What's New in January at Boca Raton Public Library

Discover

Connect

Create

What's New at Boca Raton Public Library

A New Year of Discovery!

Join us this New Year as we explore an array of programs featuring unique traditions, history, music, language, and literature through our Cultural Connections signature initiative. We start off with a Cultural Performance: The West African Harp (Kora) with Sean Gaskell, and A Brief History of Soups and Stews. Other great programs in January include a Dublin Travelogue and a talk on Spanish Women and Culture in Early Modern St. Augustine. We’re also continuing our Sunday Story Central storytelling performance series in early February, starting with A Legend in Overalls performed by the traditional Appalachian storyteller, Connie Regan-Blake. Don’t miss these opportunities to connect with the Boca Raton Public Library and make your own new and exciting cultural connection discoveries.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Lisa Testa

Program Services Librarian

January Spotlight

Cultural Performance: The West African Harp (Kora)

with Sean Gaskell

Saturday, January 17, 2:00-3:00pm

Spanish River Library

Join us for an afternoon of music and history as Sean Gaskell features songs on the Kora--a 21 string West African harp.
The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs preserve an 800 year history dating back to the start of the Mandinka Empire.

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Indie Author Day 2026

Sunday, January 25, 10:00am-4:00pm

Downtown Library

Welcome, writers! Come hear speakers and meet exhibitors from all areas of the publishing world, discuss your own work, and earn rewards while supplies last.

If you're an aspiring writer hoping to be published, you won't want to miss this free event. Authors will present and share practical advice from their own writing and publishing journeys. Meet fiction, nonfiction, and children’s authors and publishers at exhibit tables and browse their books.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

See the speaker and exhibitor schedule here.

Reserve a seat to receive an email reminder, but all drop-ins welcome.

Reserve a seat

Events for Adults

Short Stories for Writers with Dr. Caren Neile

Saturdays, January 3, 17, 10:00-11:30am

Virtual Program

Part-literature class, part-writing class, this course digs deeply into the techniques used by acclaimed short story writers to make their work sing. Participants will receive each story online in advance in order to thoughtfully engage in 90-minute lecture/discussion sessions on the texts.

Led by Dr. Caren S. Neile, the group usually meets the first and third Saturday of every month always on Zoom.

Seat reservation required to receive ZOOM link.

You will receive one link to use at every session. Ages 18 and up.

Reserve a seat

Sunday Matinee Music Series: Matthew Sabatella

and the Rambling String Band

Sunday, January 4, 3:00-4:00pm

Downtown Library

With vocals, guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass fiddle, Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band connect people with music that is woven into the fabric of the United States. Carrying on the tradition of old-time, pre-bluegrass string bands and songsters, they raise the roof with traditional folk songs, fiddle tunes, old-time country, bluegrass, Appalachian music, ragtime, blues, railroad and cowboy songs, work songs, sea shanties, reels, breakdowns, ballads, and more.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library with additional support from Arthur and Ellen Wagner.

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Wills, Trusts, and Estates with Attorney Jennifer Gomez

Thursday Night Speaker Series

Thursday, January 8, 6:00-7:30pm

Downtown Library

This practical seminar is designed to help you plan for the future with confidence and clarity. Attorney Jennifer Gomez will explain how to minimize the costs and delays of probate court, reduce the risk of family conflict, and make the process of transferring wealth easier on your loved ones. You’ll gain a clear understanding of essential tools like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and the roles of personal representatives, guardians, and trustees. The session concludes with a question-and-answer segment focused on Florida law.

The Thursday Night Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Reserve a seat

Draft to Screen

Thursday, January 8, 6:00-7:45pm

Spanish River Library

Draft to Screen is a community-led group for filmmakers, writers, animators, musicians, and artists who want to connect, grow, and find resources to finish their creative work. This group, which meets monthly, is completely free to join and open to all experience levels.

Led by Nabil Sealy alongside co-founder Wilandy Castelin, monthly group meetings will feature time for connection and networking, project pitching and a review of the accountability board for those working on projects, and workshops from industry professionals and accomplished creatives.

