NWRLS Library Locations
Headquarters:
Bay County Public Library
850-522-2100
Panama City Beach
850-233-5055
Parker
850-871-3092
Springfield
850-872-7510
Corinne Costin
Gibson Memorial Library
Port St. Joe
850-229-8879
Charles Whitehead
Public Library
Wewahitchka
850-639-2419
Harrell Memorial
Public Library
Bristol
850-643-2247
Jimmy Weaver
Memorial Library
Hosford
850-379-3300
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Featured Items
Alexis's Cupcake Cupid
by Coco Simon
Reserve a copy
Alexis makes a special valentine cupcake for her crush, Emma's brother Matt, and leaves it next to his computer, but when he starts acting strangely around her, Alexis rethinks her strategy.
The Assassin
by Clive Cussler
Reserve a copy
The detective Issac Bell investigates the murders of opponents of the Standard Oil trust in 1905.
The Dead Play On: A Cafferty & Quinn Novel
by Heather Graham
Reserve a copy
Musicians are being murdered in New Orleans, and Cafferty and Quinn are called upon to solve murders the police can't -- or won't.
Dead Wake
by Erik Larson
Reserve a copy
The story of the last voyage of the Lusitania as she sailed from New York to Liverpool during World War I.
Cuba Straits
by Randy Wayne White
Reserve a copy
When a friend who runs a lucrative smuggling operation goes missing after selling a valuable cache of letters written by Fidel Castro, Doc Ford discovers that the letters may have contained a powerful secret.
Endangered: A Joe Pickett Novel
by C.J. Box
Reserve a copy
When his 18-year-old ward is found beaten in a ditch, Montana game warden Joe Pickett suspects her boyfriend, a rodeo star.
Every Day I Fight
by Stuart Scott
Reserve a copy
A memoir by the ESPN anchor and commentator who died of cancer in January 2015.
The Buried Giant
by Kazuo Ishiguro
Reserve a copy
In a semi-historical ancient Britain, an elderly couple set out in search of their son.
Last One Home
by Debbie Macomber
Reserve a copy
Three estranged sisters work to resolve their differences.
Prodigal Son
by Danielle Steel
Reserve a copy
Twins, one good and one bad, reunite after 20 years when one of them returns to their hometown.
All the Old Knives
by Olen Steinhauer
Reserve a copy
A CIA case officer meets with a former colleague and lover to try to understand a massacre in Vienna in 2006.
Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Capture Your Data and Control Your World
by Bruce Schneier
Reserve a copy
A security expert offers tips for protecting your privacy and proposes an alternative to mass surveillance by government and corporations.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
[DVD]
Reserve a copy
When the Tablet of Akmenrah seems to be causing problems, the exhibits at the museum and former guard Larry Daley travel to the British Museum to solve the mystery.
The Stranger
by Harlan Coben
Reserve a copy
Adam and Hannah confront the shocking secret on which their marriage was built, leaving Adam to wonder whether he truly knew his wife at all, and soon he stumbles into a dark conspiracy that places lives at risk.
A Dangerous Place
by Jacqueline Winspear
Reserve a copy
Arriving in turbulent 1937 Gibraltar in the aftermath of a tragedy, Maisie Dobbs raises the British Secret Service's suspicions through her involvement in the murder of a Sephardic Jewish photographer.
A High End Finish
by Kate Carlisle
Reserve a copy
When her blind date who she'd had to forcefully rebuff is found dead, contractor Shannon Hammer must investigate to clear her name. First in a new series.
The Accidental Empress
by Allison Pataki
Reserve a copy
Novel based on the life of Sisi, the Austro-Hungarian Empress and captivating wife of Emperor Franz Joseph.
The Amish Clockmaker
by Mindy Starns Clark
Reserve a copy
Book 3 in the Men of Lancaster County series that explores the men of an Amish community, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.
At the Water's Edge
by Sara Gruen
Reserve a copy
The gripping story of a privileged young woman's moral and sexual awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a Scottish Highland village.
Back in the Game
by Lori Wilde
Reserve a copy
Welcome to Stardust, Texas, where dreams come true and love is always right around the corner.
