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What's New at Boca Raton Public Library
Celebrate a New Year of Lifelong Learning

Join us this New Year as we launch our new Lifelong Learning signature initiative to support the self-motivated pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout a lifetime to achieve personal and professional goals, explore new interests, and connect with others. To help you on your own journey of Lifelong Learning, we have a fantastic array of new Library programs and lectures for all ages and interests. There are plenty of programs to inspire you, including new crafting programs, introductory classes to build your small business, and fascinating guest speakers.
 
Wishing you an exciting New Year filled with fun and engaging opportunities to discover, imagine and connect.
.
~Lisa Testa, Program Services Librarian III
 
What's New for Adults
Norwegian Film Series: The Painter and the Thief
Thursday, January 5, 6:00-8:00pm
Downtown Library
An artist befriends the thief who stole her paintings. She becomes his closest ally when he is severely hurt in a car crash and needs full time care, even if her paintings are not found. But then the tables turn. The Painter and the Thief uses the unlikely bond between a criminal and his victim as the canvas for a compelling portrait of compassion and forgiveness. No registration required.
Friends Music Series: Randy Corinthian
Sunday, January 8, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Saxophonist, producer and educator Randy Corinthian has been an integral and innovative part of the music industry for more than a decade. His soulful sounds are sure to be an inspiration to a diverse and sophisticated audience as he continues to excel to new heights.
The History of Gravestones and Their Meaning
Thursday, January 12, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Explore the history of gravestones and what they mean with Dr. Sandra Norman, Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University. She specializes in hands-on history, and her work has resulted in preservation studies in the Town of Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Key West, Pompano Beach, and Gulfstream.
Story Central - A Jewish Journey: Confronting Ignorance and Hate with Samuel Ron
Saturday, January 14, 4:00-5:30pm
Downtown Library
Samuel Ron is a 98-year-old survivor of the Nazi Holocaust. Born Shmuel Rakowski in Poland, he survived four concentration camps. His new book, A Jewish Journey: Surviving and Thriving in Poland, Israel and the United States, chronicles his amazing life story. Whether or not you’ve ever heard a Holocaust survivor or an Israeli pioneer tell their story before, Sam is sure to surprise and inspire.
Friends Speaker Series: Coconuts, Beaches, Mosquitoes, and Panthers: The Pioneer Era of Palm Beach County 1860-1893 with Michael McKeich
Sunday, January 15, 11:30am-1:00pm
Downtown Library
Journey back in time with Michael KcKeich from the Palm Beach County Historical Society to look at the difficulties of getting here, the settlers’ early homes, life-saving stations, food, hotels, mosquitoes, and pioneer life in what people thought was a “Garden of Eden" in Palm Beach County in the late 19th century.
United States Citizenship Test: 100 Questions
Thursdays, 8-week series: January 12, 26, February 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20, 10:30am-12:00pm
Spanish River Library
Do you need help preparing for the Citizenship and Interview Test? This 8-class series is designed to help prepare adult immigrants to successfully complete the naturalization process. Topics include developing civic knowledge, learning about N-400, practice on 100 questions, and the naturalization interview one-on-one preparation.
Jewish Genealogy Resources
Monday, January 23, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Like the diaspora itself, Jewish historical records are scattered throughout the world and across the Internet. Learn how to locate these records and which sources work best for your unique family history. Must know how to use computer/laptop and be able to set up an online account.
EcoWatch Lecture Series: Magnificent Manatees with Rachel Shanker from Manatee Lagoon
Wednesday, January 25, 6:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
From manatee basics to current conservation efforts, learn all about these magnificent marine mammals, the ecosystems they call home and what you can do to help! Hosted by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Pre-register by calling Gumbo Limbo at 561-544-8605.
Norwegian Film Series: Two Lives
Thursday, January 26, 6:00-8:00pm
Downtown Library
As the Berlin Wall crumbles, Katrine, the daughter of a Norwegian woman and a German occupation soldier, finds her idyllic life disrupted as she refuses to testify at a trial against the Norwegian state on behalf of her fellow "war children." No registration required.
Mandarin Chinese for Beginners
16-week series begins Wednesday, February 1, 6:30-7:15pm
Spanish River Library
Join us for a 16-week series of Chinese language classes for adults. The class will start from the basics, like Chinese pinyin, stroke, and simple daily phrases and conversation.
Instructional Classes for Adults
Our Instructional Services team is offering many classes for adults in January! 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!
 
