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Celebrate Summer with the Library
 
Don't miss out on the Summer Reading fun! If you haven't enrolled yet, it's not too late; just visit our website and look for the Summer Reading link. This year's theme is "Unearth a Story!"
 
You and your family can also relax by checking out our exciting backyard games collection for outdoor family fun. Or you can find your talents by checking out a musical instrument for a jam session with friends. Entertain yourself with board games or bake a treat with our cake pans. Impress your friends with our Karaoke machine, or stroll down the beach with our metal detector. Read online books, newspapers, magazines, and more poolside with our Digital Library! 
 
Or you can take the opportunity to get out of the summer heat and come join us for a program in one of our cool libraries. We have a Thursday Night Speaker Series, crafting classes, fascinating lectures, podcasting, and so much more. 
 
The summer adventures are endless when you come to the library!
Joyce Pernicone 
Public Services Librarian III
Calling All Creatives!
Design a Library Card Contest (all ages)
Submission Deadline July 29
What does your library mean to you?
 
The Library Card Sign Up Month: Your Library, Your World art competition invites you to showcase your talents and share your unique perspectives through original artwork.
 
Participants are encouraged to create a design that reflects the theme "Your Library, Your World" and capture what the library represents in your lives and in our community. Selected artwork will be featured on official library cards, giving the winning design the chance to be seen and used throughout the community.
More info
Events for Adults 
Draft to Screen
Thursday, July 2, 5:45-7:30pm
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. 

Monday Movies - Documentary: Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide directed by Malia Scharf and Max Basch
Monday, July 13, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
This documentary, made over 11 years, shows Scharf’s New York City arrival in the early 1980s where he quickly befriended Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. This trio, amongst the fervent creative bustle of a depressed downtown scene, would soon take the art world by storm. Scharf lived through cataclysmic shifts in New York City and the art world. Despite setbacks along the way, he continues to follow his particular high-tone, technicolor artistic vision while growing public and critical appreciation for his earlier work has cemented his place as a pop art icon.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Aegean Islands: Eastern Cyclades
Tuesday, July 14, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Journey into the heart of the central Aegean to examine the Eastern Cyclades, from the sacred ruins of Delos to the cliffs of Amorgos. This session highlights the evolution of Cycladic art and architecture, connecting ancient seafaring life with the most compelling sites of the modern islands.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Story Central Storytelling Slam
Sunday, July 19, 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, July 20, 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

Ancient Cultural Connections: Ancient Appetites - Rome
Friday, July 24, 1:00-2:30pm
Spanish River Library
Cena parata est! Join us at the table of antiquity, as we dig in to a selection of recipes and meals from the world of ancient Rome. From the everyday fare of common folk to the most extravagant banquets held by Emperors themselves, we will investigate their historical contexts as well as the significance of certain ingredients and techniques. 

 Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Monday Movies - Feature Film: Ainda Estou Aqui (I'm Still Here) directed by Walter Salles
Monday, July 27, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
While Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship, Eunice Paiva, a mother of five, is forced to reinvent herself and her family, resisting the oppression that hangs over the country. From the acclaimed director of Central Station and The Motorcycle Diaries, Walter Salles and based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's memoir, this story portrays an important part of Brazil's hidden history.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Poets on the Fringe (POTF)
Tuesdays in July, 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 Our Digital Library
Celebrating the History of the United States
with Kanopy
From revolution to reinvention, the story continues. Celebrate America’s 250th by watching films and documentaries that explore the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation. See the collection.
Instructional Classes for Adults
Tracing Your Ancestry
Monday, July 13, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Start researching your family history with library databases such as AncestryLE and MyHeritageLE. Prerequisite: Must know how to use a computer or laptop.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

How to Use a Heat Press: Create Your Own Bottle
Wednesday, July 15, 1:00-2:30pm
Downtown Library
Turn an ordinary water bottle into your new favorite sidekick! In this hands-on class, you'll learn the art of sublimation to make a personalized bottle that's vibrant, durable, and totally one-of-a-kind.
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

Knitting Foundations Workshop
Tuesday, July 21, 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 for this summer workshop. 
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

