LibraryAware What's New in May at Boca Raton Public Library (2)

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What's New at Boca Raton Public Library

Get an Early Start on Summer Reading!

As the school year is drawing to a close, the Boca Raton Public Library is amping up for Summer Reading! For our library lovers of all ages, our Summer Reading program rewards you for reading over the summer months. For children especially, reading is a great way to prevent the summer slide when students lose some of the gains achieved during the academic year. To make it even more enjoyable, we have weekly prizes for preschool and elementary-aged children and prize raffles for middle school, high school and adult readers. You can enroll starting on May 1st and the program will run until July 31st. Enroll early and read all summer long.

This month, we are celebrating Children’s Book Week. From May 1-5, we have wonderful programs for children, including Books In Time: Discovering the Art of Books, The Velveteen Rabbit Puppet Show, and the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration and Graduation. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

~Amanda Liebl, Events and Community Engagement Coordinator

Summer Reading

Join Us for Our Summer Reading Program for All Ages

May 1 through July 31 at both libraries

Sponsored by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library

Our Summer Reading program launches on May 1 this year with the theme, "Imagine Your Story." This program is for all ages, from birth to 105! Read as much as you can throughout the summer for the chance to win some great prizes.

BABIES - GRADE 5: Receive a reading log when you sign up. Read 20 minutes per day or 100 minutes per week to claim a weekly prize at the Library starting June 5.

GRADES 6-12: Receive wireless ear buds when you sign up and an enamel pin courtesy of TeeTurtle after reading 400 minutes (while supplies last). Once you've logged 800 minutes of reading on READsquared, you'll be entered for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch Lite or an Imagine Your Story Beach Bag with Bluetooth speaker and beach towel.

ADULTS: Log the books you read for the chance to win book lovers' gift sets.

ALL AGES: Everyone who signs up receives an "Imagine Your Story" tote bag (while supplies last).

By registering for Summer Reading, you will also be invited to attend a Magical Forest Bubble Party (for children ages 0-10) on June 10 and a Happily Ever After Party on July 29 (for all ages).

Scan a QR code below to enroll in the READsquared app starting May 1.

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What's New for Adults

United States Citizenship Test: 100 Questions
Thursdays, 4-week series: May 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30am-12:00pm
Spanish River Library
This 4-class series offers a range of resources and services for those preparing to become a United States citizen and repeats monthly. Classes are designed to help prepare adult immigrants to successfully complete the naturalization process. This preparation includes developing civic knowledge, learning about N-400, practice on 100 questions and the naturalization interview one-on-one preparation.

How to Start Your Creative Business
Thursday, May 4, 1:30-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Learn the basics of starting a self-employed creative business. Find out how organization, accounting, marketing, sales, production, customer service, branding, reputation, and hiring strategies have an impact on success.

May Film Series
May 4, 18, 6:00-8:00pm
Downtown Library
Join us this month for the following films. Open seating; enrollment not required. Click on the links below to learn more about each film.
May 4: Julieta (2016; Rated R)
May 18: Language Lessons (2021; Not Rated)

Friends Music Series: Con Brio String Quartet
Sunday, May 7, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Enjoy a free classical music concert with the award-winning Con Brio String Quartet. These musical artists have won multiple prizes and have performed all over the world. Together, Con Brio is prepared to delight with their skill, passion and energy. Open seating; registration not required.

Senior Living Options
Wednesday, May 10, 1:30-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Learn how to differentiate between 55-plus, assisted living, fee for service, rental, memory care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Presented by Colleen Wilson of St. Andrews Estates, a part of Acts Retirement-Life Communities, Inc.

Customer Service for Your Small Business
Thursday, May 11, 4:00-6:00pm
Downtown Library
Take your business from good to great with outstanding customer service. Learn how Attitude, Communication and Expertise (ACE) work together to help grow your small business. Registration required.

Your Creative Business: Learn How to Use a Lightbox to Photograph Your Products
Friday, May 12, 2:00-3:30pm
Downtown Library
If you want your small business to shine, using a lightbox to photograph your products is key. Learn what you need to make your products look professional and illuminated in a beautiful, soft light. Library card required for registration.

