OPL - Summer Library Programs 2023

Choose your own adventure!

• Summer reading programs for all ages !
  

• Fun and informative programs for Children, Teens and Adults.

• New library items (in a variety of formats) for check-out or download

• Visit the library or call us for more information 

  Note* Children's programs have required registrations.
  

 

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-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

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.

Resources Review - E-Books

Over the past few weeks we've been reviewing our online resources.  You can visit our Resources page at any time for a list of our more popular programs, or the databases by subject page to view a comprehensive list which includes our academic research offerings.

In this final installment, we'll be taking a look at our many e-book resources for kids and adults.  One great thing about our e-books is you don't have to remember to return them (they expire on their own) and there are never any fines!

For kids, we have:

Sesame Street E-books, picture books with animation & audio

StarWalk Kids Media, featuring picture books by award-winning authors and illustrators. Please note: The login/password for the available apps is opl/opl (that is OPL lowercase).

Tumblebooks, animated, talking picture books and chapter books. Includes books in French & Spanish for language learning!

Most kids ebook services are interactive and allow you to customize your reading experience, such as turning narrative audio on and off. Several also have apps available so you can use them on the go.  More details & links to help and FAQs are included on our Resources Page.

For adults/teens, we have two resources, both of which are now fully integrated into our catalog, allowing you to find titles as well as get on holds lists without using a separate app or going to another website.

3M Cloud Library

3M offers e-books for all ages, you can browse our collection here, and checkout their online support resources here.  They offer apps for many smartphones, e-readers (except traditional Kindles) and computers. Please remember your default account password is the last 4 digits of the primary phone number we have on file for you!

OverDrive

OverDrive has e-books, e-audiobooks and a limited number of downloadable videos for teens and adults. They offer apps for most platforms as well as Kindle support.  They also have extensive online help, including videos and step-by-step guides for most devices.

We hope you've enjoyed this blog series and found a new resource (or two) to enhance your library experience!

Resources Review - Career Cruising

Over the next few weeks, we'll be highlighting some of our online resources, including our ebooks and various online learning programs.  You can visit our Resources page at any time for a list of our more popular programs, or the databases by subject page to view a comprehensive list which includes our academic research offerings.

Next we'll look at Career Cruising, a database for job seekers as well as students doing career research.

This great resource is accessible from anywhere with your Pinellas library card.  You can create an account (called My Plan) to save your research, create a portfolio and build a resume.

One of the highlights of Career Cruising is its career assessment tool. You can identify career matches based on interests and skills and then continue on to explore in-depth information on hundreds of occupations, including multimedia interviews, workplace photos, sample career paths, and more.

Career Cruising also includes a national database of higher education options, including details on admissions, expenses, enrollment, athletics, and programs of study.

With built in resume & portfolio builders as well as direct links to job listings from Indeed.com, Career Cruising can be a great first stop for career explorers of all ages!  Give it a try & let us know what you think.

New - Teen Coffee House schedule

We're changing the format of our Teen Coffee Houses and will now have different themes every month. Programs are the 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 6:00 - 7:30 in the Storytime Room.  All in Grades 6-12 are welcome.

Coffee (and tea) and snacks are always served and all materials for crafts are provided.  No registration required, but please call 813-749-1179 with any questions.

Here's just some of our upcoming schedule:

Tuesday, November 19, 6:00 pm
Craft Night

Make some loom band bracelets, finger woven scarves and necklaces

Tuesday, December 17, 6:00 pm
Holiday Coffee House

Decorate gingerbread people & houses, make an ornament & have some snacks!

Tuesday, January 21, 6:00 pm
Birthday Party!

Happy birthday, 2014 (and maybe someone else too!).  Birthday cake, games & prizes for the winners.

Tuesday, February 18, 6:00 pm

Eat Around the World
Come try some new & delicious food from around the world

Tuesday, March 18, 6:00 pm

SCIENCE!!
What is the equinox and why is it important?

 

Tuesday, April 15, 6:00 pm

Book & movie reviews
What have you been reading or watching lately?

Freegal for Mobile Now Available

We are pleased to announce that Freegal, our downloadable music service, is now available on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone.

With Freegal, you can download (and permanently keep) up to 3 songs per week.

From the PPLC site:

Visit Freegal for thousands of recordings by your favorite artists. Log in to Freegal Music with your library card number and PIN and begin downloading! Current limits are set at three downloads per week. Your counter will set back to zero each week Monday morning. Then you can download three more tunes during the new week.

You can also use the Freegal site on your computer & then transfer songs to your MP3 player or other mobile device.

If you have any questions/problems, please write us at information@oldsmarlibrary.org or give us a call. Remember, the default PIN # for your library account is the last 4 digits of the phone # that we have on record for your library account.

Scanning the QR code below with your smartphone will take you directly to our mobile site, or you can be automatically redirected if you visit our homepage on a mobile device. Then click on the "Databases" link to get the link for the Freegal app of your choice.

July Computer Class & Drop-In help

Thinking about buying a new computer or upgrading an old one? Not sure what you should buy? Stop by the library on July 10 for the next computer class "What to Look for in a New Computer". The class is presented by Mark Opyd, starts at 2:00 pm in TECO hall and the last part of the class will provide an opportunity for questions and answers. No registration necessary.

Drop-In computer help will be available on Wednesday, July 18 starting at 3:00 pm, Teen volunteers will be on hand until 5:00 pm to help individuals or small groups with using the Internet, email or answering your computer questions. This program is available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. (Note* No Drop-In Help on July 4th - the library will be closed for Independence Day.)

