January Programs, Events at West Florida Public Libraries

Below is a list of events occurring in January at West Florida Public Libraries in Escambia County. For more information about library events, contact the Pensacola Library at 850-436-5060. Visit mywfpl.com, like West Florida Public Libraries - WFPL on Facebook and follow @MyWFPL on Twitter for up-to-date event announcements and more. 

West Florida Public Library Locations

• Pensacola Library: 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola, 32502, 850-436-5060
• Century Branch Library: 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century, 32535, 850-256-6217
• West Florida Genealogy Branch Library: 5740 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola, 32504, 850-494-7373
• Molino Branch Library: 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino, 32577, 850-435-1760
• Southwest Branch Library: 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, 32507, 850-453-7780
• Tryon Branch Library: 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola, 32504 850-471-6980
• Westside Branch Library: 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola, 32502 850-595-1047

For hours of each WFPL location, visit mywfpl.com/locations.

January Events at West Florida Public Libraries

Book events for adults

“My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” Book Discussion

• Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

This charming, witty book by Fredrik Backman tells the story of 7-year-old Elsa and the grandmother she adores, who also happens to be crazy. When the grandmother dies, Elsa’s job is to deliver the letters she left behind.

Books to Film Book Club

• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library

Join in a rousing discussion of Thomas Hardy’s “Far From the Madding Crowd,” a precursor to the movie. Anyone interested in looking past the plot and between the lines is welcome to join, with or without reading the book.

Molino Book Club

• Monday, Jan. 30, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library

Let’s talk books. Join in with your Molino Library friends for a lively discussion of January’s book choice, “I Always Loved You” by Robin Oliveira. This historical novel is based on the life of Impressionist Artist Mary Cassatt.

Book events for youth

Pet Partners Read With Me™

• Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library

Therapy dogs and handlers listen to children read from books provided by Friends of the Southwest Branch Library for 15 minutes. The program encourages reluctant or shy readers and tracks progress. Preregistration is requested. 

Teen programs

Molino Teen Pizza and Game Night

• Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library

Teens are invited to hang out at the Molino Branch Library. This month Kristi Bush from TBS Comics will teach everyone how to play the game “Codenames.” As always, teens age 13-17 are welcome to join in the fun and pizza.  

Teen Time: Cupcake Challenge

• Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Hungry for some cupcakes? Compete against friends in a timed challenge to decorate a cupcake according to the chosen theme. The best part about this program? Getting to eat your creation when you are done.

Crafts

Lego® night

• Tuesday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Visit the craft room to create with Lego®. There will be building challenges and open play. Best enjoyed by ages 2 and up; parent or caregiver must be present.

Fabulous Fridays

• Friday, Jan. 6, 1 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
• Friday, Jan. 13, 1 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
• Friday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
• Friday, Jan. 27, 1 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library

Even grown-ups need a few moments of fun and relaxation after a long week. Join us for Fabulous Friday. The first week, any adults who appreciate an hour of sitting with pens and pencils and adult coloring books can have a cup of coffee, release their inner artist and take a break from that to-do list. The second week, join in to put together Giant Pieces puzzles in under an hour. Let your mind let go of the busy hubbub of life. The third week, join the library’s resident writer in exploring a creative writing project. Fourth Fridays are always a surprise. This month, participate in the conversation starter game “Can of Worms” and take a moment to question, “Hmmm, what do I think about that?”

Fabulous Fridays for Kids

• Friday, Jan. 6, 2:30 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
• Friday, Jan. 13, 2:30 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
• Friday, Jan. 20, 2:30 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
• Friday, Jan. 27, 2:30 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library

The weekend has arrived and it’s time to get creative. Children are invited to the Children’s Room every Friday for simple activities that require nothing but an imagination. The first Fabulous Friday includes coloring books and colors. The second Fabulous Friday includes puzzles galore. The third Fabulous Friday includes a table full of this and that, including shapes, cloth and felt for making a fun poster. Fourth Fridays are always a surprise. This month, participate in fun board games with others. Who will make it to “Candyland” first?

Make it Mondays

• Monday, Jan. 9, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Monday Jan. 23, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Join in the crafting on the second and fourth Monday of the month and get creative. This month everyone will make a giant chomping animal with paper and some markers, and children can let the cat out of the bag and make an awesome cat sculpture using a paper bag, yarn, fabric scraps and markers.

Westside Loopy Loomers

• Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. – Westside Branch Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 1 p.m. – Westside Branch Library

Learn to loom knit hats, scarves, lap blankets and other items, as well as give back to the community. Yarn and looms are provided. All ages are welcome.

Make-n-Take

• Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. – Southwest Branch Library

Children are invited to make their own bath scrub using natural ingredients like sugar. All materials, including attractive jars to take the scrub home, are provided by Friends of Southwest Branch Library.  

Basket Craft

• Monday, Jan. 23, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library

Make a cute basket from a kit provided by Friends of the Southwest Branch Library. Materials include cardboard, ribbons, feathers and more. Longtime Southwest Branch Library patron and supporter Diane Bender will guide participants through this activity.

Celebrations

New Year’s Day

• Sunday and Monday, Jan. 1-2 – All libraries

All West Florida Public Libraries are closed for the New Year holiday. Make sure to stock up on materials ahead of time, or check out our e-book collection, available 24/7.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Monday, Jan. 16 – All libraries

All West Florida Public Libraries are closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Community Heroes Story Time

• Monday, Jan. 23, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch Library An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy and his K-9 partner teach children about what to do in the event of an emergency. Watch as the deputy demonstrates how he and his dog are trained to work as a team.

