At the library, we are celebrating Collier County’s 100th anniversary throughout 2023, with programs and events for all ages. Events are being held at our Headquarters, Naples Regional, and South Regional branches this month.
On March 1, patrons can attend a presentation on Tommie Barfield, the nicknamed Queen of Marco Island, and how her advocacy led to a key role in supporting Barron Collier and the creation of Collier County in 1923. This presentation will be given by the Marco Island Historical Museum’s manager.
South Regional will be hosting two events celebrating Collier County’s Centennial. On March 2, you are invited to attend a lecture on the construction of the Tamiami (Tampa to Miami) trail. While on the March 8, you can attend a lecture on our County’s namesake, Barron Collier, and his purchase of thousands of acres of swamp land that ultimately became the Collier County we know and love today.
Headquarters will be hosting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on March 11. Patrons are invited to come in and learn all about the different turtles we have in Florida: where they live, what they eat, and what makes them special. There will be real turtles, crafts, and an interactive game. This event is perfect for children and families!
Mark March 22, on your calendars, nature lovers. On that day, Naples Regional will also be offering a program on the most beautiful and diverse nature hikes located in preserves that are all within a 30- 60-minute drive from Naples.
If you would like to register or learn more about the library’s events commemorating 100 years of Collier County, visit collierlibrary.org/events. Additional information on Collier County’s Centennial can be found at www.colliercounty100.com.
Dean Smith is a part-time Library Specialist I at Headquarters Regional Library. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska but lived in many different states as a child since his father was in the military. Dean is a Naples High School alumnus, and a retired educator. He has worked for the Collier County Public Library for the past 2 years. Dean's upbeat and friendly personality makes patrons experiences at Headquarters Library so memorable. I sat down and asked Dean a series of questions, here are his answers:
-What’s your favorite book?
Dean: “My favorite book right now is The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, but my favorite book to teach is Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.” (You know what they say folks, you can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher).
-What’s the best part about working in the CCPL system?
Dean: “I love being surrounded by people who enjoy reading books and want to talk about them.”
-What’s a quote you love?
Dean: “If we did all the things, we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.”
-Thomas Edison
-How would your co-workers describe you?
Dean: “Conscientious, helpful, and funny.”
- If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
Dean: “C.S. Lewis.”
Next time you’re at Headquarters Library, make sure to say hi to Dean!
Virtual Book Discussions
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks Dalton
Tuesday, March 21 @ 2:00pm on Facebook
In-Person Book Discussions
Mystery Book Club
Monday, Mar 13 @ 2:00pm
Naples Regional Library
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Tuesday, Mar 14 @ 4:00pm
Vanderbilt Beach Library
Tween Book Club
Saturday, Mar 18 @ 11:00am
Headquarters Regional Library
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Wednesday, Mar 22 @ 2:00pm
South Regional Library
Book Discussion: Zarifa: A Woman's Battle in a Man's World by Zarifa Ghafari
Wednesday, Mar 22 @ 6:00pm
Naples Regional Library
Book Discussion: "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
Thursday, Mar 23 @ 2:00pm
Golden Gate Library
Visit collierlibrary.org/events to check for more events and sign up online to get back to talking about books!
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Naples Regional Genealogy Room
The library maintains a Genealogy Room in the Naples Regional Library, staffed by volunteers from the Genealogical Society of Collier County. In addition to the library’s non-circulating collection of genealogy books and periodicals, library services include links for accessing online subscription databases and recommended genealogy websites. Call Naples Regional today to schedule an appointment in their genealogy room and visit our website to find out more about our genealogy resources!
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