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The Library is Blooming in May 
 
Finish the school year on a high note—with a little help from your library! From kids to grown-ups, there’s something for everyone to jump into as we celebrate the start of summer. Think you’re quick? Put your skills to the test at our upcoming Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament, presented in collaboration with the Florida Jigsaw Puzzle Association. More of a music fan? Feel the rhythm when Fushi Daiko takes over the library with a live cultural performance full of heart-pounding beats.
 
Love books? Of course you do. Don’t miss our award-winning guest author, Sita Singth, who will read from Mango Memories and later share insider tips on how a book goes from idea to publication. Younger readers can let their imaginations run wild at our featured Where the Wild Things Are Storytime, while curious minds ready for something hands-on can dive into the fascinating world of insects at Farmer Jay’s Bug Boss Academy—yes, real bugs included!
 
Whether you’re counting down to summer break or just ready to unwind, the library is your go-to spot for fun, discovery, and a little something new for every age.
 
Best, 
Meagan Hurd  
Program Services Librarian III
May Event Spotlight 
Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament
Saturday, May 16, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Calling all Jigsaw Puzzle enthusiasts! Join us for a Puzzle Tournament, held in partnership with the Florida Jigsaw Puzzle Association.
 
The tournament will consist of 25 pairs of people, all racing to finish the same 300-piece puzzle. The faster you are, the higher your chance of earning a reward. 
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required for each pair of participants competing in the puzzle tournament. Drop-in spectators welcome.
Reserve a seat

Cultural Performance: Taiko Drumming 
and Demo with Fushu Daiko
Saturday, May 23, 2:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Feel the rhythm come alive—join us for a heart-pounding Taiko Drumming Performance and Interactive Demo with Fushu Daiko! Experience the power, energy, and pulse of these incredible drums up close. Don’t just watch—be part of the beat!
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Creative Journeys Youth Art Show:
Where I'm From Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, May 26, 4:30-6:00pm
Spanish River Library
Young artists display their most creative works in the Creative Journeys Youth Art Show: Where I'm From. The Awards Ceremony honors participants' talent by offering rewards in the following categories: Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place. These awards are given based on four age groups: 5-6, 7-8, 9-12, and 13-17. Refreshments provided.
 
Sponsored by Marilyn Kaplan, to benefit young artists.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
Events for Adults 
Florida Author Series: Mango Memories by Sita Singh
Saturday, May 2, 1:00-2:00pm
Downtown Library
Celebrate the Library's Cultural Connections initiative this year and join award-winning Florida children's author, Sita Singh as she reads her picture books, Mango Memories, recipient of the 2024 Gold medal winner of The Florida Book Awards for Young Children's Literature and Birds of a Feather, a Dolly Parton Imagination Library Selection.  Ms. Sita Singh will also share a little about how she wrote the stories and the publishing process followed by some engaging book related activities. Families and children K-5. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver.
 
Sponsored by the Laine K. Rudd fund.

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

Florida Author Series: Sita Singh and
Pathway to Publication
Saturday, May 2, 2:30-3:30pm
Downtown Library
Join award-winning children’s author Sita Singh on a journey through the world of picture book publishing as she shares her pathway to success. In this engaging presentation, Sita will break down the essential elements of bringing a picture book to life. She will walk you through the process of creating a book—from initial concept to final manuscript, exploring the art of storytelling. You'll learn about the importance of finding and nurturing your creative community, including how connecting with fellow writers can provide invaluable support and insights.
 
Sponsored by the Laine K. Rudd fund.

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

Sunday Music Matinee: Roy Connors
Sunday, May 3, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
The 1960's folk music group "The Highwaymen" had several songs at the top of the charts: Michael, Row the Boat Ashore, In Them Old Cotton Fields Back Home, Gypsy Rover, and Whiskey in the Jar.  Come reminisce with Hootenanny with a Highwayman, an hour-long sing-along featuring the songs of '60's folk groups. You'll remember the groups, the songs, and the lyrics!
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library with additional support from Arthur and Ellen Wagner. 

