View this email in your browser

September 2026

Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe

As we jump into September, I want to give a HUGE shoutout to library and Leon County staff for the incredible work they’ve put into our programs, events, and projects over the past few months. The numbers tell quite a story:

• Nearly 1,000 visitors at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

• More than 318,000 minutes read during the Beanstack Summer Reading Challenge, blowing past our goal of 200,000

• More than 2,100 visitors at the eighth annual CosmicCon: Sirens, Sailors and Sea Monsters

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, participated, worked behind the scenes, and continues to support YOUR library system. These successes don’t happen without you.

September has plenty more in store. Join us for the final program in our Library Lunch Break Series: The Music of America, Then and Now, explore your next chapter with Retirement Planning Made Simple at the Lake Jackson Branch Library, and sharpen your skills at Ace Your Next Interview at the Fort Braden Branch Library.

There’s always something happening at YOUR library. I hope to see you in September!

Amazing things are happening,

Pamela Monroe, Library Director

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Your free library card opens a world of possibilities, from books, movies and digital resources to learning tools, technology and more. Lost your card? Receive a replacement card at no cost all month long.

Plus, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a special America250 library card, available while supplies last. Get your card today!

Join us during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) as we recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans to history, culture and society. Explore these rich traditions through special events, exhibits and library resources.

• “Cultura Tallahassee: Together, We Are More” Exhibition Opening, Saturday, September 19, from 1-2 p.m., Leon County Main Library – Meet participating artists, explore original artwork by local creators and enjoy light refreshments. The exhibition will remain on display through October 15.

• Cuba: A Journey Through History and Culture, Monday, September 21, from 6-7:30 p.m., Leon County Main Library – Join Florida State University Professor Dr. Anasa Hicks to explore Cuba’s history, people and traditions, including its music, dance, art and food.

• Virtual Author Talk: Paletero Man with Lucky Diaz, Thursday, September 24, from 7-7:30 p.m., virtual – Join Latin GRAMMY-winning musician and author Lucky Diaz for an energetic conversation about his bilingual picture book, Paletero Man. A Spanish-language Author Talk will follow from 8-8:30 p.m.

Take a high-speed chase down the back roads of American music history! Join Florida State University professor and author David Kirby for “The Music of America, Then and Now” on Monday, September 14, from 12-1 p.m. at the Leon County Main Library.

Trace the evolution of American music from folk and field chants to blues, R&B, rock 'n' roll, rock and rap. Bring your questions—and the title of a favorite tune or two—for the discussion. This free program is the final installment of the Library Lunch Break series, presented as part of Leon County's America250 celebration.

Your library card gives you access to reliable information wherever you are. With ProQuest, explore current and historical Florida newspaper articles, scholarly journals, dissertations and publications from around the world — great for research, school projects or simply learning something new. ProQuest is just one of the many free resources available through the digital library, where you can find e-books, newspapers, magazines, learning tools and more.

All Leon County Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. The library may be closed, but our digital library is always open. Start exploring today!

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, September 1, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with David O. Stewart, award-winning historian and author of The Democracy We Must Keep.

• Thursday, September 3, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Jenny Martinez, viral cooking star and author of My Mexican Mesa, Y Listo!

• Tuesday, September 8, at 7 p.m.: Author Talk with Daniel Kraus, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sixth Nik.

• Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m.: Author Talk with Lucky Diaz, Latin GRAMMY-winning musician and author of Paletero Man. A Spanish-language presentation follows at 8 p.m.