Young Adult Upcoming Programs
Our Friends of the Milford Library is our active volunteer group who funds ALL things not included in the City budget, which includes ALL library programming. Without our Friends, we wouldn't be able to plan and host these amazing programs. Consider becoming a Friend today... the cost is minimal, but the impact is huge! Find out more information here.
Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Meetings
1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month
Attention Teens in Grades 9-12: Are you interested in being a positive influence on your library while earning volunteer hours for school? Join our Teen Advisory Group! Members of TAG will help the YA librarian with programs, planning, displays, and more! New members are welcome, but you must fill out an application on the Young Adult page and submit prior to meeting! TAG, you’re it.
Please note, there will be no scheduled TAG meeting on Thursday, 11/2.
Spill Some Ink: Teen Writing Group for Ages 12-18
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month from 3-4:30pm
S.E. Hinton, author of The Outsiders, Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon, Sarah Maas, author of A Court of Thorns & Roses series, Gordon Korman, author of Swindle, Charlotte Bronte, author of Jane Eyre, poet Amanda Gorman who wrote and recited the 2021 inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb...” What do these talented people all have in common? They all started the writing careers when they were teenagers! We invit teens 12-18, to join our Teen Writing Group - Spill Some Ink - where we will share writing prompts, activities, and exercises to get your creative energy surging! The Group will be a way for teens to share their work together in a safe space while learning about workshopping to get constructive ideas from peers to help them move forward with their writing. It is also a great way to make friends with similar interests! All types of writers are welcome, even artists! Registration for new members is encouraged in order to receive email updates of program changes/cancelations.
ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) Showcase
For Grades 6-12 with their Caregivers and Adults
Thursday, January 11 from 6:00-7:15 pm
Students from ACES Educational Center for the Arts will perform an hour of selected work from the Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, Creativity Writing and Dance Departments. If you are a middle school or high school student interested in the arts, come to this event and learn about how you can attend ECA as part of your school day. This event is for all students in grades 6-12 and their caregivers. Adults are also welcome at this performance with or without children. There will be a 15 minute Q&A after the performance for anyone with questions about the program!
YA Wednesday Crafternoon: 2024 Vision Boards
For Grades 6-12
Wednesday, January 17 from 3:30-5:00 pm
New Year, new vision board! A vision board is a collage of inspiring pictures, words, quotes, and other creative things that represents you, your hopes, dreams, and goals. Especially for grades 6-12, we are starting 2024 with our own vision boards! All supplies will be provided – bring your imagination and your visions for 2024!
Armed Forces Fair
For Grades 9-12 with their Caregivers
Thursday, January 18 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Join branches of the United States Armed Forces to learn more about joining, free education, and a career for your future. Open to all high school students and their caregivers. Drop in any time. Registration is not required to attend, but it is encouraged for updates, especially for inclement weather rescheduling. College guidance counselors from Jonathan Law and Joseph A. Foran High Schools will also be present. Snow date will be Thursday, February 1 at the same time.
Filing the 2024-2025 FAFSA
with University of New Haven’s Financial Aid Associate Director
Saturday, January 20 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join us as we help you navigate through the FAFSA filing process. This is for those students applying for the 2024-2025 FAFSA along with their parents. We will walk through the FAFSA process and help answer any questions you have. This workshop is being offered by Mylinda Adams, Associate Director of the Financial Aid Office at the University of New Haven.
You will need:
-FSA ID for both the student and the parent/guardian. Families should apply for their FSA ID at least 3 days prior to this workshop online at https://studentaid.gov.
-Student/parent personal identifiers – SSN, Date of Birth, Address, etc.
-Student 2022 Federal Tax Return/asset information
-Parent/Guardian 2022 Federal Tax Return/asset information
-Your own laptop/Chromebook which can be hooked up to the Library's WIFI is preferred
Registration is required. Once registered, you may drop-in any time between 10:30 – 12:30, but please allow for at least 30 minutes. Please note, there will be an alternate program date of Thursday, February 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm that also requires separate registration.
