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
Bookish Happenings
Southwest Branch Library Book Club
- Thursday, Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Thursday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – Southwest Branch Library
Friendly literary conversation of “The Word is Murder” by Anthony Horowitz.
Graphic Novel Group
- Monday, Jan. 14, 5:30 p.m. - Pensacola Library
Join Pop Comics owner Harley Orr and Pensacola Library staff in a discussion of a graphic novel decided on during the December meeting. The group meets monthly to discuss graphic novels.
Popular Literary Book Club – “Warlight”
- Wednesday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
Join us as we discuss Michael Ondaatje’s coming-of-age novel that begins in post-World War II London and ends a dozen years later. This work of historical fiction from the author of “The English Patient” has been chosen for the 2018 Man Booker Award longlist.
Molino Book Club
- Monday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
Join us as we read “Shadow Child” by Rahna Reiko Rizzuto. Told in interwoven narratives that glide seamlessly between the gritty streets of New York, the lush and dangerous landscape of Hawaii, and the horrors of the Japanese internment camps and the bombing of Hiroshima, “Shadow Child” is set against an epic sweep of history. Volcanos, tsunamis, abandonment, racism, and war form the urgent, unforgettable backdrop of this intimate, evocative, and deeply moving story of motherhood, sisterhood, and second chances.
Book events for youth
Teens Back-to-School Book Club: “Bridge of Clay”
- Saturday, Jan. 5, 2 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Teens and college students, before school starts back, come enjoy some treats and join us for a discussion on Markus Zusak’s latest book, “Bridge of Clay.”
Read with a Dog!
- Wednesday, Jan. 9, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Come to Pensacola Library to practice reading to a dog! Kids can bring their own book or borrow one from us and read to Tanner the dog. There will be 15-minute slots available to read to Tanner from 4-6 p.m. Slots are first come, first served. Please call the 436-5038 to reserve your slot.
Pet Partners: Read With Me™
- Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. – noon – Southwest Branch Library
School-aged children are invited to register for a 15-minute session to pick a book and practice reading with a furry friend. Dogs and handlers are coordinated through Pet Partners and Cherry Point Dog Training Inc. Registration is requested.
Hooked on Books – Parent/Child Book Group
- Thursday, Jan. 17, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Want to connect with your child? Read together! Hooked on Books is a book group for children grades 3-5 and their parent(s). The book will be decided on during the December meeting.
STEAM
STEAM Powered Holiday Break
- Wednesday, Jan. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library (STEAM Lab, 2nd floor)
- Thursday, Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library (STEAM Lab, 2nd floor)
- Friday, Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library (Craft Room, 1st floor)
Feeling cooped up? Come unwind with the STEAM Team. We will have three stations: gaming, crafts, and video recording. For young children, we will have Duplos (oversized LEGO® bricks).
LEGO® Mindstorm Robotics and Coding Club at Tryon Branch Library
- Saturday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m.
Come explore LEGO® Mindstorms with West Florida Public Libraries. We will unpack our new kits and start to learn to programs the new robots we build. Beginners are welcome. The library will provide all supplies needed. Robotics and Coding Club runs through the end of May.
Open STEAM Lab – Pensacola Library
- Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 6- 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m.
Would you like to explore some of the robots and other technology tools that West Florida Public Libraries owns? Would you like to become trained to use the machines in the Technology Lab? Would you like to learn to build your own website using Wix or WordPress or learn how to write HTML code? We can help you get started. Drop into the STEAM Lab during our open hours and staff will assist you in getting started with robotics, virtual reality, the Silhouette machines, and other technology.
LEGO® Night – Pensacola Library
- Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 30, 6 p.m.
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.
Sewing with STEAM for Grownups – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m.to noon
- Wednesday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m.to noon
- Wednesday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to noon
Enjoy a sewing class by one of our STEAM librarians. All levels of skill are invited to take part. Each week, we’ll learn something new.
Quilt, Stitch and Sew Open Session
- Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Come learn to quilt, stitch or sew. Want to learn to crochet? Want to brush up on your sewing skills? Want to spend time together with like-minded people working on your craft project? The library has sewing machines and other tools you can use to produce your creations.
Chess Club
- Saturdays at 2 p.m. – Pensacola Library
We will help you learn how to play one of the oldest games in the world. Whether you are a brand-new beginner or a master chess player, this is a chance to learn new skills, practice your moves and improve your game in a friendly environment. All playing levels are welcome, including beginners. The library will provide all the chess boards and pieces.
Robotics and Coding Club at Tryon Branch Library
- Friday, Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m.
Come explore robotics and coding with the variety of robots that the West Florida Public Libraries has to offer. You will learn coding principles and how to program robots to help you solve the session’s challenge. The library will provide all equipment, just bring your enthusiasm and curiosity. Robotics and Coding Club will run through May.
Robots with STEAM!
