A 2014 Pew Research Center report found that 50% of Americans aged 16-29 reported using a library or bookmobile in the past year and were the most likely demographic to have read a book in the past year, yet these younger Americans were also least likely to say that libraries are important.

In order to target this population, the Rochester Hills Public Library is holding a series of programs for millennials and college students this summer.

“The more we reach out to this age group the more likely they are to become life-long library users,” Adult Servicies Manager Jessica Parij said in a press release.

All of the programs are free and registration is open to all library card holders. Oakland University on-campus residents with proof of residence (such as a piece of mail with their address listed) are eligible for free library cards.

Upcoming events for young adults are listed below. Registration is required.

July 7, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Cirque Amongus Workshop

This adults-only workshop will be led by Cirque Amongus, who will teach participants a variety of circus skills including swinging from a trapeze, tightrope walking, juggling and acrobatics.

Community Relations Specialist Amanda Harrison said she was inspired to hold this workshop after watching people hula hoop and tightrope walk at music festivals.

“This is not your typical library program,” she said in a press release, “but it was important to me that we offer it. We want to offer programs that you might not get anywhere else. It’ll be a fun night out for couple[s] or groups of friends.”

July 11, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Pinterest Party

Participants can vote for their favorite Pinterest craft to make as a group at https://www.pinterest.com/RHlibrary/. All materials will be provided.

July 18, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Books on Tap

Participants will meet up at the Rochester Mills Beer Co. for a casual discussion of Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance. Appetizers will be provided and drinks will be available for purchase.

July 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – World Cinema Night: Gloria

World Cinema Night is held at the library one Wednesday each month to show foreign films. July 27’s feature is Gloria, a 2013 Chilean-Spanish drama.

Aug. 5, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – After Hours Adult Recess

This event is meant to be nostalgic and will include cardboard fort-building, Nerf gun wars, four square, mini golf and parachute games. One library card will admit the cardholder plus three guests. Alcohol will be available for purchase at the event, but outside alcohol is not permitted.

August 22, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – LiBrewery Trivia Smackdown

This event will take place in the back room of the Rochester Mills Beer Co., where teams of six will compete for prizes. Appetizers will be provided and drinks will be available for purchase.

The Rochester Hills Public Library is located at 500 Olde Towne Road. Its hours are:

• Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

To see the library’s full event calendar and register online, visit http://rhpl.evanced.info/signup/EventCalendar.aspx.