Public Speaking 101
iPhone Basics for Beginners
How to Start Your Creative Business
 
Fact Check the News
Travelogues: Venice, Italy
Sewing by Hand 101: Make a Plush
 
SAVE THE DATE! Drum Sermons: Folktales, Legends, and Myths from the Far Corners of Africa
Saturday, February 4, 1:30-3:30pm
Downtown Library
Embark on an awe-inspiring African adventure rooted in history, culture, and tradition in a celebration of music. Hear stories from the far corners of the African continent and engage in spirited drumming, storytelling, dance and song making use of the African tradition of audience participation. Performed by the Orisirisi African Folklore Group.
Book Clubs for Adults
Boca Reads Virtual Book Club: Madame Fourcade's Secret War, by Lynne Olson
Thursday, February 9, 6:30-7:30pm
Virtual program
Boca Reads is a community reading initiative in partnership with Festival of the Arts Boca that connects people through a shared reading experience and discussion. Join us as we read Madame Fourcade’s Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France’s Largest Spy Network Against Hitler by Lynne Olson. Click here to reserve a copy of the book. This book club will also prepare you for Lynne Olson’s performance at the Festival of the Arts Boca on March 6 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater.
An Hour to Kill Mystery Book Club: The Oxford Brotherhood, by Guillermo Martinez
Tuesday, January 10, 10:30-11:30am
Downtown Library
A thrilling novel inspired by true, strange stories from Lewis Carroll's life, The Oxford Brotherhood is sure to make you curiouser and curiouser. Click here to reserve a copy of this book with your library card. Attend in-person or virtually. A Zoom link will be emailed upon enrollment.
Friends Book Club: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson
Tuesday, January 24, 10:30-11:30am
Virtual discussion
Eleanor’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children: a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a story about a young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. Can Byron and Benny piece together Eleanor’s history and fulfill her final request to "share the black cake when the time is right"? Click here to reserve a copy of this book with your library card. Email DTLbookclub@bocalibraryfriends.org for Zoom link.
What's New in the Digital Library
Celebrate National Hobby Month with Hoopla
Just in time for National Hobby Month, hoopla is introducing MasterClass to its collection of video courses! The MasterClass offerings will grow throughout 2023, so keep an eye out for new titles. In the meantime, check out this list of hobby-inspiring eBooks or head over to hoopla to see the full collection.
 
Let's Play Chess!
Rookie Rooks: Beginner Chess for Youth (ages 8-12)
Sundays, 8-week series beginning January 22, 10:30-11:30am
Downtown Library
Ready to learn how to improve your chess skills and your brain power? Make your move and join in free chess classes led by a Boca Raton Chess Club instructor. Enrollment required. 
 
Chess Moves Open Play (all ages)
Sunday, January 22, 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 enrollment required.
 
Chess Tournament Play (all ages)
Sunday, January 22, 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.
 
