September events at your library

Library Closures

All Santa Rosa County Libraries will be closed on Mon., Sep. 1, in observance of Labor Day.

All Santa Rosa County Libraries will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 19, for quarterly staff development.

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

Storytime will be presented during the following times Sep. 15 through Dec. 5:

• 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Jay Library
• 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Navarre Library
• 10:30 – 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Milton Library
• 11- 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Pace Library
• 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Fridays at the Gulf Breeze Library

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. Toddler Time is a 20-minute program.

Toddler Time requires registration; space is limited. It is not a drop-in program. Details are available at the participating libraries. Speak with a staff member if you have any questions.

Toddler Time will be presented during the following times Sep. 15 through Dec. 5:

• 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Milton Library
• 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Pace Library
• 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Tuesdays 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

The Inklings – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Sep. 2, 5 p.m.

Sixth through 10th graders are invited to share their ideas about the book of the month. The Inklings Book Club reads both novels and graphic novels. Space is limited; registration is required. This month’s selection is “Sal and Gabi Break the Universe” by Carlos Hernandez.

Community Chess – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Sep. 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Chess players of all ages are invited to play chess at the Pace Library. Knowledge of the game is recommended as no lessons will be provided. Players are expected to show good sportsmanship. The library has a limited supply of chess sets; players 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.

The Novel Ideas Book Club – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Sep. 8, 10 a.m.

The Novel Ideas Book Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Monday of the month beginning in February. Come listen and share your thoughts about the book of the month. Anyone ages 18+ who has read the book is welcome to attend. Refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Milton Library. This month’s selection is “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Callahan Henry.

FOPL Book Club – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Sep. 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Visit the Pace Library on the 2nd Tue. each month for the Friends of the Pace Library Book Club. Anyone 18+ who has read the book of the month is welcome to attend. Speak with a staff member for more information. This month’s selection is “Everyone on This Train is a Suspect” by Benjamin Stevenson.

Homeschool Hangout – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.

Sep. 10, 10 – 11 a.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.

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

Sep. 10, 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 a discussion following. This month’s webinar is “Overcoming Brick Walls Caused by Record Loss.”

Meet! Play! Learn! – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Sep. 10, 10:30 a.m.

Meet! Play! Learn! is a program where parents of young children can congregate and socialize with other parents while their children play and make friends at age-appropriate activity stations set up around the room. This program is for children ages birth to 5 who have not yet started kindergarten.

Virtual Author Talk – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Sep. 10, 1 p.m.

“The Next Conversation” by Jefferson Fisher gives you immediately actionable strategies that will forever change how you communicate. Whether it’s handling a heated conversation, dealing with a difficult personality, or standing your ground with confidence, these down-to-earth teachings have helped countless people navigate life’s toughest situations. Join us for a Virtual Author Talk with Jefferson Fisher, trial lawyer and one of the leading voices on real-world communication, via digital live-stream in partnership with the Santa Rosa County Library System.

Game-O-Rama – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.

Sep. 11, 2 p.m.

Come play a board game or video game at the Jay Library. Bring your own or enjoy one of ours. Get your game on!

Lit Happens Book Club – Navarre Library – 8484 James. M. Harvell Rd.

Sep. 12, 10:30 a.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the 2nd Fri. each month for the Lit Happens Book Club. Anyone 18+ who has read the book of the month is welcome to attend. This month’s title is “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult. Speak with a staff member for more information.

Level-Up Lab

Teens ages 13-17 are invited to stop by the library for a fun-filled Friday full of seasonal activities including VR and AR experiences, advanced Lego building, board games, science experiments, arts & crafts, and more. Level-Up Lab will take place at the following locations and dates from 1 – 5 p.m.:

• Sep. 12 – Navarre Library
• Sep. 26 – Milton Library

For the Win! Games Day– Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Sep. 13, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Enjoy playing tabletop or board games? Join us for game day at the Milton Library. Bring games from home or play those provided by the library. This event is open to all ages, and game groups are welcome.

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

Sep. 16, 4 p.m.

Visit the Navarre Library on the 3rd 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 “Transformers: One” (2024, rated PG).

Homeschool Hangout – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Sep. 17, 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.

The Past Tense Book Club – Family History & Research Center – 6275 Dogwood Dr.

Sep. 17, 10:30 a.m.

Visit the Family History & Research Center on the 3rd Wed. each month at 10:30 a.m. for a historical fiction book club. A wide range of eras and topics will be covered, and input is welcome. Refreshments will be provided. This month’s meeting will be informational with a look ahead at future reads. Speak with a staff member for more information.

STEAM Day – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Sep. 18, 4 – 6 p.m.

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

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

Sep. 18, 4 – 5 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!

Young Authors and Artists – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Sep. 23, 2 – 3 p.m.

Young Authors and Artists is for 10 – 17-year-olds who are interested in creative writing and/or enjoy creating art designs through sketching, painting, sculpting, and digitally. Enjoy a variety of creative activities that include poetry, comic book design, character creation, digital and theatrical art, and other activities and games revolving around story development and art expression.

As the Page Turns – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.

Sep. 23, 4 p.m.

Visit the Jay Library on the 4th Tuesday each month for As the Page Turns, an adult book club where patrons choose what to read. This month’s genre is fantasy, with a suggested title of “At Sea” by Emma Fedor. Speak with a staff member for more information.

STEAM Makerspace – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Sep. 25, 2 – 4 p.m.

Come explore, build, and create at STEAM Makerspace. Craft and create using library- supplied arts and craft materials or bring your own. Learn simple code with coding robots and explore with VR and AR devices. This program is for all ages, but children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Hobby groups are also welcome to attend this program.

Furry Friend Friday – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Sep. 26, 2 – 3 p.m.

Visit the Gulf Breeze Library to learn about pet safety and adoption. Listen to a story about pets, learn about the ways the Santa Rosa County animal shelter helps the animals it takes in, and meet a furry friend from the shelter.

Open Chess – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Sep. 27, 2 – 4 p.m.

Chess players of all ages are invited to Open Chess at the Milton Library. Knowledge of the game is recommended, and good sportsmanship is highly encouraged. Beginner instruction is limited and may be unavailable. The library has a limited number of chess sets; you are welcome to bring your own. No table reservations are available at this time – it’s first come, first served. Speak with a staff member for more information.

Movie Night – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Sep. 30, 4 – 6 p.m.

Visit the Milton Library for a showing of “Dumbo” (rated PG, 2019). Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Milton Library.