December 28, 2012

Saturday Matinee

Saturday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m.

Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

FREE

Come to the library for a movie adventure into an ancient and mysterious land where Princess Merida makes a decision that defies tradition and creates havoc. Stay after this PG-rated movie for a chance to win the DVD.

For children and families. Participants must register in advance at the Reference Desk or by calling 813-273-3652. Limit of 50 participants.

Funded by the Friends of the Riverview Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Family Motion Commotion

Saturday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m.

John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa

FREE

Move to the rhythm, dance to the beat! Shake and shimmy, tap those feet! Family time is motion time with this 30‐minute program that incorporates music, literacy and fitness for the whole family.

For children and families.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

New Tampa Pokémon League

Saturdays: Jan. 5, 12,
19 and 26 at 10 a.m.

New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

FREE

Join fellow fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the Pokémon video games for fun at the library. Learn the basics of the game and perfect gaming strategies. Participants should bring their own Pokémon playing cards and Nintendo DS. Pokémon league leaders will facilitate the gaming.

For families.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

December 27, 2012

Tail Waggin' Tutors

At three locations:

Friday, Jan. 4 at 4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. at
the Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, W. in Lutz

Thursday, Jan. 17 at 3:30 p.m. at the Brandon
Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

FREE

What happens when children, dogs and books are brought together? The development of happy, confident children who love to read! Children take turns reading to an adorable certified therapy dog.

For children and families.

Presented in partnership with Therapy Dogs International. Funded by the Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Tai Chi With Bonnie Birdsall

Fridays: Jan. 4, 11,
18 and 25 at 1 p.m.;

Tuesdays: Jan. 8, 15,
22 and 29 at 6 p.m.

Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

FREE

Tai Chi reduces stress and increases alertness, flexibility and stamina. This class accommodates students of varying capabilities, from those participating from a chair due to injury to those studying in preparation to teach. Birdsall modifies each movement to meet the individual needs of each student. Participants should wear comfortable clothing.

For adults.

Funded by the Friends of the Jan Platt Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Lutz Area Breastfeeding Support Group

Fridays: Jan. 4
and 18 at 12 p.m.

Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, W. in Lutz

FREE

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but new moms and babies may need some help to learn. Share concerns and receive professional breastfeeding guidance and advice from a Certified Lactation Counselor.

For adult women.

Presented in partnership with the Lutz Area Breastfeeding Support Group. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Yoga 101: Intro To Yoga For Adults

Thursdays: Jan. 3, 10,
17, 24 and 31 at 12:15 p.m.;

Sundays: Jan. 6, 13,
20 and 27 at 2:30 p.m.

Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

FREE

Yoga is an activity that can help heal the mind, body and soul. In this one-hour class, Erin Wheeler of Lucky Cat Yoga introduces adults to yoga. Participants will learn basic yoga postures and pranayama (yogic breathing). The class is moderately paced, allowing participants to leave with lots of energy. Participants should bring a towel or a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.

For adults.

Funded by the Friends of the Jan Platt Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Mah Jongg Club

At three locations:

Wednesdays: Jan. 2, 16 and 30 at 6:30 p.m. at
the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Fridays: Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 1 p.m. at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa

Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m.
at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

FREE

Join the Mah Jongg Club to learn and play Mah Jongg using the American rules. Spectators are also welcome. Participants should bring their own Mah Jongg set or card.

For adults. Participants for the SouthShore Regional Library program must register in advance at the Information Desk or by calling 813-273-3652. Participants for the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library program must register in person after 12:30 p.m. Participants for the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library program must register in advance at the Ask Me Kiosk or by calling 813-273-3652. Limit of 16 participants.

Funded by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library and the Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Music Together

Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 11 a.m.

Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa

FREE

Music Together provides family music for children and the adults who love them. The 45-minute class uses a combination of song, music, rhythm and instrument play in a relaxed, playful, non-performance setting. Children, participating at their own pace, learn through playing and watching the example of their caregivers and other children.

For children from birth to 5 years, along with their caregivers.

Presented by certified music instructor Colleen McGrath of You and Me and Music Together. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Chair Yoga

Wednesdays: Jan. 2
and 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, W.
in Lutz

FREE

Join instructors from Lucky Cat Yoga for this low stress, slow-movement introduction to yoga. Although geared for beginners, this half-hour session is also suitable for intermediate students.

For adults.