First Florida State Girls & Women's Chess Championship Tournaments
Girls Tournament: February 4 only; Women's Tournament: February 4 and 5, 9:30am-6:00pm
Spanish River Library
The girls tournament on February 4th is for girls in grades K-8. The women’s tournament is on February 4th and 5th and is for high school players, adults, and girls in K-8 who already have a high chess rating. These tournaments are organized by the Florida Chess Association. Current US Chess Federation membership is required for this event, which can be done during the registration process. Players in the girls tournament will receive a free US Chess membership if they have not previously been a member. Pre-pay tournament entry fee and pre-register online only by February 1st for early entry fee, or by February 3rd for regular entry fee. Register at www.chessregister.com or for more information email National Chess Tournament Director, Jon Haskel, at jon@bocachess.com. The top finishing K-12 participant will be the Florida State High School Girls Champion and will also represent Florida in the Haring National Tournament of Girls State Champions at the US Open! In partnership with the Boca Raton Public Library, the tournament is made possible in collaboration with the Boca Raton Chess Club, the Florida Chess Association, and Palm Beach Chess.
What's New for Children and Teens
New Book at Pondhawk StoryWalk: Croc O'Clock by Huw Lewis Jones
January, February, and March, Pondhawk Natural Area
Adjacent to Spanish River Library
The world’s largest crocodile likes to eat, but feeding time is getting out of control. As the zoo clock ticks toward midnight, Croc is growing bigger and bigger... Enjoy this bright, bold and bonkers book while you walk the beautiful nature trail!
Tail Waggin' Tutors
Saturdays, January 7, 21, 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 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment to pick out a book to read and sign the required participation waiver.
January 7  |  January 21
Special Guest Storytime: City of Boca Raton Ocean Rescue Lifeguard (all ages)
Monday, January 23, Spanish River Library
Thursday, January 26, Downtown Library
Join us for this special storytime with Simon, an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard for the City of Boca Raton! Bring the little ones for fun stories, music and movement, songs and rhymes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bedtime Drop-in Storytime (all ages)
Tuesday, January 10, 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.
Family LEGO Challenge (all ages)
Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, 4:00-5:30pm
Spanish River Library
Bring your skills, imagination and family to our weekly themed LEGO Challenge! LEGOs are provided. First come, first served; space is limited.
Baby Bookworm (ages birth to not yet walking)
Fridays, 6-week series begins January 13, 11:00-11:30am
Spanish River Library
Pre-literacy lap sit class with stories, music, and interactive movement. Learn developmental skills for baby while sharing fun time with other caregivers. Class followed by a half-hour Play & Learn for Babies. Enrollment required. 
Tales for 2s and 3s (ages 2-3)
Wednesdays, 6-week series begins January 11, 10:00-10:30am
Spanish River Library
Early literacy class for toddlers with stories, music, play and hands-on activities. Class followed by a half-hour Play & Learn for 2s and 3s. Enrollment required.
My First Book Club (ages 4-6)
Mondays, 5-week series begins January 9, 3:30-4:00pm
Spanish River Library
In My First Book Club, children discuss beginner reader books and do related fun activities. Books will be given to the children to keep one week ahead of time to prepare for the class. Child attends independently. Enrollment required. Funded by Friends of Boca Raton Public Library.
Rhyming Writers (ages 6-8)
Thursdays, 6-week series begins January 12, 3:30-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Come join us in this exciting new class! Children will learn all about poetry, gain confidence in their creative writing and reading skills, and play fun games that further enhance their literacy skills. Child attends independently.
Booktastic Book Club (ages 7-8)
Tuesday, January 24, 3:30-4:15pm
Downtown Library or Spanish River Library
Book Club for early readers with themed activities. Child attends independently. Pick up a free copy of the book at the Library's Youth Services desk once enrolled. Books donated by the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library. Register through the links below.
Downtown Library: The Bad Guys, by Aaron Blabey
Spanish River Library: Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy! by Thomas Flintham
Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club (ages 9-12)
Mondays, 5-month series: January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Fun monthly book discussions and teamwork with tween readers to create new, exciting and creative endings. January's book is Journey Under the Sea, by R.A. Montgomery. Pick up a free copy of the book at the Spanish River Library Youth Services desk once enrolled.
Tweens & Teens Beginner's Acting (ages 9-18)
Wednesday, January 11, 18, 25, 6:30-7:30pm
Spanish River Library
Come join us in this introduction to acting, improvisation, and theatre, plus work on your creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Registration is encouraged through the links below, but drop-ins are welcome.
January 11 | January 18 | January 25
Tween & Teen Crochet (ages 9-18)
Wednesdays, 3-week series: January 11, 25, February 8, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Learn how to crochet in the round, and more basic stitches. Complete a project to take home! Yarn, hooks and other supplies provided. Enrollment required.
Introduction to Painting for Tweens (ages 9-12)
Mondays, 5-week series: January 9, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Create several drawings and paintings on canvases at each session. Learn step-by-step instructions on how to draw, understand color theory and learn different brushstroke techniques to create a masterpiece. Each session will have a different theme, usually inspired by a famous artist or style.
Tween Crafting Hour: Soap Making (ages 9-12)
Tuesday, January 17, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Fun and exciting crafts are introduced each month. This month, we'll be making soap! Make and take home your magical creations while you learn new arts and craft skills along the way. Supplies are provided. Tweens attend independently.
Tween Book Jam: Felix Yz, by Lisa Bunker (ages 9-12)
Wednesday, January 18, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Book dicussions with themed activities for tween readers. This month's book is Felix Yz, by Lisa Bunker. Pick up a free copy of the book at the Spanish River Library Youth Services Desk after enrolling. Books funded by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.
Teen Book Club: Six Crimson Cranes, by Elizabeth Lim (ages 13-18)
Thursday, January 19, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Book discussion for teen readers. This month's book is Six Crimson Cranes, by Elizabeth Lim. Pick up a free copy of the book at the Spanish River Library Youth Services Desk after enrollment. Books funded by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.
More to Enjoy
New Little Free Libraries Installed in Local Parks
In partnership with the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, the City of Boca Raton Recreation Services, and Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library, the Boca Raton Public Library is pleased to announce four new Little Free Libraries. The new libraries can be found at Sugar Sand Park, Patch Reef Park, the Swim Center, and Hillsboro El Rio Park South. The Little Free Libraries are filled with books for all ages, from children to adults. Click here to learn more.
 
