Schools and Libraries
August 17, 2023
From: Delray Beach Public LibraryOn Tuesday afternoon, August 8, 2023, I gave my annual presentation to the Delray Beach City Commission at the annual Non-Profit Workshop, wherein all non-profit organizations in Delray Beach give their “state of the union” address. The following is how I summed up my presentation:
“This is a good moment for me to touch again on the importance of a free public library to a community, a city, state, and a country. I give you the words of the late astronomer, scientist, writer, Carl Sagan, who wrote often during his life about the importance of libraries to a culture. He wrote:
‘I think the health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings of our culture and our concern for the future can be tested by how well we support our public libraries.’
I believe that as well. I believe that libraries, every library, is a bellwether – a portent of the future, an indicator of the intellectual, spiritual, philosophical health of a community. And even further – a healthy, vital public library is a ringing testament to community optimism. A healthy community proclaims, by the very robust health of its public library, we believe that the cultural history, the historic catalogue of great writers and thinkers, the very wisdom and knowledge of Man, has great value and should be available to every single person free of prejudice, free of bias, and free of charge.
Because the intellectually curious, hungry, and ambitious to improve and enhance their lives will always seek out their public library as the most trustworthy portal to the vast riches and shining panorama of this world.”
In truth, when speaking to the city officials and commissioners present at the workshop about the glories of our public library system, I was preaching to the choir. As the Executive Director of the Delray Beach Public Library, I have the good fortune to work in a city that honors and values its public library.
If anyone has any questions or concerns, please let me know. And, as always, be safe, well-read, and happy.
Tickets are on sale now for the September 9 Trivia Night event at the Library. The event includes dinner and 2 drinks. Individual tickets are $45 each or 2 for $75. Teams of up to 6 people can compete for prizes. Show your smarts at this fun fundraising event.
What an exciting time of year it is for the students who have resumed their studies--joining with friends and school staff, tried and true or intriguing and new! We wish all the students well as they settle into the routines at school, at home, during extracurriculars and more! Remember that our library programs and resources serve as excellent enrichment to students’ learning, so we encourage you to stay involved with us throughout the school year.
The first week back-to-school is the perfect opportunity to check out the library’s Digital Resources Page where you can access Ask-A-Librarian services from home or school, free eBooks and journal and magazine articles. Don’t miss out on BrainFuse HelpNow where students get free online tutoring and homework help, interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests. All you need is your free Delray Beach Public Library Card! If you don’t have one yet, get yours here.
Get Fit this Fall!
New Fitness Programs
This fall, Teen Services is introducing a new line-up of Free fitness programs at the library!
You can start your fitness journey stepping to the beat in Zumba sessions or learning the basics of kickboxing. At the end of your week, discover the depths of inner peace through mindful yoga. Registration starts in September!
Book of the Week
Rhythm & Muse by India Hill Brown
“Darren Johnson lives in his head. There, he can pine for his crush—total dream girl, Delia Dawson—in peace, away from the unsolicited opinions of his talkative family and showboat friends. When Delia announces a theme song contest for her popular podcast, Dillie D in the Place to Be, Darren’s friends—convinced he’ll never make a move—submit one of his secret side projects for consideration.” - from Goodreads
Fiber Arts Studio
Saturday, August 26
11:30AM
Ages: 13-17
Join us as we learn new fiber-based skills. We'll learn the basics of sewing, knitting, weaving, and more while developing tools for creative exploration, stress relief, and mindful consumption. In this session, learn how to make cute pom-pom garlands! Create different color combinations of garlands to decorate your room! All supplies provided.
Online registration required.
Register for Fiber Arts Studio
Got Gaming Club
Saturday, August 26
3:00PM
Ages: 13-17
Use our very own Teen Tech Cart, funded by a generous grant from the Kimmel Foundation!? ??
Get your game on in style with a brand-new 55’ Smart TV Monitor and Nintendo Switch with extra controllers for extra fun! Virtual reality activities, board games, and more!
Online registration required.
Iconic America, Iconic Florida
We’re excited to announce that we are a recipient of the Iconic America Micro-Grant for Public Libraries awarded by WETA and PBS Books Office for Library Engagement with funding provided by The Zohar and Lisa Ben-Dov Family through the Luminescence Foundation.
Using the PBS series Iconic America: Our Symbol and Stories with David Rubenstein as a launching point, we will explore the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects, and places.
We will also consider the state where we live and have some fun with what makes for Iconic Florida. Let’s start with a quick public survey. This is your opportunity to vote for your choice of Iconic Florida symbols in four categories: creature, food, destination, and nature element. Survey results will be announced at our Iconic Florida Key Lime Pie Community Bake Off on Saturday, September 23. Have fun!
Bald is Beautiful
The American Bald Eagle
Wednesday, September 6
2:00PM
This fascinating program begins with a special virtual visit with Dr. Daisy Fiore from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida to learn about our nation’s symbol, the Bald Eagle. In this live virtual program on the big screen, we will discuss how the Bald Eagle nearly went extinct in the mid-20th century, their incredible recovery, and how Audubon’s Eaglewatch continues to ensure their population remains stable. We will finish this first 30-minute segment by meeting one of the Center’s raptors-in-residence, Francis, a live Bald Eagle!
After we say goodbye to Francis, we will screen Episode 6: The American Bald Eagle (55 mins.) from the recently aired PBS series Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein. Free; please register.
Register for The American Bald Eagle
You Put the Lime in the Pie, You Nut!
Iconic Florida Key Lime Pie Community Bake Off
Saturday, September 23
1:00PM
Key lime pie was designated the official state pie of Florida in 2006 though its existence harkens back to the 1890s. Do you have the best recipe ever for this iconic tart sweet dessert? We’re inviting all home bakers to enter our key lime pie community bake off. We’ve got celebrity judges, cool prizes, and fun for the whole family. Kona Ice, popcorn, and key lime cookies, too. The entry deadline for bakers is Monday, September 18th.
For the entry form and contest guidelines, click here
Volunteer Needed (Spanish Language)
We are seeking a creative, outgoing volunteer who can speak Spanish with native-like proficiency but can also communicate well in English to assist with planning and facilitating the Delray Library Language Exchange Program, a grant-funded pilot project.
The Delray Library Language Exchange Program will meet for 60 to 90 minutes one Saturday per month from October through May. Stipend: $1,200.
Do you have:
- Native-like proficiency speaking Spanish
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Teaching experience
- Passion for bilingualism and cross-cultural learning
- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Creative and artistic skills
Please send an email with resume and two references to Isabella Rowan, Program Coordinator and Volunteer Manager: [email protected] Put “Language Exchange Program” in the subject line and tell me why this opportunity makes you tingle. Deadline: August 31, 2023.
Coding Basics: Resources for Getting Started
Thursday, August 17
10:00AM
Technology, Training, and Innovation Lab
Interested in computer coding or high-tech jobs, but don’t know where to begin? Have trouble deciding which programming language to learn? Come explore different tools being used for web development, data science, game design, mobile apps, and more. Understand the differences between the myriad languages available, identify their common uses, and explore educational resources for becoming proficient.
Register for Coding Basics: Resources for Getting Started
Data Storytelling with ArcGIS Online
Thursday, August 24
10:00AM
Technology, Training, and Innovation Lab
Learn to build interactive story maps and use geospatial data to answer questions, make convincing presentations, and explore the “science of where.”
Register for Data Storytelling with ArcGIS Online
Support The Library That Supports Your Community
Click Here to view the more information about Delray Beach Public Library The Next Chapter - August 16, 2023