 Seat reservations not required; drop-ins welcome

The History Behind The Picture of Dorian Gray:
Beauty, Morality, and the Mirror
Tuesday, May 5, 1:00-2:30pm
Spanish River Library
Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is more than a tale of vanity - it's a haunting exploration of art, ethics, and the human soul.  This talk delves into the novel's provocative themes: the pursuit of eternal youth, the tension between aestheticism and morality, and the consequences of unchecked desire.  We'll examine Wilde's wit, symbolism, and cultural context, and discuss why this 19th-century masterpiece still resonates in today's image-driven world.

 Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Draft to Screen
Thursday, May 7, 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. 

Travelogue: U.S. Virgin Islands
Friday, May 8, 1:00-2:30pm
Spanish River Library
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of three main islands located in the Caribbean - St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Known for their beaches, coral reefs, and tropical landscapes, they are also rich in history, from Danish colonial architecture to Afro-Caribbean cultural traditions. Today, the islands are a U.S. territory that blends natural beauty with a diverse cultural heritage.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Sunday Chess Tournament Play (all ages)
Sunday, May 10, 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: Never Look Away
Directed by Lucy Lawless  
Monday, May 11, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
CNN camerawoman Margaret Moth fearlessly captures footage of war zones. After receiving catastrophic injuries in the crosshairs of battle, she returns to work with more courage than ever. An intimate portrait of a trailblazing female photojournalist. Features interviews with Moth's family and friends, including CNN's Christiane Amanpour. A Sundance film festival premiere directed by Lucy Lawless.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Aegean Islands: The Northeast
Tuesday, May 12, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Explore the islands of the northeast Aegean. This session focuses on archaeological sites on Samothrace and Chios, examining their rugged landscapes and distinctive architecture. Through maps and storytelling, we trace the evolution of ancient life into the vibrant culture found on these islands today.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Story Central Storytelling Slam
Sunday, May 17, 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.

Acoustic Musicians
Monday, May 18, 5:30-7:30pm
Spanish River Library
Bring your own instrument and come join in a monthly musical jam session at the Spanish River Library. Space is limited. Must be 18 years or older.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Monday Movies - Feature Film: Yi Dai Zong Shi (The Grandmaster) directed by Kar-wai Wong
Monday, May 18, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
Watch an epic action feature inspired by the life and times of the legendary kung fu master, Ip Man, who mentored Bruce Lee. The story spans the tumultuous Republican era that followed the fall of China's last dynasty, a time of chaos, division, and war that was also the golden age of Chinese martial arts.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Florida Author Series: Rabbit in the Moon
by Deborah and Joel Shlian
Saturday, May 30, 2:00-3:30pm
Downtown Library
Deborah and Joel Shlian are the recipients of the 2008 Gold Winner of The Florida Book Awards for the Genre Fiction book title, Rabbit in the Moon. Join the authors for an engaging discussion and presentation of their book.
 
Sponsored by the Laine K. Rudd fund. 
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Poets on the Fringe (POTF)
Tuesdays in May, 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
Explore a curated collection of mental health resources this May for Mental Health Awareness Month, including insightful books and empowering videos in hoopla. 
Instructional Classes for Adults
Cricut Fundamentals Workshop
Thursday, May 14, 10:30am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
Interested in checking out one of our Cricut craft cutting machines, but don't know where to begin? This workshop is your opportunity to get hands-on with some basic Cricut tools and materials, and will cover a range of topics to help you get started with the software and hardware. Your questions are welcome! Library card required to reserve a seat.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Computer Backups for Beginners
Monday, May 18, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Learn how to keep photos, videos, and other important information on your computer safe. From cloud storage to external hard drives, we will be discussing how you can protect your information.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Knitting Foundations Workshop
Tuesday, May 19, 1:00-2:30pm
Downtown Library
Need help with a knitting stitch or have a pattern question? Want to learn the basic beginning steps for a new craft? Join us this summer!
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

Podcast Recording for Beginners
Tuesday, May 26, 1:00-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Learn about the techniques and equipment used to record podcasts and other audio projects in the library's professional-grade recording studio. This is a workshop-style class.
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

