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Leon County Public Library Newsletter January-February 2021 Edition

January-February 2021 Edition

Library Holiday Closures

All library locations will be closed on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Coming soon: RFID self-checkout

Our libraries are in the process of converting to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. This change will provide safe, fast and fun checkout for you. Check out a whole stack of books, movies and more in a single action, then grab and go! The new equipment will be rolled out gradually, location by location, over the next several weeks. Expect to see some exciting changes inside the libraries as we adjust for new self-checkout kiosks and other equipment.

Current Services

Stay informed on COVID-19

At this time the following services are available at each of our locations:

Our buildings are open to the public at 50% capacity. Patrons are encouraged to limit their visits to an hour per day. Per Leon County ordinance, patrons are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while in the library.
In-library services currently include browsing the library shelves; selecting items to check out and/or picking up items already placed on hold; and use of self-checkout at some libraries.
Curbside pick-up is encouraged as a contact-free, convenient way to check out items on hold. Notifications that holds are ready for pick-up are sent via e-mail, text, or phone call (your choice!). You can also check the status of your hold requests through the "My Account" option via the Library app or our web site.
- All library locations' hours of operation can be found here.
- The online catalog and library mobile app are available to reserve materials; you may also call (850) 606-2665 for staff assistance. More detailed information about curbside pickup is available here.
Library computers are available for one hour per person per day at physically distanced terminals.
Information and technology help continue to be provided by phone and e-mail. Call your favorite location or e-mail AnswerSquad@leoncountylibrary.org .
Free Wi-Fi is accessible from the library parking lots.
Book drops should continue to be used to return materials. From there, the items go to quarantine for 4 days before being checked in by staff. (Please call the library to arrange for return of telescopes, Traveling Book Club bags and other items that cannot be handled in the book returns.)
Donations can be left in the specially marked drop box just outside of the Friendshop door at the Leon County Main Library, or call the Friendshop at (850) 224-3290 for other options.

For more information and FAQs about current services, visit www.LeonCountyLibrary.org.

Free face masks photo of woman taking a mask

Free Reusable Masks for the Public at all Library Locations

In coordination with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), free reusable cloth masks are available for a limited time at all County library locations. Masks are available via curbside pickup and inside.

This initiative complements Leon County Government's ongoing efforts to distribute cloth face masks at faith-based organizations in southern Leon County, at the Bragg testing site, and at FDOH’s mobile testing sites throughout the community. To date, we have given away over 325,000 cloth masks to the public.

Visit the Leon County Emergency Information Portal for up-to-date information on COVID-19, local resources, services, closures and sign up for County news and alerts.

You can also download the Leon County Citizens Connect App for notifications on emergency management messages or services changes.

The Citizens Connect app is available in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Get a Flu Vaccine Today

Leon County Government and health officials remind you that getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself and your community from the flu during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find a flu shot near you at http://www.GetMyFluShot.org

Did You Know...?

Homework Hub

Does your K-8th student need help working on a tough homework assignment or have questions about a lesson?

Homework Hub is a free program pairing students with tutors in a one-on-one environment. Our volunteer tutors are ready to help you with math, English, social studies and science!

Visit our website for more info and to make an appointment: www.LeonCountyLibrary.org/HomeworkHub

Check out Author Alerts, a service that notifies you when your favorite author's new materials are added to our collection!

Notifications of new arrivals are sent straight to your email.

To sign up, click here.

Find all of your e-books and e-audiobooks in one place! OverDrive/Libby has acquired RBdigital. All RBdigital titles have been added to our Libby app for one-stop-shopping.

Please note that RBdigital holds will not copy over to OverDrive.

Current RBdigital checkouts will be available through the remainder of their lending period in the RBdigital app.

Current checkouts will not be moved to OverDrive.

This will allow users to finish their title without disruption or risk of losing their place in the book.

Digital Entertainment and Resources at Your Fingertips!

The LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library is committed to
serving and supporting our diverse community.
Our Librarians have compiled a list of resources for all ages celebrating diversity, and supporting education on matters of social injustice and racial equality.

Visit our website to access these resources.

Discover new worlds with our free digital library apps:

Read e-magazines with Flipster
Stream movies with Kanopy
Read e-books and e-audiobooks with Libby by OverDrive

Research your family history with Ancestry Library Edition. Search the US Federal Census as well as immigration, vital, military, court, church, and ethnic records. Explore city directories, the Social Security Death Index, and more. Please note that the content in the Library Edition of this resource may differ from the personal subscription edition.

