Ring in the new year with a BANG! Teen Anime Club January 2

Join us on Saturday for our teen anime club when we will discuss Japanese Culture, Manga and watch selected episodes of the latest and greatest anime series.

This week's cultural discussion will center around Japanese music so bring your favorites in and share it with the rest of the group!

Pasco County Library Holiday Hours

Pasco County Library System will be closed 

Friday, December 25 

Saturday, December 26

& Friday, January 1

for the winter holidays.

The library will close @ 5pm on Thursday, December 24 & 31.

Have a Great Holiday!

Friends of the South Holiday Library- Holiday Picture

At South Holiday, we appreciate everything our Friends group does for the library: from supporting our programs for patrons of all ages to lending a hand at the branch. We thank them for their support and wish them a Happy Holiday season!

(Photoed from left to right: Art Olliffe,  Ralph Kuhnert, Merry Richter)
(Not pictured: Board Member Nicole Westrich)

Teen Event: Build Gingerbread Houses Tomorrow Night!

If you are in grades 6th through 12th come to the South Holiday Library tomorrow night, Wednesday December 16th @ 6pm to make Ginger Bread Houses its fun, messy and delicious! 

Enter Battle of the Bands XIII: Rockus Maximus Now!!

Entries are now being accepted at any Pasco Library or by e-mail to pauls@pascolibraries.org. Bands ages 13-20 from any Florida county are eligible to enter!

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ENTRY FORM AND COMPETITION INFORMATION. (pdf file)

This year's competition will involve 6 weeks of online videos in February and March of 2010, with viewers voting for their favorite band each week via our MySpace page, following by a live band battle at Crews Lake Park (16739 Crews Lake Dr, Shady Hills, FL 34610) on March 26th, 2010. Two different prize categories will be available this year. The top two bands of the online voting will receive $500 and $250 music store gift cards to buy instruments, repairs, etc. The winners of the live battle will get a recording package worth $3500 for first, $1750 for second, and $1000 for third at a local recording studio.

CLICK HERE to view past videos from previous Rockus Maximus events.

CLICK HERE to visit our main MySpace page.

For more information, contact Paul Stonebridge, Teen Services Manager, at 813-929-1214 or 727-861-3040 or e-mail pauls@pascolibraries.org.

Digital Bookmobile: Download books & more...from your library!

Regency Park Library

9701 Little Road

New Port Richey, FL

Thursday, December 17, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

***If you can not make it to the Regency Park Library on the date above come on in any day to your local Pasco County Library and ask the reference desk about our digital audio downloads.***

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Enjoy a deliciously lite breakfast with Santa @ 10:30 a.m. at the South Holiday Library.  
Bring your cameras for many photo opportunities.  
Plus, fun holiday activities during this very special storytime event.  


             
Tuesday, December 8th @ 10:30 in the South Holiday Library Meeting Room.

Teen Anime Club

Join us on Saturday, December 5th @ 2pm, for the Teen Anime Club.  

We will discuss Japanese culture, Manga and watch episodes from your favorite anime series.

Free Basic Computer Classes - Winter 2009-2010

If you have ever wanted to learn the basics of computer, but never wanted to spend the money on a class or the time puzzling through a how-to book, then South Holiday Library has a solution for you!

Basic computing classes are now offered on the first Friday of the month.  The classes are completely free, but advanced registration is required.  To reserve a seat, please call 727-834-3331 during normal library hours.

Online Shopping - Friday December 4 at 2 pm

* Are you ready to shop online but have a few questions before you open your wallet?  We will explain the basics of online shopping as well as some of the pitfalls of this convenient tool.  Just in time for the Holidays!

Digital Photography -  Friday January 8 at 2 pm

* Learn digital photography from shooting your first picture to printing and storing your pictures.

Email Basics  - Friday February 5 at 2 pm

* So you finally did it, you got your self online and are ready to send email.  Now what?

Email basics will break down the basics of sending and receiving email.

