Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics
The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children.
With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders. The next one will take place on April 2 at 2 p.m. with space historian Valerie Neal, author of “On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of U.S. Women Astronauts.” Join her for an exhilarating journey through the history of women astronauts.
Neal is curator emerita at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Her specialty is human spaceflight, space technology and space science in the Space Shuttle era and beyond. Neal collected over 1,500 artifacts of the shuttle era, curated three exhibitions and eight documentary programs for the Smithsonian Channel, published books and articles from her research, lectured in the United States and abroad, and gave interviews for U.S. and international media.
Before joining the museum, she was a writer and editor for NASA publications on Space Shuttle and Spacelab missions, the Hubble Space Telescope and other Great Observatories, space science, and NASA History. Neal participated in underwater astronaut training in Alabama and mission support in Houston for four Space Shuttle missions. She has taught American studies and writing courses at multiple universities. Neal holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in American studies and Bachelor of Arts in English and history.
To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming.
Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:
Crafternoon: Magic Pastel Painting will take place on April 1 from 3 to 4 p.m. Open to ages 5 and up, participants will get a little messy making a pastel work of art. A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance.
On April 4, Saturday Crafterday will be held from 11 a.m. to noon with artist and coloring book creator Melissa Gindling. Participants will create their own artwork.
Family Storytime — Family Strengthen & Stretch with Ms. Robin will take place on April 7 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Open to babies to age 5, participating families will sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity; it will include an art/craft center. The program will combine energetic movements, playful stretches and calming breath work. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and towel.
On April 7, Why Poetry Matters will be held from 10 a.m. to noon with Vicky Lettmann. In celebration of National Poetry Month, join an informal discussion of why poetry matters. Participants will talk about the relevance and enjoyment of poetry, and they are welcome to bring a favorite poem to share or recite. Participants will also receive a poem-in-a-pocket to take home.
R.E.A.D. to Rizzo will take place on April 8 from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Youths will practice reading and reading out loud with Rizzo, a trained Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) therapy dog. Registration is required by contacting esherman@sanlib.org.
On April 8, Crafternoon: Watercolor Painting will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Open to ages 5 and up, participants will paint a watercolor masterpiece. A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance.
WEEKLY PROGRAMMING
– Family Storytime: Fridays and Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Bring the whole family to enjoy stories, songs, movement and early literacy play centers that spark creativity and motor skills. Open to babies and toddlers and their caregivers.
Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.
The library is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit https://sanlib.org/ or call 239-472-2483.
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.