Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe
The other day, I was walking through the library and stopped to chat with an elderly gentleman—nothing unusual since I talk with patrons all the time. After the usual “Hi,” I added, “I hope you continue to have a wonderful day.” He paused and told me it was the nicest thing anyone had said to him because people usually greet him and keep going. We ended up talking for about 10 minutes, and I even put my librarian instincts to work by helping him find a book. When he eventually said, “Well, I know you have things to do,” I replied, “You’re the most important thing right now.” Thinking back, that moment truly stirred my soul.
Joy is something I see in our libraries every single day, whether it’s the smile when someone finds the book they didn’t even know they were looking for, the laughter drifting out of a children’s program, or the quiet contentment of someone settling into a favorite seat. This season, I’m especially grateful for the joyful moments you bring into our library locations, from the energy of our programs to the warmth of simple conversations at the desk. However you use the library—discovering new materials, attending an event, or enjoying a peaceful corner—I hope you feel the same sense of joy that you help create in this community space.
As we move through this season, I hope you carry that joy with you, both the kind you find here and the kind you share so naturally with others.
Amazing things are happening,
Pamela Monroe, Library Director
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Get ready for a sweet season at the library! The Seventh Annual Community Gingerbread House Competition returns Saturday, December 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the downtown Main Library. Creators of all ages are invited to craft edible masterpieces for a chance to win gift card prizes, and everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy the festive display.
Families can also get creative together at our No-Bake Gingerbread House Workshops:
- Thursday, December 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Eastside Branch Library
- Saturday, December 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Fort Braden Branch Library
Supplies are limited for the workshops, so be sure to register in advance.
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Celebrate the upcoming 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships with a new art exhibition at the Leon County Main Library. All Trails Lead to Leon County highlights works by local artists who draw inspiration from running, nature, and Leon County’s rich community.
The exhibition opens with a public reception on Saturday, December 6, from 1-2 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to meet the artists and explore the collection. The artwork will remain on display from December 2 through January 11, 2026.
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Kick off the season with hands-on discovery at Winter Wonders: Exploring Science. Children and families can explore the magic of winter through engaging STEM activities, including fake snow, sensory bins, dancing snowflakes, Lego ski races, DIY catapults, snowflake cutting, craft stick snowmen, and more. Each activity encourages kids to experiment, observe, and learn in a fun, creative setting.
Join us for two Winter Wonders programs this month:
- Saturday, December 6, from 1-4 p.m. at the Leon County Main Library
- Saturday, December 6, from 1-3 p.m. at the Northeast Branch Library
And keep an eye out—Winter Wonders continues at library locations throughout January.
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Learn how to keep your personal and financial information safe at Money Matters: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft, on Thursday, December 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the downtown Main Library. In partnership with Addition Financial Credit Union, the program will cover key strategies to safeguard your identity, from creating strong passwords to monitoring your credit report.
Financial experts will share practical tips to help you stay ahead of scammers and identity thieves. Whether you're strengthening your own digital safety or helping protect loved ones, this session offers clear guidance for peace of mind.
Register to attend and enjoy food and prizes.
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Story Time and Stay & Play will be on break for Christmas and New Year's from Tuesday, December 23, through Friday, January 2. Story time and Stay & Play will resume on Saturday, January 3.
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Through December 29, the Leon County Public Library is offering extended checkout. During this time, most items that normally check out for three weeks, including books, books on CD, and music CDs, can be checked out for six weeks, giving you extra time to read, listen, and enjoy.
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All library locations will be closed on the following dates:
- Christmas: Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26
- New Year's: Thursday, January 1, and Friday, January 2
Our doors may be closed, but our digital library is always open. Start exploring today!
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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:
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