In 1823, the Legislative Council of the Territory of Florida passed the Act that established Monroe County. It was the state’s sixth county and encompassed virtually all of what we now call South and Southwest Florida.
All Library News
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Island Chronicles, vol. 1: The Establishment of Monroe County
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Big Pine Key branch is closed temporarily for renewal
The Big Pine Key Branch is closed temporaril for repairs and refurbishment. It is expected to re-open soon.
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Library newsletter sign-up
Sign up here for newsletters from each branch of the library – and the Florida Keys History Center.
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Parrot Storytime Is Back This Summer!!
In partnership with Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, the Key West Public Library presets a new way to encourage children to read all summer long while volunteering in the community.
Parrot Storytime is a reading program where children check out books from the library and read to the Parrots at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden.
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All Together Now-Summer Reading 2023!
Readers of all ages Summer Reading is here! You can find reading logs and event schedules for every branch right here.
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Kanopy Kids: Streaming Video for Pre-K and Up!
Enjoy unlimited plays in our curated collection for kids. Make extra screen time extra educational with Kanopy Kids, a video streaming service that’s free with your MCPL Library card.
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May – a Month of Celebration!
The Month of May is full of opportunities to celebrate! From the […]
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You can get books, movies and more from the library 24/7 – Here’s How
Even when the Monroe County Public Library buildings are closed, or you’re away from the Keys, the Library has a lot to offer.
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Library Scouts Reading Program! A Scouts Troop For Everyone
You’ve heard of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts – now the Key West Library is introducing Library Scouts, where kids can earn badges for reading and participating in STEAM activities!
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Still using the Overdrive app? Switch to Libby now!
The Overdrive app is being discontinued as of May 1, 2023. So if you’re using that to read or listen to eBooks or eAudiobooks from our collection, now is the time to switch to Libby!
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There’s More To The Story: Celebrating National Library Week
Most people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and large print to audiobooks and ebooks. But there’s so much more to the story of libraries.
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The Library Is Here For Our Military
The Monroe County Public Library offers free cards to all military personnel and family on active duty or retired in the Keys.
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Celebrate World Autism Awareness This April
There is no better way to celebrate this day than by becoming […]
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Book Club In A Bag Offers Dozens Of Titles To Choose From
Each bag includes 10 copies of a book club title and a list of discussion programs. They loan for a 6-week period.
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Together We Read: Unlimited Loans of Digital Book
From March 1 to 15, Monroe County Public Library patrons can read award-winning Mexican-American and Indigenous author Jennifer Givhan’s book, River Woman, River Demon, as an ebook and audiobook for free.
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Shelf Help
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites […]
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March is National Reading Month and so much more!
March is National Reading Month. celebrate the joy of reading with us this month! take a look at our suggested reading materials for this month.
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Community Resource Fair
Wednesday, March 15 11am-2pm The Key Largo Public Library is hosting a […]
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Letters Donated To The Florida Keys History Center Open New Window Onto Civil War-Era Key West
Researchers studying the history of the Florida Keys – and the Civil […]
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Holi Festival of Color – Saturday March 11th
What better way to welcome spring than the Festival of colors?! Dance and have fun throwing bright colors with the librarians as we observe and appreciate Indian culture on Saturday March 11th at the Key West Public Library at 2:00. This program is free and open to all ages.
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Keys Citizen Donates Its Archive To Florida Keys History Center
The Keys Citizen has donated bound volumes of the newspaper dating back to the 1920s to the Monroe County Public Library’s Florida Keys History Center.
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When Alvin Ailey Danced At The Key West Bight
In January, 1961, CBS aired “The Gershwin Years,” a special that featured dance scenes that had been shot on the Key West waterfront less than two weeks earlier.
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2022 Reading Recap- Our favorite books from 2022
Before we welcome in the new year, lets take a look at some (or at least what we think) of the best books of 2022! There’s something for everyone, easy readers, middle reads, and teens
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Your library has you covered for New Year’s resolutions
You can work toward lots of your New Year’s resolutions at the library – and it’s all free.
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Who is the ‘Mallory’ of Mallory Square? The answer is in the archive
Key West’s Mallory Square was named for the Clyde-Mallory Steamship Line, not Confederate Secretary of the Navy and slaveowner Stephen Mallory.
