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Tan journal with pen and envelopes, tied with twine.

A Commonplace Life

one for ordinary "Creatives"
2026-11-28 10:30:00 2026-11-28 12:00:00 America/New_York A Commonplace Life Thank you notes in 3 easy steps. You know you should write them, and then you keep putting them off. But once you know what you're doing, they're actually pretty fun. Headquarters Library - HQ Makerspace Room

Saturday, November 28
10:30am - 12:00pm

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Headquarters Library

HQ Makerspace Room

Thank you notes in 3 easy steps. You know you should write them, and then you keep putting them off. But once you know what you're doing, they're actually pretty fun.

Start your weekend with a dose of creativity.  A Commonplace Life is a weekly creative practice built around the ordinary things that shape a life: ideas, memories, plans, images, stories, and things worth keeping. Activities may include journaling, planning, writing, vision boards, drawing, recipe exchanges, paper crafts, commonplace books, watercolors, and memoirs. No previous writing or artistic experience is required, and supplies will be provided; however, participants are welcome to bring their own supplies to personalize their projects. 

Nov 7:  Mind mapping your family and friends

Nov 14:  Gratitude Jar

Nov 21:  Recipes for happiness (They don’t have to be food.  But they can be.)

Nov 28:  Thank you notes in 3 easy steps

AGE GROUP: | Adults (19 and up) |

EVENT TYPE: | MakerSpace | Books, Authors, & Writing | Arts, Crafts, & DIY |

TAGS: | |

Headquarters Library
Phone: 352-334-3900
Hours
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Mon, Sep 21 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Tue, Sep 22 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Sep 23 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Sep 24 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Sep 25 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 26 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Sep 27 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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Preschool Story Time
Wed, Sep 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storywoods Room
Read, laugh, and sing with us for Preschool Story Time.
Homeschool Makerspace
Wed, Sep 23, 11:30am - 12:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Join us for makerspace programs designed for homeschool families!
Job Club
Wed, Sep 23, 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.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Wed, Sep 23, 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.
Registration is now closed
LegoSpace
Wed, Sep 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Storywoods Room
Create new LEGO masterpieces every week at the Headquarters Library.
Teen/Tween Book Club
Wed, Sep 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Space
Teens + Tweens - join us to talk all things books on the last Wednesday each month!
Intro to Crocheting
Wed, Sep 23, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Are you 15 years and older and never learned to crochet? Join us in the MakerSpace and learn an excellent skill. Open to the first 10... more
Are you 15 years and older and never learned to crochet? Join us in the MakerSpace and learn an excellent skill. Open to the first 10 attendees
Governing Board Public Budget Hearing
Wed, Sep 23, 5:05pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room A
Alachua County Library District Governing Board Public Budget Hearing
Expungement Clinic
Thu, Sep 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room A
Meet with legal representatives from Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. to review your record and to see if it may be expunged or sealed.
Adult Crafting
Thu, Sep 24, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room B
Join us to learn to do diamond dotz and make beaded jewelry. Supplies provided. Limited to first 10 patrons.
Music & Movement
Thu, Sep 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storywoods Room
Join us to sing, dance, and make music during our Music and Movement program.
Color Me Calm: Coloring for Adults
Thu, Sep 24, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Drop in at our weekly, low-key coloring session for adults. A variety of gel pens,... more
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Drop in at our weekly, low-key coloring session for adults. A variety of gel pens, markers, colored pencils, and coloring pages will be provided.
Adult Board Gaming 
Thu, Sep 24, 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.
Printmaking with LEGOs
Thu, Sep 24, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Join us for a printmaking session using LEGO blocks.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Fri, Sep 25, 1:00pm - 5:30pm
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.
The Poetry Group
Fri, Sep 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Foundation Room
Come dust of your poems, listen and talk about the poetry of others, or find out about the interesting lives of famous poets living and... more
Come dust of your poems, listen and talk about the poetry of others, or find out about the interesting lives of famous poets living and dead.
Spanish Conversation Club
Fri, Sep 25, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room B
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
Paint with Purpose - SCD Alliance of NCF
Sat, Sep 26, 10:30am - 12:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Paint with Purpose in Makerspace to raise awareness for sickle cell disease with Sickle Cell Alliance of NCF.
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Sep 26, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room B
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
HQ Makerspace Maker Swap
Sat, Sep 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Calling all makers! Bring your unused and unwanted craft and project supplies to swap with other makers.
GED Study Sessions - Working toward success!
Sat, Sep 26, 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.
Sewing a Mini Plush - Hand sew a mini felt toy or keychain - no experience needed!
Sun, Sep 27, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Learn to hand sew, and make a small felt toy or keychain (your choice) to bring home. All supplies provided.
Sensory Story Time
Sun, Sep 27, 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.
Comic Drawing Club
Sun, Sep 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Have you ever wanted to make your own comic? Join us at Comic Drawing Club and tell your story!
