Summer programs 2022 for Adults

Book Bingo - fill out a card and return by August 13 to enter the gift basket raffle

Spotting Fake News - Saturday, July 9 at 1:00 pm. media literacy program at the library (no registration)

Mark your calendar for the First Friday movie on August 5th at the library (bring your own snacks)

Visit the Adult  program page on our website for more info

Freecycle Event - We need donations!

We are hosting our first (hopefully not last!) Back to School Freecycle Event!  Freecycling is giving away unwanted but still usable things to help keep items out of landfills. 

Here's how it will work:


 DONATIONS

• Beginning on July 22, bring your clean, gently used clothes & wearable accessories (hats, shoes, purses, etc) for kids from babies to teens to the Oldsmar Library
• We're also accepting small childrens toys and school supplies
• Please leave them with a staff member, and remember...NO UNDERGARMENTS! 
• We're accepting donations until Thursday, August 8

SHOPPING

• Staff will sort donations and have items out for FREE on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Don't have anything to donate? That's OK, you can still come and "shop" for what you need!

Bring what you can - take what you need!

Anything left over will be donated to Oldsmar Cares.

Special thanks to the New Port Richey Public Library for the idea & for helping us get started!

Questions? Give us a call or email at 813-749-1181 information@oldsmarlibrary.org

Thanks for your support.  Let's work together to make this a success!!

New E-mail Newsletter-Sign up now!

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed about everything we offer, we're starting a new e-newsletter. As a subscriber, you'll get a message around once a week spotlighting our programs, events, services, databases and news!

To sign up, please visit this page on the City's website & follow the directions to subscribe to the Library News list (HTML e-mails are suggested). You'll receive an e-mail with a confirmation link from listserv@civicplus.com.

We promise not to spam you or sell your e-mail address! 😊 For more information on the City of Oldsmar's privacy policies, please visit: http://myoldsmar.com/privacy.

You can also keep up to date with us by giving us a follow on Twitter and Facebook.

Rock Painting - Oldsmar Rocks April 8

(picture from Oldsmar Rocks Facebook Group)

Attention crafters of all ages - our April 8th Crafty Saturday will be dedicated to the new painted rock trend!

People all over the country have been decorating & hiding rocks since an Oregon mother began the trend in 2014, you can read more about it here.

An Oldsmar Rocks Facebook group was recently started for local folks to share pictures & stories of the rocks they've painted as well as their finds around town.  We've seen pictures of rocks on the Library grounds, and we're excited to be joining in the fun!

Crafty Saturday
Saturday, April 8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
All ages drop in program
Storytime Room
Drop in craft program for all ages (adults & kids)
All craft supplies provided.

We'll have enough rocks & other needed supplies for everyone to create a rock to keep (if they wish) and another one to hide around town.

Crafty Saturday is a themed monthly drop-in craft program designed to bring out the creativity of all from the youngest to the oldest!

English Conversation Classes starting in April

Tuesday evenings beginning on April 4, the Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas will be hosting informal English Conversation Classes in our Rotary Literacy/Conference Room from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

These classes/conversation practice sessions will be free & open to all adults who are learning English as a second language. They are a great way to practice and develop skills in American English in a supportive and friendly environment!

No registration needed, feel free to bring children if childcare is an issue.

Additional Storytime Added

We have added an additional Preschool Storytime, aimed at children ages 3 to 5, on Thursdays at 3:00 pm. The first program will be January 5.

This program will duplicate the 10:00 am Preschool Storytime and will offer an entertaining lineup of children's stories and an animated short film, followed by a fun and easy craft project that children can make and take home.

Our storytimes don't require registration, but if you have any questions please call our Children's Department at 813-749-1179.

Overcoming Clutter workshop

Is "get organized" on your list of New Year's Resolutions?  We have a program that can help with that!

Overcoming Clutter Workshop
Thursday, January 5
6:30 pm-7:30 pm
TECO Hall

Clutter can be paralyzing. Whether you’re surrounded by loose paper, dirty dishes, memorabilia, laundry, or any other form of clutter, it can negatively impact your health and your relationships with others.

This presentation will teach you effective techniques to become more organized, reduce stress, and have more time to do the things you enjoy!

Presented by Dani Brahm of Simply Refreshing Organizing Solutions. No registration needed.

New-Community Poetry Post

The new Arts Coordinator for the City of Oldsmar is working on a fun new project for the Library! Please read the note below from Samantha to see how you can contribute:
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Poetry has the visceral power to deeply touch our lives. When given proper attention, it can shake us out of our waking-sleep and into a precious moment of inspiration. The Community Poetry Post is an exciting new project designed to allow the community to be heard through poetry.

For the month of November, you are invited to send poems to the Post containing strong elements of gratitude. The poetry you choose to submit could be written by an acclaimed poet or something you have written yourself. 

To submit, email the poem(s) to SDemmi@myoldsmar.com

The Post is a bulletin located in the Oldsmar Public Library’s arcade, so please choose poems that are family-friendly and feel free to stop by and see what others have chosen to share. I am excited to see what you send my way!

