Florida’s Brevard County Library System has opened River House, a smaller, more intimate space for community engagement. Riverhouse offers a variety of programs aimed at promoting connections such as fighting loneliness, book clubs, textile arts groups, and sensual play. Times. The initiative was driven by a growing awareness of the solitude epidemic exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. It caters to a wide range of ages and interests. The library system encourages community input and embraces new program ideas.
Rocky Raby is a regular at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library.
All 66-year-old Cocoa residents were involved after asking Cocoa property what was planned for the empty, recently renovated two-storey riverside building.
Built in 1925 at 219 Indian River Drive as a kit house for the Travis family, the library’s River House reopened for a strong purpose. A busy library crowd. The recently renovated walls and even ceilings are unique, reminiscent of baked goods topped with fluffy white whipped cream and lovely hardwood flooring.
“It’s a comfortable, homely atmosphere where you can meet new people. Without cleaning your own home before guests get there,” joked Raby.
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Raby is a fan of the adult Dungeons and Dragons games offered through the Central Brevard County Library, one of the many new programs offered at River House. Additionally, he sees the small venue as “a safe place to meet new people.”
That’s exactly what the people behind programming want to hear. It follows growing research that shows loneliness has become a prevalence in America.
“We’ve been working hard to get started,” said Michael Boonstra, training coordinator at Brevard County Library Services. “It’s like the way we came here.”
With the slow development that began in late January, library officials launched a new program with the goal of serving residents in a more individual way. (Please refer to the ones provided at brevardfl.gov/publiclibraries/librarycalendar and select the “River House” location option.) The purpose is to use other community members and residents in low-tech, non-pressure zones. It is about creating a sense of belonging by connecting. . The program is as follows:
Sensory Playyouth Drum Circlesilent Book Club Club for Adultsfiber Art Fridays. One for kids, the other for Adult Sun Adult Dungeons and Dragon Club
“You can enjoy this beautiful view, so you’ll be able to provide a space that goes to a friend’s house rather than going to a public library or government building,” says Gregory St., library assistant and Riverhouse Program Coordinator. Leon explained.
Details: “This is trendy.”
Recently, Centreon has opened its site and saw playful dolphins swimming in the river in the past.
“That little thing just adds to the vibe,” he said.
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What has spurred this special place?
Loneliness is on the rise, and some experts are making it a “fashion.”
Enter the Covid-19 pandemic. People have been isolated. It adds uncertainty and fear as everything seems to have changed dramatically in the way people lived their daily lives.
Research began to unfold, and Loneliness took on the lead role.
When the Covid-19 emergency fell, the new advisory warned that loneliness has become a new public health emergency. A February 2024 Library Journal news story cited Cigna Group Research, which found 58% of Americans “being considered lonely.” above.
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Loneliness isn’t just about calming down with a dump. It can also affect your physical and mental health. Take a look at these figures from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After all, inappropriate or inadequate social connections can put people at a serious risk for a variety of illnesses.
Increases the risk of heart disease by 29% Increases the chances of stroke by 32% Increases the risk of developing dementia in older adults by 50% Increases the risk of developing dementia by 60% Increases the risk of preterm birth
Something sparked for the Riverhouse team, given the potential health risks for loneliness.
Community Connection – At the customer’s own pace
For the crew of this library, that has become clear. Offering free services in a quaint, homely atmosphere matches the needs of many.
Centreon was tasked with applying for grants under the Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN) through the Innovation Projects program, which awards Brevard County Library $7,149.14 to support the Riverhouse program . Money isn’t in-house yet, but there were ways to jump through the River House with some no-cost or low-cost options, such as the Adult Silent Book Club.
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The Book Club is open Thursdays from 10am to 11:30am, giving readers a stunning view of the Indian River. There is no pressure to speak while reading. At 11am, review chat and recommendations are optional. Additionally, on the last Thursday of the month (and some special occasions), Space Coast Therapy Dogs are hanging with these book lovers. (And a bonus! Coffee and tea are offered.)
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Events held in the main library were hits, but they tended to grow. And it doesn’t work for everyone.
“We needed something small,” Boonstra said. “There were people who were overwhelmed in such a situation, or kids who had sensory problems or things like that…it wasn’t the best for them.”
The program, which opened in late January, was intentionally launched slowly.
“The accumulation was great, so you can get the bearings,” Centreon said. “Look at what works, see what doesn’t.”
Riverhouse has programs of all ages. Take a look at the recruitment examples for the week of February 24th, 2025.
Monday, February 24th, 10am: Baby Sensory Play Time, February 24th, 11am For Toddlers: February 27th, 10am For Preschool Sensory Play Time: February 28th, Adult Silent Book Club Friday 1pm: Adult Fiber Arts Friday, Friday, February 28th, 2:30pm: Youth Textile Arts Friday
Staff are gradually building additional programs. It offers children drums and percussion and the opportunity to make music, including Tuesday’s Youth Drum Circle.
“We bring our guitars and play some kids’ songs,” St. Leon said. “Many kids love to rock the tambourines or hit the drums through simple songs, through simple beats… so what makes them a little wild with their imagination is very healthy. .”
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I’m not sitting on a side job for adults
There are some for adults borrowed from the kids’ dungeons and Dragons clubs. It’s another lonely experience.
“It gives adults a chance to play,” said Laura Eastman Hawthorne, Library II lead and Riverhouse supervisor.
Also, don’t think of the Fiber Arts Club as a place to knit craft randomly.
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“I realized that people who come to adults want space to bounce back ideas,” St. Leon said. “We just talk and we make art together.”
Additionally, participants can create several things from programs that are useful to the community, such as blankets, hats, scarves, and more, for those who need it during the cold weather of Brevard.
“We’ll implement community-based programming, such as community gardens,” Eastman Hawthorne said. He added that these will take place in a huge tub, not in the actual soil of the property. “(Gardening) is huge for all ages and it’s a way to bring them together and create something as a community.”
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Other ideas include open mics for artists, poets and musicians of all ages.
“The kind of all these things,” Eastman Hawthorne said, “We’ll fight that solitude fad.”
Community ideas are also welcome! Renting a river house is not an option, nor is it a meeting – the people behind the programming want to hear them!
“Our ukulele program was a direct result of a gentleman on Merritt Island who saw the program in Hawaii. He wanted to have a ukulele in our library,” said Wendy, director of library services at Cocoa. “Something is good,” said Joe Bost.
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If you are interested in River House and have ideas for a new program, please call Eastman Hawthorne at (321) 633-1792 or email lhawthorne@brev.org.
You never know. Your idea pitch may turn into the next big thing on the river house.
This report is supported by Journalism Funding Partner Grants. Mental health reporter Sarah Paulson can be contacted at spaulson@floridatoday.com.
