Library Closures
All Santa Rosa County Libraries will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 10, for quarterly staff development.
Read Across America – All Libraries
All libraries will be celebrating Read Across America throughout March with fun Dr. Seuss themed activities. Speak with a staff member for more details.
Preschool Storytime
Storytime programs are presented for preschool children ages three through five and include stories, finger plays and action rhymes. Caregivers must remain in the library during storytime; however, they cannot accompany children into the programs. Programs start promptly at the assigned times; latecomers are not admitted.
First timer? Visit the library to meet the storytime presenter, pick up a welcome packet, explore the children's area, and enjoy a tour of the library.
Storytime will be presented during the following times Mar. 21 through Apr. 27:
- 10:30 – 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Milton Library
- 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Navarre Library
- 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Jay Library
- 12:30 – 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Gulf Breeze Library
- 11- 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Pace Library
Check the library website for additional details at www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries.
Toddler Time
Toddler Time is a program for children ages 18 to 36 months who attend with a caregiver. One child and one adult register together for songs, stories, rhymes, and other fun activities. This 20-minute program lasts 6 weeks.
Toddler Time requires registration; space is limited. It is not a drop-in program. Details are available at the participating libraries. You may call the Youth Services Coordinator, Angela Evans, at 981-4066 if you have any questions.
Toddler Time will be presented during the following times Mar. 21 through Apr. 27:
- 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Pace Library
- 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Milton Library
- 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Gulf Breeze Library
- 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Thursdays at the Navarre Library
- 11 – 11:20 a.m. on Thursdays at the Jay Library
AARP Tax-Aide
Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will be assisting with taxes at three Santa Rosa County libraries beginning in February. The AARP Tax-Aide program is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, providing service to millions of low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older.
- Gulf Breeze Library: Mondays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Apr. 17. Patrons are served on a first come–first served basis. Preregistration is not accepted, and space is limited, so arrive early.
- Milton Library: Tuesdays, Wednesdays*, and Thursdays from 12 - 4 p.m. through Apr. 13 BY APPOINTMENT (*Please note: the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month will be from 1 - 4 p.m.). Library staff CANNOT make appointments for patrons. Appointments can be made by:
- Visiting the AARP Tax Aide website (www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide)
- Calling the AARP Foundation toll free number at 1-888-687-2277
- Calling 850-418-1207 and leaving a message with your name, phone number, and which location you would like to use, or if date or time is more important to you. Someone will call you back to give you your appointment time.
- Navarre Library: Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Apr. 17. Patrons are served on a first come–first served basis. Preregistration is not accepted, and space is limited, so arrive early.
labARTory - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.
Mar. 2, 4 - 6 p.m.
Visit the Navarre Library on the first Thursday each month from 4-6 p.m. for an open art studio. Design your own project or make the special project which changes each month. All art materials are provided by the Friends of the Navarre Library. This is a drop-in program and is open to all ages; children should be accompanied by an adult.
Meet, Play, Learn – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 3, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Meet, Play, Learn is a program where parents of young children can congregate and socialize with other parents while their children play and make friends at age-appropriate activity stations set up around the room. This program is for children ages birth to 5 who have not yet started kindergarten.
Coffee, Donuts, and a Show – Family History & Research Center – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton
Mar. 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Enjoy coffee and donuts while exploring the world of genealogy through popular media programming.
Comic Book Crusaders – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 7, 4 – 6 p.m.
Enjoy reading and discussing comic books and superhero movies with others? Interested in learning about the origin of some favorite superhero characters? If so, join the Comic Book Crusaders to learn and discuss comic books and superheroes from the Marvel and DC universes. This month’s discussion topic is Spiderman. This special interest book club is for ages 18 and older.
Webinar Wednesdays – Family History & Research Center – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton
Mar. 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit the Family History & research Center on the 2nd Wednesday each month for Webinar Wednesdays. Webinars related to family history research will be shown at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with discussion following. This month’s webinar is “Researching Women - Community Cookbooks and What They Tell Us About Our Ancestors.”
UF/IFAS Extension Office Educational Programs
The UF/IFAS Extension office presents monthly research-based educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, and more. March's topic is lawn care and will cover topics such as irrigation, fertilization, mowing, and weed management techniques to create a lush Florida lawn. It will be presented on the following dates:
- Mar. 9, 10:30 a.m. - Milton Library
- Mar. 13, 2:30 p.m. - Gulf Breeze Library
- Mar. 15, 2:30 p.m. - Navarre Library
- Mar. 20, 2:30 p.m. - Jay Library
- Mar. 22, 10:30 a.m. - Pace Library
Coffee Talk - Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 9, 12 p.m.
Coffee Talk, a non-fiction book club, meets at noon on the second Thursday of every other month beginning in January for a brown bag lunch and book discussion. Enjoy the lively discussions and friendly atmosphere. Space is limited; registration is required. This month’s selection is “Hill Women” by Cassie Chambers.
Game Night – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.