2022-2023 Supreme Court Case Review
Wednesday, May 24, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Join attorney Jeffrey F. Gordon to discuss some of the most recent and noteworthy opinions the Supreme Court has handed down to date this year, as well as pending cases whose decisions will be forthcoming. Open seating; no registration needed.

Instructional Classes for Adults
Our Instructional Services team is offering many classes for adults in May! Some of the highlights are listed below but be sure to check the online calendar to see all the great classes we're offering this month. Registration is required.

Illustrator Basics for Macintosh

Ace Your Next Interview

Audacity for Podcasting

Tracing Your Ancestry

Weird History: Medieval Europe

Travelogues: Denmark

Your Photos Needed for Library History Project

This month, we're celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Boca Raton Public Library, and we need your help! Do you have any historical photos of the library (inside or outside) taken during the past 75 years? We'd love to feature them on social media and add them to our archives. Please send an email to brpl@myboca.us and either attach your digitized photos or let us know what you have, and we can set up an appointment to scan them. Want to learn more about our history? Be sure to read all the way to the end of this newsletter.

Book Clubs for Adults

An Hour to Kill Mystery Book Club: The Dark Remains by William McIlvanney and Ian Rankin
Tuesday, May 9, 10:30-11:30am
Downtown Library
In this scorching crime prequel, New York Times bestselling author Ian Rankin and Scottish crime-writing legend William McIlvanney join forces for the first-ever case of D.I. Laidlaw, Glasgow’s original gritty detective. Registration not required. Click here to reserve a copy of this book with your library card.

Book Discussion: Last Light: How Six Great Artists Made Old Age a Time of Triumph, by Richard Lacayo
Tuesday, May 23, 10:30-11:30am
Downtown Library
In Last Light, one of the nation’s top art critics shows how six great artists made old age a time of triumph by producing some of the greatest work of their long careers -- and, in some cases, changing the course of art history. Registration not required. Click here to reserve a copy of this book with your library card.

Friends Book Club: The Marriage Portrait, by Maggie O'Farrell
Thursday, May 25, 6:30-7:30pm
Virtual discussion
The author of award-winning Hamnet brings the world of Renaissance Italy to jewel-bright life in this unforgettable fictional portrait of the captivating young duchess Lucrezia de' Medici as she makes her way in a troubled court and battles for her very survival. Email dtlbookclub@bocalibraryfriends.org for Zoom link. Log on as early as 6:00pm for troubleshooting. Click here to reserve a copy of this book with your library card.

What's New in the Digital Library

Bonus Borrows Are Back on Hoopla

Hoopla Bonus Borrows are returning in May! Choose from more than a hundred titles in the Bonus Borrows collection without using any of your ten monthly credits. Log in to your hoopla account and click on the Bonus Borrows banner to see the included titles.

Let's Play Chess!

Chess Moves Open Play (all ages)
Sunday, May 14, 28, 10:00am-4:00pm

Downtown Library

Bring your friends and family for fun drop-in open play chess games. Novice or expert; players of all skill levels are welcome. No registration required.

Chess Tournament Play (all ages)
Sunday, May 14, 28, 10:00am-4:30pm

Downtown Library
Ready to take the challenge and play a more formal competitive tournament game? Bring on your awesome chess skills and meet your next challenger! Pre-pay and pre-register with the Boca Raton Chess Club at www.BocaChess.com.

Florida Student-Led Chess Association High School Chess Tournament (grades 9-12)
Saturday, May 20, 9:30am-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Organized by the Florida Student-Led Chess Association, this tournament is open to high school students, grades 9-12. Register to reserve your seat. (Registration is free, and a USCF membership is not required to participate in this event, so you can leave this field blank on the registration form.) For more information, see flyer here.

Florida State Senior Chess Championship Tournament
Saturday, May 27, 9:30am-7:00pm, and Sunday, May 28, 9:30am-5:00pm
Spanish River Library
You are invited to participate in the US Chess Rated Florida State Senior Chess Championship by the Florida Chess Association. This tournament is open to Florida residents aged 50 and above. The winner of the championship section will be the Florida representative to the Irwin Tournament of Senior Champions held at the US Open. Register at www.chessregister.com or for more information email the chief tournament director, Bryan Tillis at nmbtillis@gmail.com. Entry fee is $40 if received by May 20th. USCF membership required. Prizes, trophies, and titles given to top players in each section. For more information, see flyer here.

