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Spring into March!
March is an exciting time at the library!  Touch a Truck will be our large family event at the Spanish River Library on Saturday, March 22 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Bring the whole family to check out the City’s fantastic trucks and specialty vehicles. Meet the City employees who make sure we have clean water, keep us safe at the beach and around town, pick up our trash, and more. Be sure to visit some of the truck demonstrations, pick up a free children’s book, and play in the giant sandbox.
 
For our 2025 program initiative Pathways to Sustainability, join us for Fran Stallings: Earthteller on March 1, Coastal Creature Conversations on March 6, Bird Nerding 101 on March 13, and Sustainable Yards: Gardening for Birds on March 26.
Shilo Perlman        
Library Assistant III
 
 
 
 
 
March Event Spotlight
Events for Adults 
Saturday Morning Writers' Group with Dr. Caren Neile
Saturdays, March 1 and 15, 11:00am-12:30pm
via Zoom
Are you a budding or professional writer? Would you like feedback from other writers on your book chapters, short stories, poetry or vignettes? Are you interested in building an ongoing team of like-minded people for creative support and inspiration? If so, you are a perfect candidate for a writers' group.
 
 
Seat reservation required to receive ZOOM link; must be a library cardholder.
Reserve a seat

Fran Stallings: Earthteller – A Story Central Performance
Saturday, March 1, 3:00-4:30pm
Downtown Library
Enjoy traditional folktales and science-based stories celebrating our wonderful planet, with autoharp accompaniment.  Trained as a biologist, Fran Stallings has been a professional storyteller for 40 years, telling science in the shape of story and creating numerous publications and recordings.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Sunday Matinee Music Series: Celtic Music with Emily and Kel
Sunday, March 2, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
This program covers a wide range of Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, and Canada, featuring reels, jigs, hornpipes, polkas, clogs, strathspeys, airs, waltzes, and songs. Interspersed between the music Emily explains the nuances of Celtic music.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library with additional support from Arthur and Ellen Wagner. 
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Coastal Creature Conversations: Small Whales & Dolphins 
with Dr. Harrison Albert - Coastal Stewards Talks Series
Thursday, March 6, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
In this third and final session of this three-session series, learn about each of the marine animals common to Florida's coasts and the efforts individuals like Dr. Harrison Albert, as part of the Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS) and the Coastal Stewards, make in order to save and maintain populations of these wonderful creatures.
 
Reserve a seat to receive an email reminder but drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Monday Movies - Documentary: Picture a Scientist directed by Sharon Shattuck and Ian Cheney
Monday, March 10, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
Picture a Scientist: The Fight for Gender Equity in Science chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. Biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, ranging from brutal harassment to years of subtle slights. 
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Extraordinary Women Across the Ages
Wednesday, March 12, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Join us for a survey of some of history's most extraordinary women. From warriors and queens to scientists and scholars and everything in between, women have always been influential. There's no better time than Women's History Month to remember this importance and learn more about the many women who have changed the world.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Bird Nerding 101 with Autumn Kioti from Audubon Everglades
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, March 13, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Join Autumn Kioti for a fun interactive presentation for both beginning birders and more advanced bird nerds alike. We'll learn about birds, how, where and when to see them, and discover Audubon Everglades awesome free fieldtrips and programs for individuals of all shapes, sizes, identities and abilities. Birding is for everybody and EVERY BODY.
 
The Thursday Night Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to recieve a reminder but all drop-ins welcome. 
Reserve a seat

Story Central Storytelling Slam with Dr. Caren Neile
Sunday, March 16, 3:00-4:30pm
Downtown Library
It's a community storytelling concert. It's a friendly competition. It's a chance to make new connections and renew old ones. Join us for the delightful cafe atmosphere, coffee and tea, and 5-7-minute true personal stories (not read or memorized) from the audience. 
 
Maximum storytellers: 10. Reservations for storytellers preferred but not required. 
 
