BY MICHELE MILLER
Libraries are often the epicenter of healthy and vibrant communities, a one-stop-shop of sorts, that has long outgrown the constraints of books on shelves.
Today’s library offerings open a world beyond pages, whether it be in computers, learning how to play the ukulele or learn a foreign language. There’s classes and workshops on woodworking, sewing, horticulture.
And there’s art.
The New Port Richey Public Library’s ‘Art on the Move’ program offers patrons the opportunity to check out a piece of original art for a three month span, that they can display in their home or office. A $50 security deposit is required, which is refunded when the art work is returned.
The program, unveiled in Nov. 2019, features work from the collection of Richard Melton, chairman of the city’s Cultural Affairs Committee.
“It’s a good variety – portraits, landscapes, abstracts,” said Victoria Anderson, Resource Management Librarian.
She oversaw a similar program during her tenure with the Iowa City Public Library. That collection featured 400 prints and original pieces of art work, and does not require a security deposit.
Even those who do not check out a piece of art can enjoy it. Some 30 pieces of the collection are hanging on the library wall, with plans for that to be updated.
The New Port Richey’s Art on the Move program is relatively new, Anderson said.
She would like to get the word out.
Art can be especially healing and comforting in a time of pandemic and isolation when people can not get out to museums, she said.
“It’s about inspiring creativity,” Anderson said. “I think it opens doors.”
Art on the Move offers a tangible remedy for those staying close to home while giving patrons an opportunity to get up close and personal with a piece of art.
“When people go to museums, they have to be at a distance, or behind a rope and your time is limited,”Anderson said. “With this (patrons) can check it out and have a relationship with art in their home.”
LIBRARY OFFERINGS
New Port Richey Public Library
5939 Main Street, New Port Richey (727) 853-1279
The library’s new operational hours are
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m..
For enhanced cleaning, the library is closed between 12:30- 2:30 pm.
Capacity and visit lengths are limited. Face coverings and social distancing are required, and computer use is by appointment only. Browsing is available on the first floor, and the youth areas and meeting rooms remain closed at this time. The Library Express Lockers, outdoor book drop (no donations, please) and personal shopper services are available, along with a wealth of virtual resources that are available 24 hours a day, free with your current library card or virtual eCard.
No overdue fines accrued during the closure, and all due dates were extended to June 9. All returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours before available for use again. This will NOT affect late fees. For more information about your account or questions about library services and resources, please call 727.853.1279.
Click here to apply for a library card to access digital resources from home.
Activities
Kids and families are spending more time than ever at home, so what better time than to explore new worlds by reading great stories together? To help groups do this, the New Port Richey Public Library invites you to check out their new “Book Club Bags for Kids” summer option.
PHOTO courtesy Andi Figart
NPR Library Director
Each book club bag includes multiple copies of the same title, discussion questions, and information about how to start or join in a conversation about the book on the Library’s Facebook page. Readers are also encouraged to become book reviewers by posting their review in the online catalog. Perhaps best of all, kids can keep the books as long as they’d like.
Many books are available for all age ranges, interests, and reading levels, so groups have plenty of options.
“With so many scout troops, clubs and other groups unable to meet in person right now, we wanted to do something that would get books
into the hands of kids and teens while inspiring discussions between friends and family as they read together,” said Jessica Meredith, Youth Education Librarian.
- Can’t make it to the library to return your Summer Library Challenge reading log?
Enter your information here each week for your chance to win prizes.
- Reading with the Rays is back! Things look a little different this year, but kids can still read their way to the ballpark all summer long.
For more information on the Reading with the Rays program, visit: http://tampabay.com/nie/raysreading, Find the link to the digital gamecard here: http://raysbaseball.com/READING
Search the catalog, access electronic resources or view your account
Need to print wirelessly? Click here to access wireless printing or download the app!
For more information, contact the New Port Richey Public Library at
727.853.1279 or nprlibrary@nprlibrary.org