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Sunday Chess Tournament Play (all ages)

Sunday, January 11, 9:00am-4:15pm

Downtown Library

Ready to take the challenge and play a more formal competitive tournament game? Ages kindergarten to adult are welcome to join the Scholastic Chess Open in partnership with 954 Chess. Bring your awesome chess skills and meet your next challenger. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Chess sets will be provided but please bring chess clock if you have one.

Before registering, see the detailed informational flyer.

Pre-pay and pre-register at chessregister.com.

Monday Movies - Documentary: Made In England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger directed by David Hinton

Monday, January 12, 5:30-8:00pm

Downtown Library

Martin Scorsese first watched the films of Powell and Pressburger when he was a child, sitting in front of the family TV. When their famous logo came up on screen, Scorsese says, "You knew you were in for fantasy, wonder, magic - real film magic."

Features rare archival material from the personal collections of Powell, Pressburger and Scorsese.

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Travelogue: Dublin Diaries: City of Craic, Culture, and Color

Friday, January 16, 12:30-2:00pm

Spanish River Library

Renowned for its energetic atmosphere, historic charm, and welcoming locals, making it a destination bursting with fun and fascinating stories. Located in the heart of Ireland, Dublin entices visitors with its mix of ancient history, vibrant pub culture, literary landmarks, and striking Georgian architecture. From exploring the illuminated manuscripts at Trinity College to sampling Guinness at its iconic storehouse, strolling through lively Temple Bar, and soaking up the stories along the River Liffey, every street in Dublin invites adventure and authentic Irish hospitality.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

Story Central Storytelling Slam

Sunday, January 18, 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 first-person stories (not read or memorized) from the audience. Maximum storytellers: 10.

Reservations for storytelling preferred but not required. For more information email Caren Neile at cneile@fau.edu.

Drop-ins welcome to listen in on shared stories.

Monday Movies - Feature Film: A Delicate Balance directed by Tony Richardson

Monday, January 26, 5:30-8:00pm

Downtown Library

Katharine Hepburn and Paul Scofield lead a cast of stage and screen luminaries in this acclaimed adaptation of the heart-wrenching drama by Edward Albee. Agnes (Hepburn) and Tobias (Scofield) are the heads of an affluent Connecticut family, whose quietude and tenuous happiness are disrupted by a series of houseguests, each of whom has come to unburden themselves of their darkest emotional secrets.

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Spanish Women and Culture in Early Modern St. Augustine

Thursday Night Speaker Series

Thursday, January 29, 6:00-7:30pm

Downtown Library

Join Dr. Yolanda Gamboa of Florida Atlantic University for an engaging talk exploring the lives and cultural influence of Spanish women in early modern St. Augustine. Drawing on her archival and literary research, Dr. Gamboa reveals how women shaped the social, religious, and material worlds of America’s earliest European settlement.

The Thursday Night Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Reserve a seat

Connie Regan-Blake - A Story Central Performance:

A Legend in Overalls

Saturday, February 7, 3:00-4:30pm

Downtown Library

Connie Regan-Blake shares stories of a national treasure, the late great traditional Appalachian storyteller Ray Hicks. Bearing old-world gifts, Hicks enriched modern lives beyond measure and became not only the face of mountain storytelling, but also Connie’s mentor and “family of the heart.”

Reservations not required; drop-ins welcome.

Poets on the Fringe (POTF)
Tuesdays in January, 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

NYTimes All-Access Pass

BRPL patrons get complimentary and unlimited access to everything The New York Times has to offer!

Access all of The Times — including News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter, The Athletic and all apps — from anywhere by redeeming our renewable 72-hour access code.

Stay up to date on the news, explore games and puzzle archives, discover thousands of easy recipes, listen to over 40 podcasts and past episodes, follow your favorite sports teams, and much more.

Visit our Digital Library webpage for access instructions.

