Good morning, Dear Library Friends! 

Normally I use this space to spotlight wonderful Delray Beach Public Library programming or other milestones in the world of public libraries. This week, I feel compelled to share and recommend an evening with our dear friends over at City Hall! 
The Delray Beach Public Library has been a proud civic partner with the City of Delray Beach since 1942 – the year the Library was awarded our first City Operating Grant (for $800). Great cities maintain great libraries – great libraries flourish in great cities. 
The strength and vision of a city is always reflected in its library. This is a universal truth. Another characteristic of great cities, universal through the ages, is that great cities thrive best when transparent in operation – when they encourage democratic involvement and are responsive to the dreams and hopes of their citizens. 

In this spirit, the City of Delray Beach will be hosting “Budget 101: Your Fiscal Year” on September 27 at 6:00 p.m. Library lovers are always well-informed and eager to become educated in all things. Understanding this, I urge all readers of our library newsletter to join City Manager, Terrance Moore and Chief Financial Officer, Hugh Dunkley at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening for the budget forum at the Fieldhouse at Old School Square (51 North Swinton Avenue). 

I am sure you will be impressed and proud to be part of the City of Delray Beach. 

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please let me know. And, as always, be safe, well-read, and happy.

There is a lot of planning, analysis and discussion that goes into managing a $332.4 million budget. Join City Manager Terrence Moore and Chief Financial Officer Hugh Dunkley as they explain the ins and outs of the city’s upcoming fiscal year at “Budget 101: Your Fiscal Year Explained.” They will discuss the city’s 2023-34 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, as well as its projects, programs, goals objectives and outcomes. Residents are invited to this community forum to ask questions and learn about the city’s revenue, expenditures, operating budget, millage rates, capital projects, how important financial decisions are made and more. See you there!

For more information about the city’s 2023-24 budget, click Here.

STEM Camp: Space Science: Cox Museum Dome Planetarium

Saturday, October 7 @1-4PM 
Ages: 5-17

Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos at our special Cox Museum Dome Planetarium visit at the library! Immerse yourself in the wonders of space and travel to distant galaxies, sparkling stars, and breathtaking celestial phenomena. Mark your calendars and don't miss this opportunity to experience the wonders of the night sky!

Register for Space Science: Cox Museum Dome Planetarium

Young @ Art Volunteer Stipend-Position Available! 

Are you a creative, outgoing artist with a passion for teaching young minds? We invite you to be part of our Young @ Art Program, where you'll help children aged 6 to 9 explore the world of fine art. This exciting program runs twice a month, from November 2023 to April 2024, with each session lasting one hour, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM with a $75.00 stipend per session, 10 sessions total. For more information - Click Here.

Fun with Fernanda | Diviértete con Fernanda!

Monday, October 2
3:30PM
Ages: 0-4

In this delightful bilingual adventure, experience the magic of story time as Fernanda captivates young hearts with enchanting tales in both English and Spanish. Sing along to engaging songs, explore mindfulness through gentle exercises, and create cherished memories in this interactive and nurturing environment. Don't miss the joyous program where learning and laughter go hand in hand!  
Online registration required.

Register for Fun with Fernanda

Oh, Baby!

Wednesday, October 4
10AM
Ages: 3mo-2.5yrs

Join Ms. Tea, Mommy Turtle & her little hatchlings at the library for a story, songs, stimulating, developmentally appropriate exercises … and bubbles!  
Online registration required.

Register for Oh, Baby! Story Time

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Storytime

Thursday, October 5
10AM
Ages: 0-5

Celebrate the remarkable journey of our youngest readers in our third event of the year! Experience the excitement as toddlers engage in specially-themed book-related crafts, literacy activities, and more. Bring your child's reading log and receive special giveaways for reaching a program milestone! 
Online registration required.

Register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Storytime

Zestful Zumba

Monday, October 2
5:15PM
Ages: 13-17

Start your week by stepping to the beat! Join us for zestful Zumba sessions with instructor Aida Smith! Boost your cardio endurance and confidence as you dance across the floor. What are you waiting for? Let’s Zumba! Wear your favorite gym clothes! Parents must sign and return the program permission slip for their child to participate. Send an email with the signed document to [email protected]. 
Online registration required.

Register for Zestful Zumba

Teen Book Club

Tuesday, October 3
5PM
Ages: 13-17

Check this out! A FREE monthly teen book subscription full of one-of-a-kind collection items, and specially curated products for teen readers! Each box will include all the books in a romance series, plus self-care products to help you set the mood, unplug from the world, and read! All free for you to keep! October’s book is Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. 
Online registration required.

Register for Teen Book Club

Introduction to Kickboxing

Saturday, October 7
11AM
Ages: 13-17

Learn the basics of Kickboxing! Tap into waking up your inner strength and discover what you can gain from this popular combat sport. This introductory class trains teens in developing proper punching and other striking techniques. Wear your favorite gym clothes!  Parents must sign and return the program permission slip for their child to participate. Send an email with the signed document to [email protected].  
Online registration required.

Register for Introduction to Kickboxing

Got Gaming Club

Saturday, October 7
3PM
Ages: 13-17

Use our very own Teen Tech Cart, funded by a generous grant from the Kimmel Family 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.

Register for Got Gaming Club

Iconic Florida Key Lime Pie Community Bake Off A Success!

11 pies + 3 judges + 75 people = So Much Fun! Our Iconic Florida Key Lime Pie Community Bake Off was a great success. Congratulations to our winners: Suzanne Wright (1st Place); John Miller (2nd Place); Cynthia Lloyd (3rd Place); and Terry Berger (People’s Choice)! 

Special thanks to the Delray GreenMarket and Chef Nicholas Eddy for presenting Key Lime Ceviche. And to UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County Master Gardener Volunteers for bringing coreopsis, a native Florida wildflower, that people could pot and take home. 

Also, heartfelt gratitude to the home bakers, judges, and volunteers who made it all possible! 

Iconic Florida Poll Results: We Love Manatees and Key Lime Pie 
Creature: Manatee (37%); Flamingo (28%); Sea Turtle (19%) 
Nature Element: Beaches (32%); the Everglades (32%); Palm Trees (28%) 
Destination: The Keys (53%); St. Augustine (16%); West Palm Beach (9%) 
Food: Key Lime Pie (72%) 

Adult Programs In October Are Scary Good!

The month of October is full of fresh adult programs happening each week. You can build a better brain with the University of Miami Comprehensive Center for Brain Health; get a discount on your car insurance by taking the AARP Smart Driver Course; listen as Dr. Robert Watson talks about his intriguing new books; sing your heart out at World Singing Day; learn about joining the Peace Corps for senior adults; and get the inside scoop on book bans in Florida. Whew!  

Click Here to Learn more and register.

Introduction to VFX with Adobe After Effects

Thursday, September 28
10AM

Learn about tools and techniques used by video effects artists and put together your own compositions using Adobe After Effects. Topics to include video animation, tracking, compositing, and rotoscoping.

Register for Introduction to VFX with Adobe After Effects

Microsoft Excel Basics

Wednesday, October 4
2PM

Learn about cell basics, modifying columns, formatting cells, understanding number formats, creating, opening, saving, sharing, and printing workbooks.

Register for Excel Basics

Click Here to view the Delray Beach Public Library The Next Chapter - September 27, 2023