AUBURN — Again in 2015, the Auburn Public Library will feature a Teen Life Skills Series. Each month, January through April, the APL will focus on a different topic aimed specifically at teens.

In January, the series will focus on health and safety, beginning on Jan. 13, from 4 to 5 p.m. Paul Drowns, community cooking educator from the Nutrition Center of Maine at St. Mary’s, will be at the library to present a program on healthy food choices. He’ll ask the question, “what are you eating?” One of the best ways to decide if snacks are good for you is to learn to understand nutrition and ingredient labels. Another good way to make sure snacks are healthy is to make them yourself. In this workshop, he will work with teens to do both. For planning purposes, registration is requested for this workshop.

On Jan. 20 and 27, Phoenix Karate Academy will be at the APL for two workshops on self-defense. This will be a hands-on workshop wherein teens will learn basic self-defense against common strikes and holds. We will discuss the importance of being aware of your surroundings, how body language can deter a possible attack and how your attire can limit your ability to defend yourself. Registration is required, as parents will need to sign a release form, and teens should sign up for one of the two dates. Both of these programs will take place from 3 to 4 p.m.

To register, visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org, go to Programs (in the gold bar across the top) and click on Calendar; or call 333-6640, ext. 4.

In February comes Valentine’s Day and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. In keeping with that theme, the series turns its attention to healthy relationships. Julia Teitel, community educator from Safe Voices, will be in the Teen Space every Thursday in February, from 3 to 4 p.m., with conversation and activities.

March will feature job searching, including programs aimed at teens on the application process (March 10) and the interview (March 17), both presented by Lisa Hartnett from the Career Center.

The end of March brings the fourth annual Teen Opportunities Fair. This fair is co-sponsored by the Auburn Public Library and Lewiston Public Library and takes place on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lewiston Public Library.

Finally, in April, to celebrate Money Smart Week (April 20-24), there will be activities all week long focused on spending and saving.

For more details on these and other teen programs, continue to check the Auburn Public Library calendar at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org, go to Programs and click on Calendar. Or call the APL at 333-6640, ext. 4, or email [email protected].