The Clearwater Main Library will host a free rooftop celebration on Thursday, July 17, to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday, highlighting a month of free community events for Clearwater residents.

The celebration will be held at the library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., and will feature live music, cookies and sparkling juice, according to the library's event listing. A start time has not been announced.

The event is part of the library's expanded summer rooftop programming.

Library administrative assistant Donna Groce told 83 Degrees Media in May that the rooftop event email list had grown to more than 300 subscribers.

"We said, 'Wow, let's not lose the momentum,'" Groce said, explaining why she and library program specialist Julia Bodolay introduced monthly summer events while the weekly Sunset on the Roof series is on hiatus until November.

The rooftop events have continued to draw strong attendance. An Art Appreciation Night on April 22 attracted about 140 people, while a Sunrise on the Roof event on May 1 drew about 40 attendees. Library Director Jennifer Obermaier launched the original Sunset on the Roof series in 2009.

Splash Storytime returns each Wednesday

Families with young children can also attend the library's free Splash Storytime every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the Clearwater Beach Family Aquatic Center, 51 Bay Esplanade.

Designed for children ages 6 and younger, the program combines stories, music and water play, although children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

The summer series began May 27 and continues throughout the season. Storytime is free, while families who choose to remain for open swim afterward must pay the aquatic center's regular admission fee.

Library officials encourage participants to arrive on time because late arrivals may forfeit their reserved spot. For accessibility accommodations, call (727) 562-4970.

Clearwater Fire & Rescue offers free CPR training

Clearwater Fire & Rescue will offer a free CPR class on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its training facility, 1760 N. Belcher Road.

The four-hour course will be taught by a certified American Heart Association instructor and is open exclusively to Clearwater residents. Advance registration is required through the city's website.

The department's next scheduled CPR class will be held Saturday, Sept. 19.

Upcoming free events

  • Thursday, July 17: America's 250th birthday rooftop celebration with live music and refreshments, Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave.
  • Saturday, July 18: Free CPR class, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Clearwater Fire & Rescue Training Facility, 1760 N. Belcher Road. Registration required for Clearwater residents.
  • Monday, July 21: Sunset Yoga, 6:30-7:30 p.m., The Green at Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., hosted by Clearwater Y In Motion.
  • Wednesday, July 23: Splash Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Clearwater Beach Family Aquatic Center, 51 Bay Esplanade.