Instructional Classes for Adults

Next Level Crochet - Granny Square

Wednesday, January 7, 10:30am-12:30pm

Downtown Library

Ready to take your crochet skills to the next level? Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to crochet the classic granny square using proper techniques and stitch patterns. This class is perfect for intermediate crocheters who are already comfortable with basic stitches. This class focuses on building clean, consistent squares that can be used in blankets, bags, garments, and more.

Library card required for seat reservation.

Reserve a seat

ESOL Foundations 2: Intermediate English

Wednesdays, January 7 - April 29, 1:00-2:30pm

Spanish River Library

Practice intermediate skills for reading, writing, listening and speaking English in various real-world situations. The course will use vibrant slideshows, activities, worksheets and guided instruction to help students strengthen their English skills.

Prerequisite: A basic understanding of spoken and written English, or completion of ESOL Foundations: English for Beginners.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

Spice Stories: Culture, History, and Gastronomy

Monday, January 12, 10:30am-12:30pm

Downtown Library

Spice Stories is a monthly hands-on class that invites participants to discover the rich stories, flavors, and cultural significance of a different spice each session. Each session features a unique seasoning, exploring its origin, flavor profile, cultural significance, and culinary uses. From the fiery kick of chili to the floral warmth of cardamom, each spice unlocks a world of culinary tradition and global history.

Library card required for seat reservation.

Reserve a seat

How to Use a Sewing Machine: Sewing Basics

Wednesdays, January 14, 21, 10:00am-12:00pm

Downtown Library

Start off the NEW YEAR with a creative hobby and learn how to use a sewing machine. Come and join us for a two-part class and learn the parts of the sewing machine along with how to thread the machine and bobbin. In class we will also discuss fabrics, threads and how one can embellish your sewing projects with simple stitches on the machine. An added bonus of making your own table runner.

No sewing experience required.

Library card required for seat reservation.

Reserve a seat

Cultural Connections: A Brief History of Soups and Stews

Thursday, January 15, 1:00-2:30pm

Spanish River Library

From Cauldrons to Crockpots - Ajiaco, Gumbo, TomKhaGai and Curry - learn more about the rich history and comforting flavors of soups and stews - hearty meals that have warmed people through the coldest winters, carrying the essence of summer into the darkest months. We'll explore how these timeless dishes have nourished every corner of the world, bringing warmth, sustenance, and tradition to every bowl.

Library card required for seat reservation.

Reserve a seat

Life Skills: Knitting 101

Saturday, January 17, 11:30am-1:00pm

Downtown Library

If you have never held knitting needles in your hands, this is the class for you. Learn basic step-by-step instructions to knit your first project: a coaster! Supplies provided.

Library card required for registration.

Reserve a seat

How to Make a Pillowcase with French Seams

Wednesday, January 21, 1:00-3:30pm

Downtown Library

In this class, you will learn how to use a sewing machine and how to sew a French seam. Once your pillowcase is complete, you will have the option to embellish it using simple decorative stitches on the machine.

Prerequisite: Completion of How to Use a Sewing Machine – Sewing Basics.

Library card required for registration.

Reserve a seat

Outdoor Macramé: Valentine's Heart

Thursday, January 29, 10:00am-12:00pm

Downtown Library

Learn basic macramé knots and create a heart-shaped wall hanging just in time for Valentine’s Day. This beginner-friendly class requires no experience, all supplies are provided, and we’ll be crafting together on the Downtown Library South Patio. Come relax, get creative, and take home a handmade decoration to share the love!

Library card required for registration.

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 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 includes developing civic knowledge, learning about N-400, practice on 100 questions and the naturalization interview one-on-one preparation.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Seat reservation 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 Tuesday morning. Recommended for participants with advanced-beginner to intermediate speaking ability.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

iPhone/iPad Workshop

Thursdays, 1:30-3:00pm

Downtown Library

Bring your iPhone, iPad, or both. An Apple-trained instructor will answer your questions in a group discussion setting that’s lots of fun for all.

Seat reservation required.

Chose your date(s):

January 8 January 22

January 15 January 29

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.