Funded by the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

December 17, 2012

Brandon Regional Library Parking Lot To Be Improved; Construction To Begin January 2013

The front part of the parking lot of the Brandon Regional Library, which is located in the Sandy Rodriguez Center at 619 Vonderburg Drive (just west of Parsons Avenue), will undergo major improvements beginning in January 2013. These improvements to the library, which ranks fourth in monthly circulation of materials and third in number of in-person visits among all branches in the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, will provide the following benefits to library customers:
  • The main entry drive will be re-graded, lowering the incline, to improve access and safety.
  • Six new parking spaces will be added in front of the library.
  • The front portion of the lot will be re-striped and new traffic control signs will be installed to improve traffic flow and safety.
  • Concrete steps at Vonderburg Drive will be eliminated and pedestrians will be directed toward the existing ADA accessible ramp to provide a safer foot path through the parking lot.
  • An additional, right-turn only, exit onto Vonderburg Drive will be created to improve egress and traffic flow.
Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, Inc. is co-located with the Brandon Regional Library, so their patrons will also benefit from this effort.
“High quality service for citizens is our top priority and this project will greatly improve patrons’ experience at this facility,” said Mike Merrill, Hillsborough County Administrator. “Access will be changing as this 30-45 day project progresses; so we’re asking for the community’s patience while we work to make these enhancements.”
 What To Expect During Construction
  • The library will maintain its regular hours of operation throughout construction: Monday – Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association will keep its normal hours during this project: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The parking lot will remain accessible throughout construction, although traffic patterns will be redirected at times, and some parking spaces at the front of the building may be restricted for safety.
  • A temporary two lane entry drive will be installed for use while the main driveway is under reconstruction. The temporary drive will be right turn only; there will be no left turns into or out of the parking lot from Vonderburg Drive.
  • Additional public parking for library users is available in the unpaved lot in Clayton Park, adjacent to the ball field at the end of Bowing Oak Drive. Library patrons are advised not to park in the lots of neighboring businesses, who may enforce towing policies. 
  • Access to drive-up book drops will be limited during construction, but walk-up access will be available at all times.
Project Timeline
         Work Order issued on Oct. 19, 2012
         Notice to Proceed on Jan. 2, 2013
         Substantial Completion by Jan. 31, 2013
         Final Completion by Feb. 15, 2013

Project Funding
The project has been designed and engineered by LaRosa Civil Design Inc., and will be constructed at a cost of $69,715 by Walbridge Aldinger Company. The project is part of the County’s Repair, Replacement, Renovation and Maintenance (R3M) Program, which is generally funded through ad valorem taxes. However, funding for this particular R3M project comes from the library district tax.

For project questions or additional information, visit http://bit.ly/BRDlot or call 813-635-5400.

Additional assistance with library services is available at hcplc.org or by calling 813-273-3652. Customers may also choose to visit any Hillsborough County public library, including neighboring libraries such as:
Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico
Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road in Seffner
Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview
78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road in Tampa

For information about Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, Inc., call 813-685-8888.

December 11, 2012

Holiday Magic Show With Elliott Smith

Thursday, Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-
Lake Fern Road, W. in Lutz

FREE

Looking for some fun during the holidays? Come see magician Elliott Smith perform his hilarious interactive holiday magic show for the whole family. Santa Claus even makes a special appearance to do a trick!

For families.

Funded by the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Snow Party!

Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St.
in Thonotosassa

FREE

Welcome the winter with a snow party! Children and families are invited to create a cold-weather craft, play reindeer games, and enjoy a delicious sno-cone while they listen to a snowy story.

For children and families.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Protecting Florida Wetlands And Our Vulnerable Environment

Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 3:30 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

Peggy Morgan from Florida Department of Environmental Protection will present this informational program about precious Florida wetlands. Morgan’s presentation will discuss the analysis of biological communities in assessing water body health, such as invertebrates and plants in streams, rivers and lakes. In addition, she will discuss the ecological functions of wetlands and streams, how they relate to human populations, and what individuals can do to protect water quality.

For adults.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Business Plan In A Day

Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. (Part I) and 1 p.m. (Part II)

Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave. in Tampa

FREE

In this two-part series, all in one day, participants will receive the critical, time-tested information and tools they need to construct an effective business plan.

For adults. Participants must register in advance by calling 813-914-4028.

Presented by the Hillsborough County Small Business Information Center. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Puppet Show: Winter Tales

Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa

FREE

Winter Tales includes three favorite winter stories: The Shoemaker and the Elves performed with hand puppets; Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates with shadow puppets; and Scrooge's Sing-a-Long with marionettes. ‘Tis the season for three great stories with good cheer!

For children in grades K to 5. Groups must register in advance.

Funded by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Winter Holiday Tales

Monday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

Presents from far-away countries have arrived! With each present, storyteller Katie Adams unwraps a toy that introduces a holiday tale. Matroyshka dolls introduce The Little Snow Girl, a Russian version of Frosty the Snow Man; dreidels begin The Magic Pomegranate, a Jewish adventure story about the true meaning of giving; and Victorian costumes lead into The Shoemaker and the Elves, a tale from old England about elves who help a poor shoemaker and his wife. Katie performs these multi-cultural stories with lots of fun audience participation.

For children in grades K to 5.

Funded by the Friends of the North Tampa Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Online Shopping: Travel Deals

Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.

John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa

FREE

Learn how to navigate the ever-expanding world of online deal sites to make the most out of the holiday break. Learn ways to save on travel expenses and local attractions, as well as how to shop safely online.

For adults. Participants must register in person after 12:30 p.m. Limit of 12 participants.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Titanic Documentary

Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.

John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa

FREE

Come to the library to see a documentary in which master storyteller James Cameron journeys back to the site of his greatest inspiration, the legendary wreck of the Titanic. Moviegoers will experience the ship as if they are part of the crew, right inside the dive subs.