Drop-ins welcome to listen in on shared stories.
Reservation Information

Monday Movies - Feature Film: Perfect Days
directed by Wim Wenders
Monday, March 24, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
A perfect song that hits at just the right moment, the play of sunlight through leaves, a fleeting moment of human connection in a vast metropolis: the wonders of everyday life come into breathtaking focus in this profoundly moving film. In a Cannes-award-winning performance, Koji Yakusho plays a public-toilet cleaner in Tokyo whose rich inner world is gradually revealed through his small exchanges with those around him and with the city itself. 
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Sustainable Yards Series - Gardening for Birds: Plants and Landscaping Practices to Attract Birds
Wednesday, March 26, 6:00-7:30pm
Spanish River Library
Join us to learn how to create a bird-friendly garden in South Florida by using native plants and providing shelter, food, and water to attract more diverse populations of birds into your yard throughout the year. We will discuss strategies for designing and maintaining habitats to support a wide range of birds to enhance biodiversity in our landscapes.  
 
The Sustainability Yard Series is brought to you by the City of Boca Raton Office of Sustainability and the Unviersity of Florida/IFAS Palm Beach County.
 
Email sustainability@myboca.us or call 561-393-7997 with questions about registration or the program.
Register here

Flight of Remembrance: A World War II
Family Odyssey with Marina Kirsch
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, March 27, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Join us for an enlightening, insightful evening with Marina Kirsch, author of Flight of Remembrance. Kirsch will present her family’s true story of resilience and new beginnings from World War II with many parallels drawn to today’s war in Ukraine. Her father, a young Latvian engineering student was forced to flee his homeland in 1939 before the first Soviet takeover, at a time when the only nation offering refuge was Nazi Germany.
 
The Thursday Night Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Poets on the Fringe (POTF)
Tuesdays in March, 3:30-5:45pm
Spanish River Library
Poets from all walks of life, both established and emerging, are encouraged to share their work and offer positive feedback and support to each other. This weekly series is hosted by Pamela Passaretta, who coordinated this program for 10 years in Washington, DC. Open to ages 18 and up.
 
Seat reservation not required but seating is limited.

Socrates Cafè
Mondays, Spanish River Library,  1:00-3:00pm
Tuesdays, Downtown Library, 1:30-3:00pm
At Socrates Cafe, people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences. Gatherings are free and open to any member of the public who wishes to freely discuss a question, which is chosen by vote.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome. 
What's New in the Digital Library
Ready for a fresh start? Explore your potential with Brainfuse JobNow’s career assessments, including eParachute. Discover a path that’s right for you! 
 
Visit JobNow.

Get reading recommendations in your inbox with our new Recommends newsletters. Just click on the "Recommends" button on our website and check off the genres you're interested in. Choose from mystery, biography, popular culture, and many more. For immediate access, click here.
Instructional Classes for Adults
Sustainability: Mending Marathon
Thursday, March 6, 1:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Join our mending circle with new friends to  darn socks,  mend seams, hem pants, or repurpose old garments into fresh uses. Bring your own items to mend. A staff member will be available to assist, but no sewing instruction will be given.
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

How to Use a Sewing Machine: Sewing Basics
Wednesdays, March 12, 19, 10:30am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
Spring into a new hobby and learn how to use a sewing machine. Join us for a two-part class series and learn the parts of the sewing machine. 
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

Sustainability: Scrap Paper Projects with Cricut
Thursday, March 13, 1:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Do you have leftover paper and cardstock from previous craft projects? Learn how to use Cricut Design Space and the Cricut Maker 3 to turn your scrap paper into new projects and embellishments. 
 
