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Your Library, Your World
 
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and this year’s theme is Your Library, Your World. We’re excited to join this national celebration highlighting the power of connection, discovery, and imagination made possible with a library card. 
 
A library card is more than access, it’s empowerment. From exploring new technology and media resources to participating in educational programs, your card opens the door to opportunities for all ages. Enjoy streaming music and movies, eBooks and video games, or check out sewing machines, language-learning tools, and even musical instruments. Your library card is your all-access pass to creativity, learning, and fun.
 
Help us spread the word this month. Share your favorite library services or materials on social media and let others know how the Boca Raton Public Library inspires you and your family. Together, we can spark curiosity and celebrate the inspiration of libraries.
Laura Sparrow
Account Services Librarian II
September Highlights
Supa Awesome Dog Man Fair (ages 6-12)
Saturday, September 5, 10:00am-1:00pm
Downtown Library
Help save the world and have a supa awesome Dog Man Day. Check out our variety of STEAM-based activities and stations and spend time with other Dog Man enthusiasts. Come dressed as your favorite Dog Man character or superhero. Children eight and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

High Tea and History: Regency-Era Festivities 
Thursday, September 24, 1:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Join us for our second annual High Tea and History, featuring tea and refreshments to enjoy as you revel in your inner socialite. Wear your most Bridgerton-esque attire and make your formal debut into the Regency era! Activities include learning to make your own wax seal for your heartfelt missives, a rundown on the expected etiquette of the time, a short lecture on Regency life including fashion and scandals, and a variety of other fun activities. Finally, end the evening with a talk pertaining to the Regency period and the realities of romance during this time. 
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat & Event Schedule

K-Pop Photocard Trading Night (all ages)
Saturday, September 26, 4:00-8:00pm
Downtown Library
Come to the library to our Photocard trading event! Do you have a bias? Bias wrecker? A new album dropped and you're looking for a specific pre order benefit photocard? Bring your binder(s) and trade with other stans here at the Library!

Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome. 
Events for Adults 
Draft to Screen
Thursday, September 3, 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. 

Breaking the Ice: How Venezuela Built a National
Hockey Team with Coach Juan de Dios Singer
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, September 3, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Discover the remarkable story of how Venezuela built a national ice hockey team in a tropical nation. Explore the challenges, triumphs, and cultural connections that fueled the growth of hockey in Latin America and reshaped perceptions of the sport beyond its traditional borders.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder, but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Monday Movies - Documentary: The Spark Brothers
directed by Edgar Wright
Monday, September 14, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
How can one rock band be successful, underrated, hugely influential, and criminally overlooked all at the same time? Take a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers Ron and Russell Mael, celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks: your favorite band's favorite band.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 

American History: Colonies of the British Empire
Wednesday, September 16, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Journey into colonial America and discover the diverse societies, economies, and cultures that existed under British rule. This engaging lecture explores the unique identities of the thirteen colonies and the growing tensions that laid the foundation for the American Revolution and independence.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Lynn Conservatory of Music: Brass
Friday, September 18, 2:30-4:00pm
Downtown Library
Join the Lynn Conservatory of Music for an afternoon of brass instruments and music. Celebrate Latin American Music Month with the LYNN Brass Quintet.  Learn about the trumpet, french horn, trombone and tuba while listening to the distinctive rhythms of Hispanic Heritage.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder, but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Story Central Storytelling Slam
Sunday, September 20, 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.

Spice Stories: Regency Flavors & Global Tales
Thursday, September 24, 4:30-5:30pm
Downtown Library
Join Spice Stories for a sensory journey through the Regency era, where treasured spices flavored everything from fashionable desserts to international intrigue. Explore the tastes, traditions, and global connections behind the tea tables of Jane Austen’s England in this warm and aromatic historical experience.
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

The Lasting Legacy of Jane Austen: Wit, Wisdom,
and Regency Society with Elizabeth Paquette 
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, September 24, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Step into the elegant world of Regency England. Join literary expert Elizabeth Paquette to explore the timeless brilliance of Jane Austen. Discover how Austen used sharp wit and social critique to craft unforgettable stories that continue to define
romance, class, and human nature today.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder, but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

