Dear Library Friends,

I've undertaken a literary project this new year: "books I should have read, but haven't." wherein I have a stack of books on my desk from writers I feel slipping away to names in history.

First up is English novelist, Thomas Hardy's, Far From the Madding Crowd. I'm about halfway through.

It does not disappoint. The subject matter, a tale of love and humanity, is simply spellbinding to me. Every page has breathtaking observations about the natural world and natural humanity. Consider this insight following a middle-aged man calling by name a young woman across a space of a field, and then saying no more:

"Silence has sometimes a remarkable power of showing itself as the disembodied soul of feeling wandering without its carcase, and it is then more impressive than speech."

I recommend Mr. Hardy enthusiastically.  When discussing my undertaking this classic work so late in life a friend suggested that often a novel will find a reader when the time is right. That is certainly true in my case.

I will admit that the novel’s beautiful, poetic title has haunted me since boyhood, yet the actual task of undertaking the work seemed either intimidating or boring as a young adult. An 1874 novel set in idyllic, rural Wessex with themes of love and betrayal relayed in the speech of Victorian England? Don’t make me laugh.

Well, who’s laughing now, my arrogant 17-year-old self? My heartfelt apologies to the spirit of Mr. Hardy. I see you now, and you are beautiful and clear as a sunlit stream in Wessex.  

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]

Oh, Baby! Storytime

Wednesday, January 11^st and 18^th
@10:00 AM
Ages 3 months - 2.5 years  

Join Ms. Tea, Mama Turtle & her little hatchlings for a story, songs, and stimulating developmentally appropriated exercises…and bubbles! Meeting every 1st?& 3rd?Wednesday of the month. Program held in the library.  

Registration is required. 

Register for Oh, Baby! Storytime

Black History Youth Art Contest 

Meets Thursday, January 12th
@3:30PM  

Ages 5 -12 

Attention youth artists, it’s your time to shine! Join us at the library to register for the 2nd Annual Black History Youth Awareness Art Festival (BHYAAF) in Palm Beach County taking place on February 17th. They will be awarding cash prizes to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in Elementary, Middle and High school.

Use our art supplies to create signature 2-D artwork on paper relating to Black History across the diaspora or artwork relating directly to the culture of your home country. We will have an artist from Seeds of Creativity to help you put your vision on paper. The art will win a prize at the library and be submitted for the festival to win more prizes.  

Registration is required. 

Register for Black History Youth Art Contest

Community Superheroes

Meets Tuesday, January 17^th
@3:30 pm                                      
Ages 3-7

Are you curious about what your community superheroes do at work? How their cool vehicles help them do their job? Would you like to read a story with them, ask them questions and then check out their special equipment and/or vehicles? Come and join us and meet them up close and personal.

Register for Community Superheroes

Young @ Art

Wednesday, January 18^th
@3:30 PM                
Ages 5 - 7
Join Ms. Sonia at the library for Young @Art in our new art studio! Children ages 5 – 7 will create fun arts and crafts while learning the principles of art. Remember to wear clothes that allow artistic freedom! Registration is required

Register for Young @ Art

Click Here to View the More Information About Delray Beach Public Library 'The Next Chapter' Newsletter - January 10, 2023