Library Announces Line Up of Programs

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Sanibel Public Library has planned in-person programs including storytimes, tech help, as well as virtual author programs. The Library’s public online calendar has the most up-to-date information about programs for children and adults.

The Sanibel Public Library announced its 2024 Author Series lineup. For more than a decade, the Library, partnering with the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, has connected local readers to award-winning authors by bringing in high caliber writers for an intimate evening, followed by a champagne reception. Past guests include Joyce Carol Oates, Jodi Picoult, David Baldacci, Amor Towles, Erik Larson, and Margaret Atwood.

The next speaker in this season’s Author Series is Marie Benedict—a lawyer who writes historical novels including “The Other Einstein,” “Carnegie’s Maid,” “The Only Woman in The Room,” “Lady Clementine,” “The Mystery of Mrs. Christie,” “The Personal Librarian,” and “The First Ladies.” Marie Benedict will be speaking at the Library on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. The lottery for Benedict tickets is open from January 8 to 13.

The Sanibel Public Library will continue to utilize a “lottery system” ticketing procedure to meet high demand and to ensure as many as possible have the opportunity to attend an Author Series event. Requests for Author Series tickets may be made at the Library, by calling or in person. Names of those requesting tickets will be placed in a lottery and selected at random, and then be notified by email. Requests made before or after that time will not be honored. Tickets are distributed at no charge to Sanibel Public Library cardholders; one card per person; two tickets per card.

Patrons need to have a current library card before requesting tickets. Library cards are available to Sanibel and Lee County residents at no charge. Major funding for the Author Series is provided by the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, Inc. and its generous donors.

These upcoming Library programs are open to the public. No registration required.

Duane Shaffer’s popular WWII lecture series starts this year with “The Attack on Pearl Harbor.” On December 7, 1941 six Japanese aircraft carriers unleashed a massive aerial attack on the American Pacific fleet that was anchored in Oahu, Hawaii. Planned by Admiral Yamamoto, was the attack an act of pure evil or part of a calculated strategy? This in-person history program starts at 10 a.m. Friday, January 12. Shaffer will review strategy and tactics of this battle.

His next WWII history program is at 10 a.m. Friday, February 2, where Shaffer presents “Anzio, Italy: The Allied End Run.” Shaffer was a library director in New Hampshire for twenty years. He was the co-founder of the Civil War Roundtable of New Hampshire in 1991 and was the secretary of the New Hampshire Civil War Monuments and Memorials Commission. He has two degrees in history and has published several articles in various military history magazines. He is currently serving as Executive Director for Sanibel Public Library.

Stop by the Library this month to see a collection of WWII models created by Duane Shaffer.

F.I.S.H. volunteers from FGCU will be at Sanibel Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, January 19 to distribute F.I.S.H. Long-Term Recovery applications to those who need financial assistance to rebuild. The application is available to anyone who lives or works on Sanibel and Captiva.

Registration is Required for these Library Programs:
Upcoming Virtual Author Talks include: “Embrace Love in the New Year” with Rebecca Serle at 8 p.m. on January 10, and “Avoid Hidden Traps in Retirement Planning Advice” with Rajiv Nagaich at 2 p.m. on January 23. On January 30 at 2 p.m., Dr. Robert Lustig presents “The Lure and Lies of Processed Food.” Q&A with the author to follow these virtual talks! Head to the Library’s online calendar for links to register for these virtual talks. After you register, you will receive an emailed link to login to the virtual event. If you need to borrow a mobile WiFi hotspot to participate, or if you need help registering for these webinars, please email islandlibrary@sanlib.org or call (239) 472-2483.

Sanibel Public Library offers “Computer Coach” service; book an appointment to bring in your device for technology assistance with Hoopla, Kanopy, Libby, and other Library apps. These apps allow Library cardholders to download eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks, or stream music and movies. Call the Library at (239) 472-2483 to schedule an appointment.

Sanibel Public Library cards are available to all residents of Sanibel and Lee County, Florida, at no charge. You must present your valid driver’s license (or similar government ID) to staff, showing your current Lee County address. Visitor cards are available for a $10 fee and are good for one year. Computers, printers, scanners, and fax service as well as magazines and daily newspapers are also available. For more information about the Sanibel Public Library, call (239) 472-2483, or visit online at http://www.sanlib.org.