Library Closures

All Santa Rosa County Libraries will be closed on Fri. and Sat., Apr. 7 -8, in observance of Good Friday.

National Library Week

April 23-29 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “There’s More to the Story.” Most people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and large print to audiobooks and eBooks. But there's so much more to the story of libraries. Libraries are welcoming spaces that bring communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, lectures, and more.

Preschool Storytime

Storytime programs are presented for preschool children ages three through five and include stories, finger plays and action rhymes. Caregivers must remain in the library during storytime; however, they cannot accompany children into the programs. Programs start promptly at the assigned times; latecomers are not admitted

First timer? Visit the library to meet the storytime presenter, pick up a welcome packet, explore the children's area, and enjoy a tour of the library.

Storytime will be presented during the following times through Apr. 27:

-10:30 – 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Milton Library

-11 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Navarre Library

-11 – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Jay Library

-12:30 – 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Gulf Breeze Library

-11- 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Pace Library

Check the library website for additional details at www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries.

Toddler Time

Toddler Time is a program for children ages 18 to 36 months who attend with a caregiver. One child and one adult register together for songs, stories, rhymes, and other fun activities. This 20-minute program lasts 6 weeks. 

Toddler Time requires registration; space is limited. It is not a drop-in program. Details are available at the participating libraries. You may call the Youth Services Coordinator, Angela Evans, at 981-4066 if you have any questions.

Toddler Time will be presented during the following times through Apr. 27:

-11 – 11:20 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Pace Library

-10:30 – 10:50 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Milton Library

-11 – 11:20 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Gulf Breeze Library

-11 – 11:20 a.m. on Thursdays at the Navarre Library

-11 – 11:20 a.m. on Thursdays at the Jay Library

AARP Tax-Aide

Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be assisting with taxes at three Santa Rosa County libraries beginning in February. The AARP Tax-Aide program is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, providing service to millions of low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older.

-Gulf Breeze Library: Mondays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Apr. 17. Patrons are served on a first come–first served basis. Preregistration is not accepted, and space is limited, so arrive early. 

-Milton Library: Tuesdays, Wednesdays*, and Thursdays from 12 - 4 p.m. through Apr. 13 BY APPOINTMENT (*Please note: the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month will be from 1 - 4 p.m.). Library staff CANNOT make appointments for patrons. Appointments can be made by:

-Visiting the AARP Tax Aide website (https://www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide)

-Calling the AARP Foundation toll free number at 1-888-687-2277

-Calling 850-418-1207 and leaving a message with your name, phone number, and which location you would like to use, or if date or time is more important to you. Someone will call you back to give you your appointment time.

-Navarre Library: Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Apr. 17. Preregistration is required, and patrons must sign up on Monday or Friday for an appointment date.

Community Chess – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Apr. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Chess players of all ages, come and play chess in the Pace Library on Apr. 1 from 10 am- 4 pm. Knowledge of the game is recommended as no lessons will be provided. All players are expected to show good sportsmanship. The library has a limited supply of chess sets; [layers are encouraged to bring their own. Table space is limited. No table reservations at this time - first come, first served. Speak with a staff member for more information.

Beginning Genealogy: Part 3 – Family History & Research Center – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton

Apr. 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The third in a series of four quarterly learning sessions on tracing your family history, this session will cover military records. Registration encouraged but not required.

The Easter Bunny @ Your Library – All Libraries

The Easter Bunny will be visiting each library to hand out eggs. Find him at your library on the following dates:

-Milton Library: Apr. 3, 3 - 4 p.m.

-Pace Library: Apr. 5, 10 - 11 a.m.

-Jay Library: Apr. 5, 1 - 2 p.m.

-Navarre Library: Apr. 6, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

-Gulf Breeze Library: Apr. 6, 3 - 4 p.m.

Comic Book Crusaders – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 4, 4 p.m.

Enjoy reading and discussing comic books and superhero movies with others? Interested in learning about the origin of some favorite superhero characters? If so, join the Comic Book Crusaders to learn and discuss comic books and superheroes from the Marvel and DC universes. This month’s discussion topic is Superman. This special interest book club is for ages 18 and older.

labARTory - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 6, 4 p.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the first Thursday each month from 4-6 p.m. for an open art studio. Design your own project or make the special project which changes each month. All art materials are provided by the Friends of the Navarre Library. This is a drop-in program and is open to all ages; children should be accompanied by an adult.

