Pasco County Library Cooperative

The Centennial Park Branch Library was closed for remodeling but reopened in late May 2021.[8] It offers many standard library services including books, audio books, DVDs, and a large meeting space. It provides computers, study rooms, and programs for all ages such as book clubs, reading clubs, gaming, story time, family movies. Patrons also have access to e-content such as databases, eBooks and audio books through Overdrive, Hoopla, Flipster Magazines, and the New York Times. It also provides eGovernment resources as well as computers for job searching.

This library has rich history in Pasco County, being one of the three volunteer-led libraries that weren't originally part of the newly founded Pasco County Library System (PCLS) that was established by Ordinance, Chapter 58, Article II in 1980. Instead, the Hudson Library had yet to become a branch under the organization, and when PCLS was first founded, the Hudson Regional Library at that time was a volunteer-led library that was both housed in, and had operated out of a motel room since 1975.[9] Over time, and once enough funds had been raised by volunteers, the Friends of the Library organization as well as several state and federal funding programs the library was moved to its first location off of Old Dixie Highway. In addition, the funds raised not only gave the library the opportunity to improve its location but its standing within the community, because it became incorporated into the PCLS system as one of its official branches, among others which raised the number of branches to seven at the time. Unfortunately, however, the library had to move again due to the building being prone to flooding issues. The library was moved to its current location at 8012 Library Road, Hudson, once a building referendum had been passed. The library was thus moved to the newly built, large 32,640 square foot building with 35ft high clerestory, and possessed a shelving capacity of at least 120,000 books. This has made it the single largest library in the Pasco County Library System (PCLS), and thus not only serves as just another branch of the organization, but now serves as its primary headquarters. This location also allows PCLS to include several support services such as catalog development, processing, delivery, among many others. Once it had finished moving to its current location, the Hudson Regional Library has had its doors open to the public since April 22nd, 1990.[10]

The library itself has many activities for people, like; storytime, paws for reading, teen advisory board, and internet safety lessons. Their community outreach has increased a lot over the years. They now advertise their events on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter. The Paws for reading is an event where the library brings in animals for the K-5 students to practice reading out loud. This allows school-age children to get comfortable reading out loud without being judged and have their reading skills improve. The internet safety lesson in basics of how to stay safe when handling technology. They cover common scams they may encounter when shopping online, ways your information may be at risk, and what they can do about it. The library also received some money in 2019 and decided to open Studio H. Studio H is a unique multimedia recording studio at Hudson Regional Library, offering the community a free, fully-equipped, adaptable space for audio recording, videography, photography, and interactive technology. This recording studio is free for all musicians to use and has all the equipment they would need. It has a variety of instruments, and with the video capability, you can make your own music video. This library also has a makerspace area. Makerspace is a do-it-yourself center where you can learn, create, design, and build. Makerspaces can be high-tech with children coding and doing other activities or it can be low-tech with just some building blocks. The point of a makerspace is that children can explore their interests and make something.

Hugh Embry Library was established in 1904 in Dade City, Florida. Its namesake Hugh Embry (1879–1907), then 25, was convalescing and had exhausted the books he could borrow from friends. He raised $50 to start a library and called it the Shakespeare Club. He chose books and ran the library out of his family home until his death from tuberculosis a few years later.

The Pasco Library Association had been established to manage the library and took ownership. They moved the books to sites around the city until The Women's Club took them in. At the time membership was free for members or relatives of members of the Club; others were charged 10 cents. The Women's Club began lending the books to the grammar school and throughout the County for children to read. In 1927, the Women's Club began loaning books to the general population for free; the library was moved to a free room in the Herbert Massey building. To raised money to furnish the library, The Women's Club sold food to the workers of Dade City. Within a month of its opening, the library had attracted 440 registered borrowers, and it was open three afternoons a week. By 1930 the project had grown too large for the Women's club to handle.[11] The Library was incorporated August 24, 1930 and operated this way for twenty-four years. The mayor, Fred Touchton, gave the library $10 a month to purchase classical books for children. However, the funds donated by the city only amounted to $37.50, enough to pay a librarian monthly. There was no money for books or supplies, so the Women's Club jumped in to raise donations and save the library again.[11]

In the 1940s the Works Progress Administration under President Franklin D. Roosevelt completed a new City Hall. A room was provided for the Library. The books were thrown into trucks from the window of the second floor of the Massey Building, and transported to the new library. The library continued to grow.