S. Demmi

Zombie Survival program for Teens in October!

Teens...

Have you ever thought about a zombie apocalypse? 

 
Has the idea of brain eating monsters coming into your house kept you up at night? 

 

Well, fear no more!

The library is going to have a zombie survival training class for the first three Tuesdays in October (4, 11 and 18) from 6-7pm. Learn how to get your bug out bags ready, take a first aid class and do some target practice so you are prepared for the outbreak. 

On Friday October 21 from 6-7:30 pm we will be clearing out the library of any zombie infestation.

Must pre-register, so call to join us! For teens in grades 6-12. Space is limited 813-749-1179

Call for Local Authors

Are you a published local book author looking to share your work with the community? Apply to take part in our Local Author Showcase!  This free public event will be sponsored by the Friends of the Oldsmar Library.

The Showcase will be at the Library on Thursday, September 22 at 7 pm.​ Selected authors will be expected to arrive at 6:30 prepared to​ do a brief (​8 to 10​ minute) presentation on their work and to provide books which they can sell and sign afterwards.

There is no cost, but space is very limited! Please contact Heidi at 813-749-1179 if interested or for more information.

Family Network on Disabilities Workshops

Are you a parent or caregiver of a special needs public school student? If so, these free workshops are for you! Come learn about these topics & have your questions answered:

Individual Education Plans & Related Services
Friday, August 26, 10:00 - 11:00 am

Parent/Teacher Collaboration & the Evaluation Process
Wednesday, August 31, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Both workshops will be in our Rotary Literacy/Conference Room.

No registration needed, but for more information please contact Misti Pollaro at 727-523-1130 x 211 or misti@fndfl.org

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Family Network on Disabilities (FND) was founded in 1985 by a group of parents of children with disabilities who came together for mutual support and information-sharing. FND is a grassroots organization for persons with disabilities and their families that is family-centered and family-driven.

Family Network on Disabilities is a national network of individuals of all ages who may be at-risk, have disabilities, or have special needs and their families, professionals, and concerned citizens. The mission of FND is to strive for the complete integration and equality of persons with disabilities in a society without barriers and to serve families of children with disabilities, ages birth through 26, who have the full range of disabilities described in section 602(3) of IDEA. FND is a parent organization as defined in section 671(a)(2) of IDEA 2004.

Ukulele Classes in May & June

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society will be hosting two beginner/advanced beginner workshops for adults and teens  in the upcoming weeks.

The first will be a Beginner Class on Tuesday, May 17th from 6:30 to 7:45 followed on Tuesday, June 14th by an Advanced Beginner Class from 6:30 to 7:45.

In the beginner workshop you will learn about different sizes of ukulele as well as how to hold, tune, strum & play a few chords. You'll learn to play two songs & receive information on where to go for further lessons.

If you have a ukulele, please bring it! TBUS will also have a limited number available to use during the workshops.

No registration is needed, but if you like you can pre-register at http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/

You can keep up with the TBUS on their website or Facebook page.

Living to be 100

As part of our People's Centennial, Dr. Michael Turner of Conforti Chiropractic is presenting a series of monthly programs to help you live to reach your own centennial!

All programs will be in TECO Hall from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, and no registration is needed.  Here's a schedule:

• Thursday, March 10 - Topic:Nutrition
• Thursday, April 7 - Topic: Fitness
• Thursday, May 5 - Topic: Living to be 100

We hope you enjoy this series of programs to help you increase your health & longevity!

Oldsmar Centennial Programs

2016 brings us a celebration of Oldsmar's Centennial, and the Library has several programs planned to help kick off the yearlong celebration!  All programs will be in TECO Hall, no registration required.

• Thursday, January 21, 6:00 pm,  Chris Kahl - “A Musical Journey Through Florida”
  Join us for an evening of original folk songs about Florida & its history.  Read more about Chris & his work at www.chriskahl.com

• Thursday, February 11, 6:30 pm,  James A. Schnur, Special Collections Librarian, USF-St. Petersburg -  Pinellas County History. Learn more about local history from a native & lifelong Pinellas County resident and Past President of the Pinellas Historical Society.

• Thursday, February 18, 6:30 pm Lou Lawrence, retired auto executive - Automobile History. The history of the American automobile has always been intertwined with Oldsmar's history

• Thursday, February 25, 6:30 pm Jeff Klinkenberg, author and retired reporter for the Tampa Bay Times - Florida Culture  Come learn more about Florida culture from someone who has written about it for four decades!
  Our Books & Brews book club will be doing a tie-in book discussion of his recent work Alligators in B Flat on Feb. 2 at 6 pm at the Oldsmar Tap House.  Read more about Jeff and sample some of his essays on his website.

• Thursday, March 3, 6:30 pm Rick Smith  - "Patrick Smith’s Florida Is A Land Remembered” Join the son of Patrick Smith, author of A Land Remembered, for a multi-media celebration of Florida history and his father's beloved book.
  A Land Remembered will be the book discussed at the March 1 Books & Brews book club, and you can read more about the presentation on Rick's website.

New Monthly Programs

 

We have two new monthly programs beginning in January!