Stress-Less-Fest for Grades 6-12 with/without their Caregivers
Wednesday, January 24 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Join us for a monthly Stress-Less-Fest! This is for students in Grades 6-12 to enjoy alone or with their caregivers! Certified Therapy Mini-Horse Lollypop will join us with her handler Victoria. Therapy animals encourage feelings of wellbeing, reduce stress, and generally improve a person’s physical or emotional function. Give a brush, a pet, or a hug. Lollypop’s handler/owner Victoria will also be telling us all about the process taken to train Lollypop as a certified therapy horse. Milford Prevention Council will also join us with activities and information monthly to decompress. Stress LESS! Drop-in or stay the whole time! 
Build Your Own History Book with Sticker Book Publishing: Black History Month
For Grades 4-8
Tuesday, February 6 from 6:00-7:00 pm
Like learning about amazing people in African American history? Trivia? Doing something new? If you’re looking for an activity that will really get your mind moving, this is the event for you! Based out of Newtown, CT, Sticker Book Publishing creates and publishes Sticker Books for all ages that combine reading, history, problem-solving, and of course, hands-on fun. Celebrate Black History Month, PLUS keep your own book! This is a joint program between the Children's and Young Adult departments especially for children in grades 4-8 and registration is required. Space is limited. 
YA Wednesday Crafternoon: Kindness Crafts For Grades 6-12
Wednesday, February 7 from 3:30-5:00 pm
Work together to create kindness cards and rocks in honor of Valentine’s Day. Make some to keep and some to donate. All supplies will be provided – cards will be donated to local nursing homes and rocks will be spread throughout the community.
Filing the 2024-2025 FAFSA with Fairfield Bellamine's Associate Director of Financial Aid, Brian Leoneli-Blain
Tuesday, February 8 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Join us as we help you navigate through the newest FAFSA filing process. This is for those students applying for the 2024-2025 FAFSA along with their parents/legal guardians. We will walk through the FAFSA process and help answer any questions you have. This workshop is being offered by Brian Leonelli-Blain Associate Director of the Financial Aid Office at Fairfield Bellarmine.
In order to attend, you will need:
-FSA ID for both the student and the parent/guardian. Families should apply for their FSA ID at least 3 days prior to this workshop online at https://studentaid.gov.
-Student/parent personal identifiers – SSN, Date of Birth, Address, etc.
-Student 2022 Federal Tax Return/asset information
-Parent/Guardian 2022 Federal Tax Return/asset information
-Your own laptop/Chromebook which can be hooked up to the Library's WIFI is preferred
Registration is encouraged for weather-related updates. Drop-in any time between 6:00 - 8:00 pm, but please allow for at least 30 minutes.
Furry, Scaly Friends for Grades 6-12
Thursday, February 15 from 6:30-7:30 pm
Furry Scaly Friends educates and entertains with a relaxed program filled with facts and hands-on animal experiences! Young adults in grades 6-12 will be able to touch many furry and scaly friends and see them up close while interacting! From prairie dogs to pythons, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, chinchillas, lizards, axolotl, and more, Furry, Scaly Friends has and brings them all!
What is the benefit of working and interacting with animals? It helps cultivate empathy, compassion, and respect for these creatures and beyond. Studies have shown that caring for an animal boosts connections to your community while helping with socialization and communication. Animals tend to melt away stress, feelings of depression, and loneliness. They are all ears – a great sounding board -. and truly serve as a source for comfort and support. Registration is required for this event as space is limited.
PLEASE NOTE: Snow date will be on 2/29/24 at 6:30 pm. All registrants will be notified via email re: weather cancelations.
Stress-Less-Fest for Grades 6-12 with/without their Caregivers
Wednesday, February 21 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Join us for a monthly Stress-Less-Fest! This is for students in Grades 6-12 to enjoy alone or with their caregivers! Certified Therapy Mini-Horse Lollypop will join us with her handler Victoria. Therapy animals encourage feelings of wellbeing, reduce stress, and generally improve a person’s physical or emotional function. Give a brush, a pet, or a hug. Lollypop’s handler/owner Victoria will also be telling us all about the process taken to train Lollypop as a certified therapy horse. Milford Prevention Council will also join us with activities and information monthly to decompress. Stress LESS! Drop-in or stay the whole time. No registration is required.