Cultural Connections: Beginner Chinese Calligraphy
Wednesday, May 27, 11:30am-1:30pm
Downtown Library
Join this beginner friendly course and learn about the history, materials and methods of one of the most ancient art forms in Chinese culture. Engage with Chinese culture through a meditative practice that promotes relaxation and concentration, while focusing on a variety of techniques and the use of traditional materials.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Macramé Workshop
Thursday, May 28, 10:30am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
Discover the art of macramé in this hands-on workshop where you'll learn essential knots and techniques to build your confidence. You will master key macramé skills like the square knot, lark’s head knot, and spiral knot, which you'll then use to create your own unique project. Materials will be provided to practice on, making it perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills.
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

How to Use a Sewing Machine: Sewing Basics
Saturday, May 30, 10:00am-1:00pm
Downtown Library
Learn the parts of the sewing machine along with how to thread the machine and bobbin. We will also discuss fabrics, threads, and how you can embellish your sewing projects with simple stitches on the machine. Everyone will get to make and take home their own table runner! No prior sewing experience required. 
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

ESOL Conversation Corner
Tuesdays in May, 11:30am-1:00pm
Downtown Library
Come practice your conversational English skills. 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.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
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

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 fun for all.
 
Seat reservation required.
Chose your date(s):
 
May 7              May 28
 
May 14             

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
Books & Bagels - Summer Book Preview
Tuesday, May 5, 9:30-11:00am
Downtown Library
Summer is a time for rest, relaxation, and more time to read!  Join library staff as they present highly anticipated Summer releases.  Be the first to hear about these upcoming titles and reserve your copies today.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Book Talks - An Hour to Kill: Strange Houses by Uketsu
Tuesday, May 5, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
When a writer fascinated by the macabre is approached by an acquaintance, he finds himself investigating an eerie house for sale in Tokyo. At first, with its bright and spacious interior, it seems the perfect first home. But upon closer inspection, the building’s floor plans reveal a mysterious "dead space” hidden between its walls. 
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
 

Book Talks - Non-Fiction/Biographies:
Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gaugin by Sue Prideaux 
Tuesday, May 19, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Paul Gauguin's legend as a transgressive genius arises as much from his biography as his aesthetically daring Polynesian paintings. Gauguin is chiefly known for his pictures that eschewed convention, to celebrate the beauty of an indigenous people and their culture. In this gorgeously illustrated, myth-busting work, Sue Prideaux reveals that while Gauguin was a complicated man, his scandalous reputation is largely undeserved. 
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.

Friends Book Club:There Are Rivers in the Sky: 
A Novel by Elif Shafak
Thursday, May 28, 7:00-8:00pm
Virtual Program
This is the story of one lost poem, two great rivers, and three remarkable lives - all connected by a single drop of water. A dazzling feat of storytelling from one of the greatest writers of our time, Elif Shafak's There are Rivers in the Sky is a rich, sweeping novel that spans centuries, continents and cultures, entwined by rivers, rains, and waterdrops.
 
Open to all. No pre-registration required.
 
Join virtual program with our dedicated Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6188745394
 
Log in from 6:30pm on. Discussion begins at 7:00pm. 

Presented by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
What's New for Children
New StoryWalk Book: Counting Dinos (all ages)
May, June & July
Serenoa Glade Preserve at George Snow Park
Rodrigo the Ankylosaurus and his dinosaur friends explore their prehistoric world as they count from one to ten.
 
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.

Another Year of 1,000 Books (ages 0 - 5)
Saturday, May 9, 1:30-3:30pm
Downtown Library
This fantastic program is for participants enrolled in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Not enrolled yet? Call us at 561-393-7968 or 561-544-8584 to get your child enrolled for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and to confirm your reservation to this special invitation-only program.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 
 
Seat reservation required.
More info

Where the Wild Things Are Storytime (ages 0 - 5)
Saturday, May 9, 1:30-3:30pm
Downtown Library
Get wild this storytime with Where the Wild Things Are. Calling all little monsters to enjoy music, movement, and rhymes. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Rookie Rooks: Introduction to Chess for Youth (ages 8-12)
Sunday, May 10, 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

