View our 2025 Festival Guide SOON »
Add events to your own calendar with a single click! ADD TO CALENDAR
Blackout poetry is when you take a written piece of text and cross out words to create your very own poetry. Found poems take existing texts, refashion and reorders them, and then present them as poems-almost like a collage. For the entire month of April, drop in to Ives Squared to share your creative voice!
All supplies will be provided.
The 2025 Big Read launches with an engaging kickoff event centered around Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. This event will feature a thought-provoking panel discussion examining the novel’s themes and their relevance to our world today.
Attendees can also enjoy interactive activities, refreshments, and free copies of Fahrenheit 451 provided by the library (while supplies last).
Panel...
Interested in activism? Looking for a way to translate your anxieties about the world into action? Join the Students for Educational Justice and learn the skills and history you need to know to make your schools, New Haven, and the country a better place.
Open to teens in grades 7–12
A comical and deeply touching fantasy, Hi, Mom follows a young Chinese woman who, after experiencing a personal tragedy in 2001, unexpectedly time-travels back to 1981. There, she meets and befriends her late mother, seeing her as a young woman with hopes and dreams of her own. Through humor, heartfelt moments, and self-discovery, she attempts to change the course of her mother’s life for the...
In a small-town community center, a group of Palestinian and Israeli women comes together for a video workshop led by Rona, a young filmmaker from Tel Aviv. As they document their daily lives and share personal footage, they confront their own beliefs, challenge preconceptions, and break down the social and cultural barriers that divide them.
Through storytelling, laughter, and raw emotion,...
Come join us the second Thursday of each month in our book discussion. It’s a fun way to get connected, make new friends, and read more books! New members welcomed; books available for loan in advance of the discussion. Copies are first come, first served.
Dive into the fascinating world of quantum technology with Dr. Florian Carle, Managing Director of the Yale Quantum Institute, as he unravels the mysteries of quantum science in a way that’s accessible to all.
Based on true events, Amistad tells the powerful story of the 1839 revolt of Mende captives aboard the Spanish slave ship La Amistad. After seizing control of the vessel, the captives are later captured off the coast of Long Island, sparking a landmark legal battle in the United States. As the case moves through the courts, the nation wrestles with fundamental questions of slavery, justice, and...
Join us at the West Haven Public Library for a community discussion of the book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury! We will mingle and enjoy refreshments, discuss the book and its themes, and hand out complimentary copies of the book. (while supplies last)
Join NHFPL Teens for our all-new Book Club! We meet once a month, and books are available for checkout for one month prior. Our next book is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Open to teens age 13-19. Snacks will be provided.
In a charming Parisian café, Amélie, an imaginative and painfully shy young woman, unexpectedly discovers her talent for bringing joy to others. With a whimsical spirit, she embarks on a secret mission to improve the lives of those around her—playing Cupid, guardian angel, and mischievous do-gooder in equal measure.
But when she encounters a mysterious and intriguing stranger, Amélie must...
What does it mean when a book is censored? Join us for an age-appropriate story time highlighting beloved books that have been banned from bookshelves. A free of copy of Derrick Barnes, "I Am Every Good Thing" will be provided for each family while supplies last. Brought to you in partnership with The East Rock Lodge & Pocahontas Temple of I.B.P.O.E. W of Elks.
Join New Haven Poet Laureate Sharmont “Influence” Little for an engaging writing workshop that invites participants to explore their identities through introspection and creative expression. This interactive session encourages attendees to reflect on who they are and share their stories through the power of words. Whether you're an experienced writer or new to the craft, this workshop offers a...
Join a discussion with our Adult and Teen Services Librarians regarding censorship and book banning, one of the themes in the NEA Big Read selection for 2025. This conversation will include discussing this year's book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, but also many other controversial titles. Open to ages 13 and up, including adults. Pizza will be provided.
This event is part of the 2025 NEA...
Come join us the in our book discussion every fourth Wednesday. It’s a fun way to get connected, make new friends, and read more books! New members welcomed; books available for loan in advance of the discussion. Copies are first come, first served.
We'll be celebrating tough topics at storytime all of April, we will feature a book that has been a target for a book ban! As always, we'll have stories, songs, and playtime for children with parent/caregiver. Ages 0-5
Part of the 2025 NEA Big Read. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
Celebrate your freedom to read! This week, we'll read This Book is Banned by Raj Haldar. Then, make your own book cover for one of your favorite books. Recommended for ages 5-8, with caregiver.
Join us at the Wilson Branch for a workshop designed to spark creativity through the themes of Ray Bradbury's iconic novel, Fahrenheit 451. Participants will explore the transformative power of storytelling and visual expression while reflecting on themes like censorship, individuality, and the enduring value of books. All skill levels are welcome to join this inspiring exploration of art and...
Come join us the fourth Monday of each month in our book discussion. It’s a fun way to get connected, make new friends, and read more books! New members welcomed; books available for loan in advance of the discussion. Copies are first come, first served.
Directed by Lila Avilés, this critically acclaimed drama follows Eve, a dedicated hotel worker in Mexico City, as she navigates the routines of an unseen world, striving for something greater while being surrounded by luxury she can never claim as her own. A visually stunning and deeply human story, The Chambermaid is a must-watch for those who appreciate powerful, minimalist storytelling.
