Please note: All branches of the Library will be closed on Friday, March 29, for Good Friday. The Library will be open during its regular hours on Saturday, March 30.

Explore Library Events

Mar
28
Thu
Homeschool Learning Activities 3-year-olds to Kindergarten! @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Mar 28 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

The homeschool group has been growing and we are splitting groups to accommodate everyone.  We will still meet on Thursdays with Kindergarten & under group meeting from 10 AM-11 AM and the 1st grade and up group will meet from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM.  There will be different themed activities for both learning and fun!

Homeschool Learning Activities 1st grade and up @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Mar 28 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

The homeschool group has been growing and we are splitting groups to accommodate everyone.  We will still meet on Thursdays with Kindergarten & under group meeting from 10 AM-11 AM and the 1st grade and up group will meet from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM.  There will be different themed activities for both learning and fun!

Game On! @ Key West Library
Mar 28 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Game On! @ Key West Library

Game On! Thursday and Friday after school for all ages Passive Program- Events on Your Time!

Relax and unwind by playing popular games with friends and family. After homework and studying are done kick back and get your Game On! Board games, video games even MTG!

Games in a library?! Of Course! Now you and your children can enjoy new and popular games with friends and family. Make friends while going on quest in Dungeons and Dragons or crush your opponents in a game of Magic the Gathering. After homework and studying are done kick back and get your Game On!

*Note the video game zone is only available when a librarian is present.

Why do we have toys, board games, and video games in the library?

“Play is the highest form of research”-Albert Einstein

Many games in the library are multiplayer games that encourage teamwork and social skills. Playing games is a great way for kids to meet new people and make some friends. Video games and board games can be pricey at times and not affordable for every hose hold, so it is important to us here at the library that every child is given the opportunity to experience the joy of playing games and being a kid.

With all that fun our kids are having while playing board/video games, they don’t realize they are developing some very important skills. Gaming (especially Nintendo games) challenges kids on their reading, mathematics, and critical thinking skills. Gaming is also a great way for kids to relieve stress and make some friends.

For further reading on video games in the library check out this NPR article: At Libraries Across America, It’s Game On

 

Library Scouts
Mar 28 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 

Library Scouts

2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 3:00-5:00 pm. Ages: 6-12

Kids can scout for badges, fun and learning at the Key West Library.

You’ve heard of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts – now the Key West Library is introducing Library Scouts, where kids can earn badges, have fun and learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).

The program is open to all kids ages 6 and up and is held from 3:00-5:00pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

The program includes experiments, crafts, books and more fun activities. Each meeting focuses on a new badge and includes activities to earn that badge.

For more information, call 305-292-3595 or email info@keyslibraries.org.

Mar
30
Sat
Magic The Gathering @ Key West Library
Mar 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Magic The Gathering @ Key West Library

Magic the Gathering

Saturdays 9am- Noon

MTG is a tabletop card game. Join us every Saturday morning as we host a MTG for adults. Newcomers and veterans are welcome! We have premade decks that new players can use to learn how to play. Magic-themed giveaways and tournaments throughout the year!

 

 

Story Time Saturday @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Mar 30 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Join us for stories, songs and activities for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers.

Saturdays at 10:30 AM Children’s Area

2nd Floor

Teen Sketch Workshop @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Mar 30 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Want some sketching guidance?
Come to the Sketch Workshop every other Fridays 3:00-4:45 in Study Room 5, 2nd Floor.

 

Apr
1
Mon
Bridge Club @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 1 @ 12:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Bridge is played at the library on Mondays from 12:15 – 3:15 PM in the community room on the first floor. 
Playing Bridge has several benefits such as:
  • Meaningful social interaction
  • Strengthening communication and teamwork skills
  • Maintaining mental sharpness
  • Boosting immunity to ward off illness
  • Improving test scores
  • Delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
  • Being an inexpensive form of entertainment
  • Being a career path
  • Being good clean fun

Teen Crafts @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 1 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Teen Connect is now Teen Crafts!  Come in on Mondays at 3 PM for an afternoon of fun crafting with friends.

February 5 – Resin Jewelry

February 12 – Clay Beads

February 26 -Key Chains

Apr
2
Tue
Art Exhibit – Reginald Henry & Family @ Key Largo Branch Library
Apr 2 @ 9:00 am – Apr 5 @ 5:00 pm

Reginald Harvey & Family Art Exhibit

April 2-29

Originally from Haiti, Mr. Harvey came to United States in 1990. As an artist he explores numerous art mediums and techniques. To see more of his art visit fineartamerica.com

Reginald Henry

Art Class @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 2 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Self-expression through art is an important part of human nature. You don’t have to be in art school, or create marble sculptures, or create realistic paintings to be an artist. Whatever you create is an extension of you, and it is beautiful in that regard.

Join us on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM to let your creativity shine!  In this class we will explore different mediums such as sketch, paint, multimedia and more!

