Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe
Hi Friends,
Sometimes there are books that touch your life in a way that warms your heart and gives you a deeper understanding of life and death.
Two years ago, during a work trip to Niceville, I immersed myself in The Bear by Andrew Krivak, both through reading and listening. For those familiar with the long, solitary drive, a compelling audiobook can be the perfect companion. Using my Libby account through the library, I accessed the audiobook and found myself so engrossed that I lingered in the Burger King parking lot for approximately 10 minutes, eagerly awaiting a pause in the narrative to dash inside.
I'm delighted to announce that we'll be featuring this title for the 2024 NEA Big Read, which kicks off on Saturday, March 2, with engaging programming for all ages. The New York Times describes Krivak's work as possessing "a deep awareness of the natural world." Through this book, readers can explore the purity of an experience in a world returned to its original state and observe how a lone survivor navigates it.
I encourage you to read the book in print or digitally, and join us for our NEA Big Read programs and discussions centered around this captivating expedition throughout March.
Amazing things are happening,
Pamela Monroe, Library Director
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Throughout the month, join us as we celebrate the 2024 NEA Big Read featuring The Bear by Andrew Krivak with immersive programs and events for all ages:
- Wild Wonders: A Photographic Journey Through Florida's Big Bend, March 1-31, Leon County Main Library – Experience local nature through stunning photographs showcasing the diverse beauty of the Big Bend region by talented local artists.
- 2024 NEA Big Read Kickoff, Saturday, March 2, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., McCarty Park outside the Main Library – Join us for interactive fun exploring Leon County's history, ecology, and sustainability. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, story walk, and Zap Zap Thai Kitchen and Love Gurlies food trucks. Free copies of The Bear will be available while supplies last.
- Stargazing, Friday, March 8, from 7-8 p.m., Ft. Braden Branch Library, and Saturday, March 16, from 8-9 p.m., Apalachee Regional Park – Rediscover the night sky with the Tallahassee Astronomical Society. Telescopes provided.
- In Every Object: Writing with Memories, Thursday, March 21, from 6:30-8 p.m., Leon County Main Library – Learn writing techniques and practice with prompts to inspire your short stories and poems.
- Wilderness Discovery: Explore Nature and Those Who Serve It, Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Miccosukee Greenway – Discover Leon County's outdoors on a nature trail highlighting local ecology and nature-related professions.
- Author Talk with Andrew Krivak, Monday, March 25, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Enjoy a virtual reading and discussion with Andrew Krivak, author of The Bear, followed by a Q&A moderated by Florida State University professor Chris Coutts. Registration required.
- Keeping History Alive: The Power of Tradition and Storytelling, Saturday, March 30, from 2-3 p.m., Leon County Main Library – Join Misty Penton, Tradition Keeper and Storyteller for the Muscogee Nation of Florida, for this edition of the Library Lecture Series focused on how storytelling and oral traditions shape today's society.
Enjoy book clubs focused on The Bear all month!
Pick up your free copy of The Bear at any Leon County Public Library location starting March 2 or access audiobook or eBook copies via the Libby app with your library card.
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Celebrate Women's History Month by honoring the achievements and contributions of women throughout history with some of our upcoming events:
- Make Your Mark Art Workshop, Tuesday, March 12, from 6-8 p.m., Leon County Main Library – Learn about Frida Kahlo's influence on art and then experiment with acrylic paint to create your own self-portrait. Registration required.
- Women's History Month Art Exhibits – Throughout March, local artists will showcase their works at select branch locations, offering various interpretations of this annual observance.
- Women in Aviation Scavenger Hunt – Search the library for images of famous women aviators who accomplished great things in air and space. Learn more about them as you search and win a prize for completing a scavenger hunt card every week. To start your adventure, go to the library’s Information Desk for more information.
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The Children's Services Council (CSC) of Leon County invites families and caregivers to the 2024 Summer Youth Expo on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at FAMU DRS, 400 West Orange Avenue. Attendees can learn about engaging summer programs happening around the community and sign up for camps, jobs, volunteer opportunities, and other activities. The event will also feature family-friendly games, giveaways, and free food and music.
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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.Â
Upcoming virtual Author Talks include:
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