The first new offering is a Wii Gaming Program for teens & adults (13+ please).  We'll be setting up our new Wii in TECO Hall after the library closes on the first Friday of the month and playing multi-player games on the big screen.  Come join us for Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart (and more) and snacks! 

The premier program will actually be a second Friday due to New Year's, so mark your calendar for Friday, January 8 from 5-8 pm. No registration needed, and you'll be able to enter from the outside door of TECO Hall if you arrive after the library closes at 5 pm.

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We're also starting a monthly Fiber Arts Program! The plan is to focus on quilting, cross stitch, knitting and crocheting, but if you're interested in any fiber arts feel free to come to our first meeting on Saturday, January 23 at 1:00 pm in the Rotary Literacy/Conference Room.

Bring a project to work on and/or to show the group, and we'll discuss what we'd like to explore at future meetings.  No registration needed, but please call 813-749-1185 with any questions.

Small Business Counseling with SCORE

Whether you're looking to fine-tune an existing business or achieve that new business start-up you've been dreaming about - SCORE is willing to help! SCORE business counselors provide experienced, unbiased, face to face business mentoring to small business owners & new entrepreneurs.

A business counselor from the Pinellas county chapter of SCORE is at the Oldsmar Library on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 10am to Noon & 1:00-3:00pm. To schedule a free 1 hour appointment call the Library's Reference desk at (813) 749-1181 or sign-up in person

Pinellas County SCORE is a non-profit association & resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

For more information about SCORE see http://www.pinellascounty.score.org

Pinellas County Extension Programs

We are hosting two exciting programs from the UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County this fall. Online registration is preferred, but both programs are free!

The first program is coming up on Thursday, October 8th from 6 to 7:30 pm. Sustainable Living - Minor Changes, Major Impact will teach you about energy and water conservation, consumerism, and sustainable living behaviors that will provide a comfortable lifestyle and leave a healthy planet for future generations.  Each registered participant will receive an insulated shopping bag with sustainability resources. Please register online at: sustainablelivingoldsmar.eventbrite.com

Next will be Food for Thought on Thursday, November 5th from 6 to 7 pm.  This program will explore  the many paths that our food takes to the trash can. What goes to waste in our food system? When, why, and what can we do about it?  Participants will learn about strategies and resources to reduce food waste. Each registered participant will receive an insulated shopping bag with sustainability resources. Please register online at foodforthoughtoldsmar.eventbrite.com

For more information, call the Library at 813-749-1181 or contact Heather Landis with the Pinellas Extension Office at 727-582-2517.

Free Financial Seminars

We are hosting three free financial seminars beginning in a few weeks.  They will all be presented by Susan Luca of Regions Bank as part of the Regions Bank Financial Fundamentals Series. All programs will be at TECO Hall in the Library, and no registration is required for any program.

Tuesday, October 6 -  6 pm - Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Learn about common forms of identity theft, how you can protect yourself, what to do if you suspect you are a victim, what to do if your wallet or purse is lost or stolen and how you can prepare in advance for identity theft emergencies. 

Tuesday, October 27 - 6pm - Your Credit Report
Learn about your credit report and FICO score, how each affects your finances and how you can maintain or improve your credit score 

Tuesday, November 17 - 6 pm - What Every Woman Should Know About Money
Learn about -being confident in your financial decision making, goal setting, the importance of saving, and should savings plans differ depending upon your age 

Call the library for more info or call Regions' Eastlake Woodlands Branch at 727-786-0707 

Ukulele available for checkout & Ukulele Program

We just wanted to pass along some pictures of a new item for checkout: a ukulele!

 

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society has kindly donated ukuleles to several Pinellas County libraries. You can check ours out from the Circulation Desk for 28 days with three renewals.

The kit comes with the ukulele, a tuner, and an instructional book and DVD (as shown below).

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society will be hosting a workshop here on Wednesday, July 8^th from .6:30 - 8:00 pm, no registration needed. The presenter will introduce the instrument & teach several chords. Students will learn to play two songs & receive information on where to go for further lessons!  It is primarily for teens/adults, and they are working on creating a workshop for children that we will hopefully have at a later date.  Stayed tuned for that and in the meantime...check out our kit & learn to play!  Call us with any questions.

Writer's Critique Group Forming

We have a guided writer's critique group forming here at Oldsmar Library.  You MUST PRE-REGISTER via e-mail, the registration info is below.

The critique group will meet the 1st and 3rd Monday evenings every month, and will be led by former publisher and Time-Life editor, Molli Nickell. The first meeting will be Monday, June 15 in TECO Hall. Things will get started with a meet & greet from 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm, followed by critique activities from 6:00 - 8:00.

Sponsored by the FWA (Florida Writers' Association), the group will be open to the public. It is limited to 10 active participants, but auditors will be welcome to attend and "listen only." Focus will shift between manuscript development/refinement, agent acquisition, and/or self-publishing.  

Reserve space by emailing Molli at getpublishednow.biz@gmail.com. Write CRITIQUE in the subject line.  Feel free to email any questions to the same address.