In 1952 the City gave property across the street from City Hall for the library. In 1953, the City assumed the assets of the library. On July 12, 1953 Dade City became financially responsible for Hugh Embry Library.[11] In 1962, the Friends of the Library group raised $12,000 to build a new building for the library. The city donated $25,000 and the "Friends" raised another $12,000. In November 1963 the library moved into its permanent home.[11]

In 1981, Pasco County chartered its own library commission and began operating and maintaining the library under a no-cost lease. In 1988, the City Commission of Dade City sold the library to the county for $150,000. In 1991, the library was expanded by funds raised through a tax approved in 1986.[12]

The Hugh Embry Branch Library offers many standard library services including books, audio books, DVDs, and a large meeting space. It provides computers, study rooms, and programs for all ages such as book clubs, reading clubs, gaming, story time, family movies. Patrons also have access to e-content such as databases, eBooks and audio books through Overdrive, Hoopla, Flipster Magazines, and New York Times. It also provides eGovernment resources as well as computers for job searching.[13]

The Land o' Lakes Branch Library began as a small section of a county building located on U.S. Highway 41 but was later moved to a larger location as a result of its increasing growth. In 1980, it became an official part of the countywide library system, moving into a Land o' Lakes plaza storefront in 1988. A new Land o' Lakes Branch Library was built at the current location with bond money and opened to the public on December 12, 1991. The library underwent an expansion project beginning in 2005, and it was reopened to the public on April 22, 2007.[14]

The Land o' Lakes Branch Library property covers a total area of 18,000 square feet. Following its renovation, the library housed several study rooms, a separate children's room, a teen room, and a computer lab. In 2015, the computer lab was moved next to the collections, and the space that had formerly housed the computer lab became a woodworking-based makerspace, The Foundry, which was opened to the public on December 17, 2015.[15] The focus of The Foundry was decided by a committee that included both patrons of all ages who intended to use the space and library staff.

Beginning from August 14, 2021,the Land o' Lakes Branch Library is currently undergoing further renovations,offering updated technology, and expansion of existing features, such as the lobby and renovations of spaces like the makerspace and areas for all patrons. New landscaping and outdoor areas to be enjoyed as well, with Summer 2022 being the date of reopening.[16]

The New River Branch Library was closed for remodeling, but as of April 30, 2021, has been open to the public, though spaces like the outdoor garden space are still undergoing further renovation.[17] It offers many standard library services including books, audio books, DVDs, and a large meeting space. It also features a community garden. It provides computers, study rooms, and programs for all ages such as book clubs, reading clubs, gaming, story time, family movies. Patrons also have access to e-content such as databases, eBooks and audio books through Overdrive, Hoopla, Flipster Magazines, and New York Times. It also provides eGovernment resources as well as computers for job searching.

The Regency Park Branch Library opened its doors to the public on October 26, 1990 and was expanded in 2007.[18] It offers many standard library services including books, audio books, DVDs, and a large meeting space. It also features a test kitchen makerspace, Regency Fresh, which opened to the public on October 17, 2019.[19] The Regency Park Library provides computers, study rooms, and programs for all ages such as book clubs, reading clubs, gaming, story time, family movies. Patrons also have access to e-content such as databases, eBooks and audio books through Overdrive, Hoopla, Flipster Magazines, and New York Times. It also provides eGovernment resources as well as computers for job searching. In late 2022, the library has since closed for renovations and is currently scheduled to reopen in early 2024.[20]

The South Holiday Branch Library offers many standard library services including books, audio books, DVDs, a large meeting space. It also features a sewing makerspace. It provides computers, study rooms, and programs for all ages such as book clubs, reading clubs, gaming, story time, family movies. Patrons also have access to e-content such as databases, eBooks and audio books through Overdrive, Hoopla, Flipster Magazines, and New York Times. It also provides eGovernment resources as well as computers for job searching.

The New River Branch in Zephyrhills, Fla.

The Zephyrhills Public Library is a City of Zephyrhills funded facility, founded in 1912. The library seeks to encourage reading and the use of technology for life-long learning and the enhancement of the community's quality of life. The library provides open and equal access to the resources and services of the library. In 1999, the library, together with the Pasco County Library System, formed the Pasco County Library Cooperative in order to offer residents of Pasco County a broader base of services. The same library card is used at the Zephyrhills Library and the county libraries.

