October 2022 Programs and Events at West Florida Public Libraries

Below is a list of events occurring in October at West Florida Public Libraries in Escambia County. For more information about library events, contact the Pensacola Library at (850) 436-5060. Find our website at mywfpl.com and follow West Florida Public Libraries on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date event announcements, library news and more.

West Florida Public Library Locations

• Pensacola Library: 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola, 32502 – (850) 436-5060
• Century Library: 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century, 32535 – (850) 256-6217
• Genealogy Library: 5740 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola, 32504 – (850) 494-7373
• Molino Library: 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino, 32577 – (850) 435-1760
• Southwest Library: 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, 32507 – (850) 453-7780
• Tryon Library: 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola, 32504 – (850) 471-6980
• Westside Library: 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola, 32502 – (850) 595-1047
• Bellview Library: 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL 32526 - (850) 471-6360

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

October Events at West Florida Public Libraries

Adulting 101

• Thursday, Oct. 27, 5:30 p.m. – Southwest Library

Join us for a five-month series of Adulting 101 classes. Classes will be hosted on the fourth Thursday of every month from June until October 2022. We will cover topics such as financial literacy and budgeting, college and career planning, and health care basics. Suggested for teens and young adults.

Baby Story Time

• Mondays, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Tryon Library

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes. This program is suggested for babies ages 0 to 2 years and their caregivers but is open to everyone.

Basic Computer Use Workshop

• Wednesday, Oct. 5 and 19, 2 p.m. – Southwest Library

This workshop is intended for individuals who are not yet familiar with basic computer functions such as using a mouse or keyboard. Please note that this is not a typing class. Call (850) 453-7780 to reserve your spot.

Bat Craft

• Wednesday, Oct. 26, 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Westside Library 

Come celebrate Bat Appreciation Week by joining us and making a thrill bat craft! Ages 5 and up.

Beginning Estate Planning with Legal Services of North Florida

• Saturday, Oct. 1, 1 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Many think that estate planning is for someone else, not them. You may rationalize that you are too young, too healthy or don't have enough money to worry about an estate plan. Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or net worth.

Beginning Tai Chi for Adults

• Fridays in October, 11 a.m. – Pensacola Library

Join us for Beginning Tai Chi for Adults, focusing on the “Pensacola Eight Form,” taught by Steve Cupps. Registration is required. Call 850-436-5060 to register. The class size will be limited to 20 participants.

Board Games

• Monday, Oct. 24, 3 p.m. – Westside Library

Bring your friends and join us for some fun with board games.

Book Club Discussion: “This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub

• Wednesday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

Join us as we discuss Emma Straub’s “This Time Tomorrow,” the story of a woman who, after turning 40, finds herself back in 1996 reliving her 16th birthday, reconnecting with her father, her high school crush and questioning her life choices.

Celebrate Count Your Buttons Day

• Monday, Oct. 17-Friday, Oct. 21, during normal business hours – Pensacola Library

Stop by the Youth Services desk to guess how many buttons are in the container. The youth that guesses the closest number wins a surprise! National Count Your Buttons Day is Friday, Oct. 21.

Chair Yoga

• Thursday, Oct. 6 and 20, 4:30 p.m. – Southwest Library

You don’t have to go to a gym to improve your flexibility. You don’t even have to leave your chair! Join us for an hour of stretching and breathing exercises that can be performed while seated.

Chess at Your Library

• Saturday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. – Genealogy Library
• Saturday, Oct. 8 and 22, 1 p.m. – Southwest Library
• Friday, Oct. 14, 4 p.m. – Westside Library
• Thursday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m. – Westside Library

Join us for a game or two of chess, one of the oldest games ever created.

Crafternoons at Genealogy

• Clay Plant Pressings – Thursday, Oct. 6, 3:30 p.m.
• Spooky Wizard Hats – Thursday, Oct. 27, 3:30 p.m.

Join us as we craft the afternoon away.

Crafternoons at Pensacola Library

• Thursday, Oct. 6, 4:30 p.m.

Join us for a creative adventure! Crafternoons will be held on the first Thursday of each month and all ages are welcome. All materials will be provided while supplies last.

Creative Writing Journal

• Continuous, during normal business hours – Pensacola Library

Writing can be an uphill battle, and sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Jumpstart your creative process with monthly themed prompts, exercises and writing tips. Use these ideas to start a novel, explore a scene or write a poem.

Crochet Club

• Thursday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Molino Library

Join us on the fourth Thursday of the month to craft with the crochet club.

