At Aurora Public Library, we're passionate about celebrating the voices, talents, and passions of the amazing teens in our community. Each month, we highlight a local teen to learn more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they stay curious, creative, and connected.
This month, we're excited to introduce our Teen of the Month: Larry, from Dr. G.W. Williams. Larry is one of the teen volunteers at the library.
- What book are you currently reading? What do you think of it so far?
I’m currently reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck. So far, what interests me most is how the story explores human nature through the choices its characters make. It’s the kind of book that encourages me to slow down, consider different perspectives, and reflect on what shapes a person’s character.
- How do you usually discover new books to read?
I usually discover new books by browsing bookstores. I enjoy wandering through the shelves, reading a few pages, and coming across books I wouldn’t have thought to search for online..
- Have you ever read a book that changed how you see the world? Which one?
The Thinking Machine by Stephen Witt has influenced how I think about the future. Reading about Jensen Huang’s journey building NVIDIA showed me the value of long-term vision, persistence, and pursuing ideas before others see their potential. It inspires me to stay curious and approach my own projects with a bigger-picture mindset.
- What subject do you enjoy the most in school, and why?
Physics is my favourite subject because it pushes me to think deeply and work through challenging problems. I actually enjoy the pressure of tackling a question I don’t know how to solve at first. The satisfaction of finally figuring it out makes the effort worthwhile.
- How do you stay motivated during the school year?
I set both long-term goals and smaller, short-term targets, then use daily reminders to keep myself accountable. Breaking a big ambition into manageable steps helps me stay motivated, especially when school gets busy or progress feels slow.
- What’s one study tip or habit that works well for you?
I combine AI tools with a well-organized calendar. AI can help me understand difficult concepts and explore new ways to approach a problem, while my calendar keeps deadlines and priorities clear. I try to use technology to support my own thinking rather than replace it.
- Who inspires you to do your best in life?
My dad inspires me the most. He often reminds me to give 100% to whatever I choose to do, but also to work smart instead of simply working longer. His advice has taught me to value focus, efficiency, and being intentional with my time..
- What’s one skill or activity you’d love to learn and why?
I’d love to get better at filtering out the “noise” around us: distractions, unnecessary information, and the pressure to do everything at once. I think learning to focus on what matters most is an important skill, especially in a world where there’s always something competing for our attention.
- How do you see libraries helping teens in your community?
Libraries give teens much more than access to books. Through my experience tutoring math at the library, I’ve seen how they can bring young people together to learn, build confidence, and support one another. They also provide a platform for teens to contribute their skills and make a meaningful difference in the community.
10. What would you like to see more of in your local library?
I’d love to see more opportunities for teens to connect through shared interests, such as student-led workshops, collaborative projects, and casual learning events. A library can be more than a quiet place to study; it can also be a place where people meet, exchange ideas, and feel part of a community.
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