Pasco County Libraries expand makerspaces, checkout items and tech help for residents

Pasco County library managers described a broadening of services that go beyond books, including makerspaces, nontraditional items for checkout and individualized technology help.

Angelo Lorenzo, library division manager, said makerspaces and hands-on programming help patrons learn practical skills at no cost. "People can't believe we have those," Lorenzo said of makerspaces and added that libraries check out items such as "ukuleles," "these tablets for kids to learn on called LaunchPads," bird-watching kits and looms.

Julia Shepherd, a branch manager, emphasized tailored services: one-on-one tech appointments teach basics like creating an email or using a mouse, and staff work to match programming to community requests. "We also offer a lot of, like, technology skills...1 on 1. What is an email? How does a mouse work?" she said.

Staff highlighted early-literacy and engagement programs that feed long-term reading habits: story times, Beanstack reading quests and a summer reading program that brings thousands of children into branches. Book clubs and adult discussion groups were cited as ways to deepen community ties.

Library leaders said they make program decisions after rounds of community input and listening sessions. They encouraged residents to visit branches, try maker activities and log reading in Beanstack for monthly prizes. Specific program budgets and metrics of program impact were not specified in the episode.