Message from Innovation Officer Elizabeth Loeffelman
 Happy New Year to our wonderful community!
I am thrilled to join the Leon County Public Library as the new Innovation Officer. After nearly five years in the County’s Community and Media Relations department, where I worked alongside library staff to share our library’s story, I am honored to help usher in the next chapter of the Essential Libraries Initiative (ELI) strategic plan. The ELI continues to expand the impact of library programs and services to meet the evolving needs of Leon County residents like you.
As we reflect on this past year and look ahead to 2026, I am inspired by how much our library has evolved and excited for all the new opportunities to come. From the opening of new meeting and gathering rooms at the downtown Main Library to expanding our Library of Things, we are redefining what it means to be a hub for the community. My goal this year is to introduce even more interactive ways for you to learn, create, and connect so our library remains a vital engine of innovation for all of Leon County.
There’s no time like the present for you to take advantage of all your Leon County Public Library has to offer. Check out upcoming library programs for all ages and explore online resources through the Digital Library.
We can’t wait to see you at the library!
Elizabeth Loeffelman, Innovation Officer
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Jump back into hands-on discovery as Winter Wonders: Exploring Science continues throughout January. Families can explore STEM activities inspired by the winter season, from dancing snowflakes and fake snow to LEGO ski races, DIY catapults, and more.
Join us for five Winter Wonders programs this month:
- Saturday, January 3, from 1-3 p.m. at the Woodville Branch Library
- Saturday, January 17, from 1-3 p.m. at the Eastside Branch Library and Fort Braden Branch Library
- Saturday, January 24, from 1-3 p.m. at the Lake Jackson Branch Library and Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library
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Get personalized guidance from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in a private session at the downtown Main Library. Sessions are free and cover topics like budgeting, debt management, saving for retirement, major purchases, and more.
This program meets every other Monday from 5-7:30 p.m. now through April. Whether you’re just getting started or seeking clarity on a specific goal, these sessions provide practical steps you can use right away.
Register to attend and reserve your spot.
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Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the Read Across America Reading Challenge on Beanstack. This yearlong 2026 challenge invites readers of all ages to explore stories that reflect the nation’s history, culture, and diverse voices. Earn stickers and enter prize drawings as you track your reading, enjoying a meaningful way to connect with America’s past and present throughout the year.
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Boost your SAT skills with Brainfuse, the library’s free online tutoring and eLearning service! This January, Brainfuse is hosting a special series of live SAT prep workshops with Brian Stewart, author of Barron’s prep books. Each Wednesday session takes place from 6-7 p.m. and covers key strategies in reading, writing, and math—perfect for students getting ready for the test.
- January 7: SAT Introduction
- January 14: Reading Information & Ideas
- January 21: Reading Craft & Structure
- January 28: Writing Expression of Ideas
More workshops covering writing and math will continue in February and March. All sessions are free with your library card.
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All library locations will be closed on the following dates:
- New Year's Day: Thursday, January 1, and Friday, January 2
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 19
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:
- Tuesday, January 20, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Julia Hotz, journalist and award-winning author of The Connection Cure.
- Wednesday, January 28, at 7 p.m.: Author Talk with Liz Moore, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The God of the Woods and Long Bright River.
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