Foundation Annual Meeting
Sun, Sep 27, 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room A
Foundation Annual Meeting
Basic Reading Practice for Everyone
Mon, Sep 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Foundation Room
The group is based around reading English texts in a group. We also learn new vocabulary words, practice phonetics, grammar and... more
The group is based around reading English texts in a group. We also learn new vocabulary words, practice phonetics, grammar and pronunciation. Children are welcome with the accompany of adults.
Laser Cutter Reservations - HQ Makerspace
Mon, Sep 28, 2:00pm - 5:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
A dedicated time for reserving the laser cutter on Mondays in the HQ Makerspace.
Beginner Korean
Mon, Sep 28, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Foundation Room
Want to learn Korean? Come learn the basics of reading, writing, listening, and speaking from a native speaker and experienced instructor.
Baby Time
Tue, Sep 29, 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, Sep 29, 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.
Computer Help Drop-In
Tue, Sep 29, 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, Sep 29, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Foundation Room
Free Resource Assistance For Homeless or At Risk of Becoming Homeless.
Sewing Meetup
Tue, Sep 29, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Sewing Meetup provides a dedicated time for sewers or other fiber artists to work on personal projects. Registration is required, and... more
Sewing Meetup provides a dedicated time for sewers or other fiber artists to work on personal projects. Registration is required, and participants must be able to use sewing machines independently.
Adult Chess Club
Tue, Sep 29, 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, Sep 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storywoods Room
Read, laugh, and sing with us for Preschool Story Time.
Job Club
Wed, Sep 30, 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.
LegoSpace
Wed, Sep 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Storywoods Room
Create new LEGO masterpieces every week at the Headquarters Library.
Rescheduled
Teen/Tween Book Club
Wed, Sep 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New date Wednesday, September 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teens + Tweens - join us to talk all things books on the last Wednesday each month!
Fantasy Book Trivia Bingo
Wed, Sep 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room A
Come test your fantasy book knowledge in this fun game of knowledge and chance!
Intro to Crocheting
Wed, Sep 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Are you 15 years and older and never learned to crochet? Join us in the MakerSpace and learn an excellent skill. Open to the first 10... more
Are you 15 years and older and never learned to crochet? Join us in the MakerSpace and learn an excellent skill. Open to the first 10 attendees
Adult Crafting
Thu, Oct 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room B
Join us to learn to do diamond dotz and make beaded jewelry. Supplies provided. Limited to first 10 patrons.
Music & Movement
Thu, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storywoods Room
Join us to sing, dance, and make music during our Music and Movement program.
STEM For Young Makers
Thu, Oct 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
This series is aimed at preteen to teenaged children who are interested in learning about a variety of different scientific topics. Each... more
This series is aimed at preteen to teenaged children who are interested in learning about a variety of different scientific topics. Each session covers a different topic.
Color Me Calm: Coloring for Adults
Thu, Oct 01, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Drop in at our weekly, low-key coloring session for adults. A variety of gel pens,... more
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Drop in at our weekly, low-key coloring session for adults. A variety of gel pens, markers, colored pencils, and coloring pages will be provided.
STEAM Crafts
Thu, Oct 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Join us in the HQ MakerSpace Room for STEAM Crafts! The 1st Thursday of every month we’ll have new science and art projects inspired... more
Join us in the HQ MakerSpace Room for STEAM Crafts! The 1st Thursday of every month we’ll have new science and art projects inspired by seasonal themes.
Crocheting for Adults
Thu, Oct 01, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Foundation Room
Come join us as we chat & crochet. New stitches & patterns will be presented to advance our knowledge of all things crochet. Please... more
Come join us as we chat & crochet. New stitches & patterns will be presented to advance our knowledge of all things crochet. Please bring your own supplies
Mini Linocut Block Printing
Thu, Oct 01, 4:15pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Come carve mini linocuts to make block prints! All materials provided and no experience necessary.
Adult Board Gaming 
Thu, Oct 01, 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.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Fri, Oct 02, 1:00pm - 5:30pm
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.
Spanish Conversation Club
Fri, Oct 02, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
Cancelled
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Oct 03, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Are you learning Spanish? Join us for casual conversation practice.
40th Anniversary Activity - Bookmark Studio
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Design and decorate your own laminated bookmark to keep or share. It’s the perfect companion for your next great read!
40th Anniversary Activity - Origami Corner
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Discover the art of paper folding by creating simple and fun origami designs for all skill levels.
40th Anniversary Activity - Button Bonanza
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Create a custom pin-back button with fun designs, colorful artwork, or a favorite message to wear home.
40th Anniversary Activity - Friendship Bracelet Factory
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Knot a colorful friendship bracelet to wear yourself or give as a thoughtful handmade gift.
40th Anniversary Activity - Read with a Dog
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate 40 years of stories with some of our favorite four-legged listeners! Join us for Read with a Dog, where children can share... more
