New Year, New Adventures at Your Public Library
This New Year, add your local library to your list of places to explore in Tampa Bay.
With your free library card, you can access a variety of fun educational items for all ages. You can attend free programs and borrow books, whether you’re looking to discover a new hobby, learn to play the ukulele, try out new recipes from cookbooks, or film your outdoor adventures with a GoPro Hero camera. The public library truly has something for everyone!
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GoPro’s
We offer GoPro Hero 7, 8 and 11 cameras at select library locations for customers aged 17 and older. These cameras, featuring a rugged exterior and waterproof capability up to 33 feet (10 meters), are available for a 14-day loan period. Visit one of the six locations that have them. Check one out today and capture your next family adventure. And if you want to edit the photos and video from that trip, select library locations also provide access to Adobe Creative Cloud software. For more information, visit hcplc.org/gopro.
Park & Surf
The library also helps with connectivity. If you’re 17 or older, you can also check out a Hotspot for a 14-day loan period. Alternatively, you can pull up to a library and park in a designated Park & Surf Wi-Fi spot for access from the comfort of your car.
Launchpad Learning Tablets
All ages can find entertainment and homework help at the library. Launchpad tablets designed for children ages 3-10 contain preloaded educational games in STEAM, Early Literacy, Critical Thinking and more.
These tablets are a favorite among parents because they do not have internet access, so you can rest assured that your little ones will enjoy screen time safely while learning something new.
Story Time
Story Time at various county libraries are available to children from birth through age 7 and have limited capacity to ensure each customer has an enjoyable experience. Some libraries even offer a Bilingual Story Time. To search for more programs in all our libraries, visit hcplc.org/events.
Homework Help & LinkedIn
We proudly offer Homework Help resources to students of all ages, accessible with a library card. Brainfuse Help Now is an online tutoring service that addresses various academic needs, including homework assistance, study skills, writing papers and more.
WorldBook Encyclopedia offers online content for K-12 students, featuring STEAM topics, traditional reference materials and helpful tools like citation builders for research projects.
Additionally, we provide access to the popular LinkedIn Learning platform, allowing students and adults to explore business, software, technology and creative skills courses.
Language Learning
If you’re interested in learning a new language this year, we have you covered with Mango Languages, available online or via an app. Their courses prepare you for realistic conversations and everyday communication in over 70 languages—including Pirate, just in time for Gasparilla!
We invite you to visit one of our 27 locations soon and explore the wide range of resources we offer beyond the stacks.
Originally published in the January 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.