Reading a good book can bring sunshine to anyone’s day, especially if you bring your book along with you on an excursion to one of the many beautiful state parks located throughout Florida. But how can you truly make reading an adventure while out on a park excursion? Officials from both the Hernando County Library and Florida State Park have some great ideas for the ultimate sunny day here in Florida.
The Hernando County Public Library has announced that as a part of the Real Florida Reader program, state park passes are available to be checked-out at any of the four locations of the Hernando County Library System. Provided in partnership between Florida State Parks, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services, and public libraries throughout Florida, these passes can be used to attain a single day-use entry for a one passenger vehicle containing up to eight people at the majority of Florida state parks, excluding Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Pier State Park, and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Passes can be checked-out to an adult on a first-come-first-serve basis, for a circulation period of four days. The program will end on September 12, 2022. “School may be out for the summer, but there are plenty of ways to take learning outside as a family!” said Cynthia Loftis-Culp, library services director of the Hernando County public library system. “Check out our library collection of books on nature to plan activities you can do with little ones to help them discover a love of nature. These educational and fun books are perfect for getting children outdoors this summer, without breaking the bank!”
“A visit to one of Florida’s state parks goes hand-in-hand with a visit to the library,” agrees DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “We welcome all Floridians to read about our state’s diverse environment and culture and then get outside and experience these natural wonders firsthand.”
The entire purpose of the Real Florida Reader program is to advance outdoor access for all Floridians through the Real Florida Reader Program. Thanks to a partnership among the Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services, library patrons can use the Real Florida Reader pass at more than 170 participating state parks.
The program coincides with the 2022 library summer reading theme of “Oceans of Possibilities.” In Hernando County, participating students are discovering books and crafts that teach them about boats, fish, real-life sea monsters, waters of the world, mermaids and ocean myths, whales and pirates, sharks, etc.
“We are proud to partner with Florida State Parks to offer park passes in Florida’s public libraries,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Florida has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Real Florida Reader initiative provides the perfect opportunity for Floridians to get outside this summer to explore Florida’s natural treasures.” Floridians without a library card can sign up at their local libraries in order to take part in this program. In Hernando County, library branches can be found at the locations listed below.
Frederick Eugene Lykes Jr. Memorial Library
238 Howell Avenue
Brooksville, FL 34601
Hours:
Monday through Wednesday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
East Hernando Branch
6457 Windmere Road
Brooksville, FL 34602
Hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday and Monday – CLOSED
West Hernando Branch
Staffordene T. Foggia Memorial Library
6335 Blackbird Avenue
Brooksville, FL 34613
Hours:
Monday through Wednesday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Spring Hill Branch
Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library
9220 Spring Hill Drive
Spring Hill, FL 34608
Hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday and Monday – CLOSED
