What Is Youth Justice Collective?

The Youth Justice Collective is a dynamic initiative from Queens Public Library that empowers underserved and justice-impacted youth to explore justice, advocacy, and personal growth in a safe, barrier free space. Open to teens throughout the year, the Collective offers biweekly workshops, engaging discussions, and fun community building activities designed to spark curiosity and connection.

Participants dive into real world topics like the court system, current events, and restorative justice. With guidance from QPL staff and guest speakers including law students and legal professionals, members gain practical knowledge and skills, from career exploration to civic engagement.

Snacks, games, incentives, and hands on projects make this an engaging and educational space to grow, learn, and connect with peers. Enrollment is open year-round, and everyone is welcome to join at any time. Youth Justice is about defining justice on your own terms and discovering the opportunities that come with it.

The Youth Justice Collective offers the following programs to the public:

  • The Youth Justice Teen Program (offered at Central Library, Cambria Heights, Far Rockaway, Flushing, and Long Island City): The Youth Justice Collective is an initiative that empowers underserved and justice-impacted youth to explore justice, advocacy, and personal growth. Through biweekly workshops, discussions, and community activities, teens engage in a safe, inclusive space that sparks curiosity and connection.
  • Queens District Attorney Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Project Equity in Architecture and Design (offered at Far Rockaway only): Funded by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, this program immerses Far Rockaway youth in workshops led by professionals from Bolt Architecture and the Center for Architecture. Participants gain hands-on design skills while reimagining their urban environment with a focus on justice and equity.

Youth Justice Teen Program Meeting Times

For the 2025-2026 school year, YJC will meet every other week, beginning October 13, 2025 until June 26, 2026. YJC is currently available in-person only, at the locations listed below.

Please reach out to your local teen center to confirm if programs are running that week, as dates are subject to change.

Youth Justice Program Registration and Contact Information

To register for the Youth Justice Program, click here. For questions or more information about Youth Justice programs, please contact us at: youthjustice@queenslibrary.org.

Other Youth Justice Programs:

  • NeON Works: NeON Works prepares youth, referred by probation, for life after high school through interactive workshops, hands-on training, and digital literacy certification. The program also includes college prep and personal storytelling workshops that help teens explore their goals and future paths.
  • Project LIT: Project LIT introduces high school students, including those in juvenile facilities, to photography and podcasting as tools for storytelling and social justice. Led by library and industry professionals, the program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to activism through the arts.
  • Crossroads Detention Center & Other Youth Facilities Library Services: Queens Public Library provides library services twice a month to teens incarcerated at Crossroads Juvenile Facility. In-person rolling cart visits offer access to books and learning resources to support education and personal growth.

These programs are not open to the public.