Betty Bunny Loves Easter
by Michael B. Kaplan
Reserve a copy
Betty Bunny wants to be the Easter Bunny when she grows up, but is having a difficult time finding eggs during the neighborhood Easter egg hunt.
Dark Debt: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel
by Chloe Neill
Reserve a copy
A vampire never gets old. But neither do his enemies. When a figure from Ethan's past makes a splashy debut in Chicago, Merit and her Master don't know whether he's friend or foe.
The Fifth Heart
by Dan Simmons
Reserve a copy
Sherlock Holmes and Henry James come to America to solve the mystery of the death of Clover Adams. The suspected foul play in her death may involve matters of national importance.
Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
by Elisha Goldstein
Reserve a copy
Dr. Goldstein uses mindfulness and self-compassion techniques along with innovations in neuroscience to release natural antidepressants in the brain.
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NWRLS is a department
of Bay County |
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Thank you for choosing to receive the library newsletter, where you will learn about upcoming programs and the many services provided in our libraries.
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National Library Week Events
Bay County Public Library
The Great Library Camp Out
April 14th @ 3:30 p.m.
Kids, come sit around the campfire, view displays, and learn more about wildlife in Camp Helen and Eden Gardens State Parks!
Jazz Concert
April 15th @ 6 p.m.
Join us for a free jazz concert sponsored by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries; light refreshments served. Concert features Steve Gilmore on bass and Jimmy Ward on guitar and vocals. Space is limited; pick up your ticket today at the library or email
[email protected].
Charles Whitehead Memorial Library in Wewahitchka
After School Story Hour
April 14th @ 3:30 p.m. (Suggested ages: K to 5th)
Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
Bring Your Own Device Workshop
April 18th @ 11 a.m.
Bring your device and learn about our website, e-books, and downloadable audiobooks and magazines.
Panama City Beach Public Library
Community Brainstorm Celebration
Stop by during the week and share your dreams for your library!
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Money Smart Week @ the Bay County Public Library
Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. We're offering three great programs to help you do that!
Basic Couponing Class with the Qpon Qween
April 22nd @ 2 p.m.
You will learn the benefits of using coupons; keywords to know to maximize your savings; and the benefits of shopping at drugstores.
This is a free class, but please pre-register by calling 522-2120 or email
[email protected] so we know how many people are coming.
Basic Finances with Hancock Bank
April 23rd @ 2 p.m.
Hancock Bank Branch Manager Brenda Parker will provide information on budgeting, your credit, and how to prevent identity theft. No need to pre-register for this free class.
How to Start a Home-Based Business
April 24th @ 10 a.m.
Johnny Branch with the Small Business Development Center will provide information on how to start your own home-based business. No need to pre-register for this free class.
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Olga Guy Art Exhibit @ Your Library
The art of Olga Guy, a professional watercolor artist who specializes in subjects of nature, will be on display at the Bay County Public Library through the month of April.
Born in Honduras in 1979, Olga took an interest in art at an early age. After earning a degree in computer programming, she relocated to London and later to Malawi where she worked with orphans creating art. Olga made Panama City her home in 2009 where the beauty of St. Andrews Bay and the marine life became a vital part of her inspiration.
In 2013, she joined the Panama City Artists Association and became the Public Relations Representative when she realized that supporting and promoting local artists is very important to the Bay County community.
She has participated in numerous exhibits in different galleries in Florida. Last year her painting "Tropical Aquarium" won First Place in the Bay County Fair Art Show; she also received an Honorable Mention for her "Koi Fish" painting.
Olga's paintings are displayed at the CityArts Gallery, where she has been a Creative Director for the last two years.
Find out more about Olga's work on Facebook at Olga Guy Art & Photography.
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Research Databases @ Your Library
The Northwest Regional Library System subscribes to many research databases, most of which can be accessed from anywhere with your library card number. To get to our databases, go to our website at
www.nwrls.com, click on Research and then on Databases.
Here's a brief overview of what some of our research databases offer:
Books & Authors
Looking for a good book, but not sure where to start? This resource provides new ways to explore the endless possibilities and combinations of books, authors, and topics.
Encyclopaedia Brittanica
This resource provides a full encyclopedia at your fingertips. Great for homework!
