This year, Citrus Libraries marked year three in an on-going holiday partnership with Marine Toys for Tots to assist in distributing books to children in the community. Citrus County Toys for Tots Coordinator, Paul Pilny, learned in November that they would be receiving more than 800 new books to go...
Every month, Citrus Libraries features a volunteer in their “Outside the Stacks” blog on the library’s website. This month, our Adult Literacy Services team would like to shine a spotlight on Sharon Blow, a longtime volunteer who volunteers at the Homosassa, Central Ridge and Floral City branches where she teaches...
A whole new user experience for the library’s online catalog will be unveiled on Monday, December 11, 2023 to the Citrus Libraries patrons! These exciting new changes will allow patrons to access the library’s physical and digital materials with a simpler, more intuitive experience. Some of the new features will include: Easy...
On the morning of December 16, 1944, more than 200,000 German troops and nearly 1,000 tanks crashed into Allied lines in the Ardennes Forrest. The sudden and concentrated attack was immediately successful in completely surprising Allied forces. The Allies’ reaction was swift and effective. Within a few weeks, the Allies...
Hop “across the pond” this November and explore the culture and history of the United Kingdom at the Coastal Region Library in Crystal River! On Friday, December 1 at 1:00 PM, join Gary Kuhl for an exploration of the beautiful scenery of Ireland and Scotland. Participants will get a chance...
Dinosaurs have captured the human imagination for years, it doesn’t matter if you’re a kid carry a plastic T-Rex through the museum or an adult watching a velociraptor in the Jurassic Park movies. But how do we know everything we do about these creatures? Understanding animals nobody has ever seen...
The Nature Coast has some of the most beloved scenery in the nation. Whether you’re a new or longtime resident it never seems to lose its charm. Calling attention to and actively working on preserving this ecosystem will make sure it can be enjoyed for generations to come. Linda Wilinski...
The Floral City Library will be hosting their monthly Heritage Hour program on Florida's First Thanksgiving later this month. Heritage Hour is a program focused on exploring and honoring the history of the Floral City community and is open to seniors and adults. This program will explore what the first Thanksgiving...
In April 2022 the Lakes Region branch in Inverness opened the first Seed Library, with our second one launching at the Homosassa branch in July. In November 2022, the Coastal Region branch in Crystal River opened the third Seed Library for Citrus Libraries. Earlier this year, the Friends of the...
There are not many things in our world that are truly free any longer. We often encounter fine print disclaimers, alluring promises with subliminal stipulations and catches that will frustrate any consumer, however, what if I told you that among the many free services and programs that your Citrus County...
Take a trip into prehistoric days to learn about a long-extinct creature who once roamed North America. On Monday, November 20, at 2:00 PM, join us at the Coastal Region Library in Crystal River for “Oreodont, the Ruminating Hog,” an all-ages program hosted by the SETS Foundation. Participants will...
Did you know that Citrus County is full of hiking trails just waiting to be explored? On Friday, November 17 at 10:30 AM—National Hiking Day!—join the Florida Trail Association for “Let’s Hike Citrus,” an exploration of our local trails, hosted by the Coastal Region Library in Crystal River! Participants...
Every month, the Citrus County Library System features a volunteer in their “Outside the Stacks” blog on their website. This month, the Floral City Library would like to shine the spotlight on Natalia. We asked Natalia several questions and we wanted to share her responses! Q: Has volunteering changed how you...
We all know that reading is fun, but not the most social of hobbies. For a lot of people that’s probably their favorite part of reading! But what about when you read that one book that just blows you away with its amazing characters or sudden plot twist? Who do...
Veterans Day is a time dedicated to honoring America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good of our nation. As Veterans Day approaches, Citrus Libraries invites the community to honor the veterans in their life by participating in our “Salute...
Model building is a fantastic hobby that requires dedication and attention to detail to create a life like copy of anything; from cars, to planes, and even famous buildings. There’s nothing you can’t hold in the palm of your hand! Join master builder of over 50 years, Stephen Thein, as...