Podcast Recording for Beginners
Tuesday, July 28, 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

ESOL Conversation Corner
Tuesdays in July, 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

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):
 
July 9            July 30 
 
July 16                  

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 Doorman by Chris Pavone
Tuesday, July 7, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
In his best and most ambitious book yet, Chris Pavone delivers a piercing portrait of the way we live now that is also a finely honed thriller of ticking-clock suspense. The Doorman is a book about class and privilege in a city poised to boil over its proverbial melting pot, and the ever starker divisions testing everything the City likes to believe about itself.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
 

Book Talks - Non-Fiction/Biographies: Electric Spark:
The Enigma of Dame Muriel by Frances Wilson
Tuesday, July 21, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
The word most commonly used to describe Muriel Spark is 'puzzling'. Spark was a puzzle, and so too are her books. She dealt in word games, tricks, and ciphers; her life was composed of weird accidents, strange coincidences and spooky events. Evelyn Waugh thought she was a saint, Bernard Levin said she was a witch, and she described herself as 'Muriel the Marvel with her X-ray eyes'. Following the clues, riddles, and instructions Spark planted for posterity in her biographies, fiction, autobiography and archives, Frances Wilson aims to crack her code.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.

Friends Book Club: The Masterpiece
Thursday, July 23, 7:00-8:00pm
Virtual Program
 
1928. For the people who live in New York City, Grand Central Terminal is a crown jewel, a masterpiece of design. For Clara Darden, the terminal is the stepping stone to her future. She is teaching at the lauded Grand Central School of Art, and dreams of creating cover art for Vogue.
 
In 1974 the terminal is full of grime and danger, from the smoke-blackened ceiling to the drug dealers who roam the floor. Recently divorced, Virginia Clay has accepted a job in the information booth to support herself and her daughter. Discovering an abandoned watercolor within the terminal, Virginia embarks on a quest to find the artist.
 
Open to all. No pre-registration required.
 
Join with our dedicated Zoom link: 
 
Presented by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
What's New for Children
New StoryWalk Book: Flat Cat (all ages)
July, August & September
Pondhawk Natural Area, adjacent to Spanish River Library
Flat Cat likes being flat--roaming anywhere and happy to be unseen--until one day when he becomes fluffy, he learns to enjoy the attention it brings, and grows to love being seen.
 
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.

Friday Special: Salty Sue the Pirate (all ages)
Friday, July 10, 3:00-4:00pm
DowntownLibrary
Arrrrrrrrrrgghh Matey! Join us for Salty Sue the Pirate, a seriously silly pirate who brings music, magic, original tales of the sea and rich pirate lore from Florida History. Salty Sue also leads the children on a real adventure in a successful search for captured booty, which all will share. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Gabby's Dollhouse Storytime (ages 3-7)
Saturday, July 11, 10:00-11:30am
Spanish River Library
Enter Gabby's Dollhouse for a purr-fect storytime and fun activities, each themed for a different playhouse room! We will be playing an episode of the show while kids finish the activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Beads and Brontosaurs (ages 6-12)
Sunday, July 12, 2:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Get ready for a dino-tastic time at the library. Kids will enjoy watching The Good Dinosaur while exploring different bracelet-making stations. All supplies provided, just bring your creativity and your best roar.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Prehistoric Pop: A Dinosaur Bubble Party (ages 0-10)
Saturday, July 25, 9:30am-4:00pm
Spanish River Library
You are invited to the end-of-summer Bubble Party with fun music, dance, bubbles, dinosaurs, and glow-in-the-dark ball activities.
 
To be able to reserve a time slot, please enroll your child in our Summer Reading Program though the Beanstack app. Once enrolled, you will be given a link that will allow you to sign up for this event.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Libary.
 
Seat reservation required.
 