Library card required for reservation
Reserve a seat

Life Skills: Knit Without Needles
Tuesday, March 18, 11:00am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
This hands-on class will teach participants how to use Loopy Yarn to create blankets, scarves and more. No needles needed. Learn and practice knit, purl, cast on and off stitches that you can use to complete your own project at home
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

Sustainability and Life Skills: Macramé Shopping Bag
Thursday, March 20, 10:30am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
Are you ready to improve your knotting abilities while also making a positive impact on the environment? Join us in crafting an eco-friendly macrame shopping bag while mastering fundamental macrame knots.
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

Make a Mix Mondays – Dressing Up Spring
Monday, March 24, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Learn how to assemble and re-create a perfectly balanced raspberry-balsamic vinaigrette and a lemon-thyme dressing, free from preservatives and chemicals, and worthy of your freshest spring salads! You will assemble and take home two jars of dressing and coordinating tags, recipe cards, and greeting card. Make more for friends and family at home later.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

US Citizenship Test Preparation
Tuesdays, 6:15-7:45pm
Spanish River Library
Do you need help preparing for the Citizenship and Interview Test? This 4-5 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.
 
Seat resesrvation required.
Reserve a seat

ESOL Conversation Corner
Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:00pm
Downtown Library
Come practice your conversational English skills over a cup of coffee or tea! We will improve our speaking and reading skills through a variety of everyday conversation topics and fun activities. We meet every other Tuesday morning. Recommended for participants with advanced-beginner to intermediate speaking ability.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome. 
Reserve a seat

Our Instructional Services team is offering many classes for adults this month. Click on the links below or visit the Library Calendar to reserve a seat. Seat reservations are required for all programs.
Book Talks for Adults
Book Talks - An Hour to Kill: The Island by Adrian McKinty
Tuesday, March 4, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
"For Heather Baxter, a working trip to Australia with her new husband, Tom, and his two teens is a dream come true. A terrible accident changed everything. Heather has been underestimated her entire life, but she knows that only she can bring her family home again. She will become the mother the children desperately need. Even if it means doing the unthinkable to keep them alive."
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here. 

Book Talks - Non-Fiction/Biographies: Girl in a Band:
A Memoir by Kim Gordon
Tuesday, March 18, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
A founding member of Sonic Youth, fashion icon and role model for a generation of women, now tells her fiercely honest story--a memoir of life as an artist, of music, marriage, motherhood, independence and as one of the first women of rock and roll. 
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.

Friends Book Club: The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
Thursday, March 27, 6:30-7:30pm
Virtual Program
Eleven-year-old Nico Crispi never told a lie. When the Nazis invade his home in Salonika, Greece, the trustworthy boy is discovered by a German officer, who offers him a chance to save his family. All Nico has to do is convince his fellow Jewish residents to board trains heading towards "the East" where they are promised jobs and safety.
 
Open to all. No pre-registration required.
 
Join virtual program with our new dedicated Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6188745394
 
Presented by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
What's New for Children
Tail Wagging Tutors (ages 6-8)
Saturday, March 1, 12:00-1:30pm
Downtown Library 
Build your child's reading confidence with furry, tail wagging, tutors. Limited spaces available. Parent/guardian signature of an activity waiver particpant form is required for each child prior to attending the program. Please plan to arrive early to sign the waiver and pick your books.
Reserve a time

Welcome to Whoville: Dr. Seuss Day (ages 4-6)
Sunday, March 2, 10:00-10:45am
Spanish River Library
Join us for Dr. Seuss day! Come dressed in your favorite Dr. Seuss outfit, enjoy storytime, and dive into Dr. Seuss crafts. You never know what surprise character will appear for photo opportunities.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Farmer Jay’s Junior Sprouts Class (ages 6-8)
Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 3:30-4:30pm
Downtown Library
Get ready to grow something! Join the Jr. Sprouts program which will introduce children to the lost art of sustainable agriculture. Each class includes fun, hands-on activities. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. A seat reservation is required for each individual class.
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
 
 

Bright Minds Storytime: An ASD Storytime (ages 7-12)
Friday, March 21, 3:30-4:00pm
Downtown Library
This fun storytime is designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children must be accompanied with at least one parent/caregiver. Siblings welcome too.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

My First Book Club (ages 6-7)
Thursdays in March, 4:00-4:30pm
Spanish River Library
Children discuss beginner reader books and do related fun activities. Books distributed one week ahead of time to prepare for class. Child attends independently.
 
