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A small chihuahua dog sitting on a pink blanket

Read With a Dog
2026-05-02 12:00:00 2026-05-02 13:00:00 America/New_York Read With a Dog Join us in Youth Services where you can read your favorite story to a furry friend. Headquarters Library - Youth Services Area

Saturday, May 02
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-05-02 12:00:00 2026-05-02 13:00:00 America/New_York Read With a Dog Join us in Youth Services where you can read your favorite story to a furry friend. Headquarters Library - Youth Services Area

Headquarters Library

Youth Services Area

Join us in Youth Services where you can read your favorite story to a furry friend.

Ripley, a chihuahua therapy dog, is ready for stories, pets, and lots of low to the ground hugs. Weighing in at just over six pounds, she is great for kids who are hesitant to meet new furry friends. 

AGE GROUP: | Elementary (6-11 years) |

EVENT TYPE: | Reading Literacy |

TAGS: | #therapydog | #stories | #readwithadog | #dogs | #Animals |

Headquarters Library
Phone: 352-334-3900
Hours
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Mon, Apr 13 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Tue, Apr 14 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Apr 15 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Apr 16 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Apr 17 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Apr 18 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Apr 19 12:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the branch

The Headquarters Library provides access to resources and services in the City of Gainesville and surrounding areas.  It also serves as the headquarters of Alachua County Library District.

