After Pandemic Hiatus, Teen Coffee House Returns to Hagaman Library

EAST HAVEN, CT —The Hagaman Memorial Library will be hosting a special after-hours Teen Coffee House and Open Mic on Friday, Aug. 19 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Local teens are invited to perform on stage in a welcoming and supportive environment, or may just watch and cheer on their peers if they’d prefer. Previous coffee houses have seen teens showcasing their talents through skits, songs, poetry, comedy and more. Free refreshments will also be served throughout the night.

“This is the first time we’ll be able to offer the coffee house since the beginning of the pandemic,” young adult and teen services librarian Emily Kalotai said. “I am always struck by how talented the teens of East Haven are, and I’m so glad to be able to offer them this platform to express themselves once again.”

The Teen Coffee House is made possible through sponsorship from the East Haven Youth Services Bureau.

The Teen Coffee House and Open Mic is open only to those age 12 to 18. Interested teens should contact the library at 203.468.3890 to register to attend by August 18, or sign-up in the Teen Reading Room at the library. Community service hours will also be offered to those willing to help set up before or clean-up following the event.

The Hagaman Memorial Library is located at 227 Main St., in East Haven.

Those interested in volunteering should contact the teen librarian directly, at ekalotai@hagamanlibrary.org.