Due to COVID-19, this resource is available from home through March 31, 2021.

Choose from more than 300 practice tests and courses, including GED, SAT, ACT and GRE.

All Ages Events

NEA Big Read - Leon County Events Forthcoming!

Stay tuned for a wide variety of events for all ages in February and March through Zoom. These events are inspired by the book Lab Girl by Hope Jahren.

A sneak peek of what's to come:

Throughout February and March: Book Discussions of Lab Girl and similar titles with special guest hosts from the Tallahassee Scientific Society and NAMI Tallahassee.
February 11 @ 6:30 p.m.: NEA Big Read-Leon County Kickoff featuring Dr. Adrienne Stephenson. More details to be announced.
February 20 @ 11:00 a.m.: Tree Planting and Care in Leon County with Mark Tancig from UF/IFAS Extension
March 4 @ 6:30 p.m.: Mental Health: Foster Resiliency, End the Stigma with NAMI Tallahassee
March 11 @ 4:00 p.m.: Teen Memoir Zine Workshop
March 23 @ 6:30 p.m.: Robotics & Coding 101 for Kids with STEMS4Girls

We'll be hosting STEAM events for children, writing workshops, virtual nature walks, and more!

Check our NEA Big Read - Leon County page for updates on upcoming events and Zoom links.

*A part of the NEA Big Read - Leon County.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

African American Read-In

The LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library invites you to this year's African American Read-In in February 2021.

This year we'll be going virtual through Zoom. Members of the community will read African American authored works for children and families. Please join us for this inspirational event, also featuring Godby High School's outstanding drumline.

Date and time to be announced. Check our calendar for up-to-date information.

Spring Seed Library

Beginning Saturday, February 13, visit any library branch location and check out up to three seed packets each month. No need to return them, they are yours to keep.

Seeds are also available for curbside pickup. When you arrive, call the number on the sign and let them know which 3 seed packets you'd like.

Varieties include:

Large Leaf Italian Basil
Corno Di Toro Sweet Bell Pepper
A&C Pickling Cucumber
Jackson Wonder Lima Bean
Edisto 47 Muskmelon
Burmese Okra
Sugar Snap Peas
Waltham Butternut Squash
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomato
Black Krim Tomato

Visit our Seed Library page for more information about seed varieties we'll be offering and our virtual Seed Library Kickoff event with UF/IFAS Extension Leon County!

Adult Services

Virtual Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Club

First Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. through Zoom.

Join us for the Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Club on February 2nd! We'll be reading Lab Girl by Hope Jahren.

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

A part of the NEA Big Read - Leon County.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Virtual History Book Club

First Thursdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. through Zoom.

The History Book Club meets monthly to discuss compelling fiction and non-fiction books related to historical figures, events or eras.

Join us on February 4th to talk about Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy.

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

A part of the NEA Big Read - Leon County.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Virtual Young (Adult) at Heart Book Club

Third Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. through Zoom.

Are you an adult that loves to read Young Adult books? Join us to discuss a wide variety of YA books!

On January 19th, we'll be reading and discussing Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

Talk about your favorite books and read new ones in one of our many other virtual book clubs! Pop-Up Book Club, Mystery Book Club, History Book Club, Bucket List Book Club, Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Club and Young (Adult) at Heart Book Club are all available through Zoom.

Visit our calendar for times, dates and Zoom links.

Children and Teens

Viral Voices

Calling all Leon County students grades K-12 to share your stories about life during the pandemic.

Join Viral Voices: Sharing Your Pandemic Story and make your voice heard; we’re looking for your stories, poems, letters, photographs, artwork, spoken word, music and short videos.

We are currently accepting submissions and they will be displayed on the library's website and social media.

Visit http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/ViralVoices to become a part of history.

Science Nights with the National MagLab

Thursday, January 28th at 6:30 p.m.: Cryogenics/Temperature

The Science Night 2020-2021 season will bring the hands-on science & exploration right to your home ONLINE!

Join us for a FREE, fun and family-friendly Science Night once a month from September through April. We’ll be LIVE on Zoom exploring different scientific concepts each month with interactive Q&A sessions and hands-on activities using household items.

To join the Zoom webinar, click here.