Upcoming events

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Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
Sat, Apr 18, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for... more
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for community literacy projects.
Saturday Story Time
Sat, Apr 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Read, laugh, and sing with us! Join us for fun activities for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. There will be stories,... more
Read, laugh, and sing with us! Join us for fun activities for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. There will be stories, music, movement, rhymes and more to enjoy!
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Apr 18, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room B
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
Read With a Dog
Sat, Apr 18, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Youth Services Area
Read With a Dog
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Sat, Apr 18, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
GED Study Sessions - Working toward success!
Sat, Apr 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room B
Are you preparing for the GED? If you have questions or need some motivation and support, come join us at the library with an... more
Are you preparing for the GED? If you have questions or need some motivation and support, come join us at the library with an experienced GED prep teacher.
Teen Movie Club
Sat, Apr 18, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Teen Space
Join us for a showing of a PG-13 movie from the library's collection.
Cancelled
North Florida Poetry Festival - Poet Workshop
Sun, Apr 19, All day
North Florida Poetry Festival - Poet Workshop
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
Sun, Apr 19, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for... more
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for community literacy projects.
Meditation Sunday
Sun, Apr 19, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Storywoods Room
Join us for a 3-part series on meditation, mantra, conscious breathing and relaxation with a certified Sivananda instructor. This... more
Join us for a 3-part series on meditation, mantra, conscious breathing and relaxation with a certified Sivananda instructor. This program welcomes all experience levels.
Pathfinder Society for Teens - Tabletop RPG
Sun, Apr 19, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
Foundation Room
Come participate in a fantasy world where you take control of your actions in a story! You can play as a character that you created or... more
Come participate in a fantasy world where you take control of your actions in a story! You can play as a character that you created or as one provided at the game.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
Mon, Apr 20, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for... more
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for community literacy projects.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Mon, Apr 20, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Everyday English
Mon, Apr 20, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Foundation Room
Gives adult learners the chance to engage in practical English language skills.
Cancelled
Free Notary Service
Tue, Apr 21, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Free notary services provided by an adult services volunteer.
Baby Time
Tue, Apr 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storywoods Room
Join us for a story time filled with rhymes, songs, bounces and more geared for babies and their caregivers.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Tue, Apr 21, 11:00am - 3:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale - ½ Price Day
Tue, Apr 21, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for... more
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for community literacy projects.
Computer Help Drop-In
Tue, Apr 21, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Get help learning how to use the computer. This is for everyone from true beginners to those wanting to refine their Microsoft Excel skills.
GRACE Marketplace Resource Help
Tue, Apr 21, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Foundation Room
Free Resource Assistance For Homeless or At Risk of Becoming Homeless.
Teen Gaming
Tue, Apr 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Space
Join us in the Teen Space for Nintendo Switch gaming.
Sewing Meetup
Tue, Apr 21, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Sewing Meetup provides a dedicated time for experienced makers to work on personal sewing projects. Registration is required, and... more
Sewing Meetup provides a dedicated time for experienced makers to work on personal sewing projects. Registration is required, and participants must be able to use sewing machines independently.
Adult Chess Club
Tue, Apr 21, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room B
Join other adult players in a friendly game of chess! All skill levels are welcome. 
Preschool Story Time
Wed, Apr 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storywoods Room
Read, laugh, and sing with us for Preschool Story Time.
Cancelled
Job Club
Wed, Apr 22, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Get help with your job search. Not great with computers? That's ok! We're here to help.
Homeschool Makerspace
Wed, Apr 22, 11:30am - 12:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Join us for makerspace programs designed for homeschool families!
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale - 10¢ Day
Wed, Apr 22, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for... more
Join us for the bi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. All profits are used for the Alachua County Library District and for community literacy projects.
Libby & Hoopla APP-y Hour
Wed, Apr 22, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Want to download and read eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines? Stop by APP-y Hour and learn how to use the Libby and Hoopla apps. Bring... more
Want to download and read eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines? Stop by APP-y Hour and learn how to use the Libby and Hoopla apps. Bring your personal devices so you can practice.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Wed, Apr 22, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Reading for Fun - Language Learning Book Club
Wed, Apr 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room B
A relaxed and supportive group for adults who are learning English or want to get more comfortable with reading.
LegoSpace
Wed, Apr 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Storywoods Room
Create new LEGO masterpieces every week at the Headquarters Library.
to BEHOLD
Wed, Apr 22, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Foundation Room
We will learn about homelessness and how it impacts our community. We also are creating items such as socks and scarves to donate. ... more
We will learn about homelessness and how it impacts our community. We also are creating items such as socks and scarves to donate. All materials are provided and all skill levels are welcome.
Cancelled
Governing Board Meeting
Thu, Apr 23, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Alachua County Library District Governing Board
Music & Movement
Thu, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storywoods Room
Join us to sing, dance, and make music during our Music and Movement program.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Thu, Apr 23, 11:00am - 2:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Color Me Calm: Coloring for Adults
Thu, Apr 23, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Foundation Room
Color your cares away and achieve an inner calm! Join us for an hour of relaxing and restorative coloring.
After School Art Club
Thu, Apr 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Come make art with us! We’ll be doing a new art activity twice a month exploring the rich world of art history and exploring our own... more
Come make art with us! We’ll be doing a new art activity twice a month exploring the rich world of art history and exploring our own creativity!
Adult Board Gaming 
Thu, Apr 23, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room B
Join fellow board game enthusiasts to discover new favorites or to play beloved classics. Whether you're interested in learning... more
Join fellow board game enthusiasts to discover new favorites or to play beloved classics. Whether you're interested in learning something new or mastering an old favorite, join us at the table.
Cricut For Beginners
Thu, Apr 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Learn how to use a Cricut cutting machine
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Fri, Apr 24, 1:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Learn to Write Creatively - A Writer's Workshop for Everyone
Fri, Apr 24, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room B
A Writers Workshop in which we write, share, and peer edit poetry, fiction and essays while working on basic to advanced English skills.
Spanish Conversation Club
Fri, Apr 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room B
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Apr 25, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room B
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
Tabletop RPG - Game Jam