More info

Friday Special: Oooga the Cavewoman (all ages)
Friday, July 31, 3:00-4:00pm
DowntownLibrary
Oooga is a silly cavewoman who has no idea what this modern world is! The children get to share their knowledge of the modern world and listen to her stories of cave people and dinosaurs, and be amazed by their knowledge. Come join in the prehistoric fun! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Special Bluey Storytime (ages 0-5)
Sunday, August 2, 10:00-11:30am
Spanish River Library
Does your child like Bluey? Come to the library and enjoy a special Bluey storytime with music, stories, and activities. 
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

STEM In Action (ages 7-8)
Mondays in July, 4:00-4:45pm
Downtown Library
A hands-on class designed especially for curious kids. Each session features a fun, interactive STEM activity where children explore science, technology, engineering, and math through building, experimenting, and problem-solving. From simple machines to cool chemistry and creative engineering challenges, kids learn by doing - sparking creativity, critical thinking, and a love of discovery. 
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat

My First Book Club (ages 6-7)
Thursdays in July, 4:00-4:30pm
Downtown 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. It's the perfect way for young readers to explore, learn, and have a blast with friends! 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

School Prep Pals (ages 4-5)
Thursdays in July, 4:30-5:00pm
Spanish River Library
Whether your child is getting ready for kindergarten or has already started, School Prep Pals is designed for 4-to-5-year-olds to build essential skills for a smooth transition into school. Through fun activity- and literacy-based learning, children will develop early literacy and social skills. This program will boost curiosity, confidence, and independence to help every child feel ready for school.
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat
What's New for Tweens & Teens
Summerween Game Show (ages 13-17)
Saturday, July 18, 1:00-2:00pm
Spanish River Library
A Halloween game show inspired by classic and contemporary literary monster books like: Twilight, The Mummy, Dracula, Frankenstein, and more! Come for amazing rewards, scary trivia, fun games, and much more. Don't be scared--it'll be fun.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Jurassic Park Mystery Game (ages 13-17)
Wednesday, July 29, 1:00-2:00pm
Spanish River Library
Travel to Jurassic Park and escape the island before it's too late! Teams of teens will complete to unlock a box--featuring mysteries, puzzles, fun props, and more. It'll be a roaring good time!
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Eco Adventures: Get Prehistoric (ages 9-12)
Tuesdays in July, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Join us as we explore amazing biomes and discover the dinosaurs and creatures that called them home. Be curious, seek answers, and explore with us. Hands-on activities to follow. 
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
Reserve a seat
More to Enjoy
New Art Exhibit "Fine Art Photography" by Art Jacoby
June 1 - July 6
Downtown Library
Mr. Jacoby has been interested in photography for most of his life. Currently focusing on Infrared Photography and Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), Jacoby has been published in Black and White Magazine and the International Color Awards. He notes, “the camera and post-processing are tools that the photographer/artist uses to create and share his/her vision. For me, there are no limits on what makes an acceptable image.” His images depict dynamic subjects in motion, using vivid color and strategic blur to communicate a high depth of emotion in all his subjects. Read more...

New Art Exhibit: "Discover You" by Marina Veen
June 8 - July 17
Spanish River Library
Born in Odessa, Ukraine, Ms. Veen has experienced a variety of locations around the world that have inspired her art. With a Master of Art in Art Education and Studio Practice from Columbia university, Ms. Veen has begun to focus on layers, specifically of paint, mixed materials, shapes, lines, and intuitive mark-making. She states that “I explore what moves me in that moment—what feels joyful, what feels tender, what irritates me, what demands attention. The work unfolds as I do.” With these ideas behind them, flora forms tend to emerge, creating dynamic, bold depictions that allow for the convergence of nature and human emotion. Read more...
Library Team Member Spotlight
Amanda Fritz
Library Assistant II
What I Do: As part of Account Services, I make new library cards, check in and check out materials, pull holds for patrons, answer phone calls, and make reading displays. I also had the recent honor of participating in an outreach event to spread information and awareness about our wonderful library. If you know anyone who is looking for a library card, please send them my way!
 
Why I Love My Job: I love reading, so the library is the best place to be! I love seeing all the new books that come in and talking to patrons about their favorite books. If you like reading too, make sure to sign up for our summer reading challenge today!
 
What I’m Reading Now: Say You'll Remember Me, by Abby Jimenez
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 Saturday, July 4 in observance of Independence 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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