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Who is the ‘Mallory’ of Mallory Square? The answer is in the archive
Key West’s Mallory Square was named for the Clyde-Mallory Steamship Line, not Confederate Secretary of the Navy and slaveowner Stephen Mallory.
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Books for Winter Holidays
It’s the most happiest time of the year! December is packed with tons of celebrations making it the holiday season. No matter how you choose to celebrate the holiday season, the one thing all of these traditions have in common is togetherness. Check out our collection of books to help kids learn about and commemorate these special occasions.
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How we can help – even if you’re not in the library
Staff from the Monroe County Library are here to help you with your questions and requests – even if you’re not in a library building.
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Commemorating Dia de los Muertos on the ‘island of bones’
A special program starting at the Key West Library informed more than […]
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Native American Heritage Month-Check out these great reads
November is Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of indigenous peoples by reading books from our recommended reading list. Check out our recommended reading list below mixed with wide variety of genres —drama, memoirs, young adult fiction.
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It’s Bat Week, so we’re remembering the Sugarloaf Bat Tower
It’s Bat Week – an international celebration designed to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for bats.
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Library of Things Survey
A Library of Things is a collection of items other than books that can be borrowed from the Library at no charge. What would you like to see in the Library of Things?
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What do I read next? We’re here to help
Helping readers find their next favorite book is one of our favorite things to do.
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Monroe County proclaims Oct. 16-22 National Friends of Libraries Week
Monroe County Mayor David Rice and the Board of County Commissioners declared the week of Oct. 16-22 as National Friends of Libraries Week in Monroe County.
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Learn About Día De Los Muertos And The Cemeteries Of The Keys
Día de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated every year on November 1st and 2nd. Join us on Nov 2nd as The Florida Keys History Center, Historian Dr. Corey Malcolm and Archivist Breana Sowers, will present the audience with a look at iconic Keys cemeteries and death celebrations around the world.
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Spooky Reads for October-Kids and Teens
Tis the SPOOKY Season of all things scary, creepy, and chilling. We’ve created a list of our favorite stories to read in October for Teens and Kids.
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Sean Gaskell: Musical Talk on the Kora
Sean Gaskell features traditional songs on the Kora, a 21-string harp that […]
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How to salvage documents, photographs and books after the water is gone
As the floodwaters from Hurricane Ian finally recede in the Keys, you may be dealing with (among other things) documents, photographs and books that are important to you that got wet. Here is some advice from experts about how to salvage them, suggested by staff from the Library’s Florida Keys History Center.
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month
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Getting ready and staying informed during stormy weather
Here’s how you can be ready and stay informed when a storm is approaching
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Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us. Keys Libraries Take Part In Banned Books Week
Sept. 18-24 is Banned Books Week, the 42nd year that librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers and others celebrate the freedom to read.
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Keys Libraries Are Closed On Labor Day – But We’re Still Here For You
All Monroe County Library branches are closed on Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of Labor Day. But there’s still a lot you can do, thanks to online Library resources.
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September is Library Card Sign-up Month!
Get the school year off to the best possible start, sign up for a library card! With a library card you can discover new and exciting worlds! From borrowing audiobooks to streaming movies to taking free classes, there is so much you can access with a library card.
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Help us name our new library kiosks
The library is considering names for its new kiosks on Stock Island and Key Largo – and we want your input.
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August is National Read-a-Romance Month!
Don’t wait until February or Valentine’s Day to pick up a romantic read, Get in on the Summer Lovin’ this August! If you are looking for a sweet contemporary to read, there is bound to be one here for you to fall in love with.
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August is National Read-a-Romance Month! YA Edition!
Don’t wait until February or Valentine’s Day to pick up a romantic read, Get in on the Summer Lovin’ this august! If you are looking for a sweet contemporary to read, there is bound to be one here for you to fall in love with. So get cozy and curl up with one of our favorite Young Adult romance novels. We recommend them all!
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Dr. Ashley Oliphant discusses Hemingway in Key West — July 21 at 1PM
In celebration of Hemingway Days 2022, join longtime Hemingway scholar Dr. Ashley […]
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“Papa’s Poems: Hemingway’s Poetry” — July 20 at 6PM
As part of Hemingway Days, the Key West Library presents, the Key […]
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“Seeing the cosmic dawn: the first images from NASA’s James Webb Telescope” — July 12 at 4PM
This illustrated talk is presented by Solar System Ambassador Kevin Gallagher in […]
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Read With PRIDE! Books to read this June (and year round)
Pride Month has arrived! While every day is a time to be proud of your identity and orientation, June is that time for boldly celebrating LGBTQIA community. Join libraries across the nation to celebrate June as Rainbow Book Month, a nationwide celebration of the authors and books that reflect the lives and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Things To DO This Summer at the Library!
