The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
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Austin Davis Public Library

Show your local library some love

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Libraries provide so much more than a place to borrow a book, music and movies — they also provide a place to do research, a quiet space to study, exhibit art displays for local artists, provide hands-on activities and offer preservation services. These institutions are celebrated in February, designated as National Library Lover’s Month.

Libraries offer a variety of services. Check out a book, music or a movie, or take part in arts and crafts or virtual story times. Staff members of The Laker/Lutz News delve into some books and newspapers — just a small sampling of the types of materials that can be found at the local library. From left: Kelli Carmack, Diane Kortus, Mary Rathman and Katie Fernandez. (Kelli Carmack)

There are 9,225 public libraries across the United States, though may states have seen library closings, according to the American Library Association.

A struggling economy has cost libraries some funding, as some municipalities cannot afford to keep libraries open, while other establishments are taking steps to make libraries more popular in the digital age.

Many libraries have increased their offerings beyond traditional books to include free music and e-Book downloads, and free wireless internet connectivity. Services also can include hosting club meetings, increasing children’s programs, and offering DIY curbside-pickup crafts and virtual story times.

Here are several ways patrons can contribute to their local libraries:

  • Nominate your library as your community, school or corporate organization’s project for the year.
  • Buy your library a subscription to a popular magazine.
  • Honor a friend or relative’s birthday with a book for the library.
  • Donate a book (or a whole shelf of books) to the Friends of the Library book sale.
  • Remember your library in your estate planning.
  • Donate to your library’s foundation/friends group.
  • Give to the library through a company matching program for charitable giving.
  • Give the gift of a library card to a friend or loved one.
  • Volunteer to read stories to children or help with library visits, or to work at the library bookstore or book sale.
  • Attend local government meetings to urge city and county legislators to invest in libraries as a vital community resource and a necessary public service.

Pasco County libraries in The Laker coverage area include:

  • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. Call 352-567-3576.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Call 813-929-1214
  • New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel (currently closed for renovations). Call 813-788-6375.
  • Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eight St. Call 813-780-0064.

In Hillsborough County, libraries in the newspaper’s coverage area are:

  • Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa.
  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave.
  • Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road (temporarily closed)
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

Contact Hillsborough libraries by calling 813-273-3652.

Check out information, and fun, at local libraries

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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.

One of the creatures that Stacy Dunn, an animal educator from Pinellas County Reptiles, brought to a show at New River Branch Library last June. She had a crowd of about 90 people hanging on her every word during the reptile show.
(File)

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.

A photo of 2nd Lt. Phil Rasmussen shows the airplane pilot in his pajamas with a pistol strapped around his waist. Rasmussen shot down a Japanese Zero during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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