Teen Advisory Board

Tomorrow Night

December 2nd @ 6pm

Join us for the

Teen Advisory Board Meeting

Make Suggestions on programs, 
books & other materials.

Movie with Friends Every Wednesday at 2pm

The South Holiday Library is offering free movie screenings every Wednesday at 2:00 PM in the meeting room.  A new title will be available each week and light refreshments will be served.  This event is free and does not require registration. 


December 2, 2009 through February 24, 2010

Am I eligible or Do I qualify?

Are you wondering if you qualify for benefits?

One way to find out is to apply and let the agency determine if you are eligible. Some agencies provide you information so you can determine this yourself. For example, the Access Florida website has a pre-screening tool that you can use to help you determine if you qualify. Other agencies provide you with the eligibility criteria so that you can compare your income to their criteria. For example, the SafeLink "How to Qualify" website provides information regarding eligibility including letting you know that your total household income must be at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines set by your State and/or the Federal Government to qualify. The Florida KidCare website also provides eligibility guidelines. Most government websites will provide you with eligibility information.

Also, remember if you are denied benefits, most agencies have a method for you to appeal the decision. Generally, this information is sent to you when you receive your eligibility notice.

If you have any questions about how to find out what the eligibility criteria is for a particular agency or information about how to appeal a decision you can call the library. We're here to help.

For more information on this and other government topics please visit Pasco County Library E-gov Blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The South Holiday Library will close Wednesday November 25 at 5pm and reopen Saturday November 28 at 10am.  

Please have a Happy and Safe Holiday!

Kids Autumn Craft Corner - Sat, November 21, 2:00pm

The South Holiday Library will present a free children's craft event for elementary ages on Saturday, November 21 at 2:00pm.  Come make all sorts of Fall crafts to get into the spirit of the season!

No registration is required for our craft events and admission is free.  Call 727-831-3331 for more information.

Teen Mario Kart Tournament - Wed, November 18, 6pm

Test your road and combat skills against your peers in our fast-paced Wii Mario Kart tournament at South Holiday Library. This will be an elimination event, so come prepared to win it if you want to stay in it!

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Those who get knocked out early can enjoy watching the remaining contenders or partake of some of the other non-competition game offerings, like Guitar Hero, Wii Sports, and Dance, Dance, Revolution. Free snacks and drinks will be provided.

This event is open to anyone ages 11 to 18. You are welcome to bring and sync your own Wii controller or racing wheel, so long as it has not been modified from the purchased condition.  For more info Call 727-834-3331.

Rockus Maximus: Battle of the Bands XIII Launching Now!!

Pasco County Library System's original Battle of the Bands ain't dead yet!  That's right, Rockus Maximus is coming back for another year with another round of live concerts and hilarious online competitions.

We need 8 bands once again to take the Rockus Maximus challenge.  Beginning December 11th and until December 29th, bands can register at any Pasco County Library location or online.  Entry forms and all the other Battle of the Bands information are available now.  Bands must have a minimum of 3 members with the majority of members under 21,  must play their own instruments, must have at least 2 original songs on CD, DVD, or online, and must have an online presence such as MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, etc.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ENTRY FORM AND COMPETITION INFORMATION. (pdf file)

A free kickoff concert will be held on December 11, 2009 at Land O Lakes Branch Library (2818 Collier Parkway, Land O Lakes, FL 34639) from 6:00-10:30pm, featuring 4 local acts including past Battle winner Variance and Shallow Waters.  Entry forms will be accepted from bands at this event.

This year's competition will involve 6 weeks of online videos in February and March of 2010, with viewers voting for their favorite band each week via our MySpace page, following by a live band battle at Crews Lake Park (16739 Crews Lake Dr, Shady Hills, FL 34610) on March 26th, 2010.  Two different prize categories will be available this year.  The top two bands of the online voting will receive $500 and $250 music store gift cards to buy instruments, repairs, etc.  The winners of the live battle will get a recording package worth $3500 for first, $1750 for second, and $1000 for third at a local recording studio.

CLICK HERE to view past videos from previous Rockus Maximus events.

