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Check out these reopened libraries

May 26, 2020 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County residents once again can walk into a library and check out a book.

Or, spend time on a computer doing online searches.

Or, find a magazine to their liking.

Jessica Meisenbach missed being able to check out books at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. Her mask covered a big smile. (Kathy Steele)

As of May 18, Pasco County libraries are open for business — with the exception of the Zephyrhills Branch Library, which is offering curbside service only at this time.

The county’s reopened libraries do have limitations to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). For one thing, they’re closed from noon to 1 p.m., each day, for cleaning.

Capacity is limited, too. Plus, face masks are required of both patrons and staff.

There are a limited number of face masks available for those lacking one.

Floor space is marked off for social distancing. And, computer time is by appointment only.

Self-checkout is available for books and magazines.

Pasco branch libraries, including the one in Land O’ Lakes, are marked off for social distancing.

Curbside pickup is still available, and is encouraged.

“Our curbside pickup is the star of the show,” said Catherine Seavey, librarian at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Curbside service began a week before the libraries reopened.

At the Land O’ Lakes branch, patrons drive to the back of the building, park in one of the curbside slots and wait for a librarian to bring out their pre-ordered book selection.

“That’s been especially popular,” said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for Pasco County library system.

In fact, it’s so popular, the service likely will continue even after the libraries are fully reopened, Harrison said.

Currently, under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order, libraries can operate at 50% capacity.

Pasco County has opted to be more conservative, with as few as nine patrons at a time in the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City and as many as 36 at once at the Hudson Regional Library, in Hudson.

“We decided to be very slow, very cautious. The safety of our patrons, and our staff, take priority,” Harrison said.

Library officials will monitor health reports on infections before increasing capacity, he added.

Ian Boyne browsed the ‘New Book’ shelf at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Patrons are slowly starting to return.

“While it certainly is not as busy as it usually is, there are definitely people coming in.”

Lutz resident Jessica Meisenbach said she brought her three children, a 16-year-old and 11-year-old twins, to the Land O’ Lakes branch soon after the doors opened.

They prefer reading books rather than E-books, she said.

She’s with them.

She was at the library on Thursday morning, making her own book selections.

“I can’t do virtual reading. I like my own little book,” Meisenbach said.

Wesley Chapel resident Ian Boyne browsed the library’s “New Book” shelf.

“I’m really tired of re-reading all my Stephen King books. I have nothing to read,” he said.

While libraries have reopened, not all areas or activities are available.

If you need an unemployment form, you can pick one up from a table outside Pasco libraries.

The makerspaces, seating areas and study rooms remain closed, and story times for children remain online and virtual.

The COVID-19 shutdown has had the effect of boosting the library’s already strong online presence with additional virtual activities.

Patrons are accustomed to E-books and audio books, Harrison said.

But, during the shutdown, librarians looked for more ways to use technology, too.

In addition to the curbside service, there could be other and newer online activities that will continue, Harrison said.

“Libraries in general, and Pasco, in particular, pride ourselves on innovation,” Harrison said.

For library hours and other information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published May 27, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Bob Harrison, Catherine Seavey, COVID-19, Dade City, Hudson Regional Library, Hugh Embry Library, Ian Boyne, Jessica Meisenbach, Land O' Lakes Branch Library, Pasco County Libraries, Ron DeSantis, Zephyrhills Branch Library

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03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Foodie Feast: Apple Pie Bombs” on March 5. Participants can learn how to make tasty, apple pie bombs. Watch the prerecorded video between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., online at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . … [Read More...] about 03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to grow a tomato garden. Those interested can view the video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, all day, on March 8. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email . … [Read More...] about 03/08/2021 – Tomato garden

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to make green grilled cheese on March 9 at 4:30 p.m., for grades four to seven. To view the video, visit the Library Cooperative on Facebook or Instagram. … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Grilled cheese

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The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Technology Tuesday: Robots & Machines on March 9, through a curbside pickup activity. The kit will help kids learn more about technology, from robots to coding, through online and hands-on activities. The pickup is limited to 35 participants and must be reserved ahead of time. A book bundle can be included. Kits must be picked up between March 9 at 10 a.m., and March 13 at 5 p.m. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Technology Tuesday

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