The Art of Film: Punch-Drunk Love
Friday, September 25, 1:00-2:30pm
Downtown Library
Discover what makes great films work. This class explores the cinematography of Punch-Drunk Love and discusses the visual techniques that transform the film into cinematic art.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Monday Movies - Feature Film: I Saw The TV Glow
directed by Jane Schoenbrun
Monday, September 28, 5:30-8:00pm
Downtown Library
Teenager Owen (Justice Smith) is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack. A once-in-a-generation horror from Jane Schoenbrun.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Poets on the Fringe (POTF)
Tuesdays in September, 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. 
Know Your Digital Library
On Kanopy in September
What better way to spend the Labor Day weekend than with family, friends, and
a great film? As you relax and recharge, Kanopy offers thousands of thoughtfully
curated films and series spanning genres, cultures, and generations. See the collection.
Instructional Classes for Adults
Intermediate Conversational Portuguese II
Tuesdays, September 1 - November 17, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
As a continuation of Intermediate Conversational Portuguese I, this course is designed for students with a basic understanding of Portuguese who wish to further develop their communication skills. Classes focus on expanding vocabulary, improving fluency, and enhancing listening and reading comprehension through practical, everyday situations.
 
Students will have opportunities to participate in conversations on cultural topics, current events, and areas of general interest, while reinforcing grammar structures and idiomatic expressions.
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

How to Use a Sewing Machine: Sewing Basics
Wednesday, September 30, 10:00am-1:00pm
Downtown Library
Do you want to fall into a new hobby and learn how to use a sewing machine? 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 September, 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 in September, 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 form N-400, practicing 100 (2008 Version) and 128 (2025 Version) civic 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):
 
September 3           September 17           

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: I Have Some Questions
For You by Rebecca Makkai 
Tuesday, September 1, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
A successful film professor and podcaster, Bodie Kane is content to forget her past--the family tragedy that marred her adolescence, her four largely miserable years at a New Hampshire boarding school, and the murder of her former roommate in their senior year. Though the circumstances surrounding her death and the conviction of the school's athletic trainer are hotly debated online, Bodie prefers--needs--to let sleeping dogs lie. But when the Granby School invites her back to teach a course, Bodie is inexorably drawn to the case and its increasingly apparent flaws.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
 

Book Talks - Non-Fiction/Biographies:The Gunfighters:
How Texas Made the West Wild by Bryan Burrough
Tuesday, September 15, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
From the author of The Big Rich and Forget the Alamo comes an epic reconsideration of the time and place that spawned America's most legendary gunfighters, from Jesse James and Billy the Kid to Butch and Sundance. The "Wild West" gunfighter is such a stock figure in our popular culture that some dismiss it all as a corny myth, more a product of dime novels and B movies than a genuinely important American history. In fact, as Bryan Burrough shows us in his dazzling and fast-paced new book, there's much more below the surface.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.

Books & Bagels - Fall Book Preview
Tuesday, September 29, 9:30-11:00am
Downtown Library
As we pack away our summer beach reads, we now can look forward to cozy reads by the fireplace with highly anticipated Fall book releases.  Join us for some light refreshments and be the first to hear about these upcoming titles and reserve your copies today. 
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Friends Book Club: Clear
Thursday, September 24, 7:00-8:00pm
Virtual Program
 
John, an impoverished Scottish minister, has accepted a job evicting the lone remaining occupant of an island north of Scotland--Ivar, who has been living alone for decades, with only the animals and the sea for company. Though his wife, Mary, has serious misgivings about the errand, he decides to go anyway, setting in motion a chain of events that neither he nor Mary could have predicted.
 
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: Alan's Big, Scary Teeth (all ages)
September, October & November
at Patch Reef Park
"Alan is very scary. He says things like 'I'm big, scary Alan! Fear my razor-sharp teeth!' But all is not as it seems. Alan, you see, has a very BIG (not-so-scary) secret"
 
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.

