January Events at Your Library

Holiday Closures

The library system will close on Mon., Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day, and on Mon., Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Preschool Storytime

Storytime programs are presented for preschool children ages three through five and include stories, finger plays and action rhymes. Caregivers must remain in the library during storytime; however, they cannot accompany children into the programs. Programs start promptly at the assigned times; latecomers are not admitted.

First timer? Visit the library to meet the storytime presenter, pick up a welcome packet, explore the children's area, and enjoy a tour of the library.

Storytime will be presented during the following times Jan. 9 through Feb. 17:

- 10:30 – 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Milton Library

- 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Navarre Library

- 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Jay Library

- 12:30 – 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Gulf Breeze Library

- 11- 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Pace Library

Check the library website for additional details at www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries.

Toddler Time

Toddler Time is a program for children ages 18 to 36 months who attend with a caregiver. One child and one adult register together for songs, stories, rhymes, and other fun activities. This 20-minute program lasts 6 weeks. 

Toddler Time requires registration; space is limited. It is not a drop-in program. Details are available at the participating libraries. You may call the Youth Services Coordinator, Angela Evans, at 981-4066 if you have any questions.

Toddler Time will be presented during the following times Jan. 9 through Feb. 17:

- 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Pace Library

- 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Milton Library

- 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Gulf Breeze Library

- 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Thursdays at the Navarre Library

- 1 – 1:20 p.m. on Thursdays at the Jay Library

Smart Device and Library App Workshop – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Jan. 5, 3 – 4 p.m.

Receive a new smart device over the holidays? Need help setting it up, installing library apps like Libby and hoopla, or downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks? This smart device workshop is geared toward adults and will help patrons learn how to navigate their devices. 

labARTory - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Jan. 5, 4 - 6 p.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the first Thursday each month from 4-6 p.m. for an open art studio. Design your own project or make the special project which changes each month. All art materials are provided by the Friends of the Navarre Library. This is a drop-in program and is open to all ages; children should be accompanied by an adult.

Meet, Play, Learn – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Jan. 6, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Meet, Play, Learn is a program where parents of young children can congregate and socialize with other parents while their children play and make friends at age-appropriate activity stations set up around the room. This program is for children ages birth to 5 who have not yet started kindergarten. 

Coffee, Donuts, and a Show – Genealogy Library – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton

Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Enjoy coffee and donuts while exploring the world of genealogy through popular media programming.

UF/IFAS Extension Office Educational Programs

The UF/IFAS Extension office presents monthly research-based educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, and more. January's topic is rain gardens, and will be presented on the following dates:

- Jan. 9, 2:30 p.m. – Gulf Breeze Library

- Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. – Pace Library

- Jan. 12, 10:30 a.m. – Milton Library

- Jan. 18, 2:30 p.m. – Navarre Library

Movie Time Tuesdays – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Jan. 10, 4 p.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for a movie. All movies will begin at 4 p.m. and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Navarre Library. January’s movie is "The Goonies" (rated PG).

STEAM Makerspace – Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Jan. 10 & 24, 4 – 6 p.m.

Come explore, build, and create at STEAM Makerspace on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month from 4 - 6 p.m. Craft and create all sorts of things using library-supplied crafting materials and art supplies, or bring your own. Learn simple code with coding robots or explore the world with AR devices. All ages are welcome, but children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Inklings – Milton Library - 5541 Alabama St.

Jan. 10, 5 p.m.

Sixth through 10th graders are invited to read either the novel or graphic novel version of the book of the month and meet to share their ideas about it. January’s selection is “Stormbreaker: Alex Rider” by Anthony Horowitz. Registration is required.

Webinar Wednesdays – Genealogy Library – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton

Jan. 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit the Genealogy Library on the 2nd Wednesday each month for Webinar Wednesdays. Webinars related to family history research will be shown at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with discussion following. January’s webinar is “From Piles to Files: Organize your Genealogy.”

Coffee Talk - Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Jan. 12, 12 p.m.

Coffee Talk, a non-fiction book club, meets at noon on the second Thursday of every other month beginning in January for a brown bag lunch and book discussion. Enjoy the lively discussions and friendly atmosphere. Space is limited; registration is required. January’s selection is “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz” by Lucy Adlington.

Game Night – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.

Jan. 12, 3 – 5 p.m.

Enjoy playing games? Join us for game night at the Jay Library. You can bring your own games from home or play those provided by us. This event is open to all ages, and game groups are welcome.

For the Win! Games Day– Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Jan. 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Enjoy playing tabletop or board games? Join us for game day at the Milton Library on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Bring games from home or play those provided by the library. This event is open to all ages, and game groups are welcome.

Beginning Genealogy Part 2 – Genealogy Library – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton

Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Following up on Part 1 which was presented in October 2022, this is the 2nd in a series of 4 quarterly learning sessions on tracing your family history. This session will cover vital records research. Registration encouraged but not required.

Game Day Saturdays! – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Jan. 14, 12 – 4 p.m.

Enjoy playing board games? Come hang out and play a game with friends at the library on the 2nd Saturday of each month. A variety of board games will be available for children, teens, and adults; you can also bring games from home.

Homeschool Hangout – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Come to the Pace Library to meet other local homeschool parents and children to exchange ideas, participate in a fun activity, and discover how your library can support your children's educational journey. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the Pace Library for more information.

Breeze Builders – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Jan. 19, 4 – 5 p.m.

Build and create all sorts of wonderful things using various types of building materials including Legos, K'Nex, wood planks, Playdoh, Tinker toys, magnetic tiles, and more. This monthly workshop is for children ages 6 - 11.

STEAM Day – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Jan. 19, 4 – 6 p.m.

Visit the Milton Library for a monthly STEAM Day! Each month will feature a different theme. January’s theme is Harry Potter. Speak with a staff member for more information.

STEAMaker - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Jan. 19, 4 – 5 p.m.

Tweens and teens ages 10-17 who are interested in robotics, coding, and other tech are invited to join our STEAMaker tech club. Beginners through expert level welcome! Sign up is required.

Homeschool Hangout – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.

Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Come to the Jay Library to meet other local homeschool parents and children to exchange ideas, participate in a fun activity, and discover how your library can support your children's educational journey. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the Jay Library for more information.

Saturday Matinee Book Club – Genealogy Library – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton

Jan. 21. 1:30 p.m.

Interested in books that have been made into movies? Read a book, then gather with us on a Saturday to watch the movie and discuss both. Snacks will be provided; please bring your own drink in a bottle or cup that won't spill. This club is for adults, and registration is not required. January’s selection is “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” by Fannie Flagg.

Family Fun Day – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Jan. 24, 4 p.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the 4th Tuesday of the month for family-friendly games, puzzles, and more.

AniManga Club – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Jan. 26, 4 – 5 p.m.

The Animanga Club is for teens who are interested in manga and anime art styles and animation. Teens analyze and evaluate animated styles, discuss tools and technology used in animation and cartooning, and create and share their art and drawing techniques with other teens in the club. This club is open to teens ages 13 - 17. Registration is required.