Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe
Hi Friends,
Can you believe we're already at the end of 2023? We've got one month left to reach our Beanstack reading challenge goals (I'm not anywhere near mine, but a girl can dream). If you're looking for some end of the year reads, check out these top picks from our wonderful staff.
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee (Staff: John, Woodville Library)
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond (Staff: Mallory, Main Library)
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge (Staff: Sindhu, Main Library)
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (Staff: Laura, Main Library)
The Other Family Doctor by Karen Fine (Staff: Karen, Main Library)
The Very Secret Society of IrregularWitches by Sangu Mandanna (Staff: Kaycee, Main Library)
Grant by Ron Chernow (Staff: Julian, Main Library)
Diana and Nubia: Princesses of the Amazons by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale (Staff: Rebecca, Main Library)
Starter Villain by John Scalzi (Staff: James, Main Library)
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Staff: Monica, Fort Braden Branch)
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty (Staff: Jessica, Eastside Branch)
The In-Between by Hadley Vlahos (Staff: Sarah, Main Library)
Don't Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones (Staff: Emily, Main Library)
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes (Staff: Alexis, Main Library)
Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells (Staff: Kristina, Woodville Branch)
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter (Staff: Rachel, Main Library)
Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract by Mirka Hokkanen (Staff: Kristine, Eastside Branch)
To Poison a King by S.G. Prince (Staff: Stephanie, Woodville Library)
Our staff is always ready to share a recommendation, so come on in (or visit us virtually) and take a break from the hectic holiday buzz with a book, ebook, or audiobook.
Feeling a little competitive? Look for exciting Beanstack reading challenges in the new year for all ages. Earn badges, win prizes, and have fun!
Pamela Monroe, Library Director
Experience the magic of Winter Wonders: Exploring Science! Join us for engaging and educational science activities and crafts centered around the enchanting winter season that encourage young minds to touch, explore, and create.
Available throughout December and January at all locations:
Saturday, December 2, from 1-4 p.m. at the downtown Main Library.
Saturday, December 9, from 1-3 p.m. at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library.
Saturday, December 16, from 12-3 p.m. at the Northeast Branch Library.
Saturday, January 6, from 1-3 p.m. at the Fort Braden Branch Library.
Thursday, January 11, from 4-6 p.m. at the Woodville Branch Library.
Saturday, January 13, from 1-3 p.m. at the Lake Jackson Branch Library.
Saturday, January 27, from 1-3 p.m. at the Eastside Branch Library.
Enjoy sweet fun during the fifth annual Community Gingerbread House Competition on Saturday, December 2, from 1-3 p.m. at the downtown Main Library! This year, the competition features five age divisions for a family-friendly experience. Judges will select division winners, and attendees can participate in choosing the People’s Choice award winner.
We invite you to explore additional gingerbread-themed events throughout the month, including story times and Lego Clubs. Bring your creative spirit and join the gingerbread fun with us!
Starting December 7, Calming Tools will be available at all locations for visitors with sensory differences. Designed to ease and channel energy, Calming Tools include noise-canceling headphones, wiggle cushions, weighted lap pads, and fidgets. If you or someone in your care feels overwhelmed while visiting the library, inquire about Calming Tools at our service desk.
Need help? Reach out to our Ask-A-Librarian service! Send your questions via text, chat, or email anytime, and our team will assist you during service hours.
Chat services are available Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feel free to email and text 24/7, and we'll get back to you during chat service hours.
Now through December 24, you can enjoy extended check-out at all Leon County Public Library locations! Most items that normally check out for three weeks (books, books on CD, and CDs) will check out for six weeks, so you have more time to enjoy them.
All Leon County Public Library locations will be closed on the following holidays:
Homework Hub will be on break starting Monday, December 18, and will return on Monday, January 8.
All Story Times and Stay and Play sessions will be on break from Friday, December 22, through Monday, January 1.
Enjoy engaging virtual Author Talks with bestselling authors from a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres. Tune in for these live events with interactive Q&As, or watch the recording afterward.
Upcoming virtual Author Talks include:
Tuesday, December 5, at 7 p.m.: Author Talk with Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen and Realm Breaker series.
Tuesday, December 12, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Stephanie Land, bestselling author of Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education.
Click Here for more information.
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