- Saturday, Jan. 5, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
Robots! STEAM librarians will be bringing robots to the library for you to learn and play. Come join in the fun as you explore what these robots can do. Each session begins with an introduction to coding principles and will include a challenge for you to work through with your robot.
Tryon Tuesday – STEAM for Adults: Silhouette Machine Workshop
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 5 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Come learn to use Silhouette machines to make decorative items for your home, school, or as gifts. We use adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and paper. We will help you get started. Beginners welcome.
Minecraft and LEGO® at the Library
- Saturday, Jan, 26, 10-11:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
Need something fun to do on a Saturday morning? Come get your build on and play Minecraft or build with LEGO®. You can even create a stop motion video using LEGO® bricks and our iPads. We will provide laptops and computers on which to play Minecraft.
Scratch Gaming Coding Club
- Saturday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
Come learn to create games using Scratch, a kid-friendly programming language. Coding Club will run through the end of May.
Stop Action Video - Family STEAM Night – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m.
We've got the tools, you've got the talent, so come learn how to make a stop-action video with us. We'll have recording equipment and poseable toys (including Cubelet robotics, Duplos, and LEGO® bricks), but if you want to bring your own action figures, go for it.
Let’s Make Art! – Family STEAM Night
-
Thursday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Let’s put the A in STEAM and make some art! Did you know you could create art using only dots? You can, so join us to play with paint and experience Pointillism.
Let’s Make Art! – Saturday STEAM
- Saturday, Jan. 19, 1:30 p p.m. – Pensacola Library
Let’s put the A in STEAM and make some art! Come try your hand at acrylic paint pouring techniques.
Pick a Design, Color a Shirt
- Thursday, Jan. 31 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
We will have designs for your t-shirt. It could be anything from unicorns, LEGO and animals. Pick your favorite, and we will put it on the shirt you bring with you. Color it and take it home. Participants must bring their own shirt! All other materials will be provided. Ages 6-11 years old.
Crafts
Westside Loopy Loomers – Westside Branch Library
- Tuesday, Jan. 8, 1 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 14, 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 1 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 28, 5 p.m.
Learn to loom knit hats, scarves, lap blankets and other items as we give back to the community. Yarn and looms are provided. All ages are welcome.
Rock Painting 101
- Thursday, Jan. 10, 4:30-6 p.m. – Southwest Branch Library
A local patron will guide you through the fun and creativity of painting rocks for fun. Sponsored by The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library.
Back-to-School Backpack Buttons
- Saturday, Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m.– Pensacola Library
As another semester begins, let’s cover your backpack with bling. Yes, I mean buttons! Join us in the craft room for button making. We will supply materials, but feel free to bring your own images or text to make that perfect button. Recommended for families with older children (5+) and teens.
Tryon Tuesday Craft Night – Woven Baskets
-
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Have fun crafting with our crafty librarians making an upcycle newspaper basket complete with handle.
Dream Jars
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
Join us for an evening story time for children ages 2-12 featuring a book about conquering bad dreams. Kids will create a "Dream Jar" to hold sweet dreams and chase away bad dreams. All materials will be provided.
Passport to the World – Pensacola Library
-
Monday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 28, 4 p.m.
Learn about different cultures and make crafts. Get a new stamp for your “passport” each time you attend. Monday, Jan. 14 we will learn about China and on Monday, Jan. 28 we will learn about Russia.
Teen
Teen Tuesday: Virtual Reality, Xbox One X, Board Games and More! – Pensacola Library
-
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, 4 p.m.
Teens, join us in the STEAM Lab for access to video games such as Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart, board games, card games and more tech. Bring your friends or come prepared to make new ones. Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m.
Research for Teens and Young Adults
- Monday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m. – Pensacola Library
This is a class for teens and young adults interested in learning how to do better research. It will cover how to find good sources, how to use our databases, the difference between primary and secondary sources, and more. This is a great class to help you write better papers, or participate in a science or history fair. Please feel free to bring your laptop with you – they are encouraged, but not required.
YAS: Young Adult Social
- Thursday, Jan. 31, 5:30 p.m. – Southwest Branch Library
Young adults are invited to hang out in our new youth oriented section for snacks and games. Includes Wii bowling, and other activities. YAS takes place the last Thursday of every month.
Movies, Music and Games
Molino Melodies – Molino Branch Library
- Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m.
Join us on Tuesday evenings as we learn to play the mountain dulcimer. No experience or materials required.
Tryon Tuesday Movie Night for the Family – "The Little Mermaid"
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
We’re showing classic movies for the whole family once a month with popcorn. This month’s film is "The Little Mermaid," release date 1989, rated G, with a running time of 83 minutes.
Holiday Closures
New Year’s Day – Closed
-
Tuesday, Jan. 1, all day – All branches
West Florida Public Libraries will close in observance of New Year’s Day. All branches will return to regular hours on Wednesday, Jan. 2.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Closed
- Monday, Jan. 21, all day – all branches
West Florida Public Libraries will close in observance of Martin Luther King Day. All branches will return to regular hours on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
Partner Programs
GED Classes – Molino Branch Library
- Monday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m.
