Florida Library Association Names Pasco Libraries Best In State

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Libraries are no longer simply a collection of books to be checked out, quickly read and then deposited in the book drop-off before they're overdue.

As demonstrated by Pasco County Libraries' eight libraries, which offer a range of services including art studios, access to computers and the internet, children's theater, literacy classes, workshops and holiday events, the library has evolved into a community gathering place.

And Pasco County Libraries' efforts to cater to the desires of the community haven't gone unnoticed.

"Yesterday, we got word that the Florida Library Association had named the Pasco library system Library of the Year, so you've got to be really proud of our libraries.," said Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley.

The honor comes a week after the much-anticipated reopening of the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City on May 30 after being closed for months for remodeling.

"I had a fellow tell me one time that libraries weren't very important, that we ought to take that money and use it somewhere else," Oakley said. "But let me tell you something, there are a lot of our citizens that depend on that library. When you close one down like Hugh Embry, the phone will ring off the hook for a long time. They miss their library that much."

"I almost think they shouldn't be called libraries," said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. "They should be like community centers, something more than libraries because, when you think of libraries, you think of books, but they do so much more than that."

The Florida Library Association agreed, awarding the Pasco library system the title of Library of the Year based on its creative programming, innovations, enhancements and expansions of services.

"This distinction follows intense scrutiny of a highly competitive group of nominees," said Jordan Miltner, digital media manager of the libraries. "Pasco’s creative development of our library spaces, including our popular maker spaces, at nearly every branch, is what makes Pasco’s libraries stand out."

He said the honor demonstrates the staff's desire to offer the services the community wants and needs.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our team members, who make it possible for Pasco libraries to serve our customers, innovae and provide new programs and services on a limited budget,” said Miltner. “We’re honored to be recognized among our peers. What a win for Pasco County.”

Among the services the library was recognized for are its maker spaces, offering a woodwork shop, recording studio, multimedia studio, craft center, sewing machines, an art studio, a ceramics studio and photo digitization equipment.

Other nontraditional services include a seed catalog, community garden, butterfly garden and nature trail story walk.

In addition to traditional books, library patrons can also check out audiobooks, ebooks, emagazines, videos and video games.

Patrons can even check out a ukulele, adaptive toys, birdwatching backpacks, Playaway Launchpads, calculators and puzzles.

Residents can also participate in events at the libraries nearly every day of the week.

Upcoming events include:

Thursday

10 a.m. - Foundry Open Build
10 a.m. - Open Loft Art
10 a.m. - Storytime Fun!
10:15 a.m. - K-5 SRC-Great Event TBD - Stay tuned!
10:15 a.m. - Preschool Storytime
10:15 a.m. - Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. - SRC K-5 Sing-Along with Jack Hartmann
11 a.m. - Chair Yoga with Diane
11:15 a.m. - Preschool Storytime
1 p.m. - Tech Help by Appointment
1:30 p.m. - Afternoon Movie: Downton Abbey 2: A New Era
1:30 p.m. - Guardian Ad Litem Information Session
2 p.m. - Art Switcheroo
2 p.m. - Giving Tree Music: SRC (K-3)
2 p.m. - Kintsugi: All Together Ceramic Painting
3 p.m. - SRC Grades K-5 Bits and Pieces Theater
3 p.m. - Video Game Night
4 p.m. - Pre-Teen/Teen SRC: Fluid Art Painting
4 p.m. - Tween City: Build Together!
6 p.m. - Adult Trivia Night: Name That Book!
6 p.m. - Yarn for a Cause

Friday

10 a.m. - English Conversation Class
10 a.m. - Friendship Friday
10 a.m. - Gulfside Volunteer Outreach
10 a.m. - Qigong - Summer All Together Now
10:15 a.m. - SRC:Toddler Storytime: Community Counts
10:15 a.m. - Toddler Storytime
11:15 a.m. - SRC: Preschool Storytime- Community Counts
11:15 a.m. - Toddler Storytime
Noon - Free Studio Space in the Loft
2 p.m. - Beginner Ukulele for Youth
2 p.m. - ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
2 p.m. - Friday Family Movie: "The Mitchells vs. The Machines"
3 p.m. - Let's Get Together Tiny Art