Children's Book Week 2023

Books in Time: Discover the Book Arts (ages 6 and up)
Tuesday, May 2, 3:30-4:30pm
Downtown Library
Join John Cutrone, director of the Jaffe Center for Book Arts at FAU Libraries, to learn about the history of books and the kinds of books that artists make followed by a fun, hands-on activity. Sponsored by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.

The Velveteen Rabbit Puppet Show (ages 3-8)
Wednesday, May 3, 3:30-4:30pm
Spanish River Library
Katie Adams' Make Believe Theater presents The Velveteen Rabbit puppet show followed by a storytelling of The Princess and the Pea. Sponsored by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library. Each family will receive a complimentary copy of The Velveteen Rabbit: The Classic Edition book courtesy of Shari and Steve Sadek (while supplies last). Open seating; registration not required.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration
Friday, May 5, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Is your child enrolled in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program? Children who have reached the 1000-book milestone will participate in a graduation ceremony from 3:00-3:30pm. Other active participants will be invited to a celebration from 3:30-4:00pm. Crafts and refreshments included. Invitation only; registration required. Sponsored by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.

What's New for Children, Tweens and Teens

Storytime Registration Begins May 22
Monday, May 22 for cardholders, Thursday, May 25 for non-cardholders
Register through the calendar on the Library website
Registration will open on the dates above for the next 6-week Storytime session. Due to demand, we currently have room for 1 registered storytime in only 1 library location per child. Classes begin the week of June 12 and end the week of July 17. If the class is full, the next 10 people will be placed on a wait list. Registered storytime classes include:
- Baby Bookworm (birth to not yet walking)
- Toddler Tales (walkers to 23 months)
- Reading & Rhythm for 2s and 3s (ages 2-3)
- Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
- Adventures in Reading (ages 4-6)

New Book at Serenoa Glade StoryWalk: The Little Fire Truck by Margery Cuyler
May, June and July, Serenoa Glade Preserve
At George Snow Park
Join firefighter Jill and her fearless little fire truck as they zip all over town to put out smoky fires and rescue those in need with the help of the fire crew. There’s lots of challenging work to do, but this trusty team is always ready to rescue!.Sponsored by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.

Tail Waggin' Tutors
Saturdays, May 6 and 20, 12:00-2:00pm
Downtown Library
Elementary school children can practice their reading skills by reading to a certified therapy dog. Free program. Sign up for a time through the links below. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to pick out a book to read and sign the required participation waiver.
May 6 | May 20

Tennis Special Guest Drop-in Family Storytime
Spanish River Library, Monday, May 22, 10:00-10:30am
Downtown Library, Thursday, May 25, 10:00-10:30am
Join Mr. Marlon from the City's Tennis Department for this special storytime for families with children up to 5 years old. Enjoy fun stories, music and movement, songs, and rhymes about tennis and other sports. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required but space is limited.

Bedtime Drop-in Storytime (all ages)
Tuesday, May 9, 6:30-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Join us for this 30-minute interactive family class with stories and music. Pajamas are encouraged! No registration required.

Tween Book Jam: Grandpa's Great Escape, by David Walliams (ages 9-12)
Wednesday, May 17, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Jack’s grandpa wears his slippers to the supermarket, serves up Spam à la Custard for dinner, and often doesn’t remember Jack’s name, but he can still take to the skies in a speeding Spitfire and save the day… Pick up a free copy of the book at the Downtown Library at the time of registration. Books funded by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.

Tween Podcasting Club (ages 9-12)
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 5:00-6:00pm
Spanish River Library
Learn about popular podcasting styles plus the technical aspects of recording audio and video production for public presentations. First come first served as space is limited. No registration required.

Anime Night (ages 10-17)
Tuesday, May 23, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Join us for Japanese-themed anime movies. No registration required. Tween parents will need to sign a participation form prior to the first program they attend.

Switch It Up! Teen Gaming (ages 12-18)
Monday, May 1, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Come show your skills on the Nintendo Switch as you battle your friends. Bring your own Switch (optional). No registration required.

Teen Crafting Hour: Crochet Basics (ages 13-17)
Tuesday, May 2, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Fun and exciting crafts are introduced each month. This month, you'll learn how to start your own crochet project! Make and take home your magical creations while you learn new arts and craft skills along the way. Supplies are provided. Registration is required.

