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Alachua County Library District: 5 Things for March

Press release from Alachua County Library District

As new leaves unfurl, we’re wrapping up the NEA Big Read and preparing for exciting new programs launching this spring. 

The NEA Big Read Alachua County concludes in March with a powerful keynote speaker and a book meetup for kids. We were honored to partner with the Florida Museum for this community events series, distributing more than 250 books and sharing 11 events since September. The program has spotlighted women who study plants, sharks, insects, and fossils, empowering us and young future scientists to embrace the magic of science. 

Next up, we invite you to share your talents in the first Virtual Quilt Show and the annual Teen Writing Contest below. Find details on submitting works below. 

With so much fun happening in March, we’re also dreaming up plans for National Library Week April 4-10. We need your help, too! Check out how you can celebrate with us at the end of this newsletter.Reading Success Starts Here

Make the 1,000 books commitment to give your little one a leg up on learning. Reading to infants and toddlers helps them develop important pre-reading skills for a solid reading foundation, which is key to their success in school. Sign up to keep on track reading to your kiddo and find encouragement in quarterly newsletters filled with librarian-approved book lists and reading tips. When you complete the program, your child will earn a certificate and a small prize from your library. It doesn’t matter how long it takes or if you read the same book 100 times, reading to your child makes you a winner!

Join the 1,000 Books Journey

Science Scoop

Robin Wall Kimmerer will pose the question “What Does the Earth Ask of Us?” Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. during her live virtual keynote for the NEA Big Read Alachua County. 

Dr. Kimmerer is an author, plant ecologist, and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at the State University of New York College. In her latest book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” she weaves together indigenous knowledge and scientific research, illustrating the powerful connection between us and plants. 

Dr. Kimmerer’s presentation and the “Finding Wonders” Book Meetup on March 27 at 10 a.m. will round out the Big Read Series. Thank you for joining us and the Florida Museum for this incredible series!

Register

Tax Help is Here

The Library District and our partners are ready to help you file your 2020 taxes. The deadline to file is April 15. Pick up tax forms and information at your local library branch. Please call ahead to ensure forms are available before you arrive.

AARP Tax-Aide is offering assistance preparing taxes for seniors and low- to moderate-income individuals with a two-appointment process this year. Book appointments online or call 352-448-7445 Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

United Way VITA program continues through a drop-off system at the United Way office, 6031 NW 1st Place, Gainesville, or Buchholz High School, 5510 NW 27th Avenue, Gainesville. Please visit our tax site for drop-off hours or call the 211 helpline to make an appointment.

Start Your Taxes

Let Me See Your Quilts

If you kept busy by quilting during the roller coaster that was 2020, share your works for the first Virtual Quilt Show! Quilters can enter up to two items for the show by March 22. Submissions must be quilts or quilted items made during 2020.

Quilts will be displayed on our website and social media during April. For more information or to request an entry form, follow the link or email sgrainger@aclib.us.

Submit Your Works

Embrace Your Creativity

Words often have the power to leave us speechless and unite us in feeling. Teens in sixth through 12th grade can express themselves by submitting a short story of 500-1,500 words and up to three poems to the 2021 Teen Creative Writing Contest. Submissions are accepted through Friday, April 16 at 5 p.m. 

Entries must be submitted electronically in DOC format to cevans@aclib.us  with a signed entry form.

Write Away
Share Your Stories for National Library Week! ❤

National Library Week is April 4-10 and we want to share your library stories to celebrate. Tell us why you love the library! Send library appreciation stories from any time and place, your childhood or last week.

You can write it out, make a video, or send a photo. Send your stories by March 20 to rcook@aclib.us or mail them to Rachel Cook, 401 E. University Ave., Gainesville, 32601. If you share your story on social media, tag @alachualibrary and use the #NationalLibraryWeek.
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