Gulf County libraries prepare for busy September
Both public libraries in Gulf County have a variety of fun and educational events planned for people of all ages this month.
See a full list of the libraries’ programmin below.
Both Gulf County libraries will be closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.
Corrine Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
Weekly on Mondays
Chess Club
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Learn new strategies, improve problem solving skills, meet new people and have fun playing the game of Kings and Queens. All levels and ages are welcome. Chess boards and instruction is provided. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Battelle Foundation and the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe.
Weekly on Thursdays
Preschool Storytime
11 to 11:30 a.m. EDT
Join the library for songs, stories and movement, followed by art or science enrichment activities and free play with peers. This program is geared for ages 0 to 5, with a caregiver. This activity was made possible in part by a grant from the Battelle Foundation and the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe.
LEGO Club
4 to 5 p.m. EDT
Join the library for weekly LEGO challenges, or just come show off your engineering skills with over 5,000 LEGOs. This program is geared for ages 6 and up. It is made possible in part by a grant from the Battelle Foundation and the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe.
Dungeons and Dragons
4 to 5 p.m. EDT
Assemble your party and venture forth! D&D is a board game set in a fantasy world designed by the players. In play, you experience focus, problem-solving, leadership and risk assessment. Beginners welcome – the library has got a starter set and character sheets to help you get started.
Snacks and drinks provided, thanks to the Friends of the Gulf County Library at PSJ. This program is geared towards teens ages 14 and older.
Weekly on Saturdays
Seaside Stitchers
10 a.m. to noon EDT
The library offers a warm, seaside welcome to anyone who is interested in needle arts. Bring your latest project and join them as they knit together a more vibrant community.
Special Events
Whole Grains
Thursday, Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon EDT
Learn the difference between refined grains and whole grains to determine which are best for a healthier diet. Presented by Hailey Gay, UF/IFAS Gulf County Extension Family Nutrition Specialist.
Upcycled Origami (online)
Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 2 to 2:30 p.m. CDT
Programming will be released as pre-recorded videos on all of the library Facebook pages and the Northwest Regional Library System YouTube channel.
Party Table Accessories: Learn how to fold simple and fun chopstick holders, chopstick rests and heart-shaped napkin rings. This teen and family program is presented by Kat from the Bay County Public Library.
Seashell Crafting (registration required)
Friday, Sept. 16 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. EDT
Make oyster and cockle shell trinket dishes and decorative magnets using shells! This event is geared for ages 10 and up, with a caregiver. All materials are provided, thanks to the Friends of the Gulf County Library at PSJ, but feel free to bring your own beachcomber’s treasures. Registration is Required. Please call the library at 850-229-8879 to register.
Fall Vegetable Gardening Workshop
Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. EDT
It’s time to plant your Fall garden with winter vegetables. Program by the Gulf County Master Gardeners.
Book Club
Monday, September 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. EDT
September’s Book: Flight Patterns by Karen White.
The club will select the October and November book club titles at September’s meeting. Join them for coffee and conversation with avid readers and a few fabulous bakers.
STEAMroom!
Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. EDT
STEAMroom monthly challenges are designed to inspire curiosity and build creative confidence, problem solving skills and collaboration. This program is geared for ages 6 and up, with a caregiver. It is made possible in part by a grant from the Battelle Foundation and the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe.
You’re an Amazing Athlete (registration required)
Thursday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to noon EDT
This program is geared for ages 2.5 to 5 years, with a caregiver. Amazing Athletes introduces the fundamentals in a noncompetitive environment to help children gain greater confidence, learn to combine fitness with fun and develop gross motor skills. Amazing Athletes coaches incorporate lessons on teamwork, sportsmanship and self-confidence. Registration is required. Please call the library at 850-229-8879 to register.
Stargazing with Skip (families)
Friday, Sept. 30 from 8 to 9 p.m. EDT
Join local astronomer Skip Marlin and explore the night-sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be provided, or bring your own. Meet in the parking lot of the St. Joseph Bay Golf Club, 700 Country Club Road, PSJ. All events are weather permitting; call the library at 850-229-8879 to confirm.
Charles Whitehead Public Library in Wewahitchka
Weekly on Tuesdays
Budding Bookworms
10 to 10:30 a.m. CDT
Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts to instill a love of literacy. All little ones are welcome with a caregiver. The event is recommended for children up to 5 years of age.
Special Events
Teen Meet Up!
Friday, Sept. 2 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. CDT
Join the library for yummy snacks, fun games and to discuss future teen program ideas.
Ancestry Workshop
Friday, Sept. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT
Research your family tree with our library edition of Ancestry.com. Review the library’s growing collection of local history and genealogy books. Free computer prints and copies are available during the program. Notebooks and pens are provided. Door prizes will be awarded.
Upcycled Origami (online)
Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 2 to 2:30 p.m. CDT
Programming will be released as pre-recorded videos on all of the library Facebook pages and the Northwest Regional Library System YouTube channel.
Party Table Accessories: Learn how to fold simple and fun chopstick holders, chopstick rests and heart-shaped napkin rings. This teen and family program is presented by Kat from the Bay County Public Library.
Book Club
Monday, Sept. 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. CDT
Join the club as they discuss this month’s read: Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty. New members are always welcome to join! Visit or call the library at (850) 639-2419 for more information.
Whole Grains
Thursday, Sept. 22 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT
Learn the difference between refined grains and whole grains to determine which are best for a healthier diet. Presented by Hailey Gay, UF/IFAS Gulf County Extension Family Nutrition Specialist.
Plant Exchange and Talk
Friday, Sept. 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. CDT
Bring a plant, take a plant. Join the library for a fun plant exchange event with a presentation by Ray Bodrey, UF/IFAS Gulf County Extension Director.
Genealogy Workshop (four week course, registration required)
Thursday, Sept. 29 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. CDT
This four week course is every Thursday evening starting September 29 through October 20. Participants will learn to login in to Family Search website, complete a four generational family tree, find new ancestors and other family history activities. Registration is required. Reserve a computer or bring your own laptop. Please call the library at 850-639-2419 to register.
Game Day
Friday, Sept. 30 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. CDT
Come and play with your friends! Experience a variety of games on the Nintendo Switch and VR. Registration is required. Call the library at (850) 639-2419 to register. This is a youth program.
Meet the Editor
David Adlerstein, The Apalachicola Times’ digital editor, started with the news outlet in January 2002 as a reporter.
Prior to then, David Adlerstein began as a newspaperman with a small Boston weekly, after graduating magna cum laude from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He later edited the weekly Bellville Times, and as business reporter for the daily Marion Star, both not far from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
In 1995, he moved to South Florida, and worked as a business reporter and editor of Medical Business newspaper. In Jan. 2002, he began with the Apalachicola Times, first as reporter and later as editor, and in Oct. 2020, also began editing the Port St. Joe Star.