International Games Month is an initiative focused on reconnecting communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games. Gaming can take on a lot of different forms; board games, pen and pencil, digital, or just totally made up! Join us at the Central...
Our five senses are how we gather information and know how to interact with the environment around us. It’s estimated that our senses take in nearly 11 million bits of information per second! When looking at a number like that, it’s easy to understand how we can begin to feel...
Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? There’s no time like the present, and there’s no place like the library! November is National Novel Writing Month, abbreviated NaNoWriMo. Aspiring novelists around the world aspire to write 50,000 words in one month. Whether you’re hoping to hit this goal or...
Are you already a writer who’s looking for their big break? Are you someone looking to get started but aren’t sure where to even begin? Established in 1999, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) began simply as a way to get people writing, with the goal of writing 50,000 words in the...
The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages parents to read books with their newborn, infant, and toddler. The goal is to read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten. Reading together helps children develop important pre-literacy skills that are needed to provide...
Citrus County Library System offers weekday technology classes on a variety of topics. For those who may not be able to attend weekday classes or those who feel studious on a bright Saturday morning, we offer classes for you! Interested in embracing the virtual world of dating opportunities? Check out the...
When most of us think of pottery, we might picture the lone artist throwing clay onto a wheel to produce their items—however, pottery wheels were not used in the Americas prior to European contact. As such, Native Americans have a long and varied history of using coiling and hand-building techniques...
For those on the go, or those that just want more time to themselves, the thought of planning and cooking dinner can quickly become overwhelming. The concern of keeping dinner interesting and healthy can quickly make eating out seem like the best option for you or your family. It’d definitely...
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. SHINE services and programs are free, unbiased and confidential. One of the programs that SHINE offers in Citrus County libraries is Medicare 101. In this informative presentation, SHINE will provide unbiased...
Did you know there are two solar eclipses happening in the next year? Saturday, October 14 Citrus County will experience an Annular Eclipse and on April 8, 2024 we’ll get to see another partial eclipse. The last time an eclipse was visible in Florida was 2017, and the next total...
Exciting changes are on their way to the Lakes Region Library in Inverness! The 15,000-square-foot facility, which opened its doors on Sunday, November 22, 1987, saw over 100,000 materials circulate last year and welcomed over 50,000 visitors. While the library has changed in the last 35 years, notably including...
Every month, the Citrus County Library System features a volunteer in their “Outside the Stacks” blog on their website. This month, the Homosassa Library would like to shine the spotlight on Rose. We asked Rose several questions and we wanted to share her responses! Q: What has been one of your...
Celebrate Native American heritage this fall at your local library with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN)! Join FPAN for “Shell Middens and Ceremonial Centers,” a presentation of the evidence left behind by the dynamic Indigenous cultures that cultivated the Florida coastline. In this program, attendees will learn about how...
Whether it’s painting their dinner plate with strained carrots or coloring all over the walls, children naturally want to leave their mark on the world. They learn early on that making sounds with their mouths and making scribbles on paper (or other surfaces) are ways to communicate. Reading and writing...
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when the nation’s public libraries highlight the value of a library card. Citrus Libraries is kicking-off the festivities by bringing back some fan favorites! Once again this year we will be partnering with the Friends of the Library to bring you “Refer-a-Friend” which...
Ahoy, matey! The Coastal Region Library invites you to come learn about pirates—that is, of course, unless you’d rather walk the plank! Pirates are more than just buried treasure, peg-legs, and eye patches. During the 1700s, pirates roamed the Atlantic and declared themselves “villains of all nations,” upending trade and dodging...
Every month, the Citrus County Library System features a volunteer in their “Outside the Stacks” blog on their website. This month, the Central Ridge Library would like to shine the spotlight on Reva. We asked Reva several questions and we wanted to share her responses! 1.Why did you start volunteering? It is...