Ancient Egypt Family Storytime (ages 0-5)
Saturday, September 12, 10:00-10:30am
Downtown Library
This is an Ancient Egypt themed storytime for families with children through 5 years old. Join us for fun stories, music and movement, songs, and rhymes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Special Guest Storytime with Gumbo Limbo (ages 0-5)
Monday, September 14, 10:00-10:30am, Downtown Library
Monday, September 21, 10:00-10:30am, 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 from Gumbo Limbo. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat - Downtown
Reserve a seat - Spanish River

Bedtime Storytime (ages 0-5)
Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-7:00pm
Spanish River Library
Put your little ones in their jammies and join us for Bedtime Storytime!  Lots of fun stories, music and movement, songs, and rhymes.  For families with children up to 5 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Pokémon Club (ages 7-12)
Sunday, September 27, 1:00-2:30pm
Downtown Library
Calling all Pokémon trainers! Recommended for kids aged 7-12 get to come to the library to share their joy of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and battle their hearts out! Free play will be available for those experienced trainers and demos will be available for those that are just beginning their Pokémon Trainer journey. Card trading is not allowed.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder but all drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a seat

Adventures in Reading (ages 4-5)
Thursdays in September, 4:00-4:30pm
Spanish River Library
Literacy enrichment through acting, puppetry, crafts, games, and other activities. Child attends independently. 
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
 
Reserve a seat

My First Book Club (ages 6-7)
Thursdays in September, 4:30-5:00pm
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
What's New for Tweens & Teens
History Explorers: Alexandrian Empire (ages 9-12)
Thursday, September 17, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
This class will explore the Alexandrian Empire and how they used science, technology, and engineering to live. Hands-on activity to follow.
 
Seat reservation required.

 
Reserve a seat

Crafternoon at the Library (ages 9-17)
Wednesdays in September, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Join us each week for a hands on creative adventure designed just for tweens and teens. Participants will explore a new creative skill every session, including candle making, soap making, beading, and more. Materials will be provided, just bring your imagination and get ready to create!
 
Seat reservation required for each individual class.
 
 
 
More to Enjoy
New Art Exhibit "The Maze" by Helier Batista
September 8 - October 16
Downtown Library
A Cuban-born artist, Batista has been living and working in the United States since 2008, using his experience and education from Cuban art schools in his work. Known primarily for his drawings and paintings throughout his career, Batista has continually expanded his practice to include photography, book illustration, and sculpture. In “The Maze,” Batista turns his attention to the Perez Museum in Miami, using exhibition catalogues as both material and subject. Read more... 

New Art Exhibit: "Snap the Park"
August 10 - September 18
Spanish River Library
Celebrate the beauty and joy of our local parks during Park and Recreation Month. This exhibit will feature photos taken by Boca residents,  showcasing their favorite spots among the city's natural gems.
Library Team Member Spotlight
Patricia Micolta
Library Page
What I Do: As a Page, I continually beautify the Commons Section so that it is attractive to patrons searching for good reads. Pages also organize and shelve hundreds of library materials throughout the buildings. By physically transferring new materials into the general collections and when doing inventories—you really become acquainted with the lifecycle of a library’s collection!
 
Why I Love My Job: The mental workout keeps me sharp because, I use my short-term memory, my problem-solving skills, and sorting definitely keeps me detail oriented. I also enjoy the vibrancy of the artwork in children’s books. In addition, it’s amusing to find good books/films based on the borrowing habits of our patrons, or simply by haphazardly shelving a book on an interesting topic--the job definitely exposes you to books/media outside of computer algorithms. I also feel lucky to have bosses and co-workers who are very pleasant to work with.
 
What I’m Reading and Watching Now: Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez. The book is about the parallel lives of two women that reads as a murder mystery too. I also just watched Cleo from 5 to 7 via the library’s online streaming service Kanopy. It is a beautiful 1962 French film. It follows Cleo for two hours of her life walking throughout Paris, while she awaits news from her  lab results. If you like vintage décor, cars, and clothes this is a movie for you!
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 - Sunday: 10:00am-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: 9:00-5:00pm
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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