Books funded by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
 

Exceptional Explorers (ages 7-8)
Wednesdays, March 12,19, 4:00-4:45pm
Spanish River Library
Join us for new adventures each week as we meet inspiring real life explorers and engage in fun, hands-on activities. Be curious, seek answers and explore with us.
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat
What's New for Tweens 
Tween Graphic Novel Book Talk: Garlic and the Witch
by Bree Paulsen (ages 9-12)
Tuesday, March 4, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Garlic loves spending time with Witch Agnes, Carrot, and her new friend, the Count, who has proven to be a delightful neighbor to the village of vegetable people rather than a scary vampire. But despite Agnes’s best attempts to home-brew a vegetarian blood substitute for Count, the ingredient she needs most can only be found at the Magic Market, far from the valley. Before she knows it, Garlic is nervously preparing for a journey.
 
Reserve your seat, pick up your book at the Spanish River Library, and meet with us to talk about the novel.
 
Books funded by the Friends of the Library.
Reserve a seat

Beginning Crochet for Tweens (ages 9-12)
Sundays, March 9, 23, 1:00-2:30pm
Spanish River Library
In this introductory class, tweens will learn the foundations of crochet, including making a slip knot, chaining, single, and double crochet and reading a pattern. After this class, tweens will be able to have the beginning skills to explore and start their own projects, like small bags. 
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Mario Day: Mario Kart Tournament (ages 9-12)
Monday, March 10, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Compete in a Mario Kart Tournament. Play to win, and while you are waiting to play, engage in fun Mario-themed activities. Costumes are encouraged.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Journey to Olympus (ages 9-12)
Tuesdays, March 11, 25, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Journey to Olympus, and learn about the various gods, heroes, and monsters of Greek mythology. Learn about a different myth, story, or legend each month, and engage in fun activities.
 
Seat reservation required. Register for each class individually.
Reserve a seat

Gaming for Tweens (ages 9-12)
Mondays, March 17, 24, 31, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Meet new friends at the Library to play video games. Play on our Switch, PS4, Xbox, or bring your own gaming device. At the end, we will have a friendly tournament for bragging rights.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop- ins welcome.

Baby-Sitters Club: Claudia's Crafternoon (ages 9-12)
Tuesday, March 18, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Using common household items, create a monthly upcycled craft inspired by the ever funky and fun Claudia from Babysitter's Club. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own projects to work on in a safe space with friends.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Sustainability Skills for Tweens: Candle Making (ages 9-12)
Tuesday, March 18, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Tweens come together to learn the basics of candle making. We will go through the process, step-by-step, and tweens will make their own creative candle sample.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Rookie Rooks Introduction to Chess for Youth (ages 8-12)
Sunday, March 23, 10:30am-11:30am
Downtown Library
Ready to learn how to play chess? Join a monthly introduction chess class led by a chess instructor in partnership with Endgame Education.  Child attends independently.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Booktastic Book Talk: The One and Only Ivan (ages 8-10)
Tuesday, March 25, 3:30-4:15pm
Downtown Library
Having spent years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.
 
Pick up a free copy of the book at the Downtown  Library's Youth Services desk once registered (while supplies last). Books donated by the Friends of the Library.
 
