by Kim Rinaldi, Senior Branch Manager
Welcome back, Friends! This season is off to a great start at the Key West Library with loads of fun and engaging events. We kick it off on Thursday, November 2, at 10 a.m., in celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Florida Keys History Center Historian Dr. Corey Malcom will present the audience with a look at iconic Keys cemeteries and death celebrations around the world. Then join the Save-A-Grave Guardians and the Historic Florida Keys Foundation in a procession to the Key West Cemetery for a tour.
Then on Saturday, November 4, the Island Guitar students will present their annual recital in the Palm Garden. The event starts at 10 a.m. and will include students of all ages and skill levels showing off their talents on a variety of instruments.
In November we kick off our popular Café con Libros series featuring local and independent authors, a weekly event with coffee in our beautiful Palm Garden. All presentations begin at 10 a.m. Starting us off on November 14 is Richard Gomez, a.k.a. Captain Conch. Gomez’s book, Key West: A Smuggler’s Tale, introduces us to some of Key West’s most memorable characters, each with their own adventure-filled stories. Then, on November 21, we welcome C. D’Angelo presenting her Indie Chick-Lit novels The Difference and The Visitors. And on November 28, the library presents local Key West author Tammy L. Harrow and her novel All the Salt in the Sea. Kirkus Reviews writes, “Harrow presents an absorbing tale that is equal parts traumatic, hopeful, and sadly familiar.”
On Sunday November 19 at 6 p.m. in the Palm Garden, Nathan Hill, New York Times bestselling author of The Nix, will present his new release Wellness, which has been distinguished as an Oprah Book Club Selection. Alfred A. Knopf publishing describes the book as “a witty and poignant new novel about marriage, middle age, tech-obsessed health culture, and the bonds that keep people together.” Books will be available for purchase at the event.
The library has added several new programs to the mix! Every Saturday at 1 p.m. join us for Chess Club. All skill levels are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition and instruction. Then on the last Thursday of every month at 10 a.m., the library is offering Ceramics Painting. Paint something new each class with all supplies provided. In November we will paint holiday ornaments. And the library has started a Book Club! Stop in to pick up November’s title, West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge, and join us on November 15 at noon for a lively discussion.
And, finally, the Key West Library has once again partnered with Tropic Cinema to present Movies Under the Stars, a free outdoor movie series from November to May. The screen will be on the 400 block of Eaton Street between Duval and Whitehead, in front of the Tropic Cinema. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, though we will have some limited seating. All movies will be family-friendly blockbusters from the ’70s to the ’90s and the first showing is E.T. on Saturday, November 4 at 7 p.m.
In addition to these special programs, we also offer weekly classes in jewelry-making, adult crafting, and knitting. And our Tech Tutor appointments continue to be a popular and essential service provided by the library staff.
We can’t wait to see you again this season at the little pink library in paradise!