Microsoft Excel Basics for Beginners

(1/5)

Computer Basics (1/12)

Android Photography Techniques

(1/23)

Computer Basics (1/26)

Microsoft Excel Basics for Beginners

(2/2)

Book Talks for Adults

Book Talks - An Hour to Kill: Death and Fromage

by Ian Moore

Tuesday, January 6, 2:00-3:00pm

Downtown Library

Running a B&B in the Val de Follet means nothing exciting ever happens to Richard, and really that's the way he likes it. Until scandal erupts in the nearby town of Saint-Sauver, when its famous restaurant is downgraded from three Michelin stars to two. The restaurant is shamed, the town is in shock, and the leading goat cheese supplier drowns himself in one of his own pasteurization tanks.

Or does he?

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Reserve a copy of the book here.

Book Talks - Books & Bagels - Spring Book Preview

Tuesday, January 13, 9:30-11:00am

Downtown Library

Join us for a preview of highly anticipated Spring releases. Enjoy some light refreshments, be the first to hear about these upcoming titles, and reserve your copy today.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

Book Talks - Non-Fiction/Biographies:

Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled

into the Spotlight and Made History by Robin Givhan

Tuesday, January 20, 2:00-3:00pm

Downtown Library

Conceived as a fundraiser for the restoration of King Louis XIV's palace, the world's elite gathered in Versailles' grand theater to view a fashion extravaganza of the best that French and American designers had to offer. What they saw would forever alter the history of fashion. Against all odds, the American energy and the domination by their fearless models (ten of whom, in a ground-breaking move, were African-American) sent the audience reeling.

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Reserve a copy of the book here.

Friends Book Club: A Calamity of Souls: A Novel

by David Baldacci

Thursday, January 22, 6:30-7:30pm

Virtual Program

Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially-charged murder case sets a duo of white and Black lawyers against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully-accused Black defendants.

Open to all. No pre-registration required.

Join virtual program with our 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

New StoryWalk Book: Peck, Peck, Peck (all ages)

January, February & March

Pondhawk Natural Area, adjacent to Spanish River Library

Pecking his way through the door of a house, an intrepid little woodpecker busily raps on a rhyming sequence of indoor objects, from a hat and a mat and a racket and jacket to a teddy bear and a book called Jane Eyre.

StoryWalk is a fun, educational activity that places a children’s storybook along a popular walking route in the community. Different books are displayed throughout the year to keep the StoryWalk experience fresh and promote future learning.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Rookie Rooks: Introduction to Chess for Youth (ages 8-12)

Sunday, January 11, 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 this monthly chess class.

Seat reservation required for each individual class.

Reserve a seat

Special Guest Storytime with an

Ocean Rescue Lifeguard (ages 0-5)

Monday, January 12, 10:00-10:30am at Downtown Library

Monday, January 26, 10:00-10:30am at Spanish River Library

This fun-filled half-hour will be packed with songs, fingerplays, and stories read by library staff and a special guest reader, a Lifeguard from Boca Raton Ocean Rescue.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat - Downtown

Reserve a seat - Spanish River

Winnie the Pooh Day (ages 0-8)

Sunday, January 18, 11:00am-12:00pm

Spanish River Library

Come join us for Winnie the Pooh Day. Little ones can enjoy crafts and activities, playing with others, and watching the Winnie the Pooh movie together. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

Special Character Storytime: A Frozen Storytime (ages 0-5)

Tuesday, January 20, 10:00-10:30am

Spanish River Library

Big Bird and other characters invite you to our Special Character Storytimes. Enjoy songs, stories, and rhymes. Costumes encouraged but not required.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

Booktastic Book Talk: Harry Potter and

the Sorcerer's Stone (ages 8-10)

Sunday, January 25, 1:00-2:00pm

Downtown Library

Calling all young readers! Join us for booktastic fun as we dive into awesome stories, share our thoughts, and bring books to life with exciting, themed activities. Child attends independently.

Once enrolled, pick up a free copy of the book at the Library's Youth Services desk (while supplies last).