DIY Pumpkin Bath Bombs

• Friday, Oct. 28, 5 p.m. – Bellview Library

What better way to relax than with a perfectly plump pumpkin bath? Join our STEAM team for a fun interactive class on how to make a bath bomb. Recommend for ages 12 and up.

Fall Peg Dolls

• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5 p.m. – Century Library

Fall is in the air! Join us and decorate a peg doll as a spooky ghost, witch or cat.

Family Story Time

• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Century Library
• Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Bellview Library
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Library
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Library
• Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – Tryon Library
• Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – Westside Library

Join us for exciting stories, songs and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers but is open to everyone.

“Experience a New Perspective” at West Florida Public Libraries Museum Series

• Pensacola Heritage Foundation: Oct. 6th, 2 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Naval Aviation Museum: Oct. 13, 1 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Chappie James Museum: Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

WFPL has partnered up with area museums to showcase a sample of their collection. Join us and learn about the Pensacola area's rich culture, art and history.

Find-It-Out-Fridays: Make Like a Tree and Leaf

• Friday, Oct. 7, 3 p.m. – Tryon Library

Come make your own fall foliage and tree artwork. All supplies provided.

Food Science

• Wednesday, Oct.19, 4 p.m. – Bellview Library  

Join the STEAM team as we explore tasty takes on after-school snacks while exploring the delicious data.

Friends of the Southwest Branch Library Book Sale

• Continuous, All Hours of Operation

The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library Book Sale is always on! Pay with cash or check only at the boutique located on your left as you enter the lobby. Sponsored by the Friends of the Southwest Branch Library.

Game Night

• Thursday, Oct. 20, 5 p.m. – Century Library

Join us for an evening of games such as UNO, Labyrinth and Ocean Bingo.

GED Class

• Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m. – Molino Library

Earn your GED at the Molino Community Center. This is an open enrollment program so that students may enroll anytime during the semester. A current TABE test is required to enrollment in the class. Contact Patricia Harrison at George Stone (850) 941-6200 for more.

Genealogical Writing Workshop

• Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. – Genealogy Library

Offered by the West Florida Genealogical Society, this presentation is free to the public. Auriette Lindsey will present a useful way to write your family history. Review "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks," learn how it works and how to join in!

Genealogy Brown Bag Series “National Archives & Genealogy”

• Friday, Oct. 7, 12 p.m. – Genealogy Library

Join us for Genealogy monthly series presentation as we look at the National Archives Resources for Genealogy.

Halloween Mystery Book Bundles

• Oct. 1-31, normal business hours – Westside Library

Be surprised by a new read today! Stop by and grab a special Halloween mystery book bundle. Preschool bags contain three picture books, and middle grades and young adult bags contain two themed chapter books. All books can be checked out for a total of three weeks.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

• Monday, Oct. 31, 12 p.m. – Westside Library

Dress up and bring your little ones in for an exciting and spooky scavenger hunt at the Westside Library.

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” Interactive Book Box

• Saturday, Oct. 1 through Monday, Oct. 31, during normal business hours – Pensacola Library

Stop by and pick up a “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” interactive book box. This box includes crafts and activities to complete and goodies to collect while reading the book. Available while supplies last.

HOPE FLORIDA, Pathways to Prosperity

• Friday, Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

Focus on paths to prosperity through community coloration between the private sector, the faith-based communities, non-profits, and government entities. This new imitative is being spearheaded by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Hunter Safety Course

• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m. – Molino Library

Get ready for the fall hunting season. Hunters need this class to get their hunting license. This class requires completion of Florida's free online hunter safety course BEFORE attending class. Go to myfwc.com to register and take the online course. Contact Paul Averill, Florida Fish and Wildlife Hunter Safety Instructor (850) 982-8070 for more information.

Jazz by the Book: Hosted by Joe Occhipinti

• Tuesday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Tuesday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Join premier saxophonist Joe Occhipinti and his jazz ensemble as they enliven the afternoon with classic jazz favorites.  

Kids’ Book Club

• Friday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Molino Library

Join us as we read and discuss “The Haunted Library” by Dori Hillestad Butler. To get assistance with requesting a copy from the library for checkout, please call the Molino Library at (850) 435-1761. Recommended for ages 7-10.

Legal Services of North Florida

• Tuesday, Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library

Join us for free legal assistance and advice from Legal Services of North Florida attorneys. This is on a first come first served basis.

LEGO Night

• Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. – Bellview Library
• Thursday, Oct. 6, 5 p.m. –Century Library
• Thursday, Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library
• Friday, Oct. 7 and 21, 4:30 p.m. – Southwest Library

Join us at one of the listed WFPL locations as we build with LEGOs!

