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Sarasota News Leader June 14, 2013 OPINION Page 68 ENJOY SUMMER AT THE SARASOTA COUNTY LIBRARIES By Karen Eastmoore Contributing Writer COMMENTARY Ahhhh, summer in Florida: that wonderful time of year when the pace of life slows down, the kids are out of school and there is time to try new things. What a perfect time to explore your award-winning Sarasota County Library! The Sarasota County Library system was named the 2012 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association. If you have not been to one of our nine libraries recently, you are in for a treat. You will still find shelves of books, CDs and DVDs — and a willing librarian to help you. at most locations, including a Spanish book club at the Selby Library. A Downton Abbey "support group" is forming at the North Port Library for fans of the PBS series. And, what could be better than rocking and reading on the Osprey Library back porch? The library is also a great place for your kids this summer. How many times have you heard, "There's nothing to do?" Your county library has the answer to that. There are dozens of activities for toddlers and teens, and everyone in between. Your teenager can enjoy the Teen Program at the Fruitville Library. There are Anime/Manga clubs and Lego building groups at Gulf Gate and other libraries. There is even Wii Fun at Jacaranda and X-Box gaming nights for "tweens" at the Venice Library. You will also find hundreds of e-books to download to your e-reader. The e-book is yours for several weeks and then magically it is gone. You do not even have to worry about For families, there are movie nights, board returning it! games and family crafts. Adults can find many resources at our libraries. Are you challenged by a new smartphone For every child from birth to age 18, there is or tablet? The Venice Library has classes to the Summer Reading Program to build and help you get started or learn more. Are you keep reading skills sharp over the summer. struggling with your plants? Master Gardener Sign up began June 1. Research shows that classes are offered at the Elsie Quirk, Jaca- during summer vacation, many students lose randa and other libraries. The North Sarasota one to three months' worth of what they Library offers career help in partnership with learned in the prior school year. By encourGoodwill Industries. There are book clubs aging reading achievement, this program can