St. Pete Beach Public Library news
ST. PETE BEACH — The St. Pete Beach Public Library has set its schedule of upcoming events.
• Monday, June 8, noon-1 p.m. — Painting for Kids with HAPPYSOUL (ages 6+) A joyful, guided painting experience where kids explore their inner world through color, movement, and imagination. This high-energy workshop blends emotional wellness with art in a way that’s fun, freeing, and confidence-building.
• Tuesdays, 10 a.m. — Storytime: This lively story time is perfect for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Explore stories, songs and movement that build early literacy skills and support motor development.
• Tuesday, June 9, 4-5 p.m. — Pokémon Club. Trade, Battle, and Gotta Catch Them All at the library’s first Pokémon Club! The library will have games, crafts, and info about the trading card game, card values and how to spot fake cards.
• Wednesday, June 10, 1-4 p.m.— Mahjong: Bring some friends and play Mahjong. (Not instructional).
• Thursday, June 11, 10 a.m. — Boogie & Bubbles: 20 minutes of music and movement. Great for ages 2-5.
• Thursday, June 11, 2:30 p.m. — Friends of the Library Board meeting.
• Friday, June 12, 12 p.m. — Feature Film: For movie details visit spblibrary.org.
• Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. — Giving Tree Drum Circle: Beat the summer heat and join library patrons indoors for a fun, family-friendly drum circle hosted by Giving Tree Drum Circle. Experience the joy of rhythm, music, and community as participants of all ages come together to drum, connect, and create music in an interactive group setting. No experience is needed, just bring your energy and get ready for a lively summer activity the whole family can enjoy.
• Saturday, June 13, 2-4 p.m. — Tech Help by appointment: Get help with technology basics for phones, computers, and library-related applications. (No repairs). Sign up for a 30-minute appointment here: https://calendly.com/stpbeachlibrary/30min or call at 727-363-9238. Because this program occurs after library hours, all other library services will be suspended during this time.
SPB names Costello new HR director
ST. PETE BEACH — The city of St. Pete Beach has appointed Jody Costello as director of human resources.
Costello brings more than 25 years of public-sector leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, employee and labor relations, workforce planning, and change management, the city said in a press release.
“Jody offers a thoughtful, people-centered approach to leadership and a strong background in organizational development and employee engagement,” said City Manager Frances Robustelli. “We are excited to welcome her to the city of St. Pete Beach and confident that her experience, professionalism, and collaborative mindset will help strengthen our organization and support our continued commitment to serving both our employees and the community. Human Resources plays a vital role in shaping workplace culture, developing talent, and supporting our strategic pillar of operational excellence. We look forward to Jody’s leadership across all these efforts.”
Before joining the city, Costello held senior leadership roles with the Washington State Health Care Authority, where she led enterprise-wide HR strategy, supported large-scale organizational change, strengthened employee relations frameworks, and partnered with executive leadership on workforce, compliance, and operational priorities. Her experience includes leading HR teams, managing complex employee relations matters, supporting labor relations, developing performance management systems, and advancing initiatives that improve workplace culture, accountability, and service delivery.
She holds a bachelor of arts in communications from Western Washington University and maintains several professional certifications, including SHRM-SCP, Prosci Change Management Certification, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and mediation training.
“I am excited to be working with the city of St. Pete Beach and to be part of such a special community,” Costello said. “The employees here care deeply about the work they do and the people they serve, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support them. My goal is to be a collaborative partner, build strong relationships across departments, and help foster a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to the City’s mission.”
Gulf Beaches Library sets activities
MADEIRA BEACH — The Gulf Beaches Public Library has released a schedule of upcoming events:
• Writers Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon
• International Movie: Wednesday, June 10, at 2 p.m. “Increasing Echo.” Chinese.
• Popular Movie: Wednesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. “Last Breath.” 2025.
• Mahjong: Thursdays, 11 a.m. Old and new members welcome.
• Investment Club: Thursdays, 2:30-4 p.m.
• Meditation: Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon. Relax and rejuvenate at the end of the week.
• Scrabble: Fridays, 1-4 p.m.
• Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. ages 2 and under; Fridays at 10:30 a.m. ages 2-4.
• A Novel Book Club: Tuesday, June 9, at 10 a.m. “Cujo” by Stephen King. New to the library, this book club focuses on fiction, from hidden gems to cult favorites.
• Book Lovers Club: Tuesday, June 16, at 10:30 a.m. “Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer” by Steven Johnson.
• Poetry Contest: May 22-June 22. Visit the library website or see staff for entry form. Winners will receive up to $100 cash prizes!
• Adult Summer Reading: Starts June 1. Read a book, tell library staff about it, enter for a chance to win a $30 Barnes & Noble gift card.
• America250: Stop by the library during June and July to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation. Sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence and receive a free flag!
The library is currently taking gently used donations of books — no textbooks, please. It also offers ongoing tech help with library apps like Kanopy, Hoopla, and Libby.
Gulf Beaches Library is located at 200 Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach. Find it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit its website at gulfbeacheslibrary.org.