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center is the newest addition to the Pasco Cooperative opened in 2021.[21] It is considered a Joint Use Complex[22] due to its children's section operating as the school library for Starkey Ranch K-8 school next door with the rest of the facility remaining open to the public during school hours.[23] Housed in the library is a theatre which seats 250 and where local events and performances are coordinated by the library system.[24]Starkey is also home to the ceramic studio makerspace, Clayworks, which offers an assortment of pottery classes for patrons.[25]

The Foundry at the Land O' Lakes Branch Library is the first dedicated makerspace in Pasco Libraries. It was officially opened on December 17, 2015. The Foundry is equipped with two 3-D printers, as well as computer-aided-design (CAD) equipment, an Oculus Rift virtual reality system, and an audio recording studio. Other makerspace materials include various hand tools, power tools, and crafting equipment and supplies, like yarn and thread. The room serves as the primary meeting space for the Edgar Allan Ohms, the Land O' Lakes High School robotics team sponsored by the library.[26][27] Library patrons must consent to the terms of the Pasco County Liability Waiver and Permission Form and the Maker Safety Playbook before they can use The Foundry, but it is otherwise open to all.

Studio H is a makerspace located at the Hudson Regional Library that was opened in 2019.[28] It is a multimedia recording studio that provides users with access to equipment, software, and musical instruments. A wide variety of musical instruments are available including electric and acoustic guitars, basses, drum kits, a keyboard, a virtual synthesizer, a banjo, and a mandolin.[28] This makerspace can be used to create music, videos, podcasts, and photos. Users are required to attend an orientation before reserving studio time.[29]

Regency Fresh is a makerspace located at the Regency Park Library that had its grand opening on October 17, 2019. It is a fully equipped kitchen with an induction cooktop, double convection oven, an Instant Pot, a sous-vide cooker, microwave, blender, large mixer, and a demonstration cart with an overhead mirror.[30] This kitchen allows users to experience culinary demonstrations and presentations and, in some cases, can participate in these demonstrations.[31] Users can attend a program or submit ideas for future demonstrations and presentations.

The Creation Station is a kids' mini makerspace located at the Hugh Embry Library. It is a space that was designed with children in grades 2 through 5 in mind. It allows them it to explore, tinker, play, and create projects with many different materials.[32] They are able to plan a project, complete it, put the supplies back, and clean up the area so that it is ready for the next child. There is an Idea Book available to help inspire them and the goal is to finish their project so that they have something to take home with them. There is also a dedicated space called Creation Station, Jr. for younger children.[32]

The Community Garden is a makerspace at the New River Library, which is currently closed for remodeling. The Community Garden works closely with the County Cooperative Extension and the Master Gardeners to be a complete gardening resource.[33]

Clayworks is a makerspace located at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. It is equipped with six pottery wheels, a slab roller, and a kiln so that patrons can try both hand pottery or hand building with clay and have it glazed and fired at the library.[25]Users are required to attend an instructional session with a trained staff member before working with the pottery wheel and must adhere to proper attire such as closed toed shoes when attending clay-working programs.

• Florida Library of the Year[37] from the Florida Library Association

• Resolution by the Pasco County Board of Commissioners for the success of the 2014 LAMECon (Library Anime and Manga Enthusiast Convention).

1. Done and resolved on August 19, 2014

• NACo (Florida Association of Counties) Achievement Award for Rockus Maximus Battle of the Bands

• John Cotton Dana Award for excellence in public relations
• The Florida Library Association's Librarian of the Year award was given to Libraries Director Linda Allen. This honor is presented "in recognition of outstanding and ongoing contributions to Florida librarianship."[38]
• Florida Library Association's award for best public library website. This prize promotes "awareness of the importance of good design and usability in web page development and to recognize outstanding examples of effective library pages".[38]

• Florida Library of the Year[39] from the Florida Library Association
• "I Love my Librarian!" award given to director Linda Allen by The New York Times Company[40]
• Future of the Region Certificate of Excellence and Commemorative program for Public Education in Catastrophe Readiness and Response: Proactive Roles for Public Libraries awarded by Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council[41]