Through teen voice and autonomy, CTLF connects young storytellers across neighborhoods through both traditional and non-traditional forms of storytelling. CTLF exposes teens to career pathways and workforce development skills in pursuit of building a much-needed creative community for their peers. The festival provides connection between teens and professional writers and artists working in their city while showcasing the creative talent and experiences that teens contribute to the literary and artistic fabric of Chicago.

As the only one of its kind, the two-day festival is designed and produced by 40 teens for 10 months leading up to the festival. The festival incorporates project-based learning and workforce development education exampled by our Teen Branding Team collaborating with CPL’s marketing department to design both print and billboard promo materials. Through strategic partnerships, CTLF deeply engages teachers and classrooms in this library program directly through curriculum development connected to the festival.

Most significantly, teens report that by attending the festival they “find their people.” Teens connect to like-minded peers and our teen organizers self-report increased confidence in their creative and communication skills based on shared learning goals set by our mentor staff. Engagement with teachers has led to classrooms of students presenting and showcasing at the festival. For 2020, we will expand the program to include teen councils across two additional Chicago cultural institutions in the planning of CTLF.