Teen Podcasting Club (ages 13-18)
Monday, May 1, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Learn about popular podcasting styles plus the technical aspects of recording audio and video production for public presentations. First come first served as space is limited. No registration required.

Teen Book Club: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, by Axie Oh (ages 13-18)
Thursday, May 18, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Enjoy this enthralling retelling of the classic Korean folktale, The Tale of Shim Cheong, perfect for fans of Wintersong, Uprooted, and Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Pick up a free copy of the book at the Spanish River Library Youth Services Desk at the time of registration. Books funded by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.

More to Enjoy

Borrow Musical Instruments at the Library
The Boca Raton Public Library is pleased to announce that cardholders can now borrow an assortment of musical instruments at the Downtown or Spanish River Library. Instruments include an acoustic guitar, ukulele, violin, keyboard, folding piano, and electric drum kit. You can borrow one instrument at a time for up to two weeks (no renewals) and can place a hold on an instrument if it is checked out. In addition to musical instruments, cardholders can check out other Library of Things’ items such as tabletop games, jigsaw puzzles, chess sets, seeds, cake pans, American Girl dolls, Early Literacy Backpacks, STEM Kits, Citizen Science Kits, and mobile hotspots. Learn more here.

Art Exhibit - Fashion Grind: Illustrations Painted with Coffee, by Jennifer Love Gironda
Now through June 23, during regular library hours
Spanish River Library
Enjoy this unique art exhibit by Jennifer Love Gironda who, in recent years, has focused on fashion illustration for her work, often working in non-traditional materials such as coffee and wine. An artist and educator, Gironda says, "My goal is always to share my heART with the world around me and hopefully inspire others to make time to do the same."

75th Anniversary of Boca Raton Public Library

Did you know that Boca Raton Public library has been in continuous service since May 1948, which makes May 2023 our 75th Anniversary?

The founding of the Library was the result of dedicated community-builders but took over 25 years to fully realize. In January 1923, the Women’s Club of Boca Raton started the first public library for the community in the City Municipal Building. Many books in this first collection came from a large donation of fiction books coordinated by a Women’s Club member through her friends in Chicago. The first library closed during Florida’s big real estate bust in the late 1920s. In 1946, the Women’s Christian and Civic Club opened a public library in the Administration Building on the Boca Raton Army Air Field (BRAAF) base through monetary and book donations. This second library was closed when two hurricanes struck in 1947; however, the secretary of that organization, Eleanor Bebout, became the first Library Board president in April 1948. The remaining books from the base were moved to the City Municipal Building in May 1948, and the "Library of Boca Raton" was founded.

On November 13, 1961, the first library building was opened at 200 NW 2nd Avenue. In 1966, the library was renamed the "Boca Raton Public Library." A wing was added in 1972, and a second expansion was added in 1982. The Library continued to grow, and in 1989, the City Council approved a 10-year plan that included a new library branch in the northwest corner of the City. In 1999, the Friends of the Library reorganized and started campaigning for two new library buildings. In 2003, Boca Raton residents voted in favor of a $19.8 million bond to build two new libraries. On January 26, 2008, the new Spanish River Library branch opened. On June 22, 2013, the new Downtown Library opened just up the street from the original building at 400 NW 2nd Avenue. Today, the Boca Raton Public Library continues to serve the community with over 800,000 items to check out, more than 1,700 youth and adult programs a year, information and technology assistance available daily, and wonderful spaces for study, work, and collaboration.

For more information about the early years of the Boca Raton Public Library, please pick up a free copy of The Spanish River Papers: A Chronicle of the Boca Raton Public Library 1923-2007 (December 2007, Volume 20) at the information desk at Downtown Library or the Spanish River Library, or see this link on the Boca Raton Historical Society website.

Library Team Member Spotlight

Name: Ray Griffin

Title: Custodial Worker

What I Do: I perform maintenance and custodial duties at the Spanish River Library. I'm responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of the building, such as event set-ups, cleaning and restocking restrooms, shampooing carpets, mopping and dusting.

Why I Love My Job: I love what I do because cleaning was an A+ in the home I was raised in, and my mom was strict about that. So, when I'm at work, I feel that patrons who visit the library should enjoy a clean atmosphere.

What I'm Reading Now: The Last Run, by Greg Rucka