EBSCOHost
Provides a wide range of e-books in PDF format. Subjects include cooking, home and garden, crafts and collectibles, history, children and adult fiction, and so much more!
Florida Electronic Library
Provides a gateway to electronic magazines, newspapers, almanacs, encyclopedias, books, and the "Ask a Librarian" reference service.
GALE Cengage Learning
Search a wide variety of resources such as Academic OneFile, Criminal Justice Collection, Florida Newspaper Database, Educator's Reference Complete, Fine Arts and Music Collections, General Science Collection, and Small Business Collection. Resources cover health, education, career, business, and homework.
HeritageQuest
Provides online genealogy resources such as census records, Revolutionary War records, Freedman's Bank records, and more. (See the article below for more information.)
LearningExpress Library
This interactive online learning platform features over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and e-books related to job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college entrance and graduate school admissions exam preparation, GED exam preparation, and basic skills improvement in reading, writing, and math for all ages.
The following resources must be used at the library:
American Ancestors
This resource is only available on the premises of the Bay County Public Library. Whether your family came to this country in the 17th century or the 20th century, this resource offers access to an incredible collection of primary materials and other resources that can make your research productive and rewarding.
Ancestry.com
This resource is only available on the premises of the Bay County Public Library and the Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe. This resource can be used to search census and voter lists; birth, marriage, and death certificates; military records; immigration and travel records; and newspapers and publications.
NewspaperARCHIVE
This resource is only available on the premises of the Bay County Public Library. NewspaperARCHIVE is a great resource for historical and genealogical information. This unique archive spans more than 400 years of family history, small-town events, world news, and more.
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Free Genealogical Research Tool You Can Use at Home
HeritageQuest Online is a genealogical research tool available for use at home with a Northwest Regional Library System library card. The database has six main collections:
U.S. Federal Census records from 1790-1940 with images and map
28,000 full-text genealogy books and local histories and 20,000 city directories
Freedman's Bank records with more than 480,000 names of African-American bank applicants and their families from 1865-1874
Revolutionary War records, including the complete
Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files
U.S. Congressional Serial Set which has petitions to the U.S. Congress since 1789
Periodical Source Index Archive (PERSI) which includes 2.3 million records indexing genealogical periodicals around the world
 To find HeritageQuest, simply navigate to
www.nwrls.com, hover over
Research in the main menu, and click
Databases. Type in your 14-digit library card number (no spaces) when prompted. Click on the image for HeritageQuest -- and then you are in!
If you have not visited HeritageQuest since February 2015, make sure to visit again. HeritageQuest is now powered by Ancestry.com, making this tool more visually appealing and similar to Ancestry to search.
For any questions about this resource or other genealogical search tools available through your library, please call the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2132.
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Genealogy After Hours
Research your family at the Bay County Public Library after closing with assistance from staff and members of the Genealogical Society on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The deadline to sign up is April 9, 2015. Space is limited to 12 participants.
Call 522-2132 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reserve your spot.
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Book Clubs
BCPL Book Club
April 9, 2015 @ 10 a.m.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron
The BCPL Book Club meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Bay County Public Library Meeting Room.
Books in Motion: BCPL Book & Film Club
April 22, 2015 @ 5:30 p.m.
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
Film begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Bay County Public Library Meeting Room followed by a brief discussion. We encourage you to read the book first, but if you haven't, that's okay - please join us for the movie.
Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.
 Beach Book Club
April 1, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m.
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
The Beach Book Club meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Panama City Beach Public Library.
Library Book Club
April 13, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m.
The Great Tide by Rubylea Hall
The Library Book Club meets the 2nd Monday of each month @ 10:30 a.m. at the Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe.
History Club
May 4, 2015 @ 10 a.m.
Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky
The History Club reads fiction and nonfiction history and meets bimonthly in the Bay County Public Library Meeting Room.
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Author Michael Lister
 Author Michael Lister will be talking about and signing his latest John Jordan mystery novel, Innocent Blood, and screening his John Jordan short film, Spilled Blood, on April 8th @ 6 p.m. at the Bay County Public Library.
Please join us for this exciting event! Here's more about this fabulous new book:
Every great character has a past.
