April Events at Your Santa Rosa County Library

Holiday Closures

The library system will close on Friday, Apr. 19 and Saturday, Apr. 20 in observance of the Good Friday holiday.

Reading Without Walls – All Libraries

Apr. 1 – 30

Reading Without Walls encourages people to explore books about characters who look or live differently than them, topics they haven’t discovered, or formats that they haven’t tried. Come into the library to pick up a challenge sheet. Complete all three challenges during the month of April and be entered to win a prize. This program is open to all ages. Speak with a staff member for more information.

Tax Aide

Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be assisting with taxes at three Santa Rosa County libraries. 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. Patrons are served on a first come, first served basis. Preregistration is not accepted, and space is limited, so arrive early. 

• Gulf Breeze Library (through April 15)
  Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  
  
• Milton Library (through April 11)
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 1 – 5 p.m.
  Thursdays: 9 a.m. –  4 p.m.
  
  
• Navarre Library (through April 13)
  Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Family Story Hour 

"Book a Trip" with Family Story Hour! Join your library as they journey to all seven continents. There will be stories, activities, and more related to each destination on the trip. This month the libraries will explore South America. Come each month to receive a stamp in a Family Story Hour passport. Family Story Hour will be presented during the following times this month:

• 4 p.m. on Monday, Apr. 1 at the Navarre Library
• 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 5 at the Milton Library
• 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 9 at the Jay Library
• 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 16 at the Pace Library
• 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 30 at the Gulf Breeze Library

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 May 3:

• 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Mondays at the Jay Library
• 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Navarre & Milton Libraries
• 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Fridays at the Gulf Breeze & Pace Libraries

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. Call the Youth Services Coordinator Angela Evans at 981-4066 for questions.

Toddler Time will be presented during the following times through May 3:

• 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Milton, Navarre and Pace Libraries
• 10 – 10:20 a.m. on Fridays at the Gulf Breeze Library

STEAM Makerspace – Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2 – 5 p.m.

Apr. 6 & 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Come join the maker's space at the Gulf Breeze Library. Persons interested in drafting, robotics, Arduino, knitting, painting or any kind of hobby have access to the library meeting room. Registration is required.

Refreshing Reads Book Club – Jay Library - 5259 Booker Ln.

Apr. 2, 3 p.m.

Enjoy an uplifting book club where one can talk about books in a spirit of fun and sharing. Registration is required. This month's selection is “The Inn at Ocean’s Edge” by Colleen Coble.

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

Apr. 3, 4 p.m.

Sixth through 12th graders can join fellow graphic novel enthusiasts to discuss the book of the month. Members can suggest reading ideas, interests, and discuss the world of the graphic novel. This month’s selection is “The Wendy Project” by Melissa Jane Osborne.Registration is required.

Book Chat – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Apr. 3, 4 p.m.  

One of the next best things to reading a good book is chatting about it. Join the conversation at the Pace Library on the first Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m.  This month participants are encouraged to read a book of poetry of their choice. Registration is required.

Reading with Gabby– Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Apr. 6, 10 a.m.

Visit the library to read with Gabby the therapy dog! Space is limited; registration is required.

Friends of the Navarre Library Board Meeting - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 8, 10 a.m. 

Board meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Navarre Library. Visit the Friends’ website at www.facebook.com/NFONL for more information.

Crochet Class – Jay Library - 5259 Booker Ln.

Apr. 8, 3:30 p.m.

Learn the basics of how to crochet! Visit the Jay Library to sign up and receive a supply list. Supplies should cost less than $5.00.

The Inklings– Milton Library - 5541 Alabama St.

Apr. 9, 5 p.m.

Sixth through 10th graders are invited to share their ideas about the book of the month. The Inklings Book Club meets the second Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at the Milton Library. This month’s selection is “Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark” by Ridley Pearson. Registration is required.

Friends of the Gulf Breeze Library Board of Director’s Meeting – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 9, 5:30 p.m.

Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Gulf Breeze Library. Visit the Friends’ website at www.facebook.com/friendsofgblibrary for more information.

Page Turners - Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 12, 1 p.m.

The fiction book club meets at 1 p.m. on the second Friday of every other month for a brown bag lunch and book discussion. This month's selection is “Number One Chinese Restaurant” by Lillian Li. Registration is required.

FONL Sidewalk Sale - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 13, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The FONL will host a sidewalk book sale (weather permitting). Shop for bargain books of all types and subjects, for all ages. Support the local Friends group. Visit the Friends’ website at www.facebook.com/NFONL for more information.

Build Your Library! – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Apr. 13, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Build Your Library at the STEAM Architecture program. There will be various building sets including Arckits, LEGO, 3D puzzles, Lincoln Logs, and building blocks. This program is open to all school-aged kids (K-12th grade).

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

Apr. 13, 9 a.m.

Enjoy playing games? Join the Milton Library for game day. Bring games from home or play those provided. There will also be an on-going Dungeons & Dragons campaign. This event is open to all ages, and game groups are welcome.

Family Movie Mondays – Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 15, 3:30 p.m.

Family movies will be shown the third Monday of every month at 3:30 p.m. with a break in June. This month join the Navarre Library as they watch the adventures of Mike, Sully, and Boo (rated G). Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Navarre Library.

Game Night – Jay Library - 5259 Booker Ln.

Apr. 16, 3 p.m.

Enjoy playing games? Bring games from home or play those provided by the library. All ages and game groups are welcome.

AniManga Club – Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 16, 4 p.m.

Visit the Gulf Breeze Library on the third Tuesday of each month to learn and share graphic art skills in a fun environment. The AniManga Club is dedicated to the enjoyment and promotion of animation, cartooning, and related arts. The club is open to youth ages 11 – 17.

Robotics and Tech for Tweens & Teens – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 17, 4 p.m.

Tweens and teens ages 10-17 who are interested in robotics, coding, Arduino, virtual reality, and all things tech-related are invited to join the Navarre Library for a robotics and tech club. Beginners through expert level welcome!

Tween/Teen Tech Club – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.

Apr. 23, 4 p.m.

Tweens and teens ages 10-17 who are interested in robotics, coding, Arduino, virtual reality, and all things tech-related are invited to join the Gulf Breeze Library for a robotics and tech club. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month. Beginners through expert level welcome!

Graphic Novel Book Club – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.

Apr. 23, 5 p.m.

Join fellow graphic novel enthusiasts at the Milton Library on the fourth Tuesday each month to discuss the book of the month. Members can suggest reading ideas, interests, and discuss the world of the graphic novel. This month's selection is “The Life of Captain Marvel” by Margaret Stohl. Registration is required.

Reading Fanatics Book Club - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 23, 5 p.m.

Join the Navarre Library for a new book club. Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. Those interested may suggest books to the library – fiction and non-fiction titles are welcome!

Money Smart Week – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Apr. 27, 10 – 11 a.m.

Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This program is free and open to the public and is geared toward adults.

Sidewalk Chalk Day - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.

Apr. 27, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Children are invited to join the Navarre Library for a fun day of using sidewalk chalk to draw their favorite book-themed scene or character (weather permitting). Speak with a staff member for more details. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Navarre Library.

Bibliobabblers Teen Book Club - Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Apr. 30, 6 p.m.

Ninth through 12th graders who are 14-18 years old can discuss the read-of-the-month with friends at the Gulf Breeze Library. Bibliobabblers meets at 6 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month. This month's book is “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White.

The Santa Rosa County Library System is a department of the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners. Libraries are located in Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, Navarre, and Pace. Find additional information at www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries or call (850) 981-7323 (READ).