By September 1944, the juggernaut of U.S. military might had punctured the inner defense ring of the Japanese Pacific Empire and brought U.S. forces closer to the liberation of the Philippines. American planners targeted two islands in the Palau Island group – one of which was Peleliu – in an...
On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, Citrus County Fire Rescue will provide a special presentation on Fire Safety for Seniors. Fire prevention and emergency management training is essential to prevent and stop fires. The Fire Safety for Seniors presentation will discuss smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and general...
When most of us think of gemstones, we think of diamonds, sapphires, rubies or emeralds, bright and sparkling rocks formed over the span of millions of years through the process of heat and pressure. Those traditional gemstones that we so covet are formed from a variety of minerals deep within...
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 5:30 P.M., join the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office at the Coastal Region Library in Crystal River for a presentation about crime prevention for seniors. The world can feel like a frightening place, and knowing how to prevent crime, as well as protect yourself,...
Any native Floridian knows that hurricane season can be temperamental at best. Sometimes we get off easy, and other times can be an uphill battle against the elements. For anyone that’s been through storms in the past you probably have a decent idea of when to buy your supplies and...
There are tons of genealogy resources online and in print, so taking the plunge into genealogy research can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to be! Citrus Libraries and the Citrus County Genealogical Society are there to help you know what’s available through your local library...
IT’S ALIVE! The Coastal Region Book Club will convene on Wednesday, September 27, at 1:00 P.M. at the Coastal Region Library to discuss classic horror novels. Participants can choose one of three books to read, and are invited to come make new friends and discuss why these books—and the...
Calling all fossil fiends! A rare opportunity is coming to the Lakes Region Library in Inverness for anyone with an interest in our prehistoric past in the form of this multi-part library event. Join a team of scientists from the Science Education and Training Support (SETS) Foundation to go through the...
Every month, the Citrus County Library System features a volunteer in their “Outside the Stacks” blog on their website. This month, Coastal Region Library would like to shine the spotlight on Janice “Jan” Powers, a volunteer at the branch since March 2023. We asked Jan several questions and we wanted...
As we age, it's important to maintain a sense of excitement and discovery in our lives, and with the ease and prominence of online shopping, a subscription box might just be the way to go! Subscription boxes offer a wonderful way for seniors to receive curated surprises right at their doorstep....
Have you ever wondered how authors get their ideas, and how those ideas become a page-turning novel? What changes are made to a book in the editing process? Join local author Dylan Newton on Wednesday, August 9 at 3:00 PM at the Coastal Region Library to celebrate National Book Lovers...
C4Con is happening at the Homosassa Library on September 23rd, but the fun starts now! Join your local library branch for C4Countdown! Together, we’re gearing up for September 23rd with exciting geeky programs! From voice acting, and crafts, to Dungeons and Dragons, there’s something for everyone! Let’s-a-go! Gaming is the...
Are you an aspiring writer wondering about publishing options? Or looking for information on your chosen craft? Then join this informational workshop presented by members of the Citrus Writers group on Thursday, July 27 starting at 10:30 AM. Members of the Citrus Writers will discuss their experiences with publishing...
Many Harry Potter fans feel that July 31st should be a national holiday in celebration of Harry’s birthday! Since we know that isn’t possible, the Floral City Library is going to do the next best thing. Join the staff and volunteers in a celebration like no other! Play for the Floral...
The Floral City Library holds a monthly program called Heritage Hour. Each month’s topic centers on a different piece of history for Floral City and Citrus County. Heritage Hour is held the 4th Wednesday of every month at 2pm at the library. July’s topic will be a deep-dive into the vintage...
Looking for an entertaining beach read this summer? Citrus Libraries cardholders are invited to soak up the sun while enjoying an uplifting family drama for free during Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club. From July 13-27, booklovers with a valid library card can join ...
Learning new words can take place anywhere. One of my favorite locations to practice is the produce section of the grocery store or while walking around a produce stand. From apples to zucchini, there is a bounty of fruit and vegetables to discover. Pick up a piece of fruit, say an...