Good afternoon, Dear Library Friends!

For my money, there have been few phenomena as heart-warming and life-encouraging in recent years as the ascension of the Little Free Library movement.

I love the concept so much that I have incorporated it into my retirement plan (years down the road, but one must always prepare): The first thing on the agenda upon retirement is to go to the shore and pitch all smart devices into the Atlantic Ocean (I admit this fantasy might not be realistic). The second thing I plan to do is to build and maintain a Little Free Library. This dream is eminently achievable.

For those that may not know (according to the Little Free Library Association): “A Little Free Library is a ‘take a book, return a book’ free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Little Free Library book exchanges have a unique, personal touch. There is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community; little libraries have been called ‘mini-town squares.'”

A few fascinating and lovable facts about Little Free Libraries:

- The first Little Free Library was a memorial. Tod H. Bol built the first Little Free Library in 2009, as a tribute to his mother who had passed away.
- More than 120 million books have been shared through Little Free Libraries. There are 150,000 Little Free Libraries across 110 countries
- There are Little Free Libraries in all 50 states, in 91 countries, and on every continent except Antarctica.

Some fun, right? Do you want to get involved in the Little Free Library movement, either building one yourself or finding the one nearest you? Of course you do.

Check out the website of the Little Free Library Organization by visiting littlefreelibrary.org.
If anyone has any questions or concerns, please let me know. And, as always, be safe, well-read, and happy.

Mykal Banta, Executive Director
Delray Beach Public Library
561-266-9488
[email protected]

EVENTS
Instagram - @delraylibrarychildrens
Head of Children's Department - [email protected]

We have exciting news to share! Thanks to the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Family Fund, our newly acquired Wonderbooks are here! Wonderbooks are children’s books with a ready-to-play audiobook already inside. Take one off the shelf and press play. It’s never been more fun to read along! Picture books. Leveled readers. Early chapter books. Non-fiction and Spanish/Bilingual titles...we have them all! Borrow one today! We are grateful that the Kimmels are always supporting the library in providing engaging and exciting new materials, technology and programming for your children to learn and enjoy.

Space Camp
Saturday, December 17th @10:30 AM         
Ages 8-12
Join Mr. Kevin and run your space agency from the ground to the stars! We will learn about the basics of rocketry, orbital mechanics, and the value of doing science in space! Using “Kerbal Space Program,” a fun space simulator, building your spacecraft is easy, even if the physics may be tough. Attendance of each session is not required but the more you come, the farther you fly!

Register for Space Camp

Library on the Go: Be Brave, Be Different, Be YOU!
Saturday, December 17th @ 4:00 PM 
Ages 2 - 6
Location: Cocoplum Nature School's "Winter Solstice" event 
342 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL  33444
Our "Library on the Go: Be Brave, Be Different, Be YOU!" program will feature the story, Just Ask by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, which champions some of the ways children with disabilities utilize their strengths to work, learn and play! To promote this message of diversity, inclusion, awareness of adaptive learning, we will partner with HomeSafe, a Palm Beach County organization that provides free testing to ensure that young learners are developing at a healthy pace. Our collective desire is to ensure all children receive the resources they deserve to set them up for successful learning and social-emotional growth!  
No registration is required, a sign-up sheet will be provided at the event. A free book raffle and a treat will be provided for child participants.

Click here for More Information About Delray Beach Public Library 'The Next Chapter' Newsletter - December 13, 2022