UF/IFAS Extension Office Educational Programs

The UF/IFAS Extension office presents monthly research-based educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, and more. April's topic is vegetable gardening and will cover garden preparation and soil concerns as well as effective methods of growing vegetables in the Florida environment. It will be presented on the following dates:

-Apr. 10, 2:30 p.m. – Gulf Breeze Library

-Apr. 13, 10:30 a.m. – Milton Library

-Apr. 17, 2:30 p.m. – Jay Library

-Apr. 19, 2:30 p.m. – Navarre Library

-Apr. 26, 10:30 a.m. – Pace Library

Movie Time Tuesdays – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 11, 4 p.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for a movie. All movies will begin at 4 p.m. and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Navarre Library. This month’s movie is "Sonic the Hedgehog" (rated PG).-

STEAM Makerspace – Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 11 & 25, 4 p.m.

Come explore, build, and create at STEAM Makerspace on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month from 4 - 6 p.m. Craft and create all sorts of things using library-supplied crafting materials and art supplies, or bring your own. Learn simple code with coding robots or explore the world with AR devices. All ages are welcome, but children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Inklings – Milton Library - 5541 Alabama St.

Apr. 11, 5 p.m.

Sixth through 10th graders are invited to read either the novel or graphic novel version of the book of the month and meet to share their ideas about it. This month’s selection is “Estranged” by Ethan M. Aldridge. Registration is required.

Webinar Wednesdays – Family History & Research Center – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton

Apr. 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit the Family History & Research Center on the 2nd Wednesday each month for Webinar Wednesdays. Webinars related to family history research will be shown at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with discussion following. This month’s webinar is “A Taxing Matter: Using Tax Lists in Genealogy.”

 

Page Turners – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 13, 12 p.m.

Page Turners, a fiction book club, meets at 12 p.m. on the second Thursday of every other month beginning in February for a brown bag lunch and book discussion. Get ready for great reading adventures. This month’s book is “The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell” by Robert Dugoni. Registration is required.

Game Night – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.

Apr. 13, 3 p.m.

Enjoy playing games? Join us for game night at the Jay Library. You can bring your own games from home or play those provided by us. This event is open to all ages, and game groups are welcome.

The Illustriates Book Club - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 13, 4 p.m.

Teens and tweens can join fellow book enthusiasts on the 2nd Thursday each month to discuss the book of the month. A variety of genres including novels and graphic novels will be read. This month's book is "Lily the Thief" by Janne Kukkonen.

Homeschool Hangout – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Apr. 19, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Come to the Pace Library to meet other local homeschool parents and children to exchange ideas, participate in a fun activity, and discover how your library can support your children's educational journey. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the Pace Library for more information

STEAM Day – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Apr. 20, 4 p.m.

Visit the Milton Library for a monthly STEAM Day! Each month will feature a different theme. This month’s theme is flowers. Speak with a staff member for more information.

STEAMaker - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 20, 4 p.m.

Tweens and teens ages 10-17 who are interested in robotics, coding, and other tech are invited to join our STEAMaker tech club. Beginners through expert level welcome! Sign up is required.

Homeschool Hangout – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.

Apr. 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Come to the Jay Library to meet other local homeschool parents and children to exchange ideas, participate in a fun activity, and discover how your library can support your children's educational journey. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the Jay Library for more information.

Friends of the Gulf Breeze Library Book Sale – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 21, 3 – 7 p.m. and Apr. 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The FOGBL will host a book sale on Fri., Apr. 21 from 3 – 7 p.m. and Sat., Apr. 22 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop for bargain books of all types and subjects, for all ages. Support your local Friends group.

Family Fun Day – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 25, 4 p.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the 4th Tuesday of the month for family-friendly games, puzzles, and more.

AniManga Club – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 27, 4 p.m.

The Animanga Club is for teens who are interested in manga and anime art styles and animation. Teens analyze and evaluate animated styles, discuss tools and technology used in animation and cartooning, and create and share their art and drawing techniques with other teens in the club. This club is open to teens ages 13 - 17. Registration is required.

Friends of the Milton Library Book Sale – 5541 Alabama St.

Apr. 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Apr. 29, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The FOML will host a book sale on Fri., Apr. 28 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Sat., Apr. 29 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop for bargain books of all types and subjects, for all ages. Support your local Friends group.