Leon County Public Library Newsletter Summer 2023

Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe

School is out, and this is one of the Library System's busiest times. Last year, I gave you tips for making summer reading a pleasure.

This year, I want to encourage you to take part in some of our summer programs. We have a wide variety of activities going on and would love to see you here. The theme for summer reading this year is All Together Now. Think of how you can incorporate this into your summer plans. Here are just a few suggestions.

- Pick some books to read (or listen to) as a family or friend unit that may be different from what you would typically choose while on that long car ride to your vacation destination.

- Attend a library event and get to know another family or person that you just met.

- Join our Beanstack Biography Reading Challenge, and explore the life of someone you admire or are just learning about.

- Peruse the Kanopy collection and discover some great documentaries or movies.

- Start a book club.

Whatever you choose, know that our summer reading theme isn't just for kids. It speaks to all of us. We are, after all, together in this universe and should make the best of it.

Experience a summer of entertaining and educational programming throughout June and July at all library locations. Immerse yourself in this year's theme, All Together Now, with events and resources for all ages. Download the Beanstack app to participate in our reading challenge for a chance to win prizes. 

June is Pride Month, where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community in history, culture, and society. The Library is offering an exhibit, crafts, and resources.

Free healthy, packaged meals and snacks are available for kids and teens 18 and under at Leon County Public Library locations throughout the summer. No registration is required to participate.

Teens are invited to learn the basics of embroidery with the Tallahassee Embroidery Guild on Thursday, June 1, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Main Library. This event will teach basic stitches and how to apply them through multiple mediums such as thread, yarn, and even ribbon!

Come learn how to make a mini piñata on June 17 and July 15 from 2-3 p.m. at the Main Library. This all-ages workshop will focus on repurposing cardboard, newspaper, and other recyclable materials to create an authentic piñata!

Calling all creators and collectors! Did you know that the library offers free exhibit space to artists and collectors at five of our library locations? We are always looking to highlight our local artists and unique collections from members of our community. Whether you are a full-time creator or use art as a creative outlet, we encourage you to apply.

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:

- Wednesday, June 7, at 4 p.m.: Author Talk with Mike Rucker, organizational psychologist and author of The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life.

- Thursday, June 15, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Jamie Beck, photographer and New York Times bestselling author of An American in Provence.

- Wednesday, June 28, at 8 p.m.: Author Talk with Tananarive Due, award-winning and bestselling author of 16 books, including her latest The Wishing Pool and Other Stories.

- Saturday, July 15, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Charles Soule, bestselling author of The Endless Vessel.

- Thursday, July 20, at 1 p.m.: Author Talk with Ethan Kross, award-winning expert on the conscious mind and bestselling author of Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It.

- Tuesday, July 25, at 4 p.m.: Author Talk with Erika Sánchez, award-winning author of Crying in the Bathroom.

View the calendar for more special events, story times & book clubs.

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