Photography Exhibit: Around America, by Jennie Hodges
January 16 - March 6, during regular library hours
Downtown Library
Visit the lobby of the Downtown Library for a new exhibit, "Around America," by Jennie Hodges. Her focus is fine art photography relating to travel, landscape and nature. Notes Hodges, "I have always wanted my photos to capture the beauty of a moment in time."
Donate Your Toy Trucks for This Year's Touch a Truck Program
This year's Touch a Truck program in March will include a giant sandbox for kids, so we need your toy truck donations! If your child or grandchild has outgrown their trucks for the sand, please bring them to the checkout desk at either library so other children can enjoy them at the event!
 
Donate Your Craft Supplies to the Library
Did you know that we now offer crafting classes at the Library? Please consider donating your new or gently used tools, adhesives, cardstock, paper, yarn, and embellishments to support our programming. Bring your donations to the Information Desk at Downtown Library.
 
Library Team Member Spotlight
Name: Isabel Hidalgo
Title: Library Assistant II, Instructional Services
 
What I Do: As part of the Instructional Services (IS) team, my main responsibilities are to teach adult classes and staff the information desk, assisting patrons by answering their questions, helping them with their devices and technology, and finding or requesting library materials. In addition to these main responsibilities, I also do research for patrons and program development; conduct one-on-one appointments; record statistics we use to continue improving our programs and services; help with AV troubleshooting/equipment when needed; and work with the IS programs calendar. I also help guide new staff at IS, answering questions they may have or finding the answer if it’s not readily available.
 
Why I Love My Job: I love helping people, so being able to help others accomplish a goal, find information, or finish a task is an awesome experience! I also treasure the opportunities I’ve been given to experience and manage various projects and classes. Last (but certainly not least), I am also appreciative of and grateful for the support and guidance I get from my supervisor, as well as the feedback, collaboration, and support I get to experience while working with my amazing team members!
 
What I'm Reading Now: The Bone Orchard by Sara A. Mueller
 

Library Hours
Library Building Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm
Friday - Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
The libraries will close at 4:00pm on December 31 and will be CLOSED all day for the holidays on January 1 and January 16.
 
Curbside Holds Pick-Up Service Hours
Monday - Sunday: 12:00-4:00pm
(available only at Spanish River Library)
 
Friends Bookstore Hours at Downtown Library
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday - Monday: Closed
*Book donations accepted Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am-3:30pm
The bookstore is currently closed for the holidays. It will re-open on Tuesday, January 3, at 10:00am.
 


Boca Raton Public Library
400 NW 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432
1501 NW Spanish River Blvd.,Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-393-7852 | www.bocalibrary.org
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