There is really no place quite like a library. The enveloping hush is almost tangible and the smell of old books is as appealing as it is comforting. Plus, with the summer months fast approaching, it's a great place to go with the kids once school's out. Time spent at the library guarantees time spent behaving (or at least time spent misbehaving quietly). Furthermore, it is the best place in any town to continually take advantage of free stuff.
Obviously, the library is a place to checkout media (books, videos, DVDs, etc.) for free. It's also a place where you can read the latest issue of Newsweek or whatever magazine you enjoy. (You can't take them home but you can certainly save on outrageous subscription fees.) More importantly, a library is a place that offers free information. Numerous Internet and computer classes are offered for free, not to mention Internet and computer access. There are also endless book discussions at every branch and many offer special film screenings. The Clearwater North Greenwood Library is presenting a week of films that celebrate the '60s, including Beach Party (March 22), Muscle Beach Party (March 23), Bikini Beach (March 24), Pajama Party (March 25) and Beach Blanket Bingo (March 26). Free film screenings are presented at Tampa's Austin Davis and Bruton Memorial libraries, as well as "Films on the Bluff" at the Clearwater Main Library.
For kids and teens, activities include story time, puppet shows, reading programs and more. For adults, aside from classes, there are reading circles and groups, special guests offering lectures and workshops on a variety of topics, networking events and more. You can also view art exhibits (the Clearwater Main Library is currently displaying elephant art, and the Kotler Gallery at John F. Germany Library in Tampa has puffy art by Jack Beverland and woodcarvings by Fraser Smith).
For all those who do not have outstanding fines or enjoy the peace and quiet of the library, go to www.thpl.org (Hillsborough County) or www.pplc.us (Pinellas) to find your closest library and/or to check out what events are taking place. If you're not a book person and none of these options appeals to you, you can at least make a stop to enjoy the chilly tranquility, which should provide at least a few moments of serenity. —Leilani Polk
This article appears in May 19-25, 2004.