Child attends independently. Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat
What's New for Teens
Sustainability Skills for Teens: Embroidery (ages 13-17)
Tuesday, March 4, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Teens come together to learn the basics of embroidery. We will go through the process, step-by-step, and teens will make their own creative embroidery sample.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Coaching for College Success (ages 13-17)
Saturday, March 8, 2:30-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Are you ready for college? Do you know what to prepare for once you’re accepted? Join David Troy Psy.D., M.B.A., a tenured faculty member at The City University of New York, as he shares with you the tools for a successful transition to college. Multiple topics will be discussed such as common questions and fears about the transition, course selection, the importance of the syllabi, online learning management systems (LMS), time management and prioritizing tasks, study techniques, professors' expectations, and effective communication skills. Teens, parents, upcoming college students, and new college students are welcome to attend.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
  
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Find Your Muse: Poetry for Teens (ages 13-17)
Wednesdays in March, 6:00-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Meet other teens, explore different types of poetry, and workshop your creations together. Teens with completed poetry are invited to present at the Versed in Verse poetry reading on 4/22.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat
More to Enjoy
New Photographic Exhibit "Bobcat Vision: Boca Raton Comunity High School Student Photography” 
February 24 - April 4
Downtown Library
In celebration of Youth Art Month in March, the Boca Raton Public Library presents a new photography exhibit, “Bobcat Vision: Boca Raton Community High School Student Photography.” Visitors to the front lobby area of the Downtown Library will be able to view a variety of photographs taken by the students in Boca High’s esteemed photography program. Read more...

New Art Exhibit "Beauty of Life" by Connie Chao
March 3 - April 11
Spanish River Library
In celebration of Youth Art Month in March, the Boca Raton Public Library presents a new art exhibit, “Beauty of Life,” by Connie Chao.  Miss Chao is a 16-year-old artist who aims to transform her personal journey of resilience into a mission of hope and beauty. Born with a heart defect, she faced significant challenges early in life. However, thanks to the compassionate care of hospitals like Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, she was given a chance to see and embrace the “beauty of life.” Read more...

Our 2025 Initiative: Pathway to Sustainability
The Library’s 2025 program initiative is Pathway to Sustainability! Be sure to take advantage of the many sustainable-themed programs that feature special guest expert speakers, adult storytelling performers, funtastic storytimes for youth, and clever sustainable life skill activities to help you create more eco-friendly items for everyday use. 
 
The popular Sustainable Yard program series is offered in partnership with the City of Boca Raton's Office of Sustainability and the University of Florida/IFAS Palm Beach County Environmental Horticulture Extension Office.  Check out the free Seed Library at both library locations.  Explore Florida nature and gardening books, videos, and more online in the Digital Library.
Library Team Member Spotlight
Peggy Donnelly
Library Page
What I Do: I am a part of the very important Collection Services department at the library. My job title is Library Page, and as such, I am responsible for re-shelving and maintaining all collections at the Spanish River branch. Pages maintain the collection by shelf reading and paying attention to the outward appearance of all sections. A mis-shelved book is a book that can’t be checked out and savored! I especially enjoy when I get to assist patrons with locating specific items within the library, to boast about library services, or am asked for reading recommendations! 
 
Why I Love My Job: I am proud to be a part of the vital services provided by the Boca Raton Library. As an employee, I enjoy interacting with patrons and my fellow employees, and I appreciate (a bit obsessively!) helping to make the Spanish River branch shine like the gem that it truly is. As a grateful patron, I take full advantage of the services, lectures and classes offered!
 
What I’m Reading Now: I am on book #12 of the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny, A Great Reckoning.
Friends of the Library News
The Friends are grateful to the community for generous book donations.  
Volunteers receive book donations Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am-3:30pm at the Bookstore located in the lobby of the Downtown Library. Please review the book donation policy at the Friends Bookstore Webpage.

Support Indie Bookstores
You can purchase Friends virtual book club picks online at Bookshop.org. Search for the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library Bookstore to see their list of book club picks, and select them as the bookstore you would like to support with your purchase.
 

Friends' Bookstore Hours & Location
400 NW 2nd Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33432
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday -1:00-4:00pm
Monday: Closed
561-544-8596

Library Hours & Locations
400 NW 2nd Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33432
1501 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm
Friday - Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
561-393-7852

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Boca Raton Public Library
400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561-393-7852
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