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Libraries Offer Free Movies, Popcorn

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 25, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Where can families enjoy a current movie, popcorn and beverages in a friendly atmosphere, for free?

This summer, two branches of the Pasco County Library System are offering the Popcorn and a Movie program; a showcase of current family films, served up with free refreshments for children and their families. The program is in its third year in the Pasco library system.

"This gives kids a place to come during the summer," said Karen Correa, youth services coordinator for the Pasco County Library System. "We show all G and PG movies, the most current releases on DVD."

Free popcorn, juice and water will be served at this event, which is open to children and their parents.

"We do encourage the parents to stay, to make it a family event," Correa said. "Afterward I hear parents and kids discussing their favorite parts of the movies."

According to Correa, the program's library setting encourages another recreational activity: reading.

"This is a way to get kids into the library and hopefully to the books," she said. "Kids come in before the movie to look at the books, and stay afterward to check out books."

This year's movies (such as "Bee Movie," which opened the series June 9) will occasionally correspond with the theme of the 2008 summer reading program, which is Catch the Reading Bug. On tap for next year are special theme days for the Popcorn and a Movie program, in which the movies selected will be based on books. Children will be encouraged to read the books first, then discuss similarities and differences between the movie and book.

This year's Popcorn and a Movie program kicked off June 9, when 43 children and their parents attended a screening of "Bee Movie." The program will continue through Aug. 4, with films shown 2 p.m. each Monday at Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road in Hudson. Call (727) 861-3040 for information.

The Popcorn and a Movie program also is offered this summer at Land O' Lakes Branch Library, where it holds special significance as a family event.

"We have the highest circulation of younger children of all the branches," said Nancy Fredericks, branch manager. "And we're not close to a movie theater."

Almost 60 people - children and parents - attended the June 14 kickoff of a Popcorn and a Movie at the Land O' Lakes Branch Library. Fredericks said future films in the series will be based on popular children's books.

"We do our program on a Saturday; sometimes people come in from the heat after playing sports or another outdoor activity," she said. "This is a big family activity."

Popcorn and a Movie will be offered at 2 p.m. on July 26 and Aug. 9 at the Land O' Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O' Lakes. For information, call (813) 929-1214.

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