top of page

Top 10 Free Things To-Do At The Library You've Never Heard Of.

Writer's picture: Jade ScottJade Scott

Libraries. We've all heard of them, and we've probably all been to one. On the surface they all pretty much seem the same. Couple of cozy couches. Shelves of books. Some computers. A bookstore. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Except that's not true in the least bit.


The Seminole Heights Library Branch On The Corner of Osborne and Central. 1960. Courtesy of Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library


The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is composed of three different library systems (Hillsborough County, Temple Terrace, and Plant City) and they have a combined 38 branches across the area. Each branch of course, offers the basics, but they also have their unique elements, all you need is a library card to access them.


Here are some of the most underrated services the library offers:



It is important to stay well-educated on the news of the day, but subscriptions add up pretty quickly. Lucky for us all, with a library card we can access the latest news from trusted sources like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal with nothing more than our library card. Just click this link (https://hcplc.org/research/news), click on the preferred news site, enter your library card number, and poof! A subscription ranging from $325-$715 dollars a year is yours for free!


Resources For Small Businesses




Do you want to learn Spanish? French? Japanese? Cherokee? Then Mango Languages is for you. You just go on the website, pick the language you want to learn (they have over 70), and start your lesson plan. It builds on grammar and vocabulary skills, and also offers unique culturally specific mini-courses (think "French for Lovers" or "German for Oktoberfest). Not only can this be done on desktop, but you can also take your education on the go, by using the Mango Languages app.


Free Workbooks and Crafts For Kids K-6




Reading is so common it is easy to mistake as easy and natural, but it's not. Being literate is a miraculous skill that oftentimes it takes longer than your basic K-12 education provides. Luckily, HCPLC's Literacy Council provides one-on-one reading tutoring for adults. They also provide English lessons for Spanish speakers as well as places for Spanish speakers to practice speaking English. If you would like sign up for tutoring, call 813.273.365 and leave a message and clearly state your name and phone number.


If you would like to volunteer to be a reading tutor, you must have a library card, be over 18, and have reliable transportation. More information can be found here: https://hillsboroughliteracy.org/volunteer/



A Social Media Internship For Teens




It's never too late to be a rockstar (or at the very least a successful music producer). Thanks to The HIVE (a community innovation project that started in the John. F Germany Branch in 2014), residents of Hillsborough County have access to 3-D printers, sewing machines, programming software, Adobe Creative Cloud Software, and classes on how to use these resources. But I think the coolest thing H.I.V.E. offers is access to their recording studios.


To use the studio you must take an orientation course and have a library card. People under 17 must be accompanied at check-in by the adult who made the reservation. People under 14 must have an adult with them in the studio the entire time.


The studios are equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud Software, iMacs equipped with iMovie and Garage Band, Video Cameras, Microphones, Cables, Green Screens, Studio Lighting, and USB interface so you can connect your own instruments.


Locations:


C. Blythe Andrews Branch.

Max Occupancy: Studio 11, Editing Suite 4

2.2 Miles From Seminole Heights Library

John F. Germany Library

Riverview Public Library

SouthShore Regional Library


Free Tickets To Tampa Attractions!



Tutoring Services For Kids and Teens




I don't know about you, but it feels like I'm paying more and more for streaming services these days. There are just so many apps! Lucky for us all, a library card gives us access to the streaming service Kanopy for free! Kanopy carries films, documentaries, and TV shows from all genres and time periods. So, sign in grab some popcorn and plop yourself down for a fun little weekend.


12 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


CONTACT US

We want to hear from you. Reach out so that we can hear your voice.

P.O. Box 360371, Tampa, FL 33673-0371

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page