Teen Crafternoons, Tuesday, September 17, 4:00 pm: Get creative in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library. Join in making back-to-school crafts like lunch boxes and pencil jars. Grades 6-12.

Mother-Daughter Book Club, Tuesday, September 17, 7:30 pm: Join the group in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library for the Mother-Daughter Book Club. The group will discuss Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen. To register (required), please call Liz, the Teen Librarian, at 617-796-1380 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net. Ages 12-15.

The New Common App Essay: What Students Should Know, Wednesday, September 18, 7:00 pm: Please join Debra Berger for a college essay writing workshop at the Newton Free Library in Druker Auditorium. Teens will learn about the five new Common Application essays, how to pick the essay prompt that highlights their strengths and skills, and how to write a standout essay that college admissions officers will notice. The basics of essay writing will be covered including:

* Using prewriting techniques
* Narrowing down and developing topic ideas
* Editing
* Timesaving techniques that will help make the process go more smoothly
* Organization and planning approaches to help you de-stress

Debra Berger has a master’s degree in education, with a major in educational research, measurement and evaluation from Boston College. She is an experienced English teacher and writing tutor in grades 9-12. An accomplished writer, Debra worked for over 10 years as a contributing education writer for nationally recognized publications including The Boston Globe and The Boston Parents Paper. The event is open to teens and adults.