Most public libraries feature similar events, activities and workshops with book clubs, Story Times for children and author birthday celebrations. Some counties, however, have unique features giving each library a unique spin and some fun surprises for new and recurring visitors alike.

Alachua County Library District

The Alachua County Library District features inclusive and educational items for the community to connect, read and learn together with plenty of opportunities and resources. One of these items includes their braille collection of materials advertised for National Braille Literacy Month. They also feature a monthly reading collection, resources for hobbies, events such as their recurring Micanopy Craft ‘n’ Quilt event, ArtSpace adult painting series and support groups. Additionally, Alachua County libraries feature the Millhopper’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where kids can do a variety of workshops in different topics and earn points for their house color.

  • Alachua Branch
    • Where: 14913 NW 140 St., Alachua
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
    • Contact: 386-462-2592
  • Archer Branch
    • Where: 13266 SW State Road 45, Archer
    • When: Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Monday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-493-3367
  • Cone Park Branch
    • Where: 2801 E University Ave., Gainesville
    • When:. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-334-0720
  • Headquarters Library
    • Where: 401 E University Ave., Gainesville
    • When: Monday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
    • Contact: 352-334-3900
  • High Springs Branch
    • Where: 23779 W US Highway 27, High Spring
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
    • Contact: 386-454-2515
  • Library Partnership
    • Where: 912 NE 16 Ave., Gainesville
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-334-0165
  • Micanopy Branch
    • Where: 706 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy.
    • When: Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Monday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-466-3122
  • Millhopper Branch
    • Where: 3145 NW 43 St., Gainesville
    • When: Monday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
    • Contact: 352-334-1272
  • Newberry Branch
    • Where: 110 S Seaboard Dr., Newberry
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
    • Contact: 352-472-1135
  • Tower Road Branch
    • Where: 3020 SW 75 St., Gainesville
    • When: Monday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
    • Contact: 352-333-2840
  • Waldo Branch
    • Where: 15150 NE US Highway 301, Waldo.
    • When: Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Monday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-866-7392

Citrus County Libraries

Citrus County libraries cater to a wider community of any age with events such as Tiny Tales story time for young readers and programs like Elder Options for the older generation with resources like the Elder Helpline, Healthy Aging Programs and more with classes in tech and computer to further serve the community. They also feature a variety of educational activities including more story times, learning crafts, book clubs, the Scientific Education Training and Support Programs events, sewing classes and more.

  • Central Ridge Library
    • Where: 425 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-746-6622
  • Coastal Region Library
    • Where: 8619 W. Crystal St., Crystal River
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-795-3716
  • Floral City Public Library
    • Where: 8360 E. Orange Ave., Floral City
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-726-3671
  • Homosassa Public Library
    • Where: 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-628-5626
  • Lakes Region Library
    • Where: 1511 Druid Rd., Inverness
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-726-2357

Hernando County Library Services

The Hernando County Library Service features a variety of special services for an enjoyable and rewarding time at the libraries. For a treat to those who check out books, the Hernando County Public Library receipt and due date slips act as a free museum pass for 4 guests to one of the five museums in Hernando. Some libraries feature grab and go bags and kits with books and journals as well as book discussions, story times, coloring and more to keep the community engaged in activities and learning.

  • East Hernando Branch Library
    • Where: 6457 Windmere Rd., Brooksville
    • When: Tuesday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday from 12-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday.
  • Hernando County Public Library
    • Where: 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday from 12-8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
  • Springhill Branch Library
    • Where: 9220 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday from 12-8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
  • West Hernando Branch Library
    • Where: 6335 Blackbird Ave., Brooksville
    • When: Tuesday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday from 12-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday.

Contact the Hernando County Library System at 352-754-4043.

 Lake County Library System

The Lake County Library System keep their calendar full of events for families to participate. They host plenty of Story Times across the different libraries for kids to listen to fun stories with more family activities featuring puppet theatres, family board games Friday, crafts, genealogy, quilting and more. They also feature physical and mental wellness classes with journaling, Zumba, yoga and meditation.