Readers of all ages Summer Reading is here! Dive into reading this summer during our Summer Reading program with Ocean of Possibilities. This year we’re diving into the ocean depths to bring you and your family tons of exciting events!
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Parrot Storytime-All Summer Long!
In partnership with Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, Join the library every Saturday from 11-3 spend an afternoon reading to parrots at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden then come back to the library to earn a reading prize.
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Oceans of Possibilities-Summer Reading 2022!
Readers of all ages Summer Reading is here! Dive into reading this summer during our Summer Reading program with Ocean of Possibilities. This year we’re diving into the ocean depths to bring you and your family tons of exciting events!
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Big Pine Book Lovers Book Club
The Big Pine Book Lovers Book Club invites you to their next […]
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Great Books to Read for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month(and all year)
This Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrate the many cultures and stories within the AANHPI community with books by authors of Asian, East Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage and cultures
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Madan Sara: the power of Haitian Women-Film Screening and Discussion with Director Etant Dupain May 14th 1pm
Join us Saturday May 14th 1:00 PM in the Key West Public Library Auditorium for a Film Screening followed by a discussion with Director Etan. Then stick around for a Haitian food demonstration. Madan Sara, created by Haitian filmmaker Etant Dupain, profiles the lives of the women at the heart of Haiti’s informal economy; working tirelessly day in and day out to deliver food and other essentials to market. Madan Sara shows the vital importance these women play in the Haitian economy and for the next generation. It highlights the dangers they face in a country in the midst of growing instability, and allows audiences to hear directly from the Madan Sara about what needs to change.
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Key West Oceans of Possibilities-Summer Reading 2022!
Readers of all ages Summer Reading is here! Dive into reading this summer during our Summer Reading program with Ocean of Possibilities. This year we’re diving into the ocean depths to bring you and your family tons of exciting events!
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Write Your Own Superhero-Writing Workshop with Allie Qiu, May 7 | 2-3pm
Write Your Own Superhero Saturday, May 7 | 2-3pm at the Key […]
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Reads For Ramadan-Books with Muslim Main Characters
Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim friends! For book club this month we thought it would be fitting to read books written by Muslim Authors and books with Muslim characters.
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Island Farm Storytime-Friday April 22nd
Island Farm will be a special Storytime guest April 22nd at 11am.
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Saving South Florida’s Butterflies: Miami Blue-Robin Sarabia, Florida Keys Butterfly Technician March 29th 10am
Join us on Tuesday March 29th 10-11 am with Robin Sarabia, a Florida Keys Butterfly Technician as we discuss rare butterflies found in Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Despite captive-breeding and reintroduction efforts, this sun-loving coastal butterfly, once common throughout South Florida, is now one of the rarest insect species in North America.
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Holi Festival of Color – Saturday March 19th
What better way to welcome spring than the Festival of colors?! Come have fun throwing bright colors with the librarians as we observe and appreciate Indian culture on Saturday March 19th at the Key West Public Library. Starting with a cooking demo at 1:00, then the Festival of colors at 2:00. This program is free and open to all ages.
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YA and Juv Books to Read During Black History Month(AND EVERY MONTH!)
From anthologies to graphic novels, atmospheric fantasies to realistic tales tinged by everyday issues, there’s something to offer every type of reader in every one of these stories. Start this year off strong by supporting Black authors and their stories!
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Basic Sewing Classes During Family Time!
For the month of November visit the library every Saturday at 1:00 to learn about watercolor basics!
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What’s New In YA!
The Youth Department has tons of new titles waiting for you to check out!
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The Marathon Branch Library Launches 24/7 Locker System
Unlock your next read! Marathon Branch Library is pleased to introduce an […]
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December What’s New In Kids & Teens!
The Youth Department has tons of new titles waiting for you to check out!
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December Holidays Around the World!
atter how you choose to celebrate the holiday season, the one thing all of these traditions have in common is togetherness.