Sat, Apr 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Come join us for a Table Top Role Playing Game Jam. Game jams are events where the participants create their own games.
Fan Faire
Sat, Apr 25, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Meeting Room A
Celebrate the books, comics, games, shows, and movies you love at this free, all-ages fan event.
FanFaire Open House
Sat, Apr 25, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Come visit the HQ Makerspace and learn about what the space has to offer the community.
GED Study Sessions - Working toward success!
Sat, Apr 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room B
Are you preparing for the GED? If you have questions or need some motivation and support, come join us at the library with an... more
Are you preparing for the GED? If you have questions or need some motivation and support, come join us at the library with an experienced GED prep teacher.
Cancelled
North Florida Poetry Festival - Poet Workshop
Sun, Apr 26, All day
North Florida Poetry Festival - Poet Workshop
Meditation Sunday
Sun, Apr 26, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Room B
Join us for a 3-part series on meditation, mantra, conscious breathing and relaxation with a certified Sivananda instructor. This... more
Join us for a 3-part series on meditation, mantra, conscious breathing and relaxation with a certified Sivananda instructor. This program welcomes all experience levels.
Sensory Story Time
Sun, Apr 26, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Storywoods Room
Accessible for patrons on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. Introduce children to the library and rhythms of... more
Accessible for patrons on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. Introduce children to the library and rhythms of story time in a gentle, fun, and enriching manner.
North Florida Poetry Festival - Sidney Wade - Community Poetry & Creative Writing Workshop
Sun, Apr 26, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room A
Sidney Wade will conduct a workshop for the public. For more information go to:... more
Sidney Wade will conduct a workshop for the public. For more information go to: https://www.artspeaksgnv.org/north-central-florida-poetry-festival
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Sun, Apr 26, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
North Central Florida Poetry Festival: Sidney Wade - Poetry Reading and Book Signing
Sun, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Meeting Room A
Award-Winning Poet Sidney Wade will read from new and collected works, followed by a book signing. For more information go to:... more
Award-Winning Poet Sidney Wade will read from new and collected works, followed by a book signing. For more information go to: https://www.artspeaksgnv.org/north-central-florida-poetry-festival
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Mon, Apr 27, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Everyday English
Mon, Apr 27, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Foundation Room
Gives adult learners the chance to engage in practical English language skills.
Cancelled
Free Notary Service
Tue, Apr 28, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Free notary services provided by an adult services volunteer.
Baby Time
Tue, Apr 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storywoods Room
Join us for a story time filled with rhymes, songs, bounces and more geared for babies and their caregivers.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Tue, Apr 28, 11:00am - 3:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Computer Help Drop-In
Tue, Apr 28, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Get help learning how to use the computer. This is for everyone from true beginners to those wanting to refine their Microsoft Excel skills.
GRACE Marketplace Resource Help
Tue, Apr 28, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Foundation Room
Free Resource Assistance For Homeless or At Risk of Becoming Homeless.
Intro to Sewing - Learn to use a sewing machine!
Tue, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 6:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Join us for an adult crafting program from MakerSpace: learn how to use a sewing machine! Beginners welcome.
Adult Chess Club
Tue, Apr 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room B
Join other adult players in a friendly game of chess! All skill levels are welcome. 
Preschool Story Time
Wed, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storywoods Room
Read, laugh, and sing with us for Preschool Story Time.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Wed, Apr 29, 11:00am - 4:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Job Club
Wed, Apr 29, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Meeting Room B
Get help with your job search. Not great with computers? That's ok! We're here to help.
Libby & Hoopla APP-y Hour
Wed, Apr 29, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Want to download and read eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines? Stop by APP-y Hour and learn how to use the Libby and Hoopla apps. Bring... more
Want to download and read eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines? Stop by APP-y Hour and learn how to use the Libby and Hoopla apps. Bring your personal devices so you can practice.
Reading for Fun - Language Learning Book Club
Wed, Apr 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room B
A relaxed and supportive group for adults who are learning English or want to get more comfortable with reading.
LegoSpace
Wed, Apr 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Storywoods Room
Create new LEGO masterpieces every week at the Headquarters Library.
Teen/Tween Book Club
Wed, Apr 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Space
Teens + Tweens - join us to talk all things books on the last Wednesday each month!
to BEHOLD
Wed, Apr 29, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room,Foundation Room
We will learn about homelessness and how it impacts our community. We also are creating items such as socks and scarves to donate. ... more
We will learn about homelessness and how it impacts our community. We also are creating items such as socks and scarves to donate. All materials are provided and all skill levels are welcome.
Music & Movement
Thu, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storywoods Room
Join us to sing, dance, and make music during our Music and Movement program.
Read with a Dog
Thu, Apr 30, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Youth Services Area
Join us in Youth Services where you can read your favorite story to a furry friend.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Thu, Apr 30, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser... more
Open Studio time at the Headquarters Library allows patrons to work on creative projects at their own pace. 3D printers and a laser cutter are available for public use with staff assistance.
Color Me Calm: Coloring for Adults
Thu, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meeting Room B
Color your cares away and achieve an inner calm! Join us for an hour of relaxing and restorative coloring.
Adult Board Gaming 
Thu, Apr 30, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room B
Join fellow board game enthusiasts to discover new favorites or to play beloved classics. Whether you're interested in learning... more
Join fellow board game enthusiasts to discover new favorites or to play beloved classics. Whether you're interested in learning something new or mastering an old favorite, join us at the table.
Intro to 3D Printing
Thu, Apr 30, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Learn about 3D printing and how to get started.
Film Friday
Fri, May 01, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Foundation Room
Watch a new movie from the library's collection.
Driver License Reinstatement Clinic
Fri, May 01, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room A
Clinic to assist participants in getting their driver licenses reinstated.
Learn to Write Creatively - A Writer's Workshop for Everyone
Fri, May 01, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room B
A Writers Workshop in which we write, share, and peer edit poetry, fiction and essays while working on basic to advanced English skills.
Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros
Fri, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Storywoods Room
Join us for fun activities celebrating Children’s Day/Book Day!
Spanish Conversation Club
Fri, May 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room B
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, May 02, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room B
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
Read With a Dog
Sat, May 02, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Youth Services Area
Join us in Youth Services where you can read your favorite story to a furry friend.
Teen Movie Club
Sat, May 02, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Teen Space
Join us for a showing of a PG-13 movie from the library's collection.
GED Study Sessions - Working toward success!
Sat, May 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room B
Are you preparing for the GED? If you have questions or need some motivation and support, come join us at the library with an... more
Are you preparing for the GED? If you have questions or need some motivation and support, come join us at the library with an experienced GED prep teacher.
See all events