Kick off summer reading with a prehistoric adventure filled with hands-on activities, games, and crafts inspired by dinosaurs. Explore the past and uncover fun facts about your favorite dinos along the way.

Enjoy songs, rhymes and stories that support your baby’s early language and literacy development. This program is designed for children from birth to age two and their caregivers, but all are welcome. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is Dinosaurs Today.

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time.

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time!

Explore the world of dinosaur art through fun and creative drawing activities. Try out techniques like dot-to-dot, coloring, and guided drawing while using books and visual prompts for inspiration. This hands-on program encourages creativity and imagination, with light refreshments provided.

Enjoy songs, rhymes and stories that support your baby’s early language and literacy development. This program is designed for children from birth to age two and their caregivers, but all are welcome. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is We That Swim.

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time.

Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes that build early literacy skills and spark imagination. This program is designed for children ages three to six and their caregivers, but all are welcome. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is Let's Be Dinosaurs!

Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes that build early literacy skills and spark imagination. This program is designed for children ages three to six and their caregivers, but all are welcome. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is Big Teeth, Big Stompers.

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time!

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time!

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time!

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more!

A Dolly Parton crop art portrait. Size-96 cowboy boots. A button quilt. State Fairs: Growing American Craft features more than 100 photos of extraordinary and unconventional crafts from state and tribal fairs, including needlework, basketry, jewelry, ceramics, crop art, butter sculpture, and saddles. The catalog highlights personal stories and regional and cultural traditions, creating a vibrant portrait of American life. Come one, come all! State Fairs has a little something for everyone.

Register for this virtual Author Talk at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

View upcoming Author Talk programs and recordings of past talks at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

The Author Talk series is sponsored by the Friends of the Leon County Public Library.

Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes that build early literacy skills and spark imagination. This program is designed for children ages three to six and their caregivers, but all are welcome. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is Dinosaurs Today.

Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes that build early literacy skills and spark imagination. This program is designed for children ages three to six and their caregivers, but all are welcome. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is We That Swim.

Enjoy songs, rhymes and stories that support your baby’s early language and literacy development. This program is designed for children from birth to age two and their caregivers, but all are welcome. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is Let's Be Dinosaurs!

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time.

Experience an inclusive and interactive story time with songs, stories and activities designed for children of all abilities. This program is especially welcoming to children with autism or sensory processing needs. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is Dinosaurs Today.

Stay after Sensory Story Time to play, explore and connect with other families. Activities support early learning and sensory development — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time.

Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes that build early literacy skills for young children. This program is designed for children from birth to age five and their caregivers, but all are welcome. The first Saturday of each month includes a craft activity. In celebration of our Unearth a Story summer programs, this week's theme is Dig It!

After Story Time, stay to play, explore and connect with other families. Hands-on activities encourage learning through play — and you’re welcome to come just for Stay and Play if you can’t make it to Story Time!

Create characters, tell stories, and play theater games in this fun drop-in program! Build confidence, creativity, and teamwork through improvisational storytelling. No experience needed—all skill levels welcome.

Enjoy an unforgettable family-friendly magic and comedy performance with Tallahassee’s own Phil Meyer. Packed with astonishing tricks, interactive moments, and plenty of laughs, this high-energy show brings stories to life and sparks imagination for kids and families alike.

Uncover the earth’s treasures in this hands-on gem mining experience. Sift, sort, and identify rocks and minerals while learning how they form—and take home a few sparkling finds of your own.

Hold onto your heart-patterned boxers! Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular (and just plain wild) Dungeon Crawler Carl series, joins us to chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles. 

As chaos and mass panic spread outside the dungeon in the wake of Faction Wars, Carl and Donut find themselves on the tenth floor, where they’re forced to compete in a surprisingly normal set of tasks. Well, normal for the dungeon.

Races. Get from point A to point B, and don’t come in last. After each race, they pick an upgrade for their vehicle and the track gets more challenging. It all seems a little too normal, a little too simple.

Ignore those strange glitches that are occurring with increasing frequency. Don’t listen to those whispers about what’s happening on the mysterious eleventh floor, something the system AI calls A Parade of Horribles. Nobody, not even the showrunners, knows what that means. Just that the AI has ominously dubbed it “a coming-out party for the ages.”

Everything is fine, Crawler. I repeat, everything is fine.

Carl hates that it’s business as usual. The rules of this floor have taken away his agency. That just will not do.

So Carl is planning a party of his own. It’s a plan so dangerous, so insane, he can’t even consult his friends lest the AI put a stop to it. Because if it goes wrong, it’s not just the end of Carl and Donut. No. The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been.

Register for this virtual Author Talk at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

View upcoming Author Talk programs and recordings of past talks at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

The Author Talk series is sponsored by the Friends of the Leon County Public Library.