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Moving at Your Library with StoryWalk®
Get Moving @ Your Library with StoryWalk®Literacy and Recreation Program now available […]
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Storytime with Santa Claus!
It’s the happiest time of the year and we are so excited to announce that Santa is coming to Storytime!
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Storywalk In the Library Garden!
StoryWalk® is a fun way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Take a stroll through our library garden while going from page to page following the numbers to enjoy the full story.
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November is Native American Heritage Month-Check out these great reads!
November is Native American Heritage Month in the United States. Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of indigenous peoples by reading books from our recommended reading list. Check out our recommended reading list below mixed with wide variety of genres —drama, memoirs, young adult fiction.
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With LawDepot, easily create basic legal documents.
LawDepot’s extensive library of documents and legal resources delivers easy-to-use assistance with […]
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Weekly Storytime at the Key West Branch!
Get your wiggles out with our weekly Storytime every Friday at 11:00. Storytime is a fun early literacy program for children. Join Ms. Trisha for an hour of interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. The
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Halloween Scavenger Hunt At The Key West Branch
Grab your costumes and head over to the Key West Public Library […]
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Big Pine Book Lovers
The book club selection for September is The Invisible Life of Addie […]
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month
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September is Library Card Sign-up Month
September is library Card Sign-Up Month. Visit you library in person or online to get your very own library card!
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August Is National Family Fun Month!
August has arrived and that means families are getting ready to go Back-to-School. August is traditionally seen as the Back-to-School month but here at the library we like to see it as National Family Fun Month!
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Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Tuesday August 17th at 10:00 am: Michelle Leonard-Mularz, Environmental Horticulture Agent with […]
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Lecture: Sargassum and the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
Tuesday, August 10th at 10:00 am: Shelly Krueger, Florida Sea Grant Agent […]
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Plan Your Next Big Adventure! DnD Collection and Other Table Top Games
Interested in playing DnD? Not sure where to start? Or have you played before and looking for more resources? Never fear for your librarians are here! The library has many books in our collection to help you with you next big adventure.
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Read With PRIDE!
Pride Month has arrived! While every day is a time to be proud of your identity and orientation, June is that time for boldly celebrating LGBTQIA community. Join libraries across the nation to celebrate June as Rainbow Book Month,
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Congrats to Class of 2021!
MCPL would like to congratulate all our graduating seniors. From shelving to Storytime, teaching computer classes, and braving the full force of Summer Reading; Our student volunteers joined the Jr. Library Program early on in their middle school days and made it to their Senior year.
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Your 24/7 library is now open.
We’re here for you with these resources: Get your Virtual library card […]
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May Book Club for Among Us Fans
Among Us is a game that has the player doing normal, astronaut tasks…while there is a murderer, who is also a player, afoot! See if you can figure out who was the imposter in these books similar to Among Us.
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May What’s New In Kids & Teens!
Check out new titles for May 2021 in the youth department!
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April is National Poetry Month & National Library Week
April 2021 is the 25th annual celebration of poets and poetry! We’re also celebrating National Library week April 4-10, 2021.
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March What’s New In Kids & Teens!
Although the Monroe County Public Libraries are still closed to in-person visits you can still check out our new YA titles!
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We’re hiring!
Monroe County Public Libraries are hiring across the Keys. View the Monroe […]
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YA Reads for Women’s History Month
After the 100 year milestone passage of the 19th Amendment legally protecting women’s right to vote, women continue to be trailblazers, pioneers, innovators, and leaders in their fields. Join us this month as we honor and observe women’s history.
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National Reading Month & Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
March is National Reading Month and we’re starting the celebration off with a birthday party! Not just anyone’s birthday party but Dr. Seuss’ birthday!
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What’s New In Graphic Novels & Manga!
While libraries are operating contact-free, you can still check out our new YA titles!
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African-American READ-IN
Read or listen to a book with us on Saturday Feb 20th in a day of reading! Choose any African-American author of your choice to read or listen to
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10 Children’s Picture Books That Celebrate Black History Month and All Year Round
Join us this month as we celebrate Black History Month 2021. These […]
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Black History Month 2021
The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity February 1st – March 1st is […]
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What’s New In YA Fiction!
Although the Monroe County Public Libraries are still closed to in-person visits you can still check out our new YA titles!
