November 2022
Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe

As we move into the holiday season, I always remind myself that this time of the year is for family. While you may be busy preparing for guests, shopping, traveling, and entertaining, there is nothing like pulling the family together for a good story.

All stories don’t have to be read. Kanopy, our video streaming service, has curated a wide variety of entertainment options. Whether it be a British comedy or a deep dive into documentaries, Kanopy has something for everyone (Kanopy Kids is pretty great, too!). So gather up the kids (or dogs, or cats, or whomever you like to cuddle with) and see what you can find using your library card.

If movies aren’t your thing, we are always here for you with a good book in various formats, including print, ebooks, and e-audio. The most important thing is to share it with the ones you love. Stories have the power to make us feel good, and during this time of the year, they help remind us to take a step back and remember what the holidays are all about.

Native American Heritage Month, also called American Indian Heritage Month and American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, takes place each November and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Native peoples past and present. Learn something new about the rich and diverse history, heritage, and culture of Native peoples with a book club, story times, and resources from the Leon County Public Library. Learn more at LeonCountyFL.gov/NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.

On Monday, November 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) staff and attorneys will be available at the downtown Main Library to provide legal help at no cost. Walk-ins are welcome!

Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and is based on availability. Please bring documentation and paperwork related to your legal question.

LSNF provides case representation and advice in civil matters only to those who qualify based on income or those experiencing vulnerable circumstances. 

View the Library calendar for more information.

On Wednesday, November 16 at 12 p.m., join us for an overview of Medicare options and financial assistance programs that help reduce the cost of Medicare Part B and prescriptions. The event, presented by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs' SHINE Program, will take place at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, 2817 South Adams Street. Refreshments will be provided.

View the Library calendar for more information.

Put your design skills to the test during the fourth annual Community Gingerbread House Competition for a chance to win gift card prizes. One winner from each age category (child, teen, and adult) will be selected.

Online registration for the competition opens on Saturday, November 19 at 1 p.m., and creations must be dropped off for the competition on Saturday, December 3 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the downtown Main Library.

Then, from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, join us for a family-friendly event with hands-on STEAM activities for youth and an opportunity to browse the sweet submissions. Competition winners will be announced during a ceremony at 2:30 p.m.

View the Library calendar for more information.

Enjoy engaging virtual Author Talks with bestselling authors from a wide range of fiction and non-fiction genres. Tune in for these live events with interactive Q&As, or watch the recording afterwards. 

Upcoming virtual Author Talks include: 

Thursday, November 10 at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Bonnie Garmus, New York Times bestselling author.

Tuesday, November 15 at 12 p.m.: Author Talk with Kwame Christian, bestselling author and founder of the American Negotiation Institute.

Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m.: Author Talk with Geraldine Brooks, bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner.

Saturday, December 10 at 2 p.m.: Author Talk with Fredrik Backman, bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, Anxious People, and The Winners, the third installment of the Beartown series.

Test your library skills with our DiNo-vember scavenger hunt! Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, reveal the secret message, and help the dinosaur find his book.

Children and their families are invited to visit any Leon County Public Library location throughout November to complete our DiNo-vember youth scavenger hunt.

By completing the scavenger hunt, youth 18 and under can earn a chance to win a prize through our National Family Health Literacy Month Beanstack reading challenge.

Find out more about the Beanstack challenge at LeonCountyFL.Beanstack.org.

All Leon County Public Library locations will be closed on the following holidays:

- Election Day - Tuesday, November 8*

- Veterans Day - Friday, November 11

- Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 24

- Family Day (day after Thanksgiving) - Friday, November 25

Note that County facilities that are used as Election Day polling places will be open for voting purposes on November 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Story times and Stay and Play will not be held from Monday, November 21 through Saturday, November 26. Check the Library's November calendar for holiday schedule changes.