- July 28, 2024
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Editor's note: East County Observer senior editor Liz Ramos explored the new Lakewood Ranch Library. Here is her account.
Growing up, when I walked into a library it felt like I was about to go on an adventure.
The questions always were — when and where?
Would I be going to the Middle Ages to join Jack and Annie on an exploration of a castle through "The Knight at Dawn" of the "Magic Tree House" series?
Or maybe I would come to understand the impact of words on people's lives through Cornelia Funke's fantasy novel "Inkheart" and the books that followed.
Or maybe I would be in disbelief of the back-to-back deaths of Romeo and Juliet in the Shakespeare classic or I would be invested in the back and forth between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice."
The options were endless as I browsed the hundreds, if not thousands, of books available at my public library.
But the library trips were always short. I'd go in, pick a few books I knew I could finish in two weeks, and I'd be on my way.
As an adult now visiting the new Lakewood Ranch Library, I find I can spend my whole day there if I so desire.
Libraries have become more than just a place to read or check out books.
They are now a community gathering place. Yes, the books are still plentiful and vital, but libraries offer so much more.
On June 21, I started my day at the Lakewood Ranch Library on the roof.
I only could watch Rooftop Yoga, a twice weekly free yoga class, because I was recovering from a broken ankle. But next time ...
The calmness of feeling on top of the world and being able to look out at the surrounding lakes and nature preserve quickly brought me a sense of peace. The breeze before an incoming storm gave a reprieve from the heat of a summer morning.
I thought the rooftop could get more use if there were a few tables there. I know I would love a spot to read or work outside that has shade and is still easily accessible to other library programs and resources.
Of course, when it gets too hot to be comfortable outside, the first floor has a few options to work or read a book.
I loved going into the Reading Room to work in one of the nooks. The room is the perfect place if you need complete silence. People are hard at work, studying or quietly reading in the various seating options.
When I didn't need the Reading Room's absolute quiet, I went to one of the comfortable chairs along the windows in the main area of the library that had a small lap table.
The natural light helped to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. I've been in libraries that felt more like dungeons, so it was a welcome change of pace.
Although slightly cold in temperature, I'd take that over the summer heat.
I've never been to such a modern library with up-to-date technology, an auditorium and a Makerspace.
Considering the technology-driven society we live in, I understand that the modern aspects of the library make sense. I must admit I do miss the warmth and coziness you'd get from the older wooden chairs and tables that were just uncomfortable enough to make sure you didn't fall asleep while reading or studying.
I worked at the library until 2 p.m. That's when the Makerspace was opened for the Adult Drop-in Art session. The Makerspace is an area with technology and resources like 3D printers, Cricut machines, sewing machines and more. It allows people to explore their creative and technological sides.
For this particular Adult Drop-in Art session, the task was to create magnet art. It was a nice time to meet new people while participating in a quick and easy art activity. I decided to use some of the scrapbook paper the library had for most of my magnets, but I also took some creative liberties and made a magnet for the Disney fan in me. I made a Mickey Mouse magnet and a Minnie Mouse magnet.
The drop-in time was for adults only as the library hosts a plethora of other age-specific events best suited for those ages. For example, just two hours later, tweens, ages 8 to 12, were in the Makerspace for Lego Club where they could make whatever they wanted using Legos.
Other days the Makerspace is used for drop-in art for preschoolers, teen game night, tween STEAM events and more.
On July 5, the Makerspace was used to host a Cricut certification class. A Cricut machine is used for craft projects, and the certification class is required if library patrons hope to use the machines during Cricut crafting open hours hosted once per month.
Steve Aldrich, a library volunteer, explained the process of using a Cricut machine with clarity and simplicity. You could tell he was invested in teaching others and that he enjoyed showing what crafts people could do with the machine. It was a great introductory for people who have never used these machines before.
If the Makerspace doesn't interest you, the library has plenty of other programming to keep you busy.
There are various types of story times for certain age groups. There's jazzercise for adults on the rooftop and recreational dance for tweens and teens.
The auditorium is a space for a variety of events.
Members of the Florida Orchestra's staff came into the library for an "instrument petting zoo." Lois Ancona, a board member of the Florida Orchestra Guild of St. Petersburg, Michelle Kim-Painter, the director of education and community at Florida Orchestra, and Christina Lai, a manager of education and community for Florida Orchestra, talked about the organization and the assorted instruments they brought with them.
Children learned about the instruments and had the opportunity to try them out.
Kim-Painter said the instrument petting zoo could spark an interest in a child, or those of any age.
The auditorium and conference rooms also are used for educational seminars.
These types of programs were never available when I was growing up. If they were, I would have been at my local library far more often.
Hopefully you can find the time to drop into the Lakewood Ranch Library and find your day just as interesting.
