AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library has announced its sixth annual College Night on Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Androscoggin Community Room. This program is for both teens and their parents and is designed to provide information early in the college process.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m., with a panel discussion facilitated by Jessica Whittier of the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). Panelists will include representatives from Bates College, Central Maine Community College, College of the Atlantic, Maine College of Health Professions, Maine Maritime Academy, University of Maine (Orono), and University of Southern Maine.

Whether a student is in middle school, high school, a senior applying for college — or the parents of that student — it is hoped that this evening will start the family thinking about the student’s future and/or provide answers to some of the many questions which arise as they begin talking about and looking at colleges. Topics for discussion will include taking appropriate courses in middle and high school, thinking ahead about career areas, costs of college (FAFSA, FAFSA Forecaster), types of colleges and degrees, and the application process, including the Common Application.

The second part of the evening will feature a college fair format, whereby each admissions representative will be available with specific information about theirschool and programs offered. In addition to the colleges represented on the panel, these additional schools will be at the Library for the college fair: Bridgewater State University (MA), Husson University, St. Joseph’s College, Thomas College, University of Maine Farmington, and the University of New England.

The library will also offer a Financial Aid Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1. A counselor from the Finance Authority of Maine will be at the available for an information session at 6 p.m. This will take place in the Teen Space on the second floor. Immediately following that, the library will offer in-person help on filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the library’s Computer Lab. There is no registration necessary for the first part of the evening (info session), but registration is required for the help session as space is limited.

For more information or to register for College Night (requested) or the FAFSA help session (required), visit the APL’s website at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org; or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.