Celebrate 40 years of stories with some of our favorite four-legged listeners! Join us for Read with a Dog, where children can share their favorite books with our paws-itively wonderful therapy dogs.
40th Anniversary Activity - Paper Mosaics
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Using colored paper, cut into shapes to make construct an original work of art that answers the question: “What is your favorite... more
Using colored paper, cut into shapes to make construct an original work of art that answers the question: “What is your favorite library memory.”
40th Anniversary Activity - Picture Yourself Reading
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Ready for your READ poster moment? Strike a pose, celebrate 40 years of the library, and become the star of your very own classic... more
Ready for your READ poster moment? Strike a pose, celebrate 40 years of the library, and become the star of your very own classic “READ” poster! Your digital poster will be emailed to you.
40th Anniversary Dance Party with DJ Cam
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Rewind to 1986 for a totally tubular trip back in time. Dance to your favorite jams from the 1980’s and beyond with DJ Cam. Let’s... more
Rewind to 1986 for a totally tubular trip back in time. Dance to your favorite jams from the 1980’s and beyond with DJ Cam. Let’s get this party started!
40th Anniversary Face Painting with Maia's Creations
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Turn the page on 40 years of library fun with Maia's Creations.
40th Anniversary Balloon Artistry with Tyger Tales
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Tyger Tales is bringing the balloon-tastic fun to our 40th Anniversary Celebration!
40th Anniversary-Mario Cart Tournament
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Start your engines! Race your way through our 40th anniversary celebration at the library's Mario Kart tournament.
40th Anniversary Activity - Once Upon a Bead
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Every library story begins with a little imagination, and now you can build yours one bead at a time.
40th Anniversary Cool Treats with Charlie's Snow Shack
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Enjoy a Hawaiian shaved ice on us. Choose your favorite flavor to celebrate 40 years of the Alachua County Library District.
40th Anniversary Magic Show - with Dadician The Family Magician
Sat, Oct 03, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Abracadabra, it's our 40th Anniversary!
Cancelled
GED Study Sessions - Working toward success!
Sat, Oct 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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.
  40th Anniversary Magic Show - with James Songster and his bunny sidekick, ChaChing
Sat, Oct 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Every great story has a little magic in it!
Rescheduled
Pathfinder Society for Teens: Session 1 - Tabletop RPG
Sun, Oct 04, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
New date Sunday, October 04, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
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.
Pathfinder Society for Teens: Session 1 - Tabletop RPG
Sun, Oct 04, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
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.
This event is full
Navigating Misinformation Online
Sun, Oct 04, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Meeting Room B
Learn how to identify misleading headlines, evaluate sources, and use fact-checking tools with confidence.
Pathfinder Society for Teens: Session 2 - Tabletop RPG
Sun, Oct 04, 2:30pm - 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.
Basic Reading Practice for Everyone
Mon, Oct 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Foundation Room
This group is based around reading basic English texts in a group. We also learn new vocabulary words, practice phonetics, grammar and... more
This group is based around reading basic English texts in a group. We also learn new vocabulary words, practice phonetics, grammar and pronunciation.
Beginner Korean
Mon, Oct 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Foundation Room
Want to learn Korean? Come learn the basics of reading, writing, listening, and speaking from a native speaker and experienced instructor.
Baby Time
Tue, Oct 06, 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.
Imperfect Stitching
Tue, Oct 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Come learn hand embroidery at the library! This class is for beginners. We will learn basic stitches and move our way up to simple designs.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Tue, Oct 06, 1:00pm - 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.
GRACE Marketplace Resource Help
Tue, Oct 06, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Foundation Room
Free Resource Assistance For Homeless or At Risk of Becoming Homeless.
Computer Help Drop-In
Tue, Oct 06, 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.
Read With a Dog
Tue, Oct 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Youth Services Area
Our therapy dogs are paws-itively excited to hear your favorite stories!
Sewing Meetup
Tue, Oct 06, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Sewing Meetup provides a dedicated time for sewers or other fiber artists to work on personal projects. Registration is required, and... more
Sewing Meetup provides a dedicated time for sewers or other fiber artists to work on personal projects. Registration is required, and participants must be able to use sewing machines independently.
Adult Chess Club
Tue, Oct 06, 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, Oct 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storywoods Room
Read, laugh, and sing with us for Preschool Story Time.
Job Club
Wed, Oct 07, 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.
Open Studio - Open hours at HQ Makerspace
Wed, Oct 07, 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.
LegoSpace
Wed, Oct 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Storywoods Room
Create new LEGO masterpieces every week at the Headquarters Library.
Intro to Crocheting
Wed, Oct 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
HQ Makerspace Room
Are you 15 years and older and never learned to crochet? Join us in the MakerSpace and learn an excellent skill. Open to the first 10... more
Are you 15 years and older and never learned to crochet? Join us in the MakerSpace and learn an excellent skill. Open to the first 10 attendees
See all events