Black History Month Movie
For Grades 6-12 with/without their Caregivers
Thursday, February 22 from 6:00-8:00 pm
For students in grades 6-12 with (or without) a caregiver! Watch a movie together in honor of Black History Month. We will be watching Remember the Titans (PG, runtime: 120 minutes) to spark important conversations between middle and high school students and their families about the Civil Rights Movement and Black History Month. Discussion questions and resource lists will be provided to take home. Popcorn will be provided or bring your own snacks! Please bring your own drinks or water bottles to be used in our refillable station. 
Build Your Own History Book with Sticker Book Publishing: Women's History Month
For Grades 4-8
Thursday, March 7 from 6:00-7:00 pm
Like learning about amazing people in Women’s history? Trivia? Doing something new? If you’re looking for an activity that will really get your mind moving, this is the event for you. Based out of Newtown, CT, Sticker Book Publishing creates and publishes Sticker Books for all ages that combine reading, history, problem-solving, and of course, hands-on fun. Celebrate Women’s History Month, PLUS keep your own book! This is a joint program between the Children's and Young Adult departments especially for children in grades 4-8 and registration is required. Space is limited.
Stress-Less-Fest for Grades 6-12 with/without their Caregivers
Wednesday, March 13 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Join us for a monthly Stress-Less-Fest! This is for students in Grades 6-12 to enjoy alone or with their caregivers! Certified Therapy Mini-Horse Lollypop will join us with her handler Victoria. Therapy animals encourage feelings of wellbeing, reduce stress, and generally improve a person’s physical or emotional function. Give a brush, a pet, or a hug. Lollypop’s handler/owner Victoria will also be telling us all about the process taken to train Lollypop as a certified therapy horse. Milford Prevention Council will also join us with activities and information monthly to decompress. Stress LESS! Drop-in or stay the whole time. No registration is required.
Pizza and Politics Series for Young Adults in Grades 6-12
Session 2: Milford Mayor Tony Giannattasio
Are you in grades 6-12 and interested in politics? Do you care about the status of your city? Now is your chance for casual conversation with Pizza and Politics! In this series, students in grades 6-12 will sit with a local politician while enjoying dinner. In the inaugural session, we will be joined by Milford's newest Mayor Tony Giannattasio. What does a Mayor do and what kind of background does he/she need to get to their position? Students will have an opportunity to hold a casual conversation with Mayor Giannattasio, asking questions about his background or his work with the City of Milford - either past as a longtime Alderman or future plans as the Mayor! Mayor Giannattasio will also ask the students questions about growing up/living in Milford. Don’t miss this unique opportunity. Registration is required.
This program is part of the 2023 Gale Gokey Brown Series in Civic Engagement, funded by a generous donation in memory of Gale Gokey Brown.
YA Wednesday Crafternoon: Duct Tape Backpack Charms
For Grades 6-12
Wednesday, March 27 from 3:30-5:00 pm
Especially for grades 6-12, we are making backpack charms – using patterned duct tape & beads, get creative! Make one for yourself and a friend! Drop in any time from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. No registration required, available while supplies last.
Spring Break Programming!:
Paint Your Own Pet
For Grades 6-12
Thursday, March 28 from 6:00-8:00 pm
For those in Grades 6-12, kick-off your Spring vacation with a fun painting session of your favorite furry friend! Create a portrait of your pet with watercolor artist Nancy Roman. No experience is necessary! All materials and instruction will be provided. You will need a color copy or photo in at least size 5x7 of your pet. Because of the technique used to first draw the pet, the picture must be printed (not on a phone or tablet). If you need to email the photo, please email dvalenzano@milfordct.gov and it can be printed for you. Please note: a close-up of your pet’s face is best, but a full-length picture is also okay. If you do not have a pet or a picture, but would like to attend, we will have several photos on hand that you may use! Space is limited and registration is required. 