Books donated by the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

Farmer Jay’s Junior Sprouts (ages 6-8)

Tuesday, January 27, 5:30-6:30pm

Spanish River Library

Get ready to grow something! Join the Jr. Sprouts program which will introduce children to the lost art of sustainable agriculture. Each class is designed to inspire children while participating in fun hands-on activities. Children who attend and complete all eight core classes will receive certification and become Certified Junior Farmers! Child attends independently.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Reserve a seat

My First Book Club: Henry and Mudge and

the Starry Night(ages 6-7)

Thursday, January 29, 4:30-5:00pm

Spanish River Library

Join our fun-filled First Book Club adventure! Kids read a beginner reader book before attending, then come together to dive deeper into the story through creative, hands-on activities that bring the book to life. Books are 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.

Reserve a seat

What's New for Tweens & Teens

Nature Journaling for Tweens and Teens (ages 9-17)

Saturday, January 24, 2:00-3:30pm

Spanish River Library

Celebrate the beauty of Florida this winter by exploring the nature right behind the Spanish River Library. You will learn how to observe, record, draw, and connect to the plants and animals you see through nature journaling. Adult attendance is required for each tween and teen.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

Journey to Olympus (ages 9-12)

Tuesday, January 27, 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.

Reserve a seat

Hooked on Crochet for Tweens:

Intermediate Level (ages 9-12)

Wednesdays, January 28 - March 4, 5:30-7:00pm

Spanish River Library

In this linked series of classes, tweens who are already proficient in creating slipknots, chain stitches, and single crochet stitches will learn additional stitches, pattern recognition, and how to add yarn or change yarn colors in an existing project. Each lesson will incorporate a simple project that reinforces the concepts presented. Once you are signed up for one class, you are signed up for all.

Seat reservation required.

Reserve a seat

More to Enjoy

Upcoming Art Exhibit "Lighthouse Keeper -

The Art Of Timothy Leistner"

January 20 - February 27

Downtown Library

Mr. Leistner’s work is interdisciplinary and for this exhibit, he focuses primarily on his lighthouse art. He notes that he sees himself as a “Lighthouse Keeper,” though not in a traditional sense. Leistner believes that these lighthouses are meant to provide a feeling of safety despite current turbulences in the world. He feels “viewing lighthouses promotes feelings of safety, honor, and hope,” which are all sensations he feels are needed most. Read more .

New Art Exhibit "For the Love of Abstraction" by Monica Kassan

December 8 - January 16

Spanish River Library

Her paintings are bright, vibrant, and dynamic. She notes that she is “in love with abstraction. It is in my ever-evolving vision.” For Monica, art “enriches our world, brings peace to strife.” Working with acrylics, inks, paper, and crayon, she feels this lets her leave space for her works to “breathe.” Read more.

Library Team Member Spotlight

Erica Curren

Library Assistant II

What I Do: I work in Account Services, helping to manage the accounts of library patrons, check in books, check out books, prepare materials for requested holds, inspect for quality, and provide services like giving everyone a fair turn with the Study Rooms and helping patrons recover items that wind up in the Lost & Found. I greet patrons with a smile, tell them about what resources we have available, and assist them as best I can within the scope of my position. I can even sometimes give patrons recommendations on the sort of services they're in need of or what kind of books they may enjoy.

Why I Love My Job: What I like most is how calm and relaxing working at the library can be. I also greatly enjoy helping patrons locate the book they were looking for, and the smiles of excitement and relief at getting to read it. Working at the library gives me many opportunities to learn, be creative, and interface with unique people for memorable experiences.

What I’m Reading Now: The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan, the eighth book in the Wheel of Time series.

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

www.bocalibraryfriends.org

The Library will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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: 9:00-5:00pm

561-393-7852

bocalibrary.org

Click here to unsubscribe

Please do not reply to this message. Replies will not be routed to or seen by library staff. If you have any comments, please contact us at brpl@myboca.us or call us at 561-393-7852.

Boca Raton Public Library
400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561-393-7852 https://brplfl.patronpoint.com/email/unsubscribe/676ecd056dae7696688406

Can't see this email? Click here to view this message in browser window.