  • Astor Branch Lirary
    • Where: 54905 Alco Rd., Astor
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed Friday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-759-9913
  • Cagan Crossings Community Library
    • Where: 16729 Cagan Oaks, Clermont
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-243-1840
  • Cooper Memorial Library
    • Where: 2525 Oakley Seaver Dr., Clermont
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-536-2275
  • East Lake Mini Library
    • Where: 24809 Wallick Rd., Sorrento
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed Friday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-383-9980
  • Eustis Memorial Library
    • Where: 120 North Center St., Eustis
    • When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-357-5686
  • Fruitland Park Library
    • Where: 604 W. Berckman St., Fruitland Park
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-360-6561
  • Lady Lake Public Library
    • Where: 225 W. Guava St., Lady Lake
    • When: Monday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-753-2957
  • Leesburg Public Library
    • Where: 100 E. Main St., Leesburg
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-728-9790
  • Marianne Beck Memorial Library
    • Where: 112 W. Central Ave., Howey-in-the-Hills
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-324-0254
  • Marion Baysinger Memorial County Library
    • Where: 756 W. Broad St., Groveland
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-429-5840
  • Minneola Library
    • Where: 302 West Pearl St., Minneola
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-432-3921, ext. 380
  • Montverde Library
    • Where: 17111 Porter Ave., Montverde
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Friday-Sunday.
    • Contact: 407-469-3838
  • Paisley Branch Library
    • Where: 24954 County Road 42, Paisley
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed Friday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-669-1001
  • Tavares Public Library
    • Where: 314 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares
    • When: Monday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday from 9:30-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-742-6204
  • Umatilla Public Library
    • Where: 412 Hatfield Dr., Umatilla
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-669-3284
  • W.T. Bland Public Library
    • Where: 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora.
    • When: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Contact: 352-735-7180

 Levy County Public Library System

The Levy County Public Library System features programs and events for visitors of all ages to have access to resources and engage in learning opportunities. The recurring programs feature Mini Mondays at the Library where kids can play and read and a teen support group. Some of the libraries also host regular Story Time sessions where kids can listen to fun stories while participating in engaging activities.

  • A. F. Knotts Public Library
    • Where: 11 56 St., Yankeetown
    • When: Monday and Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday from 12-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-447-4212
  • Bronson County Public Library
    • Where: 600 Gilbert St., Bronson
    • When: Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-486-2015
  • Cedar Key Public Library
    • Where: 460 second St., Cedar Key
    • When: Monday and Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-543-5777
  • Luther Callaway Public Library
    • Where: 104 NE 3 St., Chiefland
    • When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-493-2758
  • Williston Public Library
    • Where: 10 SE 1 St., Williston
    • When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday from 12 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-528-2313

Marion County Public Library System

The Marion County Public Library System offers a variety of events and activities for community participation of all ages. Some workshops include gardener plant clinics, crochet, preschool adventures, tech help and more. They also feature guests with themes of dog tales, stargazing, writing and more. Some programs include the YALLA! teen club and the caregiver support series for an educational and active participation in the community in a light-hearted and entertaining environment.

  • Belleview Public Library
    • Where: 13145 SE Highway 484, Belleview
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2500
  • Dunnellon Public Library
    • Where: 20351 Robinson Rd., Dunnellon
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2520
  • Forest Public Library
    • Where: 905 S Highway 314A, Ocklawaha
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2540
  • Fort McCoy Public Library
    • Where: 14660 NE Highway 315, Fort McCoy
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Friday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2560
  • Freedom Public Library
    • Where: 5870 SW 95 St., Ocala
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2580
  • Headquarters Ocala Public Library
    • Where: 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-671-8551
  • Marion Oaks Public Library
    • Where: 295 Marion Oaks Ln., Ocala
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2570
  • Reddick Public Library
    • Where: 15150 NW Gainesville Rd., Reddick
    • When: Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Friday and Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2566
  • Sankofa Public Library
    • Where: 1821 NW 21 Ave., Ocala
    • When: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
    • Contact: 352-438-2550

Sumter County Public Libraries

The Sumter County Library System has a mission to “Inspire, Entertain and Foster Collaboration.” With this mission, they host Kraft Kids designed specifically for preschoolers to learn fun crafts, workshops for first aid, dementia, meditation, file management, how money works for women and more. Guest speakers give detailed discussions on professions. They also feature book clubs and story times with a fun addition of the Pawsome Readers Program where anyone can read to a therapy dog.

  • Bushnell Library
    • Where: 402 N Florida St., Bushnell
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
  • E.C. Rowell Public Library
    • Where: 2810 C-478A, Webster
    • When: Monday-Tuesday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
  • Panasoffkee Community Library
    • Where: 1500 CR 459, Lake Panasoffkee
    • When: Monday-Tuesday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
  • Villages Public Library at Belvedere
    • Where: 325 Belvedere Blvd., The Villages
    • When: Monday-Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
  • Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza
    • Where: 7375 Powell Rd. Ste. 100, Wildwood
    • When: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

Contact the Sumter County Library System at 352-689-4567.