The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Your local library – a rather novel place to look for recreation

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When it comes to recreation, a trip to the branch library may not be the first thing that springs to your mind.

But that’s likely because you haven’t been to your local library lately.

Tracy Weaver, a master gardener volunteer with the Pasco County Cooperative Extension, shared her knowledge about bats, which she says, are often misunderstood. She delivered her talk in a meeting room at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. (File)

With some exploring, however, chances are you’ll find something to do that appeals to you.

Keep in mind, the pursuit that interests you might be at a branch across town, or perhaps even over the county line — but with just a little bit of research, you may discover whole new worlds of opportunity that you had no idea existed.

Maybe you want to learn to crochet or play chess. Or, perhaps you’d like to meet some new friends, while playing cards or board games.

It’s possible you enjoy discussing books, or listening to music, or shouting out “bingo” to win a small prize.

Many events presented by the libraries are free, but even those that aren’t typically aren’t very expensive.

As you are considering your options, be sure to keep in mind that libraries aren’t places just to do research or check out books. They’re also places where you can have some fun, and make new memories.

Here’s a look at some of the options that await you. This is just a small sampling. For an expanded look at your choices, check the Pasco County Libraries’ website at PascoLibraries.org, or the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, at HCPLC.org.

Readers attending a ‘Novels on Tap’ session enjoyed discussing the reading selection at Wicked Pour in Odessa during the monthly meetup. The book club, held at a local brewery and organized by the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, gave readers ages 21 and older a chance to get together and share their thoughts on the book, over a few adult beverages.

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa
Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Bingo for adults. Players can win a variety of prizes at this free event.
Feb. 17, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Gary West: For the Love of Cash. Gary West performs the songs of Johnny Cash. Check with the library for ticketing information.
Feb. 25, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Pretty in Pink dance

March 20, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m: Lecture presented by Tampa Bay History Center about widely known blues and jazz artists, such as Tampa Red and Ray Charles, who began their rise to fame in Tampa Bay.
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center also has a studio where ceramics and arts and crafts can be done.
Call 727-815-7126.

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes
Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Woodworking, open build: Intended for ages 18 and older. This allows the use of the library’s tools on an approved project, with volunteers and staff on hand to provide help.
Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Card games. Meet new people while playing cards.
Jan. 30, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Chess club. Play chess with other members, or learn how to play with help from volunteers and the library’s staff. This club is open to people of all ages and ability levels.
The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library also has a Foundry, which features a complete wood shop, sewing machines and a craft center.
Call 813-929-1214.

A sunflower blooms in the Discovery Gardens at the New River Branch Library.

New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel
Jan. 25, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences presents “Controlling and Preventing Weeds in Your Lawn and Landscape.”
Feb. 3, noon to 2 p.m.: Ukulele Jam. Bring your ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society.
Feb. 13: Master gardeners present: Backyard Fruit. Learn about what kinds of fruit trees and other edibles grow in Pasco County.
The New River Library also has a community garden, offers gardening demonstrations and has a butterfly garden.
|Call 813-788-6375.

Patrons at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, enjoyed a free art exhibit, courtesy of a partnership between the library and the Zephyrhills Art Club. This painting, called Elephant’s Bath Time, is a 30-inch by 30-inch oil, by Sally Yoder.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City
Feb. 16. 2 p.m.: Afternoon cinema, “You Hurt My Feelings”
Feb. 27, 2 p.m.: Card and board games at the library
Feb. 29, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Dave Deluca: Remember Then. This event celebrates the radio hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Call 352-567-3576.

Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills
Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m: Thrifty crafters. This month crafters will be making a folded book cat. Registration is required.
Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to noon: Learn basic tai chi moves. Space is limited.
Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Ask a master gardener. Bring your plant and questions to this free, informational session.
Call 813-780-0064.

Other nearby options
Hillsborough County also has numerous public libraries. Three of those are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.
They are: New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in New Tampa; the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa; and the Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, in Keystone.
Like the Pasco libraries, these Hillsborough facilities also offer an array of recreational options for library patrons.
Finally, the county library system in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties offer Discovery passes. Those passes provide free entry to a selection of regional museums and other attractions. To find out more, check the websites for each of the library systems.

Published January 24, 2024