The New York Public Library opened its first Teen Center at its Bloomingdale branch Wednesday.

The Bloomingdale Teen Center is part of the NYPL’s Teens 360 initiative. 

It’s the first of many centers that will open this year across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

“Teenagers are often an overlooked demographic. Expected to fend for themselves, while being chastised and siloed if they step out of line,” City Council Member Chi Ossé said as he addressed the crowded Teen Center. “They desperately need spaces outside of traditional classrooms to learn and grow both academically and socially.”

These teen centers come at a critical time as students are still struggling to overcome the social isolation caused by the pandemic. 

“These teen centers provide mentors who can help our teens navigate the challenges that inevitably come at that point in life,” added NYPL President Anthony Marx.

The centers will feature 3-D printers, tablets, media tools, music studios and free Wi-Fi.  The Teens 360 Initiative also offers support packages for teens in academic help and mental health support. 

“At the library, there's a vast amount of resources that are unimaginable. From driver's ed books to manga to SAT help. The teen center is not only filled with valuable resources, but it’s filled with inclusive and supportive staff,” said Amanda, one of Bloomingdale’s Teen Civic ambassadors.

The Bloomingdale center was just the first of 19 scheduled openings for this year.