Farmer Jay’s Bug Boss Academy (ages 6-8)
Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 5:30-6:30pm
Spanish River Library
Bug Boss Academy is an immersive, hands-on enrichment program designed to teach children about the vital roles of insects and soil organisms in the natural world. Through real-life bug encounters and engaging storytelling, Bug Boss Academy aims to inspire curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a lifelong love of science. Child attends independently. 
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat
Save the Date
Summer Reading Kickoff Party!
Saturday, June 6, 9:00am-12:00pm
Spanish River Library
Unearth a Story at the Boca Raton Public Library! Join us for a high-energy, all-ages indoor Summer Reading Kick-Off Party packed with fun around every corner. Drop in and dive into the excitement featuring a live DJ, crafts, airbrush tattoos, snacks, costumed characters ready for photos and fun, and plenty of surprises.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 
What's New for Tweens & Teens
Wonder! (ages 9-11)
Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 5:30-6:30pm
Downtown Library
Do you love asking big questions? Wonder why things are the way they are? Join this exciting program where kids learn how to ask great questions with confidence, listen to others with respect, and build early logical thinking skills. Led by a real philosophy professor, the eight sessions are filled with kid-friendly questions and fun discussions that make thinking fun. 
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat

Fanfest (ages 13-17)
Saturday, May 16, 2:00-4:00pm
Spanish River Library
Fanfest is a hangout for teens who love anime, books, games, and all things fandom. Watch Belle, create fanart and fanfiction, and share your favorite obsessions with new friends—all while enjoying snacks. All fandoms welcome! Optional but encouraged: bringing materials to write fanfic and draw fanart with. Snacks and art/writing materials provided. 
 
Snacks sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Tween Graphic Novel Book Talk: The Moth Keeper (ages 9-12)
Sunday, May 17, 1:00-2:00pm
Downtown Library
Love comics and cool stories? Join the tween book talk squad! We'll read awesome graphic novels, talk about our favorite characters, and engage in fun activities. It's the perfect place for 9- to 12-year-olds who want to explore amazing adventures through pictures and words. Come join the fun!
 
Once enrolled, pick up a free copy of the book at the Library's Youth Services desk (while supplies last).
 
This Book Club: The Moth Keeper, by K. O'Neill 
 
Books funded by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat
More to Enjoy
New Art Exhibit "Bobcat Vision: Boca Raton Community
High School Student Photography" 
April 20 - May 22
Downtown Library
Downtown Library visitors can view a variety of photographs taken by Boca High’s esteemed photography program students. Boca High School has over 500 students taking photography and digital media courses for college credit through the College Board in the U.S. and Cambridge University in England.
 
Students learn the elements and principles of art; how to properly use cameras and photographic techniques; and how to create and process their images using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. The students compete in—and frequently win—numerous photo contests. They also serve the school’s yearbook, newspaper and athletic programs. 

New Art Exhibit: "Creative Journeys Youth Art Show"
April 18 - May 26
Spanish River Library
The Library presents a new art exhibit featuring artwork from community youth ages 5-17.
 
Featured young artists in the exhibit will be able to attend an Awards Ceremony which will be held at the Spanish River Library on Tuesday, May 26th. Read more...
 
Sponsored by Marilyn Kaplan, to benefit young artists.
Library Team Member Spotlight
Tim Siniscalchi
Library Assistant II
What I Do: As part of the Instructional Services team, I teach classes in French, Italian, the music of Mozart, South Florida Natural Areas, the archaeology of Rome, the islands of the Aegean Sea, and Ancient Greek theater. I also have the pleasure of helping with questions at the library's information desks and scheduling speakers for the library's Thursday Night Speaker Series.
 
Why I Love My Job: It is a joy to create community through culture, and coming to a library each day means spending time at a haven for the richness of the world, a protected place crammed with humanity's memories and dreams, open to the public so that everyone in our community can warm their life and light their way with the imagination and insight of others. 
 
What I’m Reading Now: The Man Who Planted Trees, by Jean Giono.
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

The Library will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial 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

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