Mahjong @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mahjong is played at the library on Tuesdays from 10AM until noon in the community room on the first floor. The group welcomes all skill levels! 
Playing Mahjong has several benefits such as:
  • Keeps dementia at bay.
  • Decreases possibility of depression.
  • Improves hand-eye coordination.
  • Trains concentration and pattern recognition.
  • Helps benefit short-term memory

 

Adult Crafts @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Adult Crafts is moving to Tuesdays!  Every other Tuesday at 1 PM join in on the crazy crafty fun! This month one of our craft days will be a Bridgerton Tea Party!

Kids Dungeons & Dragons @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 2 @ 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

Kid’s D&D is moving to Tuesdays, 3:30 PM, after school!

Level up your gaming experience by taking on the role of a mighty hero in the world’s most popular fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons

 

 

 

Apr
3
Wed
Story Time For Toddlers & Preschool Ages @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 3 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Join us for stories, songs and activities for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers.

Wednesdays at 10:30 AM Children’s Area

2nd Floor

Teen Dungeons and Dragons @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 3 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Teens, level up your gaming experience by taking on the role of a mighty hero in the world’s most popular fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons!  We meet in the Activity Center Wednesdays, after school, at 3 PM.

 

Adult Dungeons and Dragons @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 3 @ 5:00 pm – 6:45 pm

Grab your characters and join us for our new Dungeons and Dragons campaign on Wednesdays at 5 PM!

 

Adult Game Night +18 @ Key West Library
Apr 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Stop in for the Key West Library Game Night every Wednesday! Pick up any of our board games, or bring your own and sit at any of the tables in the library’s lounge.  

Apr
4
Thu
Homeschool Learning Activities 3-year-olds to Kindergarten! @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 4 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

The homeschool group has been growing and we are splitting groups to accommodate everyone.  We will still meet on Thursdays with Kindergarten & under group meeting from 10 AM-11 AM and the 1st grade and up group will meet from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM.  There will be different themed activities for both learning and fun!

Homeschool Learning Activities 1st grade and up @ Monroe County Public Library Marathon
Apr 4 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

The homeschool group has been growing and we are splitting groups to accommodate everyone.  We will still meet on Thursdays with Kindergarten & under group meeting from 10 AM-11 AM and the 1st grade and up group will meet from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM.  There will be different themed activities for both learning and fun!

Game On! @ Key West Library
Apr 4 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Game On! @ Key West Library

Game On! Thursday and Friday after school for all ages Passive Program- Events on Your Time!

Relax and unwind by playing popular games with friends and family. After homework and studying are done kick back and get your Game On! Board games, video games even MTG!

Games in a library?! Of Course! Now you and your children can enjoy new and popular games with friends and family. Make friends while going on quest in Dungeons and Dragons or crush your opponents in a game of Magic the Gathering. After homework and studying are done kick back and get your Game On!

*Note the video game zone is only available when a librarian is present.

Why do we have toys, board games, and video games in the library?

“Play is the highest form of research”-Albert Einstein

Many games in the library are multiplayer games that encourage teamwork and social skills. Playing games is a great way for kids to meet new people and make some friends. Video games and board games can be pricey at times and not affordable for every hose hold, so it is important to us here at the library that every child is given the opportunity to experience the joy of playing games and being a kid.

With all that fun our kids are having while playing board/video games, they don’t realize they are developing some very important skills. Gaming (especially Nintendo games) challenges kids on their reading, mathematics, and critical thinking skills. Gaming is also a great way for kids to relieve stress and make some friends.

For further reading on video games in the library check out this NPR article: At Libraries Across America, It’s Game On

 

Apr
5
Fri
First Friday Book Club @ Marathon branch
Apr 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join in on the discussion here at the library for this community led Book Club on the first Friday of the month from 10 a.m. till noon

Book List for 2023-2024

November 3 – “Once Upon A River” by Diane Setterfield

December 1 – “The Book of Lost Friends” by Lisa Wingate

January 5 – “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

February 2 – “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michelle Richardson

March 1 – “The Homewreckers” by Mary Kay Andrews

April 5 – “The Alice Network” by Kate Quinn

For more information, contact rtannie@bellsouth.net

 

 

Photography Basics: Take Better Pictures @ Marathon branch
Apr 5 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Would you like to learn more about your camera, or camera phone, and how it works?  Are your pictures underexposed, overexposed, out of focus, poorly composed, or just plain old dull, and boring? If you answered yes to any of these questions join us on Friday mornings from 11 AM till 1 PM in the Activity Center to learn how to take better pictures and do fun assignments!  Not only will you learn how to take better pictures, but you can also reap the benefits of photography.

Top Benefits of Photography

  1. Photography is a form of self-care.
  2. Photography improves a person’s well-being through community interaction.
  3. It also improves well-being through the potential for reminiscence.
  4. Helps to find beauty in our world.
  5. Enhances memory and keeps your brain healthy.
  6. Gets you outdoors and makes you exercise.
  7. Photography makes you enjoy what you are doing more.
  8. Photography can help people who are struggling with depression.
  9. Stimulates and improves your creativity.

Storytime! @ Key West Library
Apr 5 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Storytime is a fun early literacy program for children. Join us for interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. The early literacy practices featured each week help build the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Storytime offers an opportunity to experience early literacy practices in action, to discover great books, music, and to socialize with other parents after Storytime.  Expecting parents and siblings are welcome to attend.