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It's Spooky Season at the Library!
 
 
Join us at the Library this October as we usher in spooky season and put the Boo! in books, movies, and programs. From our first-ever Silly, Spooky Bubble Party, to the History Behind Mary Shelley’s Frakenstein, and The Witch’s Lair Escape Room, there’s something for everyone, including our Lakeside Patio Family Halloween Feature Film: Hocus Pocus and Halloween Special Drop-In Family Storytimes at both Downtown and Spanish River locations. 
 
 
Scary or not-so-scary, we promise you’ll have a wicked good time at the Boca Raton Public Library this October!
Joleen Wielkie
Library Manager
Thank You Friends of the Library!
October 18 - 24 is Friends of the Library Week, making this the perfect time to tell you about this fantastic support organization. Our Friends group gave the library $157,910.00 this year. That money goes toward library programs and services, including educational equipment for youth, our Summer Reading initiative, and many of the speakers and performers you see in this newsletter. The Friends generosity, organization, and enthusiasm bring more to the public library experience than most realize. You can support the Friends by visiting their used bookstore in our Downtown Library and by becoming a member yourself!
October Highlights
Falloween Show with Mad Science of Palm Beach (all ages)
Saturday, October 10, 2:00-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Let's get a little spooky and mostly kooky with this exciting show. Our Mad Scientist will amaze all ages with experiments that include helping Count "Eggbert" to get into his flask, making eyeballs defy gravity, creating a fog storm and mystical bubbles - all while explaining the science behind each experiment. Children and families come in your best Falloween costume! Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Family Halloween Feature Film: Hocus Pocus (1993)
Friday, October 30, 6:30-8:30pm
Spanish River Library
Viewer beware, you're in for a scare! Join us as the Spanish River Library's outdoor patio transforms into an outdoor cinema to show the classic Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, directed by Kenny Ortega.
 
Children eight and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder, but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat
Events for Adults 
Draft to Screen
Thursday, October 1, 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. 

Michelangelo and Judaism with Dr. Emily Fenichel -
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, October 1, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Discover how Michelangelo’s masterworks were inspired by Hebrew scripture and Jewish tradition. Join FAU Art History Professor Dr. Emily Fenichel as she unveils the surprising Jewish themes and Renaissance Humanist influences behind iconic
masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Moses.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder, but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat

Sunday Music Matinee: It Takes Two:
Another Opening, Another Show
Sunday, October 4, 3:00-4:00pm
Downtown Library
This presentation takes the standard duo format to a new and exciting level with these two talented performers. They bring audiences to their feet with great songs, beautiful singing and expert musicianship. They combine standard tunes, Broadway, Country, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, classical, jazz (and a lot of laughs) into a fun-filled afternoon of entertainment for all.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.

Trivia Night
Tuesday, October 6, 6:00-7:30pm
Downtown Library
Ready for Trivia Nights at the Downtown Library? Bring your friends or come solo—everyone's invited! We've got a mix of fun questions waiting for you.
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

The Interesting and Tragic Life of Mark Twain
with Dr. Matt Klauza -
Thursday Night Speaker Series
Thursday, October 8, 6:00-7:30pm
Spanish River Library
This presentation explores the profound impact of Mark Twain’s complex biography on his classic literature. Dr. Matt Klauza goes beyond the nostalgic imagery of the Mississippi River to examine the personal tragedies and darker elements that shaped the iconic author’s worldview and writing style
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Reserve a seat to receive a reminder, but all drop-ins welcome.
Reserve a seat
 

American History: Revolution and Ruin
Tuesday, October 20, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Experience the American Revolution from its explosive opening at Lexington and Concord to its triumphant conclusion with the Treaty of Paris. Relive the battles, heroes, and sacrifices that forged a nation—and discover the chilling ghost stories and supernatural legends left in war’s wake.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat
 

The History Behind: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Wednesday, October 21, 1:00-2:30pm
Spanish River Library
Step into the storm‑struck world that gave rise to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, shaped by ghost stories, dark skies, and daring experiments. Discover how science, fear, and imagination fused into an immortal creation. Leave seeing the Monster as a reflection of its haunted age.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Art History: Surrealism
Monday, October 26, 10:30am-12:00pm
Spanish River Library
Explore the fascinating history of Surrealism, from its origins to its influence on contemporary art, culture, commerce and media. Through engaging lecture and discussion, discover how Surrealist ideas continue to shape our world today.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Poets on the Fringe (POTF)
Tuesdays in October, 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
Pressreader Adds eBooks
Pressreader has added more than 300 new eBooks to their catalog, right alongside the magazines and news articles you already know and love. The titles span contemporary mystery and romance, classics, and nonfiction across history. There are also titles in French, German and Spanish. See the collection. 
Instructional Classes for Adults
Android Photography Techniques
Monday, October 19, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Learn techniques and best practices for taking photos with your Android phone. Please bring your Android device with you.
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

Life Skills: Filet Crochet
Thursday, October 22, 10:30am-12:30pm
Downtown Library
Learn the basics of filet crochet. This class teaches participants how to read filet crochet charts, make their own, and create open and filled stiches to produce designs. Students will practice these skills by making a flower crochet design.
 
Library card required for seat reservation. 
Reserve a seat

ESOL Conversation Corner
Tuesdays in October, 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

French Conversation Corner
Tuesday, October 13, 1:30-3:00pm
Spanish River Library
Parlez-vous français? Join our French Conversation Corner to help you practice and improve your speaking skills in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Perfect for intermediate and advanced learners, this collaborative group focuses on everyday vocabulary, casual dialogue, and cultural nuances without the pressure of formal grades.
 
