Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe
In my quest to find something fresh, fun, and fascinating to share with you this month, I came across World Laughter Day.
And honestly, this is something we all need. Celebrated on the first Sunday in May, it's a joyful reminder that laughter not only reduces stress, but it's also wildly contagious. (I did a deep scientific dive—once an academic librarian, always an academic librarian!) More than that, laughter gives us a sense of connection and lightness.
Think back to the last time someone — your friend, your family, or even your pet — did something small that made you smile, and then suddenly it turned into genuine laughter. Treasure that.
Studies show the positive effects of laughter. It:
- Helps regulate negative emotions during difficult conversations. (Comment on their funky socks to break the ice!)
- Has the ability to reduce pain. (Just a little bit.)
- Is good for your body. (Gets those facial and abdominal muscles moving!)
We all know a good laugh can brighten any day and bring people together — it’s a universal language. If you're in need of a little humor, we’ve got you covered with a wide selection of books, movies, and other materials that are guaranteed to get you giggling and give your belly muscles a proper workout. Our friendly library staff are always happy to help you find just the resource you're looking for. So come explore, share a smile, and let laughter lead the way.
I’ll leave you with a bit of wisdom from philosopher and psychologist William James: “We don’t laugh because we’re happy — we’re happy because we laugh.”
Amazing things are happening,
Pamela Monroe, Library Director
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Join educators from the Museum of Florida History on Wednesday, May 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Leon County Main Library for Honoring Our History: Florida's Emancipation Day.
Discover how Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee-Leon County on May 20, 1865, 11 days after the end of the Civil War and more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The program will explore the day’s connection to key local sites, including the Knott House, Union Bank, and John G. Riley House, and share information about upcoming Emancipation Day celebrations and how you can participate.
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Spring is in full bloom, and so is our Spring Into Reading Beanstack Challenge! All ages are invited to join the fun and earn colorful badges by logging their reading in Beanstack. Track your progress and complete eight badges by May 31 to finish the challenge. It's the perfect way to make the most of the season and get reading!
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Join us for a summer of fun and educational programs at all Leon County Public Library locations throughout June and July. This year’s theme, Color Our World, brings a vibrant mix of activities and resources for all ages. From creative crafts and interactive games to scavenger hunts and reading challenges, there’s something for everyone! Stay tuned for more details and get ready for a colorful summer full of excitement.
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Story Time and Stay & Play programs will be on break from Monday, May 19, through Saturday, May 31, as we get ready for an exciting summer of reading and fun. Regular story time programming will resume in June with all-new adventures for young readers and their families.
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All Leon County Public Library locations will be closed on Tuesday, May 20, for Florida Emancipation Day, and Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day.
The library 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:
- Wednesday, May 7, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Dr. David H. Rosmarin, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Center for Anxiety.
- Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m.: Author Talk with Liann Zhang, author of Julie Chan Is Dead.
- Wednesday, May 21, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Rachelle Bergstein, lifestyle writer, author, and editor focused on style, pop culture, and families and author of The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us.
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