Earn your GED at the Molino Community Center. Classes are held each Monday and Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. This is an open enrollment program, so 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.
Genealogy
One-on-One Assistance and Instruction
- Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Genealogy Branch Library
Come to the Genealogy Branch Library for one-on-one sessions on searching for the deceased, introduction to Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest 101. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule a private session.
Regular Meeting of the West Florida Genealogical Society
- Saturday, Jan. 5, 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. Each meeting also provides an opportunity to meet experienced and knowledgeable society members who willingly share their ideas and techniques. Free and open to all.
Wellness
Walk This Way – Molino Branch Library
- Tuesday, Jan. 8, 8 a.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 8 a.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 8 a.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, 8 a.m.
Put on your walking shoes and start the year off right. Come out to the track behind the Molino Branch Library on Tuesday mornings and join us as we get our walk on.
Chair Yoga
- Wednesday, Jan. 2, 4:30 p.m. – Southwest Branch Library
A local patron will guide you through the basics of chair yoga. Sponsored by The Friends of Southwest Branch Library.
Molino Branch Library Health and Wellness Fair
- Saturday, Jan. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Molino Branch Library
Start the new year off right by visiting the Molino Branch Library. Fitness fun for all ages! There will be story time with 5210’s Walker Wiggle, OneBlood will be on site for donations (donate blood and have up to $50 in late fee charges waived from your account), talk about nutrition with Angela Hinkle, find out about estheticians and massage therapy, and sign up for non-certified CPR instruction (seats are limited).
Story Time
Pensacola Library
Bouncy Babies Story Time
- Mondays at 10:30 a.m. - Youth Services Department
Preschool Story Time
- Wednesday, Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m. – Youth Services Department
- Wednesday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m. – Youth Services Department
- Wednesday, Jan. 23, 10:30 a.m. – Youth Services Department
- Wednesday, Jan. 30, 10:30 a.m. – Youth Services Department
Tryon Branch Library
Mommy & Me
- Tuesday, Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
Lapsit is a program for babies and their special someone.
STEAM Preschool Story Time
- Thursday, Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
Preschool Story Time
- Thursday, Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
- Thursday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m. – Meeting Room B
Molino Branch Library
STEAM Preschool Story Time
- Wednesday, Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m. – Youth Services Department
Preschool Story Time
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. – Youth Services Department
Century Branch Library
Preschool Story Time
- Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. – Youth Services
Computer Classes
One-on-One Tech Help at Molino Branch Library
- Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m.
- Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get 30 minutes of individual technology help at the Molino Branch Library. Find email, increase your computer knowledge, improve your skills with your smart phone and learn how to download e-books and more. Call 850-435-1760 to reserve your session.
File Management: Create and Organize Files and Folders
- Thursday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m. – Century Branch Library
- Thursday, Jan. 10, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
Learn how to create and organize files and folders. We will look at local and cloud-based storage options.
Microsoft Word
- Saturday, Jan. 5, 12 p.m. – Pensacola Library
This four-part series will present Microsoft Office 2016 on an intermediate level. Learn how to master Microsoft Word by creating, editing, and formatting documents.
Microsoft Excel
- Saturday, Jan. 12, 12 p.m. – Pensacola Library
This four-part series will present Microsoft Office 2016 on an intermediate level. Learn how to utilize Microsoft Excel by creating spreadsheets to calculate formulas and analyze data.
Microsoft Publisher
- Saturday, Jan. 19, 12 p.m. – Pensacola Library
This four-part series will present Microsoft Office 2016 on an intermediate level. Learn how to create print publications (i.e. newsletters, brochures, invitations, and more) using Microsoft Publisher.
Microsoft Office 365
- Saturday, Jan. 26, 12 p.m. – Pensacola Library
This four-part series will present Microsoft Office 2016 on an intermediate level. Learn how to communicate and collaborate with Microsoft Office 365.
Hands-on Help
- Thursday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – Century Branch Library
- Thursday, Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
Individualized guidance for any device, application or general computer related questions.
One-on-One Tech Help at Pensacola Library
- Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
- Fridays at 10 a.m.
Do you need help with using a smartphone? Need to know the basic functions of your personal laptop? Sign up for a 30-minute one-on-one session for any topic under basic computer skills during open computer lab hours every Wednesday from 3-7:30 p.m. and every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 436-5088 to sign up.
Wide Format Printing – Pensacola Library
- Monday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m.
Want to create your own large banner or poster? Attend this workshop and staff will help you explore and experience the library’s wide format plotter.
Resume Help – Molino Branch Library
- Monday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Are you looking for a job and need to get your resume put together? Schedule a 45-minute appointment at Molino Branch Library. You will get personalized help to polish up your resume and make it stand out from the crowd. Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