Games

Game-ology!

• Friday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m. – Genealogy Branch Library

Take a break from research. Family-friendly card and board games will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but patrons are welcome to bring their own, too.

Genealogy

Whooo’s Who in Your Family Tree

• Tuesday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. – Genealogy Branch Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. – Genealogy Branch Library

Whooo’s got a story? You do. Help keep those stories alive by coming in to the Genealogy Branch Library to scan family documents and pictures. Bring a flash drive and leave with a digital family album.

Library Instruction

• Saturday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m. – Genealogy Branch Library

None of us is born knowing how to use a library, and it’s never too late to learn. Yes, people can figure it out on their own, but it’s always nice to learn from someone who knows the ropes. Instructions will include basics of WFPL account use, review of the library website and some common tasks made much easier by knowing how libraries work.

Movies and Music

Friends of the Southwest Branch Library Classic Movie Series

• Thursday, Jan. 5, 6 p.m. – Southwest Branch Library

Everyone is invited to a showing of “Duck Soup.” The 1933 Marx Brothers film tells the story of the mythical country of Freedonia, which is broke and on the verge of revolution. Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), Freedonia's principal benefactress, will lend the country $20 million if the president withdraws and places the government in the hands of the "fearless, progressive" Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx). That’s when mayhem ensues with Chico, Harpo and Zeppo Marx. The unrated movie is 70 minutes long. Movie, popcorn and bottled water will be provided by Friends of the Southwest Branch Library.

Movie Night

• Tuesday, Jan. 17, 5:30 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library

Back by popular demand, the Tryon movie season will start with a truth universally acknowledged that nothing beats the 2005 remake of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” rated PG, with a running time of 127 minutes.

Partner Programs

Mythosophy®: Wisdom of Mythology

• Saturday, Jan. 21, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

What are some concepts of time in mythology? Do they differ? Can time be symbolically drawn? Who is “Father Time” and from where does he derive? Come explore what some myths say about the idea of time.

Regular Meeting of the West Florida Genealogical Society

• Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – Genealogy Branch Library

Come meet the members of the West Florida Genealogical Society. You don’t have to be a member to attend, and they’ll be glad to help you learn more about researching your family history.

GED Classes

• Monday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
• Thursday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
• Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
• Monday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
• Thursday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
• Monday, Jan. 30, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library

Earn a GED at the Molino Community Center. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 9 and run each Monday and Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. in the Molino Community Center. This is an open enrollment program so that students may enroll anytime during the semester. Contact Patricia Harrison at George Stone, 850-941-6200 ext. 2361, for more information. Visit georgestonecenter.com to register. GED classes are provided through a partnership among West Florida Public Libraries, George Stone Technical Center and the Molino Community Center.

Story Time

Pensacola Library

Preschool Story Time

• Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., Youth Services Department

Bouncy Babies Story Time

• Mondays at 10:30 a.m., Youth Services Department (Bouncy Babies canceled Jan. 2 and Jan. 16 for holidays)

Tryon Branch Library

Mommy & Me

• Tuesday, Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
• Tuesday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B

Lapsit is a program for babies and their special someone.

Preschool Story Time

• Thursday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room A
• Thursday, Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room A

Southwest Branch Library

Preschool Story Time

• Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room

Century Branch Library

Preschool Story Time

• No story times are scheduled for January.

Molino Branch Library

Preschool Story Time

• Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. – Youth Services Department

Computer Classes

Book a Trainer at Molino Branch Library

• Tuesdays from noon to 5 p.m.
• Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Could you use a little help with a computer program or would you like to learn how to use the library’s new Zinio eMagazine collection?  Book a half-hour, one-on-one session with Molino’s technology trainer.  A library staff member can provide assistance with many basic computer and technology related issues. Call 850-435-1760 to reserve your session.

Digital Shelf

• Tuesday, Jan.3, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Wednesday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
• Thursday, Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
• Thursday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. – Century Branch Library
• Saturday, Jan. 28, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

Check out WFPL’s digital audiobooks, books, magazine and even comics that can download for free with a library card. Bring in your devices and learn more about how to access these great resources.                   

Hands-on Help

• Thursday, Jan. 5, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
• Thursday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

Do you need a little assistance with a device or computer related task? Sign up for this session and receive hands-on help.    

Learn to Use HeritageQuest for Your Family History Research

• Friday, Jan. 6, 4 p.m. – Genealogy Branch Library

Every hero has a quest. Be a family history hero. Come learn how to use the HeritageQuest research tool and find out more (and there’s always more) about family history. Let the quest begin.

Sprouts

• Saturday, Jan. 7, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
• Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Come experience the library’s new Hewlett-Packard 3-D Sprout computers. An overview and a demonstration of their many unique features will be given. There will be time available for hands-on.     

Word 2016 Basics

• Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Create a document by learning the basics of Word 2016. Topics covered will include using the ribbons, spelling and grammar, saving and printing.     

Ancestry

• Thursday, Jan. 12, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
• Thursday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m. – Century Branch Library
• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Come and learn about researching family history and how to use WFPL’s Ancestry Library edition database.

Basic Skills I

• Saturday, Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

This workshop will introduce participants to the components of a computer along with basic keyboard and mouse skills.

Excel 2016

• Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library

This class is for people who are new to Excel. Attendees will learn how to navigate around a spreadsheet and learn basic formatting skills.  
        

Basic Skills II

• Saturday, Jan. 21, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

This workshop will introduce participants to the Windows environment, along with navigating between different programs.