.

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade

Number of students attending(Required)

Please enter a number from 1 to 100.

Please choose a library for book pickup:(Required)

Teens and their teachers will receive free copies of this year's book while supplies last. We will notify you when your book is ready for pickup.

Part of the Story 2025

Program Details

During the Event

Erica B. Marcus

Teen Voices Matter

Collaborate and Talk with Teens from around York County

What to expect during Part of the Story

Register for Part of the Story 2025

Student or Guardian Form

Teacher Form

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