The first place I went when school ended was the Robertson Branch Library; after being too busy to explore the city for nine months, I wanted a change of scenery. I was surprised to find a zine making workshop, one of many classes the library holds and one of the many accessible cultural offerings of Los Angeles. Inspired, I committed to exploring the city and realized that, despite living here all my life, there is still so much to discover.
Los Angeles has a network of 72 public library branches across the county, offering Los Angeles residents access to hundreds of thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs. Yet Los Angeles Public Libraries offer much more, especially for teenagers. Some branches organize Teen Councils where adolescents can gather regularly, forming a community and giving them a civic voice. The library system offers art and writing competitions, encouraging teenagers to develop a creative voice. Additionally, some library branches offer 2D and 3D printers, an innovation lab and museum-style exhibitions.
Many Los Angeles residents rarely venture outside of their neighborhoods unless required to do so. However, Los Angeles is filled with cultural offerings, hubs for creativity and art appreciation, according to Royal Moving. It is time that students take advantage of this, especially in this digital age when in-person activity is less common, according to The Hill.
One vessel for cultural involvement is Los Angeles’s array of museums. Museums expose teenagers to the arts and sciences in a physical way that cannot be matched through a screen, and studies show that engaging with the arts leads to a longer and happier life, according to Blue Zones. Los Angeles also offers access to niche museums like the Jurassic Museum of Technology, the Wende Museum and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Since aquariums and zoos function as museums, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium provides another fascinating experience, including a public library and nursery in addition to its marine life.
Los Angeles has a bustling theater scene. There are over 350 theaters in the city, and watching live theater can increase empathy, a crucial value in an era when teen mental health is declining, according to the Arizona Theater Company. Students should opt to attend smaller theaters, as supporting these institutions is beneficial for the cultural preservation of our city. Theater can be expensive. The organization TeenTix presents a solution: a “TeenTix Pass” which allows Los Angeles teenagers to access a myriad of live performances with $5 tickets. The next time you feel like watching a movie on Netflix, try seeing a play instead.
We are lucky to live in Los Angeles, a city full of accessible opportunities for cultural and artistic immersion, and teens should take full advantage of these resources. Doing so will provide students with an entertaining and educational lens into our city’s robust creative hub.
