Wesley Chapel's two library branches are giving families with young children free reasons to get out of the house in the final days before Pasco County schools reopen Thursday, Aug. 13. Storytimes, a yarn circle and chess lessons round out the week at the Wesley Chapel Library and New River Library.

The Wesley Chapel Library at 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd. has become one of the county's busiest branches since opening in late February. The $11 million facility has drawn more than 32,000 visitors and checked out more than 50,000 items in roughly five months, according to Wesley Chapel Biz. More than 100 children and family members attend Story Time every week, and staff report people waiting outside the doors each morning before the building opens.

"When people are telling you, 'We'd love to see this, we'd love to have that,' that means they care about what's happening," Pasco County Library Director Sean McGarvey said at the library's July 21 ribbon-cutting, as reported by Tampa Bay Beacons.

That demand shows in this week's lineup. Here's what's still ahead:

Yarn for a Cause — Thursday, Aug. 6 A weekly gathering for yarn enthusiasts to share projects, tips and conversation. 6-7 p.m. at New River Library, 34043 State Road 54. Call 813-788-6375.

Toddler Storytime — Friday, Aug. 7 Stories for toddlers and caregivers in two sessions: 10:30-11 a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m. Wesley Chapel Library, 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd. Call 352-518-5064.

Preschool Storytime — Tuesday, Aug. 11 Stories for children ages 3-5 in two sessions: 10:30-11 a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m. Wesley Chapel Library, 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd. Call 352-518-5064.

Earlier this week, the Wesley Chapel Library hosted Baby Storytime for infants and caregivers on Wednesday, and Chess Master-rated coach Rick McKnight led Chess Club sessions for students in grades 4-12 at New River Library. Both are recurring weekly programs.

All programs are free.

The 13,000-square-foot Wesley Chapel Library, part of the Pasco County Library Cooperative's 10-branch system, also hosts Conversation Corner for ESL and literacy tutoring on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The library's weekly programming continues after classes begin Thursday, Aug. 13.