A new year always offers a fresh chance to become more disciplined, learn new things, explore new hobbies and have more fun.
All that, and more, awaits visitors to local libraries.
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Besides a vast collection of books, CDs, DVDs and digital offerings, libraries host scores of events every month.
So, depending on your interests or your needs, you can often find just what you’re seeking at the library — for free.
And, if not at your local library, chances are you can find it at a library in a nearby community.
So, whether it’s learning more about Medicare, camellias, cooking or crafts — there are libraries in northern Hillsborough County, and east and central Pasco County, offering classes or events on topics like these and more.
Maybe you’re a gamer, or a movie buff. Libraries have free game nights and free movies, too.
You can be a hands-on type, or a listener; someone brand new to a pursuit, or someone who knows what’s what. Regardless of your personality type or interests, you likely can locate a library that is offering what you’re hoping to find.
Here’s a look at just a few of the selections available at your local libraries through the end of January.
For future months, visit HCPLC.org to find out more of what’s happening in Hillsborough County libraries or PascoLibraries.org to find out about more offerings in Pasco County libraries.
What’s happening in northern Hillsborough County libraries
Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
Jan. 18, 1:15 p.m.: Wee Artists: Arts and crafts for preschoolers and their caregivers.
Jan. 24, 1:15 p.m.: Motion Commotion: This 30-minute program incorporates music, literacy and fitness for the whole family. Recommended for children ages 2 to 5.
Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.: Adult Tech Bytes: Did you get a new electronic device over the holidays? Discover the library’s large selection of e-books, audiobooks and more. Upload free apps from the library. Those attending must have a working email address and wireless capabilities on their devices.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
Jan. 13, 4 p.m.: Knitting for beginners
Jan. 14, 10:15 a.m.: English practice at Conversation Corner
Jan. 14, 2 p.m.: Introduction to 3D Printing
Jan. 21, 2 p.m.: Introduction to 3D Modeling with Tinker CAD
Jan. 25, 4 p.m.: Art after school
Jan. 28, 2 p.m.:3D Scanning with 123D Catch
Jan. 31, 4:30 p.m.: Storytelling workshop
Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road
Jan. 17, 4 p.m.: E-books for Tablets and Smartphones
Jan. 28, 3 p.m.: Super Science: Pirate Polly and her parrot, Crackers, will lead a pirate-themed program featuring science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Recommended for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and their families.
New Tampa Branch Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa
Jan. 12, 3 p.m.: How to Write a Resume
Jan. 12, 6 p.m.: Yoga for Well-Being
Jan. 17, 10 a.m.: Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring a project, and meet new people in this sit and stitch program. Beginners welcome. Bring your own supplies.
Jan. 17, 3 p.m.: Pig Out on Reading: Daisy the pig, along with Farmer and Mrs. Minor, will visit the library with stories about the pampered swine’s life. For ages 2 to 6.
Jan. 24, 3 p.m.: Intro to Cybersecurity: A beginner’s guide
What’s happening at East and Central Pasco County libraries
Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City
Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Friends of Hugh Embry Used Book Sale
Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m.: Learn how to become a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer
Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.: Astronomer Ken Manning presents “When Celestial Bodies Collide: Eclipses & Other Phenomenon”
Jan. 24, 2 p.m.: In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Roslyn Franken, author of “Meant to Be: A True Story of Might, Miracles and Triumph of the Human Spirit,” will present an inspirational program based on her book.
Jan. 26, 4 p.m.: Coder DoJo Jr.: For grades six through 12. Javascript and more coding club. Bring your email address and password.
Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
Jan. 14, 2 to 4 p.m.: An introduction to tools for junior woodworkers, ages 9 through 15
Jan. 21, 10 a.m.: Turning 65: Medicare assistance: The purpose of the program is to educate elders regarding Medicare insurance.
Jan. 28, 10 a.m.: Sylvia’s Kitchen: Participants will make chocolate-covered creations, ages 13 and up.
Jan. 28, 2 p.m.: Pre-teen jewelry: Making Pop Tab People, ages 9 through 15
New River Branch, 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
Jan. 17, 2 p.m.: Learn about camellias from a master gardener
Jan. 19, 11 a.m.: Medicare 101: Get answers to your Medicare enrollment questions.
Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m.: Want to learn about gardening? Attend the community garden meeting.
Jan. 21, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: After-hours community gaming night. Participants will play a wide array of board games, including such classics as Monopoly and Scrabble.
Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., Zephyrhills
Jan. 12: 9:45 a.m.: Career Source Mobile One: Job Search and Career Assistance: Job seekers will find help in searching for work, writing and printing resumes, and finding out about resources that can help them in their quest for employment.
Jan. 12, 6 p.m.: Lawyer in the library: Attorney Bret Galbraith will field questions on small business issues.
Jan. 18, 1 p.m.: AARP Seminar: Fraud Prevention: Learn how to protect yourself from ID theft and to protect yourself from scams.
Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.: Cookbook Book Club: If you love to eat, love to learn new recipes and enjoy meeting new people, this club is for you.
Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m.: I Quit — Smoking Cessation. Learn strategies for quitting all forms of tobacco in a friendly and supportive setting.
Published January 11, 2017