Local Fire Departments Visit Story Time

• Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. – Bellview Library
• Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Library
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. – Pensacola Library
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Library
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. – Century Library
• Thursday, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m. – Tryon Library
• Thursday, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m. – Westside Library

Join Escambia County Fire Rescue, the City of Pensacola Fire Department, and West Florida Public Libraries as we celebrate National Fire Prevention Week! Our local fire departments are looking forward to seeing you at the library for a special story time!

Loopy Loomers

• Thursday, Oct. 13 and 27, 10:30 a.m.

Come make a hat! All experience levels are welcome. All materials provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Southwest Branch Library.

Molino Book Discussion

• Monday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. – Molino Library

Join us as we read “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Molino Melodies

• Monday, Oct. 3 and 17, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Library

Join to make sweet, sweet music with the Mountain Dulcimer. Bring your own or try one of ours. See you then!

Mindful Journaling

• Continuous, during normal business hours – Pensacola Library

Learn how to incorporate mindfulness practices and daily journal prompts to list, describe, and explore all the many things in life that you are thankful for. 

Monster Mask Craft

• Wednesday, Oct. 19, 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. - Westside Library

Drop in and join us in making spooky monster masks. Suggested for ages 5 and up.

Mummy String Art

• Thursday, Oct. 27, 5 p.m. – Century Library

Bring your imagination and join us for Mummy Art String! The library will provide all the needed materials.

One-on-One Resume Help

• Mondays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Molino Library

Looking for resume help? Come to the library for help fine-tuning that resume you have tucked away. Call the Molino Library at (850) 435-1761 to schedule your session today!

One-on-One Tech Help at Genealogy Library

• Friday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.

Need help with using your smartphone? Need to know the basic functions of your personal laptop? Sign up for a 30-minute one-on-one session on any basic computer skills topic. Call (850) 494-7373 to reserve your appointment.

One-On-One Tech Help at Southwest Library

• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Do you need help with using your 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. Call (850) 453-7780 to reserve your time spot.

Painting on Canvas

• Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 p.m. – Century Library

Join us and learn to paint with watercolor. Keep your canvas creation! The library will supply the canvas and the painting supplies!

Pensacola Opera at the Library

• Saturday, Oct. 1, 1:30 p.m. – Southwest Library

Join representatives from the Pensacola Opera for a special adaptation of the Bremen Town Musicians. The suggested audience for these performances is preschool to fourth grade. Stay tuned for more dates at other WFPL locations!

Play “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” at Pensacola Library

• Thursday, Oct. 13, 4:30 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Need resources? Want to play your favorite game with community friends? Bring your Nintendo Switch and swing by the Pensacola Library. Our staff will meet you on our Library Island. A limited number of Switches will be available for those who do not have one of their own.

Saturday Mystery Book

• Saturdays in October, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Tryon Library

Every Saturday we hide the Mystery Book somewhere in the Children’s Collection. The child who finds it gets a trip to the Treasure Chest. One winner every Saturday.

Silly Monster Sticks

• Tuesday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Molino Library

Join us as we make Silly Monsters on Sticks to celebrate the spooky season.

Sewing for Grownups

• Fridays, 10 a.m. – Tryon Library

All skill levels are invited to take part. Each week we will learn to sew something new.

Sewing at Southwest Library

• Monday, Oct. 3 and 17, 10 a.m.

Do you like to sew, or would you like to learn? Come join us as we have fun exploring the world of sewing. All skill levels are welcome. We always have beginners’ projects available to get you started or you can bring in whatever you are currently working on. The library provides sewing machines, scissors, thread and other accessories to help you on your sewing journey.

Spider Crafts

• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Westside Library

Drop into the Westside Library and join us in making a creepy crawly craft. Suggested for ages 5 and up.

Spider Plates

• Oct. 1-31, during normal business hours – Molino Library

Web your way over to pick up a spider take-home craft during October.

Spooktacular Halloween Party at Pensacola Library

• Saturday, Oct. 8, 1:30 p.m.

Join us as we host a Spooktacular Halloween party full of creepy games, ghoulish crafts and other daring feats. Dress in your most ghastly costume and join us for a screaming good time. Suggested for youth and their families.

Spooky Movie Matinee

• Saturday, Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Library

Join us as we get in the spooky spirit with a showing of the family favorite “Casper” (1995).