Few are as entertaining, as thrilling, or as tragic as that of ex-cop turned prison chaplain John Jordan.
When he was twelve years old, he came face to face with the man who would be convicted of the Atlanta Child Murders.
Six years later, John returned to Atlanta determined to discover who was truly responsible for all the slaughtered innocents.
But first he must ascertain whether or not LaMarcus Williams belongs on the infamous list of missing and murdered children.
The questions in the case are many, the answers few.
Who killed LaMarcus Williams? How was he abducted from his own backyard while his mom and sister watched him? Is he a victim of the Atlanta Child Murderer that didn't make the list or is his killer still out there, still operating with impunity?
Experience the events that shaped one of the most unique characters in all of crime fiction.
Accompany John during his first spiritual awakening, his first battles with alcoholism, his first forays and fallings into love, and his very first murder investigation.
Get answers and gain insight into the investigator, the minister, the man.
See how John Jordan took his first faltering steps toward becoming the man he is today.
Every great character has a past, but it's not often you're allowed to witness it the way you will John Jordan's in the portrait of a detective as a young man that is
Innocent Blood.
Innocent Blood just received a starred review from
Publishers Weekly
, and many reviewers are saying it's the best book in the series.
Don't miss this special event!
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Dear Dewey is designed to help information flow to and from your Library. If you have library or information access questions, just Ask Dewey!
Send your Dear Dewey questions to: [email protected]. Put Dear Dewey in the Subject Line and Dewey will respond!
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Dear Dewey,
I'm looking for fellow avid readers. Does the Library have any book clubs? - Louis
Dear Louis,
Yes! The Library facilitates book clubs in the Bay County, Panama City Beach, and Port St. Joe libraries.
The BCPL Book Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Bay County Public Library.
The Books in Motion Book and Film Club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Bay County Public Library. (April and May meetings will be on the 3rd Wednesday.)
The History Book Club meets on Mondays every other month at 10 a.m. at the Bay County Public Library.
The Beach Book Club meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Panama City Beach Public Library.
The Library Book Club meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port. St. Joe.
The meeting dates and times are always listed in the Event Calendar on the Library web page at
www.nwrls.com.
To access the full calendar:
Dear Dewey,
How do I get a Library card? - Parker Newbie
Dear Parker Newbie,
Welcome to the area! Getting a library card is easy and FREE! All you have to do is bring a picture ID with a local address or a picture ID and a local bill to your library, and they will set you up with a new card and PIN.
Dear Dewey,
I live on the Beach, but the book I want is at the Springfield library. Can I get it delivered to the Beach library? - Jane B.
Dear Jane B.,
Yep! The Northwest Regional Library System includes 8 libraries, and you can request an item to be delivered to a branch nearest you via the Library Catalog. To do this, you will need your Library Card number (on the back of your card) and a PIN. Then:
Go to the Library Catalog:
http://ls2pac.nwrls.com Search the catalog by typing in the author, title, or keywords in the search box at the top of the page
Click on
Search
If the item you want is at another branch (or checked out), click on
Place Hold.
Enter your
Library Card number and
PIN*
Click on
Log In
Choose the
Pickup Location
Click on
Submit Hold
Your local branch will contact you when your item has arrived.
*Forgot your PIN? No problem! Just call 522-2100 and the staff will help you set one up.
___________________________________
Have a Dear Dewey Question? Dewey wants to hear from you!
Simply email Dewey at
[email protected].
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Ongoing Events @ Your Library
Bay County Public Library in Panama City
 Book Babies (Suggested ages: 0 to 17 months)
Tuesdays @ 9:30 a.m.
Terrific Tots (Suggested ages: 18 to 36 months)
Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (Suggested ages: 3 to 5 years)
Thursdays @ 10:30 a.m.
English as a Second Language - Pre-Beginners (A, B, Cs)
Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
English as a Second Language - Beginners
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
English as a Second Language - Intermediate
Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
English as a Second Language - Advanced
Mondays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
English as a Second Language - Conversation & Pronunciation
Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
US Citizenship Class
Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Charles Whitehead Public Library in Wewahitchka
Capital Area Community Action Agency
Tuesdays @ 9 a.m.
