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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

Having fun, and learning, at the library

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There’s more than just books to check out

It won’t be long before school bells ring in a new year, but before they do, there’s still ample opportunity to have fun at local libraries during summer break.

Three-year-old Daniel Price uses his fingers as pretend binoculars, as he is shaded by a Tampa Bay Rays poster held by his grandmother, Paula Powell, of Zephyrhills. They were at the Zephyrhills Public Library standing outside, while Zephyrhills Police Department Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci gave people a chance to get a close look at his patrol car. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Three-year-old Daniel Price uses his fingers as pretend binoculars, as he is shaded by a Tampa Bay Rays poster held by his grandmother, Paula Powell, of Zephyrhills. They were at the Zephyrhills Public Library standing outside, while Zephyrhills Police Department Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci gave people a chance to get a close look at his patrol car.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

There also are plenty of ways — besides books — to learn at local libraries.

For instance, people who wanted to learn more about the work that police officers do had a chance to do that on June 22 when Gio Marcacci, a patrol officer from the Zephyrhills Police Department, dropped by the Zephyrhills Public Library to talk about his job.

Police officers do more than arrest criminals. They’re often involved in community events, too. In fact, Marcacci saved a child from choking during the Zephyrhills’ Founders Day Parade.

During his visit to the library at 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, the police officer showed parents and children his handgun, flashlight and Taser, and gave them a chance to check out his patrol car, while explaining the various features.

From left, seven-year-olds Eli Morel and Nicholas Purcell, both of Zephyrhills, listen to Zephyrhills Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci as he discusses the items in his utility belt. Four-year-old Noah Purcell sits on the lap of his mom, Nicole Purcell, of Zephyrhills, as he listens, too.
From left, seven-year-olds Eli Morel and Nicholas Purcell, both of Zephyrhills, listen to Zephyrhills Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci as he discusses the items in his utility belt. Four-year-old Noah Purcell sits on the lap of his mom, Nicole Purcell, of Zephyrhills, as he listens, too.

Another summer break may be nearly over, but there’s still fun to be had at various local libraries. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop when school resumes. Libraries always have interesting offerings for their patrons. Check out the websites for the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC.org) and the Pasco County Library Cooperative (PascoLibraries.org), and search for events, to get a better idea of what’s available. There are programs for people of all ages and interests.

Meanwhile, here’s a sampling of some coming events:

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639

  • Join us to build some awesome projects with our new LEGO kits. For youths age 9 to 15. Call (813) 920-1214 to register. July 30, 10 a.m. to noon.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City 33523

  • Free food, Pictionary and Monopoly. For youths in grades eight through 12. July 27, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 Austin Davis Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa, 33556

  • Calling all pirates and princesses: Journey with us through games and crafts as we discover all things needed in our castle. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. July 26, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Leah’s Cartooning: Learn how to draw and color cartoons with local artist Leah Lopez. The library supplies the materials. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. (Funded by the Friends of the Austin Davis Library). July 28, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, 33618

  • Pilot a quadcopter: For ages 8 and older. Must register in person, one hour prior to event. (Funded by Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library) July 26, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Fritzy Brothers One-Man Circus: Be entertained by juggling, unicycling and other circus activities. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. (Funded by Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library) July 29, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, 33647

  • Wonders of Nature: See the free-flying behaviors of raptors and parrots and learn about conservation. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. (Funded by Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library) July 28, 11 a.m. to noon; and, also from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. the same day.

Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz, 33548

  • Suds It Up: Learn how to make your own soap by choosing a mold that suits your style and adding your own fragrance and color. For youths in grades six through 12. (Funded by Friends of The Lutz Branch Library) July 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Published July 20, 2016