Do you have what it takes to be the next great paleontologist? Explore the world of dinosaurs through hands-on games and activities that put your skills to the test. Step into the role of a scientist discovering a new fossil site and use your detective skills to identify and celebrate exciting dinosaur discoveries.

Celebrate the summer with free lunch, games, music, and more in partnership with Second Harvest of the Big Bend and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Join us in virtual conversation with storyteller and popular blogger Ted Page as we chat about his book Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood. This heartfelt book highlights his journey to bring together the stories and wisdom of grandfathers from all walks of life—all with a mission to nurture the next great generation.

When author Ted Page found out he was going to be a grandpa, he did a web search to learn more about the experience in store for him, but all he could find were references to the movie Bad Grandpa. He couldn’t help but wonder, “Where are the good ones?” Page started a blog, GoodGrandpa.com, and set out to talk with grandfathers across a diverse spectrum. This included an NFL pro athlete, a priest, a rabbi, an imam, newsman Tom Brokaw, comedy legend John Cleese, Chinese and Indians, physicians adapting to disability, an air force general, a Vietnam combat vet, and many more—plus his Aunt Lois and the Dalai Lama, because why not?

Along the way, Page delved into family histories—his own and those of the grandpas he interviewed—to reveal fascinating stories and lessons for living a good life. In every conversation he asked grandpas for their number one most important piece of wisdom—one thing that could help our grandchildren grow to become the greatest generation of all time. Would the collective wisdom Page gathered turn out to be one singular idea, or a constellation of north stars that illuminate a path toward a better future? A unified and unforgettable picture does in fact emerge.

Good Grandpa is inspiring, uplifting, evocative, and filled with genuine emotion. It is a recipe of hope for a divided America, and the book that will be on every grandparent’s reading list.

Register for this virtual Author Talk at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

View upcoming Author Talk programs and recordings of past talks at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

The Author Talk series is sponsored by the Friends of the Leon County Public Library.

Try your hand at cross-stitch with a prehistoric twist! Create an adorable T. rex design while learning beginner stitching techniques in this fun, hands-on class. Perfect for dinosaur fans and anyone looking to get creative.

Stay after the workshop for Craft and Create: Open Lab from 12:30-3 p.m.

Step into the role of a paleontologist in this interactive program presented by Tally MoLab. Use fossil evidence to uncover clues about the past, learn how fossils form, and practice excavation and recording techniques while investigating a life-size replica of a Triceratops femur.

Join us as we chat with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy about The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, which celebrates beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with 85 recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.

Diaspora Spice Co. sources the most flavorful, fresh spices in the world from 150 regenerative farms across South Asia—from elders, indigenous communities, young changemakers, and brilliant multi-generational farming families across India and Sri Lanka who are leading the way in sustainable and climate change–resistant agriculture. Filled with culinary storytelling, The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook highlights these farmers and their spices with profiles and evocative photography, plus 85 recipes for simple, seasonal, and powerfully delicious meals.

CEO and founder Sana Javeri Kadri and recipe writer Asha Loupy realized that eating with the people who grow our spices unveils a whole new dimension in our cooking. Adapted for a global pantry, these recipes share the warmth of true South Asian home cooking at its truest and tastiest.

Sana and Asha also note which recipes are the most beginner friendly, freezer friendly, good for a dinner party menu (like a Diwali feast!), and which lend themselves to be pantry building blocks, all for a super easy-to-navigate cookbook.

Register for this virtual Author Talk at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

View upcoming Author Talk programs and recordings of past talks at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

The Author Talk series is sponsored by the Friends of the Leon County Public Library.

Did you know the robin outside your window is a descendant of the dinosaurs that once ruled the Earth? Explore the fascinating paleontological evidence that connects ancient, scaly reptiles of the Mesozoic Era to the diverse, feathered birds we see today.

Travel back in time to explore the purpose and meaning behind prehistoric art. This engaging talk highlights how early artists used creativity to communicate, record experiences, and leave their mark on history.

Step into a glowing prehistoric world with games, crafts, and music under the blacklight. Wear bright colors and enjoy a high-energy celebration filled with fun and excitement.

Join us for an energizing virtual conversation with Rachael DeVaux, New York Times bestselling author of Rachael’s Good Eats. Her newest book, The High Protein Plate, shows how anyone at any stage of life can easily incorporate protein into their diet. From Buffalo Chicken Baked Tacos and Honey Blackberry Overnight Oats to Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta, these satisfying and simple meals are made for everyday life.

Getting enough protein is essential. It’s needed for health and strength at every stage of life. The more protein you eat, the more satisfied, energized, and resilient you’ll feel. It builds muscle, fuels hormones, and supports every organ.

The High Protein Plate includes the following:

- 100 high-protein, craveable recipes for packing protein from breakfast through dessert.

