By Jennifer Hodges, MLIS
Hernando County Public Libraries offer a multitude of programs and events to celebrate library lovers of all ages during National Library Lovers Month in February, and every day throughout the year, including:
Book Discussion & Storytimes
Cooking & Craft Classes
Entertainment & History programs
Technology, Health & Wellness, and Exercise
Literacy, Language, and Outreach events
Gardening, Sustainability, & so much more!
This February, Hernando County Public Libraries is offering all residents the opportunity to participate in the We Love Our Library Bookmark Contest! Visit any Hernando County Library branch during Library Lovers Month and design a bookmark for our annual bookmark contest. Once finished, turn it in at the service desk for a chance to be a featured bookmark artist and have your bookmark printed and distributed during National Reading Month!
February is also a time to recognize the significant contributions of African Americans during Black History Month. Historian Carter G. Woodson launched Black History Week in 1926 during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/writer Frederick Douglass (February 14). Congress expanded it to National Black History Month 50 years later during the nation’s bicentennial celebration, at which time then-President Gerald Ford urged the country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The Spring Hill Branch and the Main Branch are hosting book discussions celebrating Black History Month. Join the Main Branch on Friday, February 2, at 11:30 a.m. to discuss “Finding Me” by Viola Davis. Davis fearlessly opens up about her childhood in poverty, her struggles with racism and discrimination, and the challenges she faced on her path to success.
The Spring Hill Branch is hosting three book discussions celebrating Black History Month. Join us on Tuesday, February 6 at 2 p.m. to discuss excerpts from “The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Tuesday, February 13 at 2 p.m. to discuss Zora Neale Hurston’s last public novel, “Seraph on the Suwanee,” and Tuesday, February 20 at 2 p.m. to discuss an excerpt from “Invisible Man,” the classic 1952 novel by Ralph Ellison.
For more information call the Hernando County Public Library at (352) 754-4043 or visit our online events calendar https://hernandocounty.librarycalendar.com/
Jennifer Hodges is the Branch Supervisor of the Spring Hill Branch Library. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. Jennifer is passionate about Florida libraries and helping the community achieve their goals.