CLICK HERE to visit the Pasco County Library System MySpace page.

For more information, contact Paul Stonebridge, Teen Services Manager, at 813-929-1214 or 727-861-3040 or e-mail pauls@pascolibraries.org.

Free New Moon Tickets and Special Events!

Borders Books is going to be hosting a live webcast streaming from a Los Angeles store Sunday evening, 11/15, at 5:00pm (Florida Time).  You can watch for free online and post comments and questions on the official Twilight Facebook Fan Page and have them answered live on the webcast.  For more info on the event, go to http://www.bordersmedia.com/newmoonlive or http://www.facebook.com/twilight.

Want to win free tickets to see New Moon?  You have two possibilities coming up...

Friday, 11/13, at Blockbuster Video in Clearwater (2045A Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33765) you can win one of hundreds of tickets to a special pre-screening of New Moon on 11/19, a day before release!  Trivia contests and other games will be held from 7:00-9:00pm to give away the tickets, followed by a special screening of Twilight at 10:00pm.  There will be free food, prize wheels, and a howling contest, plus costumes are allowed (though shoes and shirts are required, even for werewolf characters).

For something a bit closer to home, the Hudson Library will be hosting a Twilight in Transylvania event on Friday, 11/20, in celebration of the release of New Moon.  You can see digital presentation on Transylvania, Dracula, and real vampires, taste some Romanian food, and win tickets to see New Moon at a local theater.  The event is free and runs from 3:00-5:00pm.        

Ready, Set, Play!!!

National Gaming Day

Saturday, November 14th

Tweens and Teens

Come and play, Wit & Wagers, 
Say Anything, Monopoly Deal Card, Scrabble Slam! and/or Pictureka! Card Games.

Have fun and game on!

Have you looked for a book in our catalog but can't find it? Never fear, FLIN is here!

FLIN is our new statewide borrowing network that replaces Alleycat.  Yes, this includes items in Hillsborough County!  You can order items through FLIN right from the comfort of your own home.  (Please note: only books with a release date of 12 months or more, magazines and sheet music can be borrowed from FLIN, no media, audio or video.)

Just go to our website at pascolibraries.org, toggle your mouse over "Catalog/Research" and click on "FLIN."  You can now begin searching and requesting any items not found in the Pasco County Library System database.  Just follow the steps to get the item you need.

It's even BETTER than on-line shopping, because it's free!

Check Out Our Blog!

While you're here looking at all the great programs we have to offer, don't forget to take a look at the rest of the blog.  Check out the links to other Pasco County Library blogs, search the catalog for a great book, subscribe to the blog and much much more!

Rockus Maximus XIII : Teens - support the battle! Join the Friends of the Library!

A Friends annual membership is typically $10 for individuals and $15 for families. Now, Teens can join, too! TEENS CAN SUPPORT THEIR LIBRARY WITH AN ANNUAL FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP OF $1! With your membership, you will be supporting the upcoming Rockus Maximus XIII: Battle of the Bands!

As an added bonus, your membership will be placed in a drawing for a fabulous door prize. The Gretsch Foundation donated an acoustic guitar through their Guitar Art program, and local teens have decorated it to raise funds. For every additional $1 donation added to your membership, you will receive an additional entry in the next drawing. Thanks for your support!

Teen Advisory Meeting Wednesday, November 4th

Tomorrow Night, Wednesday, November 4th @ 6pm, join us for our Teen Advisory Board Meeting.  Make suggestions on programs, books & other materials.  Earn volunteer hours and have a great time doing it!

South Holiday Anime Club

Join us on the first Saturday of every month, for the Teen Anime Club.  We will discuss Japanese culture, Manga and watch episodes from your favorite anime series.

We meet the first Saturday of every month @ 2pm.

Free Basic Computer Classes - Fall 2009

If you have ever wanted to learn the basics of computer, but never wanted to spend the money on a class or the time puzzling through a how-to book, then South Holiday Library has a solution for you!