Saturday

9 a.m. - Ask a Master Gardener
10 a.m. - Free Art Closet
10 a.m. - Kids Aloft: Arts & Crafts
10:15 a.m. - Super Sized Storytime
10:30 a.m. - The Lit Club: We Are the Brennans
11 a.m. - Family Support Services
1 p.m. - "All Together Now!" Summer Reading Kick-Off and Community Fair
1 p.m. - Right to Repair Open Build
2 p.m. - SRC: OrisiRisi African Folklore
3 p.m. - English Conversation Corner

Sunday

2:30 p.m. - Team Up!: Adult Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

Monday

10 a.m. - Crochet Circle
10 a.m. - English for Beginners
10 a.m. - Knit Happens! Yarn Arts Circle
10 a.m. - Visual Arts Class with Prodigy Cultural Arts for Youth
1 p.m. - Chair Yoga with Diana
1 p.m. - Presentation: Benefits of Creating an End of Life Plan
1:30 p.m. - Visual Arts Class with Prodigy Cultural Arts for Youth
2 p.m. - Tiara Club
4:30 p.m. - TAB-Teen Volunteer Orientation
5 p.m. - Family Yoga

Tuesday

10 a.m. - ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
10 a.m. - Foundry Open Build
10 a.m. - Gulfside Volunteer Outreach
10 a.m. - Photo Scanning by Appointment
10 a.m. - Tuesdays on the Patio Book Sale
10:15 a.m. - Bluey Bash!
10:15 a.m. - SRC:Toddler Storytime
10:15 a.m. - Storytime with Ms. Jenn
10:15 a.m. - Toddler Storytime
11:15 a.m. - SRC: Preschool Storytime
12:15 p.m. - Yarn for More
2 p.m. - Beginner Photo Scanning by Appointment
2 p.m. - Book Club
2 p.m. - Elementary (K-3) SRC: Mad Science
2 p.m. - Elementary SRC: Puzzle Challenge
2 p.m. - ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
2 p.m. - Master Gardeners: Aloe
2 p.m. - Pasco Democratic Senior Caucus
2 p.m. - PRE-TEEN All Together Now: Red, White & Blue!
3:30 p.m. - Paws for Reading
4 p.m. - Chess Club
4 p.m. - Yoga for Teens and Tweens
5 p.m. - Virtual Mystery Book Club: Dark Sky
5:30 p.m. - Learn to Paint and Draw (Better): All Together Now Mandalas
6 p.m. - Ales and Tales Book Club
6 p.m. - Preteen & Teen Program: Mario Bros. Perler Beads & Games

Wednesday

10 a.m. - Beginner Mahjong
10 a.m. - Handwork Circle
10 a.m. - Junior Master Gardener Summer Program
10 a.m. - Silly Sam the Music Man Summer Program
10:15 a.m. - Baby Storytime
10:15 a.m. - Baby Storytime
10:15 a.m. - Baby Storytime
10:15 a.m. - SRC:Toddler Storytime (Repeat)
10:15 a.m. - Storytime with Miss Cindy :Clouds and Rainbows
11 a.m. - Master Gardener Seminar: Orchids for Beginners & Orchid Care
11:15 a.m. - Baby Storytime
11:15 a.m. - SRC: Preschool Storytime (Repeat)
Noon - Intermediate Mahjong
2 p.m. - Adult SRC: Puzzle Party & Puzzle Swap
2 p.m. - All Together Now (K-3rd): Flags & Fireworks!
2 p.m. - English Conversation Group
2 p.m. - Florida Aquarium : Terrestrial Ambassadors
2 p.m. - SRC: Summer Ukulele Classes
3 p.m. - Fabric Arts Open Build
4 p.m. - Pre-Teen Program: Mario Bros. Perler Beads & Games
4 p.m. - Sewing for Beginners
5 p.m. - Book Club (The Lost City of Z)
6 p.m. - DIY Friendship Bracelets for Teens
6 p.m. - Tai Chi
6 p.m. - Teen Program: Mario Bros. Perler Beads & Games

For more events, click here.