At Madison Public Library, the Teenkers’ most popular project has been construction of ray guns in steampunk style. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Candles, water colors and even steampunk ray guns have made Teenkers uber-popular at Madison Public Library.

Teenkers, a craft program, “embraces the ever-growing and popular steampunk style (related to science fiction),” youth services librarian Rebecca Doom said. “The Teenkers program aims to provide fun crafts that are both challenging for teen users and cool in appearance.”

Members don’t pay dues. Any teen can join. Occasionally, Doom may request for a donation for supplies for a project.

In recent months, Teenkers has worked with various artistic media, like stained wood, painted canvas, watercolors, plastic and ceramics. Their projects have included teacup candles, complete with wicks, wax and ceramic cups buffed with a wax paste that results in a metallic sheen.

Other projects have been as simple as painting over a silhouette with watercolors. “Addition of gears, clockwork pieces, keys, birdcages and other vintage trinkets enhance the steampunk style,” Doom said.

The Teenkers’ most popular project has been construction of ray guns. “Nonfunctioning, of course,” she said. Teenagers buffed plastic water and Nerf guns with metallic paint. “When all was said and done, our teens had a high-tech, non-working ray gun perfect for Halloween, comic conventions or just general ‘awesomeness.'”

The Teenkers group proves the library’s dedication to serving “the teen age group just as much as young families and older members of the community,” Doom said. Teenkers is the most popular new program for teenagers.

“Teenkers really encourages teens to not only come to the library but fiddle with things in creative, new ways that might be unfamiliar to them,” Doom said.

Started in January, Teenkers will continue as a year-round program. “Some ‘teenkering’ projects might not stick super close to steampunk style, but the Teenkers craft program is sticking around,” she said.

Upcoming Teenkering projects will include goggles, walking sticks, leather cuffs, top hats and other fun activities.

Interested teens should RSVP for Teenkers to confirm sufficient supplies. Call 256-461-0046 or email to rdoom@hmcpl.org.