Youth Summer Series
Book lovers, storytellers, and adventure seekers – this chapter is just for you. Spend your summer participating in the Youth Summer Series with exciting challenges, creative programs, and can’t-miss author talks. Make this summer one for the books!
Funding for the Youth Summer Series is generously donated by The Friends of the Mississauga Library.
- Read and Roam: Book Challenge
- Story Slam: Writing Contest
- Escape Rooms
- Books and Crafts
- Author Talks & Workshop
Read and Roam: Book Challenge
Read, discover, and win! If you are a Mississauga resident age 13 to 18, visit a Mississauga Library location between June 1 and August 31 to pick up your Read and Roam: Book Challenge.
Complete activities and reading prompts to earn ballots for a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the summer. This is your roadmap to a thrilling literary adventure!
Story Slam: Writing Contest
Introducing an exciting new opportunity for young Mississauga writers, whether you are a seasoned storyteller or writing for the first time.
This year’s theme is The Day the Trees Remembered.
The forest, park, or lone tree near your home remembers something long forgotten. What stories do they hold? What secrets might they reveal?
Perhaps they witnessed people who once lived nearby, a hidden moment in history, or an event erased by time. Maybe the trees remember something magical, mysterious, or even unsettling. The possibilities are endless – let your imagination grow wild.
- Written by a City of Mississauga resident age 13 to 18
- Original work and written without the use of AI tools
- Must be unpublished (not shared online or in print)
- Maximum word count of 1,500 words (no minimum)
- One submission per person or group
- Late or incomplete entries will not be considered
- Email your short story as a PDF attachment to library.programs@mississauga.ca
- Format the email subject line as follows: Story Slam – [Age Category: 13–15 or 16–18] – Last Name(s), First Name(s) of all authors in alphabetical order
- In the body of your email, include your full name(s), age(s) and contact information. If you are under 18, include the contact information of a parent or guardian.
- Contest opens: Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
- Contest closes: Friday, July 31, 2026, at 9:00 p.m.
PDF formatting guidelines
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font size: 12 point
- Spacing: Double spaced
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- Page numbers: On the bottom right-hand corner
- In the header of your document include: Title of your story, your full name(s), age(s)
- File name: Story Slam – [Age Category: 13–15 or 16–18] – Last Name(s), First Name(s) of all authors in alphabetical order
- Visit any Mississauga Library to browse our collection of writing guides
- Check out our Online Course
- Get feedback from peers at one of our Writing Clubs
- Drop in to one of our 18 locations and find a quiet corner to write – your story starts here
Stories will be judged in two age categories: 13 to 15 and 16 to 18, with first, second, and third place awarded in each. Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity and originality, connection to the theme, clarity and structure, and emotional impact and storytelling voice.
- First place winners (in each age category: 13 to 15 and 16 to 18) will be invited to showcase their story at the third annual Mississauga Literary Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026
- First, second and third place winners will receive recognition and prizes from the Mississauga Library. More information to come.
Escape Rooms
Gather your friends and put your problem-solving skills to the test as you navigate through a series of challenging puzzles and mysteries. Can you beat the clock and escape before time runs out? Get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Visit activemississauga.ca to view locations.
Books and Crafts
A little crafting, a little chatting, and a whole lot of book talk! Join us for a laid-back creative session where we’ll dive into hands-on art projects and swap stories about books.
Crafts will rotate across locations throughout the summer and include:
- Calligraphy
- Jewelry Making
- Air-Dry Clay Creations
- Embroidery
- Linocut Printing
- Bedazzling
- Origami
- Scrapbooking / Junk Journaling
Visit activemississauga.ca to view locations and crafts.
Craft offerings may vary by location and are subject to change based on supply availability.
Author Talks & Workshop
Stay tuned – more details about our Summer 2026 Youth Author Talks are coming soon!