Basic computing classes are now offered on the first Friday of the month.  The classes are completely free, but advanced registration is required.  To reserve a seat, please call 727-834-3331 during normal library hours.                                                                                                               

Friday, September 4, 2:00-4:00pm - Internet Basics
*Learn how to get on the internet, go to websites, and search for things online.

Friday, October 2, 2:00-4:00pm - Windows Basics
*Learn the essentials of the Windows system and how to get around on your person computer or laptop.

Friday, November 6, 2:00-4:00pm - How Do I Do That?
*Learn about uploading and downloading files, attaching things to emails and more.  Come ready with questions about anything you would like to know how to do on a computer!

South Holiday Library Teen Advisory Board Meetings

The Teen Advisory Board, (aka TAB) meets at the South Holiday Library the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm.  Make suggestions on programs, books & other materials.  Earn volunteer hours and have a great time doing it!                                                                                                  

(September 2, October 7 & November 4 are the next meeting dates)

Teen Scary Movie & Popcorn Night - Wed, October 28, 6pm

Teens.... join us at the South Holiday Library for a free screening of Coraline just in time for Halloween. We'll be using our giant projector screen and speaker system, plus there will be free popcorn, soda, and candy (considering the season). Mmmmm, free movie.

This event is open to anyone ages 11 to 18 and free to attend.  No registration is required, but you can call 727-834-3331 for more info.

How to Start a Home Business Workshop - Wed, October 14, 5:30pm

Please Note: The following program will be held at 5:30pm and not the original 6pm start time - we apologize for any inconvenience.

S.C.O.R.E, a local business instruction group, will be presenting their latest workshop at the South Holiday Library on Wednesday, October 14 at 5:30pm.  Your presenter will be discussing all the ins and outs of starting a home business in Florida.  Come prepared to ask any questions you might have following the workshop.

This event is free.  Please call the library's Information Desk during normal hours to make a reservation or for more information at 727-834-3331.

Making Home Ownership a Reality - Wed, Sept 30, 6pm

Have you ever contemplated home ownership in Pasco County?  On Wednesday, September 30, from 6:00-7:30pm you can learn how you could make ownership a reality.  Peggy Schott from Pasco County Community Development will provide information on how you can benefit from a $19.5 million housing grant Pasco County received from the federal government as part of the stimulus package.      

The presentation is free to attend and registration is not required.  For more information, contact the South Holiday Library at 727-834-3331.

Kids "Go Fly a Kite" Day - Sat, September 26, 2:00pm

Kids... want to learn to make your own kite?  Join us at the South Holiday Library on Saturday, September 26 at 2:00pm for a free class on kite making!  In no time, your creation will be soaring through the air.

This event is for all elementary aged children and their families.  Registration is not required, but you can call for more information at 727-834-3331.

Kids Spooky Movie & Popcorn Day - Sat, October 24, 2pm

Come to the South Holiday Library for a kid-friendly spooky movie presentation to celebrate the season on Saturday, October 24 at 2:00pm.  Free popcorn and snacks will be served.

The event is open to all elementary aged children and their families.  Titles shown at our children's movie events are always rated G or PG.  No registration is required, but you can call 727-834-3331 for more information.

South Holiday Library Book Club - 2nd Thursdays at 2pm

If you enjoy discussing books, authors, and writing with fellow enthusiasts in a casual environment, then the South Holiday Library Book Club is for you!  Join us on the second Thursday each month at 2:00pm for a new lively discussion.  New titles are selected in advance and are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk in the library any time prior to the next meeting.

Membership in the Book Club is free.  Simply ask for information at the desk inside the library to get started.  Feel free to contact us any time with questions at 727-834-3331.

Thursday, October 8, 2:00pm - These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

Thursday, November 12, 2:00pm - TBA

Below you can find the list of past Book Club selections:

September 10 - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

August 18 - Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
July 21 - The Game by Laurie King

June 16 - Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
May 14 - The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
April 9 - House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus
March 12 - The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
February 12 - The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
January 8 - Come In and Share a Favorite Book!