Books about computers can be found in Non-Fiction (004 - 006.76) Staff at the Reference Help Desk can assist with finding books or requesting books from other locations. Call (813) 749-1181, email the library or post your questions or comments here on the blog.

Summer Reading Programs info now available!

Click the picture above to check out what's going on this summer at the Oldsmar Library. We have reading incentive programs for all ages and several weeks of programming for kids and teens!

2012 Relay for Life

Now through the end of the month, we are taking donations at the Library for the Oldsmar Relay for Life. Come on down & donate a dollar for a star in honor of a loved one who has faced cancer!

The Oldsmar Relay will be held April 20-21 at Canal Park in Oldsmar.

Our Oldsmar Teen Advisory Board (OTAB) and some library staff will be participating in the Relay, you can view their Team Page here.

For more information, please see the above links or give Heidi, our GOTAB Team Captain a call at 813-749-1179.

February - Discovery Reef Exhibit

Discovery Reef, a unique traveling exhibit that brings coral reefs to life, will be on display in our Children's Department during the month of February. This interactive display developed by Mote Marine Laboratory of Sarasota offers a glimpse into the inner workings of reefs — vital habitats for thousands of marine species — through hands-on educational panels and live video conferences.

We are having two public all-ages interactive video conferences with a marine science educator from Mote Marine Laboratories on Wednesday, February 8th at 2pm and Wednesday, February 15th at 2pm. Each session will last about a half hour and no registration is necessary.

We also have several live teleconference spots open for groups of 10-25 children. Those interested in reserving a spot should call the Children's Department (813-749-1179) for available times and dates.

Discovery Reef is one of three traveling exhibits developed by Mote’s SeaTrek program, which offers exhibits to museums, libraries and other venues in the U.S. and beyond.

This exhibit is sponsored by Verizon.

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale - Saturday Nov. 19

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale!

Saturday, November 19
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
TECO Hall

Find used books, puzzles, movies & other materials at great prices!

Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and help provide programs, services and library materials.

Community Garden Informational/ Organizational Meeting Saturday, November 5

Are you interested in community gardening/urban agriculture?

The library is hosting a meeting for anyone who wants to help organize or participate in a community garden here in Oldsmar!

Come join us:
Saturday, November 5th
9:30 am
TECO Hall

No registration required, but you can call us at 813-749-1181 with any questions.

Want to learn more about community gardens? Take a look at the American Community Gardening Associations' website, this article from the UF/IFAS Extension Service or some of the library's books on the subject!

Hire Me! Teen Secrets for Getting the Job

Join us this SATURDAY, July 9th at 12 noon for our TEEN job skills program. This is a great program, it's very fun, it's very informative and there will be food and prizes!
You will learn things to help you in the real job world. Things like team building, how to present yourself to prospective employers, how to get through an interview and resume' building.

Did I mention there will be FOOD and cool PRIZES?
Yes! Again, this is a TEEN program, ages 13 - 18 only. No adults will be allowed into the program.

Sign up is required, as there are only 25 seats available.
Call to reserve your spot today - 813-749-1179
Don't miss this opportunity!

See you on Saturday!

Miss Heidi

This program is presented by the PPLC, Bank of America and Junior Achievement

Teen Summer Reading is here!

Hello! Summer is here, and we are ready to dive into summer reading!

Are you a TEEN? Do you read throughout the summer? Well, you can win prizes for that. Simply come in to the Library, fill out a Teen summer reading slip and drop it into the box at the Youth Services desk. You may be a winner in our weekly prize drawings. We draw out two names per week. First prize is a gift card for local businesses, and second prize is a book!

Also, we have special programs for the teens, grades 6-12. Those will be on Thursdays at 3:00pm. They start next Thursday, June 23rd, with our "Soul Writing" Creative writing workshop.
Check the calendar on our website for the rest of the Teen Special Programs, or come by the desk for a schedule flyer. There is limited space, so call to register : 813-749-1179

Hope to see you reading this summer!

Drop by to say Hi!

Miss Heidi
:-)

Free downloadable music!

Check out our newest online resource - Freegal!

With Freegal, you can download (and permanently keep) up to 3 songs per week. Once downloaded, the tracks can be transferred to any MP3 player or other mobile device.

From the PPLC site:

Visit Freegal for thousands of recordings by your favorite artists. Log in to Freegal Music with your library card number and PIN and begin downloading! Current limits are set at three downloads per week. Your counter will set back to zero each week Monday morning. Then you can download three more tunes during the new week.

If you have any questions/problems, please write us at information@oldsmarlibrary.org or give us a call. Remember, the default PIN # for your library account is the last 4 digits of the phone # that we have on record for your library account.

2011 Summer Library Program News

Summer Reading Programs for all ages!

Children * One World, Many Stories * (813) 749-1179
June 1: Registration begins for the Summer Kick-off program (All ages)
June 13: Registration begins for the Summer Reading Program (Through Grade 5)
June 14: Summer Kick-off program with Marcey Walsh "Catch the Wave" (All ages) 2:00 pm, TECO Hall, registration required.

Teens* You are Here! * (813) 749-1179
June 11: Registration begins for a variety of teen programs (Grades 6-12)

Adults * Novel Destinations * (813) 749-1181
June 20: Reading Program for Adults (Ages 18 and up) begins -
no registration required.

May 18-Drop-in Computer Help

If you would like to learn more about using computers - the library has a new Drop-in Computer Help program. Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 18, our teen volunteers will be available between 3:00 and 5:00 pm for one-on-one help using the computer.

The program is free and is on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month. It's first come, first served and no registration necessary.

If you have any questions please contact the library by phone (813-749-1181), email information@oldsmarlibrary.org in person or by asking here on the library's blog.