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Never Judge A Library By Its Books Alone

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: August 15, 2008

As Pasco County students head back to the classroom next week, they won't have to close the door on summer fun just yet.

The Pasco County Library System is offering programs throughout August that offer entertainment for young people with an educational twist.

Just before school kicks off, the Land O' Lakes Library will offer a crafts program at 2 p.m. Saturday. Egyptian crafts is the theme of the monthly program, where elementary students and their families create crafts from beads, string, bathroom tissue rolls and other items.

"Families really enjoy this. They come in every month and ask, 'Is this the day you're going to have the crafts?'" said Nancy Fredericks, the library's branch manager.

Fredericks said kids learn sound motor skills through the crafts activity, as well as basic skills such as sizing, measuring, gluing and assembling.

"And the supplies are all free," Fredericks said. "Our Friends of the Library group pays for the supplies."

The Land O' Lakes Library also will host two anime events.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, the library will show anime films aimed at teens and offer ice cream with sundae toppings.

Another anime event at 2 p.m. Aug. 23 is geared toward elementary school kids.

Fredericks said anime, Japanese animation, is popular among the library's younger crowd. In the branch's Anime Club, kids learn about anime and Japanese culture.

On Aug. 29, the library will host a video game tournament for patrons 16 and older. Prizes will be awarded.

That's not the only benefit, Fredericks said.

"Many games, like "Rock Band" and "Dance Dance Revolution," are so interactive," she said. "They're playing guitars and drums and singing in those games, doing yoga and Hula-Hooping in others."

Registration is not required; for information, visit the library at 2818 Collier Parkway or call (813) 929-1214.

Games also will be the focus of the Gaming Experience, which will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Hudson Regional Library.

Aside from computer games, kids and families can enjoy role-playing and board games.

"These events are always well-attended, and the organizers are always careful about what games they choose," said Linda Bragg, public relations specialist for the library system. "They choose games that are good and creative."

Bragg said games such as "Rock Band," "Guitar Hero 3," "Dance Dance Revolution" and "Guitar Hero Aerosmith" emphasize the development of creative skills.

"The American Library Association Journal just published an article about how gaming helps kids develop certain skills," Bragg said. "There's a lot to gaming."

For information, visit Hudson Regional Library at 8012 Library Road, or call (727) 861-3040.

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