- Straightforward guidance on how much protein you really need—and why it matters.

- Macros for every recipe, so you can easily track what’s best for you.

- Confidence to plan and prepare balanced, purposeful meals.

- Meal prep tips to set you up for success all week long.

- A 28-day plan to help get you started and stay on track.

Whether you’re focused on building lean muscle, balancing blood sugar, boosting energy, or just feeding your family well you need protein. The High Protein Plate makes it simple—and delicious to get enough every day.

Register for this virtual Author Talk at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

View upcoming Author Talk programs and recordings of past talks at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

The Author Talk series is sponsored by the Friends of the Leon County Public Library.

Explore how artists and scientists work together to bring prehistoric life to the page. Join paleontologist Aaron Woodruff of the Florida Museum of Natural History as he shares how fossil evidence is interpreted and transformed into detailed illustrations of ancient creatures.

Join us for a thrilling evening with acclaimed author Karin Slaughter as we chat about her North Falls series, consisting of We Are All Guilty Here, in which two teenage girls vanish in rural Georgia, and her upcoming sequel, The Secrets We Hide. 

In The Secrets We Hide, Slaughter welcomes readers back to North Falls. A small town with big secrets…

1601 Iris Drive looks like any other house on the quiet, residential street. But rumors are rampant about the Vickery family, and what goes on behind closed doors.

When gunshots ring out, Sheriff Emmy Clifton and her sister, ex-federal agent Jude Archer, discover a devastating crime scene. Allison Vickery has been murdered in her own kitchen, and her teenage daughter is bleeding upstairs, left for dead.

Everyone thinks they know what happened. But secrets are buried everywhere in this small town.

And it’s up to Emmy Clifton to uncover the truth…

Register for this virtual Author Talk at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

View upcoming Author Talk programs and recordings of past talks at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

The Author Talk series is sponsored by the Friends of the Leon County Public Library.

In her ambitious new memoir, Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget, beloved bestselling author Reyna Grande illuminates the hidden cost of the American Dream and the complex journey of healing that follows survival.

What is the true power of stories? Can they heal the jagged edges of a traumatic childhood? Is the cost of telling the story worth the price of the cure?

With her signature blend of sophistication and raw honesty, Grande interrogates how living between two nations, two languages, and two identities has shaped the woman, mother, and writer she has become. Moving from the legacy of violence in her hometown of Iguala, Mexico, to a bittersweet family vacation in Europe spent reconciling her own impoverished past with her children’s world of abundance, she uncovers startling truths about the nature of survival.

Whether being racially profiled in the Arizona borderlands or finding unexpected wisdom from the slugs in her garden, Grande unflinchingly asks: How do we bridge the gap between who we were and who we have become? How do we turn pain into power? When memory threatens to define us, how can we use story to heal while still honoring our boundaries?

Register for this virtual Author Talk at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

View upcoming Author Talk programs and recordings of past talks at LeonCountyLibrary.org/AuthorTalks. 

The Author Talk series is sponsored by the Friends of the Leon County Public Library.

Try your hand at cross-stitch with a prehistoric twist. Create an adorable T. rex design while learning basic stitching techniques in this beginner-friendly class. Perfect for dinosaur fans and anyone looking to get creative.

Stay after the workshop for Craft and Create: Open Lab from 12:30-3 p.m.

Get ready for a wild adventure with Animal Tales. Meet six amazing exotic animals, including a mix of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, while taking part in interactive skits and activities. You’ll even have the chance to touch one of the animals at the end of the program.

The WFSU Summer Challenge keeps families learning and having fun all summer long. Complete activities from the free activity book, track your progress with photos, and earn points. At the end of the summer, bring your checklist and images to trade points for prizes from the WFSU store.

Free healthy, packaged breakfast is available to enjoy on-site for kids and teens 18 and under at the Leon County Main Library Monday through Friday from 10-11 a.m. from Monday, June 1 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required.

Free healthy, packaged lunch is available to enjoy on-site for kids and teens 18 and under at the Leon County Main Library Monday through Friday from 2-3 p.m. from Monday, June 1 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required.

Free healthy, packaged grab-and-go meals are available for kids and teens 18 and under at the Woodville Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. from Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required. Caregivers can pick up meals for their children without the children present and can take meals for the whole week.

Free healthy, packaged breakfast is available to enjoy on-site for kids and teens 18 and under at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. from Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required.

Free healthy, packaged grab-and-go meals are available for kids and teens 18 and under at the Fort Braden Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 2-4 p.m. from Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required. Caregivers can pick up meals for their children without the children present and can take meals for the whole week.

Free healthy, packaged lunch is available to enjoy on-site for kids and teens 18 and under at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library Tuesday through Friday from 3-4 p.m. from Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, July 31. No registration is required.