Category: Friends News
-
Our Fantastic February Events
It’s been a packed February for the Friends of the Key West Library, and here’s what we’ve been up to this month: On February 2, we welcomed Sonya Sargent, co-writer of ten thriller novels. On February 7, we held our second annual Murder Mystery Tea. Chilly weather sent us inside for our next two events:…
-
Message from the President
The Friends Want You! Do you have “a very particular set of skills?” Dear Friends— As you know, the Friends is a volunteer-run organization with no paid staff. We work hard to keep our overhead low so we can maximize our support for the library—and that means relying on the time, talent, and generosity of…
-
At the Library — February 2026
Kim Rinaldi, Senior Branch Manager Warm breezes, good reads, and great company — February brings a lively lineup of events at the Key West Public Library! From community gatherings to award-winning authors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our beloved pink library in paradise. In addition to the Friends Speaker Series, Mystery Tea, and…
-
Remembering Our January 2026 Events
On January 3, crowds came out to shop at our second book sale of the season. Then on January 12,we kicked off the Speaker Series season with Nicholas Boggs, author of Baldwin: A Love Story. January weather altered three events this month: First, we moved inside on January 19, for Robert W. Fieseler, author of American Scare:…
-
Food Guru Sam Sifton Returns to Paradise for Friends Major Benefactor Cocktail Event on March 1
Our old friend Sam Sifton – founding editor of New York Times Cooking and current host of Times flagship newsletter The Morning — returns to Key West on March 1! Sam, of course, was our honorary guest at the Friends first gala in 2021. In the pre-gala interview, we asked him what three condiments he…
-
Message from the President
How your membership supports the library Dear Friends, As we enter this joyful season and ask you to renew your membership in the Friends—or even increase your support if you are able—we thought you might appreciate a closer look at how the library uses your contribution. Books, Books, Books… and PeriodicalsYour generosity buys books in…
-
Corporate Sponsor Spotlight:
Laurie and Kevin McChesney This month we’re delighted to highlight Preferred Properties, a.k.a. Laurie and Kevin McChesney, who’ve been Corporate Sponsors of the Friends of the Key West Library since the beginning of our program. We asked Laurie about their roots in Key West, why they’d chosen the Friends in their charitable giving, and what…
-
At the Library — December 2025
Kim Rinaldi, Senior Branch Manager ‘Tis the season for curling up on the porch swing with a cozy mystery, enjoying stories under the twinkling lights, strolling through the Palm Garden on a perfect blue-sky afternoon, and making homemade holiday decorations with Robin, Samantha, and Carly. So, hop on your bicycle and pedal on down to…
-
Bookfest 2025
The second annual Key West BookFest, held in the Palm Garden on November 15, recognized the literary heritage of the community. This year’s lineup of over 25 authors included Lucy Burdette, Ralph DePalma, and S.K. Golden. Inside the library, Dr. Corey Malcom of the Florida Keys History Center spoke about the special exhibit of original…
-
Marking Dia de los Muertos and the Cemeteries of the Keys on November 7
Ofrenda at the Key West Library. An ofrenda is a home altar traditionally set up for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), honoring lost loved ones. This year’s library ofrenda includes images of, among others, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Hambright, and Tennessee Williams. In celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the…