Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe
Hi Friends,
November is a month for gathering—gathering leaves, winter clothes, around a campfire, and with family and friends.
Gathering: an assembly or meeting, especially a social or festive one, or one held for a specific purpose.
I love that part of the definition, "especially a social or festive one,"Â which suggests that these are the best kinds of gatherings. So, gather festively!
In the hustle and bustle of life, when you're called to gather, try to do so in a way that allows you to truly enjoy the people around you. As a wallflower, I often find it hard to "gather" well, feeling a little shy and out of place. But here are some tips to help you feel more at ease and shine like the superstar you are at your next get-together:
- Try a My Favorite Book read aloud, where everyone shares an excerpt from a book they’ve recently read or listened to.
- Grab some popcorn or your favorite snacks and gather around for a movie on Kanopy.
- Stop by the Main Library to talk science (we offer programs for both adults and kids) and meet new friends.
- Take Tea Parties 101 or Soap Making 101 with friends on Universal Class—perfect prep for holiday gifts!
Gathering with loved ones can be fun and relaxing—enjoy it!
Pamela Monroe, Library Director
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Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, celebrates the achievements and contributions of Native peoples. We invite you to immerse yourself in these rich traditions through our upcoming events and diverse library resources.
- Virtual Author Talk with Stanley Milford Jr., Thursday, November 7, at 7 p.m. – Join Navajo Ranger Stanley Milford Jr. as he discusses his new book, The Paranormal Ranger, and shares gripping stories from his real-life investigations into paranormal mysteries in Navajoland.
- Apalachee Heritage: Exploring Indigenous Culture and Spanish Influence, Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m., Leon County Main Library – Leon County invites you to discover the rich history of the Apalachee people, an Indigenous group from the Tallahassee area. Hosted in partnership with Mission San Luis, this event will explore Apalachee cultural practices and how interactions with the Spanish shaped their history.
- Virtual Author Talk with Mona Susan Power, Wednesday, November 20, at 7 p.m. – Author Mona Susan Power will discuss her newest novel, A Council of Dolls, and how her work explores Native rights and Native American culture, focusing on the symbolic role of dolls in Native life.
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November is National Family Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of families reading, learning, and growing together.
Gather your friends and family and join us for a game night on Thursday, November 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library. Playing board games helps strengthen literacy skills through reading, problem-solving, and communication. Spend quality time with loved ones and make new friends while enjoying new and familiar games, all in support of learning and fun.
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This November, the library is cooking up some gingerbread fun!
Dive into no-bake gingerbread house workshops, enjoy themed story times, and get creative at gingerbread-inspired Lego clubs. It all leads to the grand finale—the Sixth Annual Community Gingerbread House Competition on Saturday, December 7, at the Main Library!
Registration for the competition opens on Saturday, November 23, at 8 a.m., and closes Friday, December 6, at 1 p.m.
Get your gingerbread creations ready for some festive competition!
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Now through Friday, November 8, in-person story time and stay and play events are on break due to early voting at all library locations except the Main Library and Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library. Virtual story time continues on its regular schedule. Normal story time hours will resume on Saturday, November 9.
Additionally, all story time and stay and play events will be on break during Thanksgiving week, from Sunday, November 24, through Saturday, November 30.
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All library locations will be closed on the following dates:
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 5
- Veterans Day: Monday, November 11
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28Â and Friday, November 29
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.Â
Upcoming Virtual Author Talks include:
- Thursday, November 7, at 7 p.m.: Author Talk with Stanley Milford Jr., former Chief Navajo Ranger and author of The Paranormal Ranger.
- Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m.: Author Talk con Javier Zamora, autor galardonado y más vendido del New York Times del libro Solito. Solamente en Español.
- Thursday, November 14, at 4 p.m.: Author Talk with Javier Zamora, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of Solito.
- Wednesday, November 20, at 7Â p.m.: Author Talk with Mona Susan Power, winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award and author of A Council of Dolls.
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