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Jill’s Little Library
Hello everyone! Welcome to December! What is your favorite part of this […]
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Jill’s Little Library
Hello everyone! Welcome to November! What is your favorite part of this […]
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Virtual Storytime!
Although the libraries are still closed to in person visits, your family […]
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Jill’s Little Library
Hello everyone! Welcome to October! What do you look forward to most […]
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Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week 2020 will be held September 27 – October 3. The theme of this year’s event is “Censorship is a dead end. Find your freedom to read!”
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month
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Little Free Library Refill!
We refilled a bunch of the Little Free Libraries around town and […]
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Jill’s Little Library
Hello everyone! Welcome to September! It’s officially fall (not that that means […]
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Goodreads: The Social Network For Book Lovers!
Join the Key West Library on the largest site for readers and book lovers. Goodreads helps people find and share books they love.
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Library Card Sign-Up Month 2020
Library cards empower students and fuel academic success. This year, DC’s Wonder […]
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Tools for Job Seekers
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s website provides access to unemployment and […]
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Our County Counts! ¡Nuestro condado cuenta!
Be counted for your community, your county, your state and your country! It is not too late for you and your family to be counted in the 2020 Census. Results of the Census affect how our tax dollars are spent in our communities.
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Bedtime Storytime With Ms.Trisha!
As you settle down for bed tonight , let’s curl up and listen to a good story. While many may be staying close to home this summer, readers can go anywhere using their imagination!
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Around the World With Cinderella
What do you know about Cinderella? Maybe Disney’s iconic blonde-haired, blue eyed […]
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Summer Reading 2020 Imagine Your Story
While many may be staying close to home this summer, readers can […]
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Tampa Taiko
“Through study in the arts, we learn about and honor others and the worlds in which they live(d).”
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Talks with Tom Hambright
An occasional series of chats with Historian Tom Hambright. Produced and filmed […]
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How to Use Libby on Your Devices
This tutorial will teach you how to download and use Libby! Libby […]
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New Adult Book Club Week 2
Week 2 is here for our New Adult Book Club. A little bit of everything for everyone!
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National Gallery of Art has education resources
The National Gallery of Art has educational resources for teachers as well […]
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Tim Dorsey Discussing Book Suggestions
Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. … I’ve seen a […]
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Dave Pilkey & Library of Congress
Dav Pilkey, the children’s author and illustrator behind award-winning and worldwide bestselling […]
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Smithsonian Libraries
The Smithsonian libraries site has lots of interesting stuff. Including online books […]
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How to Access OverDrive on Your Devices
This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up an account […]
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Streaming videos from the library
Our streaming film partner, Kanopy, has opened unlimited access to the Kanopy […]
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Extra streaming films
Our streaming film partner, Kanopy, has generously put together a collection of […]
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Census 2020
Safe. Secure. Significant. Monroe County Public Libraries are ready for Census 2020. […]
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Online Historical Archive Surpasses 30,000,000 views
A modest 2002 grant started something that grew quite big. This month, […]
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We give thanks. Libraries closed Thursday 11/28 & Friday 11/29
The libraries will close at 6pm on Wednesday, then remain closed Thursday […]
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Books librarians love
Stuck for a new read? Book club been boring lately? Then, please […]
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Speak up with Mango Languages
Free with your library card–24/7 access to 70+ languages and ESL courses. […]
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September is Library Card Sign Up Month
Happy #LibraryCardSignup Month! Celebrate by getting your very own library card this […]
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Stream these Summer Films
Beat the heat with these Best of Summer films, curated by the […]
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Award-winning eBooks for summer reading
The Sunshine State Young Readers Award Program (SSYRA) is a statewide reading […]
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Stream these Feel-Good Films
Get your happy on with these selected Feel-Good films, curated by the […]
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Stream Earth Day Films
From the charming story of San Francisco’s avian population in THE WILD […]
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Libraries closed Friday
Monroe County Public Libraries will be closed on Friday, April 19th in […]
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Streaming Films for Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, Kanopy has carefully curated a collection […]
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Adult Core Skills
Improve your job search skills, build math and language skills, become a […]
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Career Preparation
Prepare for entrance exams, military exams, college admissions tests, and a multitude […]
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Para Hispanohablantes
Herramientas para mejorar sus habilidades en escritura, lectura y matemáticas. Guías y […]