News

St. Louis County Library will begin construction on a new Chesterfield Branch starting in February 2026. The new Guy and Judy Jaffe Family Branch will be built on the current site of the Samuel C. Sachs Branch, which will close to the public on January 31. The new branch is the first in the SLCL system to feature a coffee shop, in partnership with Goshen Coffee Roasters. 

St. Louis County Library will host a Black History Celebration in February. The theme for 2026 is “Exploring 100 Years of Black St. Louis.” Events include performances by the Black Rep, a jazz concert, a gospel celebration, author events, historical lectures and more. 

St. Louis County Library is offering a unique opportunity for teens to become safe and successful babysitters through the Safe Sitter® program. Teens ages 12–16 can build childcare, first aid and CPR skills through the Safe Sitter workshops held at the Library, while also learning key business skills to help them stand out and earn babysitting jobs with confidence. SLCL is hosting free Safe Sitter workshops once a month throughout 2026 at various branches.

St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Favorite Author Series and Left Bank Books present author Lori Rader-Day for a discussion and signing of her latest mystery, “Wreck Your Heart.” The event will take place on Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131.

St. Louis County Library Foundation is pleased to host mitigation specialist and founder of Advancing Real Change Inc. Elizabeth Vartkessian for a discussion and signing of “The Deserving: What the Lives of the Condemned Reveal About American Justice.” The event will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 7:00 p.m. at the Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131. Books will be available for purchase and signing from Left Bank Books.

St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Westfall Politics & History Series is pleased to host acclaimed journalist Kenneth Rosen for a discussion and signing of “Polar War: Submarines, Spies, and the Struggle for Power in a Melting Arctic.” The event will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 p.m. at the Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131. Books will be available for purchase and signing from Left Bank Books.