Library card required for seat reservation.
Reserve a seat

US Citizenship Test Preparation
Tuesdays in October, 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):
 
October 22           

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: Gabriel's Moon
by William Boyd
Tuesday, October 6, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
Gabriel Dax is a young man haunted by the memories of a fire that took his mother's life. Every night, when sleep finally comes, he dreams about his childhood home in flames. His days are spent on the move as an acclaimed travel writer, capturing the changing landscapes of Europe in the grip of the Cold War. When he is offered the chance to interview Patrice Lumumba, newly elected president of the People's Republic of the Congo, he finds himself drawn into a web of duplicities and betrayals.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.
 

Book Talks - Non-Fiction/Biographies: Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill
Tuesday, October 20, 2:00-3:00pm
Downtown Library
An investigative journalist chronicles his twenty-year obsession with the 1969 Manson murders and describes how he discovered evidence of a cover-up, carelessness from police, misconduct by prosecutors, and potential surveillance by intelligence agents.
 
Seat reservation not required; drop-ins welcome.
 
Reserve a copy of the book here.

Friends Book Club: The Names
Thursday, October 22, 7:00-8:00pm
Virtual Program
 
In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter to register her son's birth. Her husband, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates...
 
Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute choice of name. The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing.

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: How to Talk Like a Bear (all ages)
October, November & December
at Pondhawk, adjacent to Spanish River Library
A young bear gives instructions on how to talk like a bear, which is far more than just growling and roaring.
 
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.

Special Guest Storytime with Street Sweeper (ages 0-5)
Monday, October 5, 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 with a Street Sweeper. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Special Pokémon Storytime (ages 0-6)
Monday, October 5, 4:00-4:30pm
 Downtown Library
Does your child like Pokémon? Come to the library and enjoy a special Pokémon storytime with music, stories, and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 
Seat reservation required. 
Reserve a seat

Special Barbie Storytime (ages 0-5)
Monday, October 12, 10:00-10:30am
Downtown Library
Does your child like Barbie? Come to the library and enjoy a special Barbie storytime with music, stories, and activities.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Pokémon Club (ages 7-12)
Sunday, October 25, 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

Booktastic Book Talk (ages 8-10)
Monday, October 26, 3:30-4:15pm
Spanish River Library
Book discussion for early readers with themed activities. Child attends independently.
 
Pick up a free copy of the book at the Spanish River Library's Youth Services desk once registered (while supplies last).
 
Books donated by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required.
Reserve a seat

Halloween Special Drop-In Family Storytime (ages 0-5)
Saturday, October 31, 10:00-10:30am
Downtown Library & Spanish River Library
Join us for a fun Halloween storytime for families with children up to 5 years old. Join us for stories, music, and movement. Halloween costumes are encouraged, but not required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 
Seat reservation not required, but seating is limited. 

Adventures in Reading (ages 4-5)
Thursday, October 1, 8, 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)
Thursday, October 1, 8, 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
Lit Happens: A Teen Book Club (ages 13-17)
Tuesday, October 27, 6:00-7:00pm
Downtown Library
Join us for awesome books, tasty snacks, and fun activities. Dive into great reads, share your thoughts, and hang out with other teens who love to chat about stories. Because when Lit Happens, good times follow! Once enrolled, pick up a free copy of the book at the Downtown Library's Youth Services desk (while supplies last).
 
Books funded by the Friends of the Library.
 
Seat reservation required.
 
Reserve a seat
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: "Spare Parts Universe" from Oliver Sarkis
October 12 - November 20
Spanish River Library
Robots have invaded the library! Or, rather, Limbots. Boca Raton Public Library will host “Spare Parts Universe” by Oliver Sarkis, a free exhibition introducing visitors to a strange, imaginative, and entirely handmade mechanical universe.

Limbots are post-industrial robot sculptures assembled from recycled and salvaged materials, including mechanical parts, discarded electronics, and an assortment of found objects. No two are quite alike. Read more...

New Exhibit: "Shipwreck: Discovering Lost Treasures"
from The Historical Society of Palm Beach County
September 28 - November 6
Spanish River Library
What treasures have washed ashore over the decades? This fall, visitors can explore the fascinating – and sometimes surprising – history of shipwrecks through “Shipwreck: Discovering Lost Treasures,” a traveling exhibit from The Historical Society of Palm Beach County. 
 
Featuring four standing cubes, the exhibit explores what exactly defines a shipwreck and examines the ways these maritime disasters have shaped the lives of the people who lived along our shores.  Read more...
Library Team Member Spotlight
Laura Solaski
Library Assistant II
What I Do: As part of the Youth Services team, I am responsible for helping our patrons find books they are looking for, offer recommendations for books they don’t know they are looking for, as well as answer questions about our class offerings. I help our younger patrons with the computers and offer puzzles for those looking for added excitement. I read books and sing songs for story times in addition to teaching other youth related classes.
 
Why I Love My Job: I love working with kids. I also love to read, so helping children foster their own love for reading is a big perk. I also have a great team. It never seems like work when you like what you do. 
 
What I’m Reading Now:  The Wool trilogy by Hugh Howey (adapted to TV as the Silo Series). All three are available in hoopla in eBook and audiobook format. 
Friends of the Library News
The Friends are grateful to the community for generous book donations.  
Volunteers receive book donations Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am-3:30pm at the Bookstore located in the lobby of the Downtown Library. Please review the book donation policy at the Friends Bookstore Webpage.

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

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

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