First Friday Fun with 4-H

Explore different topics the first Friday of every month at 4:00 p.m. with the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Club!

For ages 5-18.

January 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.: Books

February 5 at 4:00 p.m.: Horticulture

March 5 at 4:00 p.m.: Music

April 2 at 4:00 p.m.: Poetry

Adventure Bags are available for each months' topic and can be picked up at any library location. No registration required for the Adventure Bags.

Virtual Familytimes, Babytimes and Sing Alongs!

From virtual Familytimes to Storytimes to Sing & Sign Babytime, we have family entertainment for all ages six days a week through Zoom!

To see our full schedule, click here

Sensory Storytime

Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Do you know a child who has trouble sitting through a traditional storytime program, gets easily over-stimulated, is on the autism spectrum, or has sensory processing differences?

If so, please share with their parents/guardian about the library's new Virtual Sensory Storytime held on Zoom every Friday from 11:30am-12:00pm.

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

Sensory Storytime Companion Kits are available at all library branches and include a scarf, egg shaker, chopsticks and more for use during the program.

Reserve a Companion Kit here.

Digital Escape Rooms for Teens

Thursday, January 14th at 4:00 p.m.

Can you escape? Work together through Zoom to escape these virtual adventures! Multiple games to choose from, including Escape from Wonderland, The Case of the Missing Painting, or Zombie Island!

Ages 13-18

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

Adulting 101 for Teens

Learning life skills can be tough! Join us for a series of programs designed to strengthen skills and foster independence for young adults.

For teens ages 13-18.

Third Wednesdays @ 4:00 p.m.

January 20 - Talk Business: The Entrepreneurship Process with CareerSource

February 17 - Cultivating a Growth Mindset with CareerSource

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

Virtual Teen Book Club

Teens! Join us for Virtual Teen Book Club through Zoom on the 1st Saturday of every month at 2:30 p.m..

February 6th: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

March 6th: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

You will only need to register once for all future Teen Book Club meetings. An email with the Zoom link will be sent automatically.

Virtual Teen Advisory Board

Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 4:00 p.m. through Zoom.

The Teen Advisory Board is an opportunity for teens to have a voice in the development of teen programs at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library.

While earning volunteer service hours, members will plan and implement programming as a group, as well as market programs to local teens.

To register for the Zoom link, click here.

Launchpads, a tablet with pre-loaded educational games, perfect for 3 to 5 year olds, are available for checkout!
Games and exercises offered on these tablets will introduce early learning concepts from letters to numbers to colors.

No internet necessary! Launchpads are rechargable, sturdy tablets designed for young children.

For more information and to place a hold, please visit our website.

Staff Book Picks

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

As World War I raged across the globe, hundreds of young women toiled away at the radium-dial factories, where they painted clock faces with a mysterious new substance called radium. Assured by their bosses that the luminous material was safe, the women themselves shone brightly in the dark, covered from head to toe with the glowing dust.

With such a coveted job, these "shining girls" were considered the luckiest alive--until they began to fall mysteriously ill. As the fatal poison of the radium took hold, they found themselves embroiled in one of America's biggest scandals and a groundbreaking battle for workers' rights. The Radium Girls explores the strength of extraordinary women in the face of almost impossible circumstances and the astonishing legacy they left behind.

The Asian Vegan Kitchen: Authentic and Appetizing Dishes from a Continent of Rich Flavors

by Hema Parekh

The Asian Vegan Kitchen is a collection of recipes from across Asia, featuring the spices and the many tasty ingredients that have made these cuisines popular world-wide. It caters to the growing segment of people of all ages who have chosen to eschew animal products, yet still want to add some global spice and excitement to their diet.

Humans by Brandon Stanton

Brandon Stanton created Humans of New York in 2010. What began as a photographic census of life in New York City, soon evolved into a storytelling phenomenon. A global audience of millions began following HONY daily. Over the next several years, Stanton broadened his lens to include people from across the world.

Traveling to more than forty countries, he conducted interviews across continents, borders, and language barriers. Humans is the definitive catalogue of these travels. The faces and locations will vary from page to page, but the stories will feel deeply familiar. Told with candor and intimacy, Humans will resonate with readers across the globe―providing a portrait of our shared experience.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Jude, seventeen and mortal, gets tangled in palace intrigues while trying to win a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, where she and her sisters have lived for a decade.