For adults.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

December 10, 2012

eBooks And eReaders

Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.

John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa

FREE

Have a new eReader or interested in getting one? Learn which devices can download the library's FREE eBooks, and how to load eBooks onto various types of eReaders. Discover the library's large selection of eBooks in various formats!

For adults. Participants must register in person after 1 p.m. Limit of 12 participants.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

A Night To Remember: A Voyage In Art

Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa

FREE

Before DiCaprio and Winslet, Webb and Stanwyck, other films depicted the fatal voyage of the doomed luxury liner RMS Titanic. A more critically accurate film starring Kenneth More was produced in 1958 by Britain's Rankin Film Productions based on Walter Lord's famous book, A Night to Remember. Book a passage on this fateful journey.

For adults.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

December 4, 2012

Holiday Karaoke

Friday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W. Union
St. in Tampa

FREE

Sing along with friends and family and start off the holidays with a song.

For families.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Christmas Carol Sing-Along

Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

FREE

Families are invited to get in the holiday spirit at the library with an old-fashioned Christmas carol sing-a-long. Song lyrics will be provided.

For families.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Teen Holiday Gift Workshop

Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa

FREE

Get crafty this holiday season with some quick, easy and inexpensive gift ideas as talented Teen Advisory Board members help teens try some favorite crafts. Refreshments will be provided.

For teens ages 12 to 18 years. Presented by the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library Teen Advisory Board.

Funded by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

December 3, 2012

Raising Government Funds In Changing Times

Thursday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa

FREE

In this two-hour workshop, learn about the types of government grants and how to find them. Guest lecturer Marilyn Hoyt is a veteran fundraiser who is experienced with government grants.

For adults. Participants must register in advance by calling 813-273-3652.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Winter Concert In The Park: Kenny Flint And The Rough Diamond Band

Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St. in Thonotosassa

FREE

Ring in the holiday season with live festive country music from Kenny Flint and the Rough Diamond Band. The concert will feature country-inspired renditions of holiday favorites. This FREE performance will be held in Thonotosassa Park, right next to the library’s parking lot.

For adults and families.

Funded by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Duct Tape Holidays

Thursday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

Come to the library to make holiday decorations and crafts with duct tape.

For teens.

Funded by the Friends of the North Tampa Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Hottest Tech Toys For The Holiday Season

Library cardholders may participate remotely from any location with Internet access (advance registration required)

Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.,
 at 14 locations:

SouthShore Regional Library, 
15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 
3909 W. Neptune St. in Tampa

Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 
3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

Brandon Regional Library, 
619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 
2607 E. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. in Tampa

North Tampa Branch Library, 
8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

Thonotosassa Branch Library, 
10715 Main St. in Thonotosassa

Town ’N Country Regional Public Library, 
7606 Paula Drive, Ste. 120 in Tampa

Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 
410 N. Kingsway Road in Seffner

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 
1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

Bruton Memorial Library, 
302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 
2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa

New Tampa Regional Library, 
10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

West Tampa Branch Library,
2312 W. Union St. in Tampa

FREE

Participants get an unbiased look at the latest computers, gaming systems, phones and more this holiday season.

For adults. Online access is also available for library cardholders from any remote location with Internet access. Advance registration is required for remote access. Visit hcplc.org for details or call 813-273-3652.

Presented by LearnSurge. Funded by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Kindermusik For Preschoolers

Wednesday, Dec. 12 at
10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, W. in Lutz

FREE

Joyful Child Studio brings families together while encouraging children to grow through the power of music! This series brings music into children's daily routines to improve their ability to create, express, reason and think.

For children ages 2 to 5 years, along with their caregivers.

Funded by the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Ask-A-Lawyer: Homeowners Association Basics

Monday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

FREE

Local lawyers will host this brief informational program on homeowners associations, followed by an informal question and answer session.

For adults.

Presented in partnership with the Brandon Bar Association. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Stories And Songs With Mrs. Claus

Monday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd.
in Tampa

FREE

Mrs. Claus will tell the heart-warming holiday story, Children's Small Town Christmas, of how the true meaning of Christmas is found when Santa fails to visit. Afterward, meet Mrs. Claus and sing along to the Twelve Days of Christmas.

For all ages.

Funded by the Friends of Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Art After School

At two locations:

Monday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at
the North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

Monday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at the Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa

FREE

Art After School provides an outlet for children to express creativity through art. Kids may take home their creations to show off.

For children in grades 1 to 5. Limit of 25 participants.

Funded by the Friends of the North Tampa Branch Library and the Friends of the Austin Davis Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

No Fuss Foods: Delightful Pumpkin Dishes

Monday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

FREE

Cooking creative, delicious and nutritious meals does not need to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Join Rowena Sjovall of No Fuss Foods as she demonstrates easy and delightful dishes using pumpkin.

For adults. Participants must register in advance at the Ask Me Kiosk or by calling 813-273-3652. Limit of 10 participants.

Funded by the Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.