Mar. 9, 3 – 5 p.m.
Enjoy playing games? Join us for game night at the Jay Library. You can bring your own games from home or play those provided by us. This event is open to all ages, and game groups are welcome.
The Illustriates Book Club - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.
Mar. 9, 4 - 6 p.m.
Teens and tweens can join fellow book enthusiasts on the 2nd Thursday each month to discuss the book of the month. We will read a variety of genres including novels and graphic novels. This month's book is "Meg, Jo, Beth & Amy" by Ray Terciero.
For the Win! Games Day– Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.
Mar. 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Enjoy playing tabletop or board games? Join us for game day at the Milton Library on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Bring games from home or play those provided by the library. This event is open to all ages, and game groups are welcome.
Game Day Saturdays! – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 11, 12 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy playing board games? Come hang out and play a game with friends at the library on the 2nd Saturday of each month. A variety of board games will be available for children, teens, and adults; you can also bring games from home.
Movie Time Tuesdays – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.
Mar. 14, 4 p.m.
Visit the Navarre Library on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for a movie. All movies will begin at 4 p.m. and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Navarre Library. This month’s movie is "How to Train Your Dragon" (rated PG).
STEAM Makerspace – Gulf Breeze Library - 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 14 & 28, 4 – 6 p.m.
Come explore, build, and create at STEAM Makerspace on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month from 4 - 6 p.m. Craft and create all sorts of things using library-supplied crafting materials and art supplies, or bring your own. Learn simple code with coding robots or explore the world with AR devices. All ages are welcome, but children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Spring Break Movie – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.
Mar. 14, 4 p.m.
In conjunction with The Inklings Book Club, visit the Milton Library to watch “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” (rated PG-13). Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Milton Library.
The Inklings – Milton Library - 5541 Alabama St.
Mar. 14, 4 p.m.
Sixth through 10th graders are invited to read either the novel or graphic novel version of the book of the month and meet to share their ideas about it. This month’s selection is “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs. The Inklings will meet at 4 p.m. to watch the movie adaptation this month.
Homeschool Hangout – Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.
Mar. 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Come to the Pace Library to meet other local homeschool parents and children to exchange ideas, participate in a fun activity, and discover how your library can support your children's educational journey. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the Pace Library for more information.
Breeze Builders – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 16, 4 – 5 p.m.
Build and create all sorts of wonderful things using various types of building materials including Legos, K'Nex, wood planks, Playdoh, Tinker toys, magnetic tiles, and more. This monthly workshop is for children ages 6 - 11.
STEAM Day – Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.
Mar. 16, 4 – 6 p.m.
Visit the Milton Library for a monthly STEAM Day! Each month will feature a different theme. This month’s theme is fantasy. Speak with a staff member for more information.
STEAMaker - Navarre Library - 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.
Mar. 16, 4 – 5 p.m.
Tweens and teens ages 10-17 who are interested in robotics, coding, and other tech are invited to join our STEAMaker tech club. Beginners through expert level welcome! Sign up is required.
Homeschool Hangout – Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.
Mar. 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Come to the Jay Library to meet other local homeschool parents and children to exchange ideas, participate in a fun activity, and discover how your library can support your children's educational journey. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the Jay Library for more information.
Saturday Matinee Book Club – Family History & Research Center – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton
Mar. 18. 1:30 p.m.
Interested in books that have been made into movies? Read a book, then gather on a Saturday to watch the movie and discuss both. Snacks will be provided; please bring your own drink in a bottle or cup that won't spill. This club is for adults, and registration is not required. This month’s selection is “The Martian” by Andy Weir.
Meet the Farmer
During National Agriculture week, join Trent Matthews from the Soil & Conservation Department for Meet the Farmer. Explore a tractor and learn more about what farmers do. This program will be presented at 1 p.m. on the following days & locations:
- Mar. 20: Milton Library
- Mar. 23: Jay Library
- Mar. 24: Navarre Library
AniManga Club – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 23, 4 – 5 p.m.
The Animanga Club is for teens who are interested in manga and anime art styles and animation. Teens analyze and evaluate animated styles, discuss tools and technology used in animation and cartooning, and create and share their art and drawing techniques with other teens in the club. This club is open to teens ages 13 - 17. Registration is required.
Family Fun Day – Navarre Library – 8484 James M. Harvell Rd.
Mar. 28, 4 p.m.
Visit the Navarre Library on the 4th Tuesday of the month for family-friendly games, puzzles, and more.
Sandra Boynton’s 70th Birthday Celebration – Gulf Breeze Library – 1060 Shoreline Dr.
Mar. 31, 11 a.m.
Celebrate children's author Sandra Boynton's 70th birthday! Wear your pajamas as we read a few of her popular children's books, make a themed craft, and enjoy some snacks. This program is for families with children through age 6.
The Santa Rosa County Library System is a department of the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners. Libraries are located in Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, Navarre, and Pace. Find additional information at www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries or call (850) 981-7323 (READ).
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