Into the Woods Drama Workshop for Grades 6-12
Wednesday, April 3 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Calling all tweens/teens in Grades 6-12. Do you love to perform? Join us for a Drama workshop with Ingrid Schaeffer. We will look at the famous musical "Into the Woods" by Stephen Sondheim that follows a group of fairy-tale characters — a Witch, the Baker and his wife, Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and more — as they venture into the woods to get their wish and learn the complications of what comes after happily-ever-after. We will begin with some theatre games and then work in small groups to stage a collection of short scene from this beautiful play. We will share the scenes at the end of the class. Registration is required and space is limited. 
Young Adult Game Night
Thursday, April 4 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Relax in a casual environment with your peers and some fun board/card games! UNO, Sushi Go, Catan, Codenames, Fluxx, Exploding Kittens, Apples to Apples, Kids Against Maturity, Scrabble, and more! It’s YA Game Night for grades 6th – 12th graders. No registration is required.
Crash Course Pizza Workshop for Grades 4-8
Friday, April 5 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Grades 4-8 are invited to join us during your Spring vacation for Crash Course Pizza Making! Join MY Productions in this two hour course where you will learn to make your own pizza pies from scratch! Bring an apron, it will be messy and delicious! Each participant will leave with their own pizza pie they created from scratch. Registration is required and space is limited.
YA Wednesday Crafternoon: Blackout Poetry for Grades 6-12
with Milford Poet Laureate Joan Kwon Glass
Wednesday, April 17 from 3:30-5:00 pm
Especially for grades 6-12, drop in any time from 3:30 – 5:00 pm for a YA Wednesday Crafternoon! In honor of National Poetry Month, we will be joined by Milford’s Poet Laureate Joan Kwon Glass. Using recycled discarded books, Sharpies, colored pencils, and crayons, we will create art and poetry by “blacking out” words on the page. All supplies will be provided. No registration required, available while supplies last. 
Stress-Less-Fest for Grades 6-12 with/without their Caregivers
Wednesday, April 24 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Join us for a monthly Stress-Less-Fest! This is for students in Grades 6-12 to enjoy alone or with their caregivers! Certified Therapy Mini-Horse Lollypop will join us with her handler Victoria. Therapy animals encourage feelings of wellbeing, reduce stress, and generally improve a person’s physical or emotional function. Give a brush, a pet, or a hug. Lollypop’s handler/owner Victoria will also be telling us all about the process taken to train Lollypop as a certified therapy horse. Milford Prevention Council will also join us with activities and information monthly to decompress. Stress LESS! Drop-in or stay the whole time. No registration is required.
Stress-Less-Fest for Grades 6-12 with/without their Caregivers
Wednesday, May 15 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Join us for a monthly Stress-Less-Fest! This is for students in Grades 6-12 to enjoy alone or with their caregivers! Certified Therapy Mini-Horse Lollypop will join us with her handler Victoria. Therapy animals encourage feelings of wellbeing, reduce stress, and generally improve a person’s physical or emotional function. Give a brush, a pet, or a hug. Lollypop’s handler/owner Victoria will also be telling us all about the process taken to train Lollypop as a certified therapy horse. Milford Prevention Council will also join us with activities and information monthly to decompress. Stress LESS! Drop-in or stay the whole time. No registration is required.
YA Wednesday Crafternoon: Painted Flower Pots for Grades 6-12
Wednesday, May 22 from 3:30-5:00 pm
Especially for grades 6-12, drop in any time from 3:30 – 5:00 pm for a YA Wednesday Crafternoon! Paint clay pots and plant beautiful flower seeds! We will be joined by UConn Extension Advanced Master Gardener Cheryl Cappiali who will show us the best way to plant seeds and teach us how to take care of them so our flowers will grow beautifully this Spring! Paint one for yourself or give one as a gift! No registration required, available while supplies last.
Perlers for Pride Month for Grades 6-12
Thursday, June 20 from 6:30-8:00pm
For grades 6-12 (with or without their caregivers!)– celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month! Drop in any time between to make rainbow Perler bead crafts. Special visitors from Milford CT Pride will be on-hand to meet or discuss their organization and how it supports the Milford LGBTQ+ community. Please note, students are welcome to bring a special grown-up/caregiver in their life, but adults without children are not permitted. No registration required – Perler bead craft available while supplies last.
Summer Reading Programs COMING SOON!
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