...The celebration kicks off at 11:00 AM with the Parade Line-Up at Martinez School (100 James Street), followed by the Parade Step-Off at 12:00 PM. Join us as we march through the heart of Fair Haven, celebrating our vibrant community spirit! After the parade, the fun continues from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Fair Haven School (164 Grand Avenue) with a lively festival featuring food, entertainment,...
Let's combine art and literacy to create a one-of-a-kind book! Your books could serve as a journal, a space for your own work of fiction, a recipe book or so much more! (Families and Children 6-12)
Join us for an engaging presentation exploring the rapidly evolving world of generative AI. From powerful tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Cursor.ai to the growing use of AI in creative fields, we'll examine how these technologies are reshaping writing, coding, design, and more.
Join the club for a discussion of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury’s dystopian novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed, and “firemen” burn any that are found. Copies of the book are available.
In the spring of 2005, an elderly mother in Hanoi receives a diary—one that belonged to her daughter, Dang Thuy Tram, a young doctor who served at a liberation front hospital during the Vietnam War. From 1968 until her tragic death, she documented her experiences, hopes, and sacrifices in the pages of her journal. Decades later, her words resurface, sparking a national sensation in Vietnam and...
The unhoused community in New Haven is growing. The pandemic, rising housing costs, and inflation has led to an increase in people experiencing homelessness across the city. In 2022, a family in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods opened up their backyard for people to live in, aspiring to create a self-governing community separate from the overburdened city shelter system. We follow the...
Join The Honorable Clifton Graves for an engaging introductory discussion on civics. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding or just getting started, this discussion is a great opportunity to learn and ask questions in an open and informative setting.
"We bombard people with sensation," he said, "That substitutes for thinking." – Fahrenheit 451
Join Mercy Quaye for an insightful discussion on the overwhelming nature of mass media. In a world flooded with information, media often evokes strong emotions but doesn’t always leave room for critical thinking and deeper analysis. This conversation will explore how we process media, its impact on...
Join Juanita Sunday and New London Poet Laureate Josh “An UrbanNerd” Brown for an insightful conversation on how science-fiction serves as a powerful tool for warning signs of potential futures. Through discussions of novels like Fahrenheit 451, Parable of the Sower, 1984, and others, they will explore how these works challenge us to confront pressing issues and shape a better, more equitable...
La Yuma tells the inspiring story of a young girl from a poor Nicaraguan barrio who dreams of becoming a boxer. While she longs to spend her days training, her mother insists she work at a second-hand clothing store under the watchful eye of manager Scarlett. Despite these challenges, Yuma’s determination remains strong.
When her friend Yader, a former gang member turned gym owner, signs her...
Set in 1980s Naples, Italy, The Hand of God follows Fabietto Schisa, a teenager who is deeply passionate about both cinema and football. When Napoli, his local football team, signs the legendary Diego Maradona, Fabietto decides to stay home to watch Maradona play instead of joining his parents on vacation.
The film is a personal story for director Paolo Sorrentino, who uses the coming-of-age...
The official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven (JCGNH) welcomes all to commemorate the triumphant efforts of previous generations by raising the official Juneteenth flag—created by Connecticut resident Elder Ben Haith. Rejoice with JCGNH, city officials, a live trumpeter, and artists from New Haven for the inaugural exhibition and press conference. Join us as we usher in the month-long...
Fahrenheit 451 is a 1966 British dystopian drama film directed by François Truffaut and starring Julie Christie, Oskar Werner, and Cyril Cusack. Based on the 1953 novel of the same name by Ray Bradbury, the film takes place in a controlled society in an oppressive future, in which the government sends out firemen to destroy all literature to prevent revolution and thinking. This was Truffaut's...
Feast your eyes (and stomachs!) on the return of Juneteenth Restaurant Week. Explore the vibrant and savory flavors of Elm City’s ever-expanding culinary scene. Dine on a select prix fixe Juneteenth menu from a variety of local Black-owned eateries, including Sandra’s Next Generation Soul Food, Jazzy’s Cabaret, and many more.
Join us for Hip-Hop Scholarship through a multisensory journey with Hip-Hop 101- an interactive workshop focusing on the elements of Hip-Hop music featuring a live DJ/Turntablist, live graffiti artist, dancers, and emcees, a keynote by Hip-Hop pioneers M-1 and Umi of Dead Prez, interdisciplinary and multi-generational panels, a youth panel and independent film festival.
Jumpstart your two-week Festival experience with a performance that pays homage to the Juneteenth holiday and celebrates our collective dedication to harmony and truth!
Communities start with families bonded by love, experiences, and principles. The concept of unity - Umoja - is the lifeblood of any community. In the spirit of family, experience the values of intergenerational respect and learning through cooperative economics (Ujamaa). Join us for an Elder Honoring Ceremony with Ms. Hanan's Dance and Beyond, The Juneteenth Artist Showcase, Juneteenth Youth Zone...
Complete your Juneteenth holiday weekend with a night of mesmerizing music featuring violin sensations, Sons of Mystro, and youth collaborations. Mentored by Black Violin, Sons of Mystro is a musical duo that plays over ten popular music genres. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs, and their creations, accompanied by a DJ & a drummer. They are winners of the...