Energy assistance program. Please call 850-653-8057 to schedule an appointment.
CareerSource Gulf Coast Disabled Veterans Outreach Program
3rd Thursday of the month after 1 p.m.
Program to assist veterans. Either call 850-872-4340 ext. 105 to schedule an appointment or drop by the library after 1 p.m.
 Wee Read
(Suggested ages: Preschoolers)
Mondays @ 11:30 a.m.
After School Program
(Suggested ages: K to 5th grade)
2nd Tuesday of the month @ 3:30 p.m.
Keen Tween (Suggested ages: 3rd to 6th grade)
4th Thursday of the month @ 3:30 p.m.
Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
Tuesday Tales (Suggested ages: 0 to 36 months)
Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m.
Harrell Memorial Public Library in Bristol
Craft Day
Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford
 Craft Day
Thursdays all day
Family History Workshop
Thursdays @ 4 p.m.
Storytime
Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m.
Needlework @ Your Library
Every other Saturday @ 12:30 p.m.
Panama City Beach Public Library
Book Babies
(Suggested ages: 0 to 2 years)
Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.
Beach Kids
(Suggested ages: K to 5th)
Wednesdays @ 3 p.m.
PCB Storytime
(Suggested ages: 3 and up)
Thursdays @ 10 a.m.
Sea Needles
invites all needle-crafters to share the fun.
Fridays @ 10 a.m.
English as a Second Language -- Intermediate with Conversation & Pronunciation
Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
AARP Tax Aide
- free volunteer tax preparation through April 15th
Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Computer Classes @ Your Library
Bay County Public Library
Computer Basics Part 1 of 2
Tuesday, April 7, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Learn to identify computer components and use common elements of a Windows-based operating system, navigate software, and save/store files. Prerequisite: None.
Computer Basics Part 2 of 2
Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Learn the basic features of the Mozilla Firefox web browser, learn the difference between a search box and URL box, and learn to evaluate a website's content. Prerequisite: Computer Basics Part 1 or equivalent experience.
iPad for Seniors
Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Library staff will demonstrate library resources that can be used on an iPad, including downloadable e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines, and using the online catalog to search for books and place requests. Staff will also be on hand to answer questions and help each attendee set up their iPad for successful library use. Prerequisite: None.
Word 2007 Part 1 of 2
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Learn to navigate Microsoft Word 2007, some text basics and how to open and save a document. Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent experience.
Word 2007 Part 2 of 2
Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Work with formatting tools that allow you to create professional looking documents. Prerequisite: Word 2007 Part 1 or equivalent experience.
iPad for Seniors
Monday, April 27, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Library staff will demonstrate library resources that can be used on an iPad, including downloadable e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines, and using the online catalog to search for books and place requests. Staff will also be on hand to answer questions and help each attendee set up their iPad for successful library use. Prerequisite: None.
Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
Bring Your Own Device Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Bring your own device and learn about our website, e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and free digital magazines through Zinio.
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Libraries Closed
 All locations of the Northwest Regional Library System will be closed on the following days:
Friday, April 3, 2015 in observance of Good Friday
Sunday, April 5, 2015 in observance of Easter
Need a book or magazine to read in the meantime? Check out our e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and free digital magazines at
http://www.nwrls.com/ebooksandmore.html.
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VHS by the Pound Sale in Liberty County
 From Monday, April 13, 2015 through Monday, April 27, 2015, both Liberty County libraries will be selling VHS cassettes @ 50 cents per pound.
Here's how it works:
A 1-pound minimum is required.
All weights are rounded down to the nearest whole pound.
VHS cassettes are weighed in their packaging and sold as is.
For more information, please call 643-2247 or 379-3300.
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Staff Anniversaries
Fiction Specialist Vicki Patterson and Young Adult Specialist Tania Watts were recently recognized by the Bay County Board of County Commissioners for their years of service to the Bay County Public Library.
Vicki has been here 40 years, and Tania has been here 25 years. We are fortunate to have great staff like Vicki and Tania at the Northwest Regional Library System!
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AARP Tax Aide @ PCB Library
Through April 15th, the AARP Tax Aide is offering free volunteer tax preparation on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Panama City Beach Public Library. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, please visit
aarp.org.
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