Spooky Skeleton Hands

• Saturday, Oct. 1, 1 p.m. – Century Library
• Tuesday, Oct. 4, 3 p.m. – Westside Library
• Thursday, Oct 13, 4 p.m. – Southwest Library
• Tuesday, Oct 11, 3 p.m. – Tryon Library
• Thursday, Oct 20, 3 p.m. – Molino Library
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 4 p.m. - Bellview Library
• Tuesday, Oct 18, 3 p.m. – Genealogy Library
• Thursday, Oct 27, 3 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Join STEAM as you learn about the anatomy of your hand while creating a skeleton hand model. Decorate it scary or merry, the choice is all yours!

Spooky Scavenger Hunt

• Oct. 1-31, during normal business hours – Bellview Library

Explore all the nooks and corners of the library departments: STEAM, Reference and Children’s as you decode spooky clues! Finish the hunt and earn a prize!

Spooky Walk

• Saturday, Oct. 29, 4-5:30 p.m.- Molino Library

Can you walk like a mummy? Or flap your arms like a bat? Hop on your broom and zoom on over for spectacular spooky shenanigans!

STEAM Activity Books

• Oct. 1-31, during normal business hours – Bellview Library

Sudoku? Doodles? Crosswords? Fun trivia? To-do lists? Whichever is your choice for fun, the monthly STEAM activity books have you covered. Stop by any help desk for the month of October to get yours.

Strawberry STEAM at Southwest Library

• Tuesday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.

Join us at the Southwest Library for a gardening adventure and learn all about strawberry plants. All materials are provided while supplies last.

Supply Drive Benefiting the Children’s Home Society Navigator Program Within Escambia County Schools

• Oct. 1-Nov. 30, All WFPL Locations

West Florida Public Libraries is collecting school supplies, household products and hygiene supplies for the Children’s Home Society Navigator Program. The CHS Navigator Program supports at-risk students and their families by connecting them to resources such as government assistance programs, food, clothing and other basic needs.

Take-Home Craft Kits

• Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Take-home craft kits and other activities are available at the Youth Services desk. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis during open hours. Kits rotate regularly.

Take-Home Murder Mystery: Shelved Under M for Murder

• Oct. 1-31, during normal business hours hours – Pensacola Library

Murder, mystery, deceit, oh my! In this take-home murder mystery, a man has been found dead in a bookstore after an author-signing event. Can you figure out who committed this awful crime before the murderer disappears for good? Available for pick up between Saturday, Oct. 1 and Monday, Oct. 31. Recommended for families with children ages 12 and up.

The Pensacola Choral Society Women’s Ensemble

• Saturday, Oct. 1, 12 p.m. – Pensacola Library

Enjoy an engaging musical presentation by the Pensacola Choral Society Women’s Ensemble, under the direction of Isabelle Peterson, who will be performing a variety of musical genre selections.

The Thankful Tree

• Oct. 1-31, during normal business hours – Bellview Library

The STEAM team would love your help to put little thanks back in Thanksgiving by “leaf-ing” a note for what you are thankful for. The tree will be on display all month long. Stop by the children’s desk to pick up and fill out a leaf.

Tryon Tuesday Special Program: Puzzles

• Tuesday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m.

Puzzles galore! Drop by our meeting room to put together puzzles.  Some are giant and some are small, but all can be completed in one visit.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Beanstack

• Continuous – Virtual, mywfpl.beanstack.org

Enjoy reading 1,000 books with your little ones! Log reading and earn badges all along the way. Bond with your child and inspire literacy along the way. A book a day is 365 books in a year, 730 in two years, and 1,095 in three years! There's more time than you think, so get started today! Come into the library every 100 books to claim a prize. Be rewarded once you reach 1,000 books with a book and a certificate of achievement.

Southwest Book Club: “Sparring Partners” by John Grisham

• Thursday, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m.

Join us to discuss a different book each month! This month’s title is “Sparring Partners” by John Grisham. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Southwest Branch Library.

About STEAM

West Florida Public Libraries offers programming every month designed to engage the entire community in learning more about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). From the complexities of robotics and coding to sewing and homemade skin and body care items, there is a class or activity to appeal to you or your children. All levels of skill are welcome at every event or activity, and our librarians are always happy to answer any questions you may have. So join the STEAM Team for learning, fun, and the chance to meet your community neighbors with similar interests. To learn more about STEAM events and activities and to see what else West Florida Public Libraries has to offer you and your family, visit  https://mywfpl.com/events. Don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook  and Twitter to see pictures and video from past and future events! #WFPL

About West Florida Public Libraries

West Florida Public Libraries is a network of seven libraries in Escambia County, FL. This network of libraries acts as the community’s independent learning center for residents of all ages who live in Escambia County, Florida. The libraries' free programming and resources support school readiness, lifelong learning, research and development and help improve quality of life for local residents.