February 24, 2015

Personal Finance Questions, Realities & Myths at the Jan Kiminis Platt Regional Library

Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa
FREE

This free, 1 hour webinar will discuss frequently asked financial questions and expose some urban legends. and will be shown at the library’s MediaScape, a collaborative work area and viewing space.

For adults.

Presented by the UF/UFIS Extension of Hillsborough County. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Where to Turn for Financial Advice at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library

Wednesday, February 25 at 12:00 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa
FREE 

This 1 hour webinar will be shown on the library’s MediaScape, a collaborative work area and viewing space and will discuss how to evaluate different types of financial professionals. It will also provide resources for free, reliable and non-commercial financial information.

For adults. 

This webinar is presented by the UF/IFAS Extension of Hillsborough County. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

February 10, 2015

Author Talk: James Swain at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library

Wednesday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa
FREE

Join James Swain, Florida resident and national bestselling and award-winning author, as he speaks about the publication of his new book, Vegas Con. Meet the author and see him perform a magic show. Light refreshments will be provided.

For adults.

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.

February 6, 2015

Teen Valentine’s Day Masquerade Ball at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library

Saturday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa
FREE

Enjoy a sweet event filled with music and dance for teens this Valentine’s Day. Come in your best costume (or don’t; it’s not required). Hosted by the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library Teen Advisory Board.

For teens.

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.

Everlasting Love: African-Americans In Tampa at the John F. Germany Public Library

Saturday, February 14 at 4:00 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa
FREE

Local author Ersula Odom will speak at the Florida History & Genealogy Library about her new book, African Americans of Tampa, inspired by her love of Tampa’s African American history. She will discuss the stories behind the photographs she selected for the book and her experience working with the library’s photographic collection. A Burgert Brothers photographic display will accompany Odom’s presentation and a book signing will follow the program.

For adults.

Sewing for Cosplay 201: Frankensteining for Beginners at The Hive

Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m.
The Hive, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa
FREE

Learn to think outside the (sewing) box. We’ll show you where to find materials, ideas, and patterns and what to use to make your costume a success. Bring your own fabric for open sewing from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration is required.

For adults.

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

Black History: Central Avenue Remembered at the Seminole Heights Branch Library

Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Seminole Heights Branch Library 4711 Central Ave. in Tampa
FREE

From the 1930's, Tampa's historical Central Avenue was the place to be for African Americans. At the time, more than 100 black owned businesses lined a stretch of the road. During its heyday many important figures appeared on Central Avenue. But it all came crashing down in the late 1960's. Come learn about the historical aspects of this alluring place featuring a film showing, gospel singing by Nyela Oluchi Hope. Also, enjoy a Soul Food Tasting from recipes of the cookbook "Down Home Cooking with Friends: Foods of our heritage and recollection of the historical Central Avenue Business District".

This program is part of the library's Black History Month celebration. Funded by the Friends of the Seminole Heights Branch Library.

February 5, 2015

Mango Languages at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library

Thursday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa
FREE

Learn about Mango Languages, an exciting way to learn a new language. Use your library card to access from the comfort of your own home. Choose from 36 guided language experiences and different levels of fluency.

For adults.

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

February 4, 2015

Military Records in Genealogy at New Tampa Regional Library

Wednesday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa
FREE

Learn strategies and tips for doing genealogy research using United States military records.

For adults.


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

February 3, 2015

Frederick Douglass: A Portrayal At These Locations


  • Tuesday, February 10 at 6:00 p.m. at C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Blvd in Tampa
  • Tuesday, February 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 Central Ave. in Tampa
  • Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon
FREE
      In this one man portrayal, Donald Dowridge brings to life of one of America’s greatest icons, Frederick Douglass. Douglass, who played a vital part in the freedom of slaves as well as becoming an accomplished lecturer, author, and publisher, is brought to life in this educational program.

      For adults.

      Sponsored by the Ada T. Payne Friends of the Urban Libraries, Friends of the Seminole Heights Library and Friends of the Brandon Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

      Untangling Tangled Roots at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library

      Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m.
      Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa
      FREE

      Gigi Best, a member of several national genealogical societies, shares her experience in African American family research as well as Native American and European American genealogy. Ms. Best’s lively presentation will cover beginning family historical research, creating family pedigree charts, DNA and chromosome painting, and locating ancestors through DNA research.

      This program is part of the library's Black History Month celebration.

       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.

      German Movie Series at New Tampa Regional Library

      Sundays, February 8 and 15 at 2:00 p.m.
      New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa
      FREE

      Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of German films at the library. We will be spotlighting movies from the library collection. All are invited!

      For adults. 

      Funded by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library.  

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

      February 2, 2015

      Live Your Dream at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library

      Saturday, February 7 at 4:00 p.m.
      Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa
      FREE

      This film is about Taylor Anderson, an extraordinary young American woman who dedicated her life to teaching Japanese children.  She lived her dream right up to the events of March 11, 2011, when an earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan.  This inspirational film encourages young people to pursue their goals and discover their true purpose while embracing cultural diversities and finding common ground.

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

      Cooking for Beginners at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library

      Saturday, February 7 at 3:00 p.m.
      C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Blvd. in Tampa
      FREE

      Suzanne Devlin is a local author of the cookbook Things Your Mother Never Taught You. Join her in this cooking demonstration and tasting designed to instill confidence in the novice cook. Suzanne will have copies of her cookbook available after the demonstration.

      Funded by the Ada T. Payne Friends of the Urban Libraries. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

      January 30, 2015

      Sewing 101 For Cosplay at the HIVE at John F. Germany Public Library

      Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 p.m.
      The Hive at the John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa
      FREE

      Discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice. Learn about sewing machines, cutting instruments, threads, and accessories. Brief introduction to sergers and embroidery machines. Bring your own fabric for open sewing from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Registration required.

      For adults. 

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

      Kuumba Dancers and Drummers at the New Tampa Regional Library

      Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 p.m.
      New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa
      FREE


      Join the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers on a cultural journey filled with live traditional African music, dance, storytelling and audience participation. A wonderful experience for all ages!

      All ages. 

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

      Gallery @ 2902: Meet The Artist Reception

      Art By Members of the North Tampa Arts League
      Wednesday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m.
      Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa
      FREE

      Meet the member artists of the North Tampa Arts League, view the paintings and enjoy light refreshments.

      For adults.

      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.

      Artist Reception: The Art of John Gurbacs

      Tuesday February 3, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
      North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa
      FREE

      Meet John Gurbacs, a professional artist since 1975. His work is represented in four museum collections, including The Tampa Museum of Art, Gulf Coast Museum, Polk Museum of Art and the USF Contemporary Art Museum. Some corporate and public collections include: Tampa Electric Company, Jan Platt Public Library and the Volusia County Courthouse. John’s work is also in numerous private collections throughout North America. Several prestigious awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Regional Fellowship Award and Individual Fellowship Award from the State of Florida.

      Gurbacs’s works will be on display from February 1st-28th. 

      For adults. 

      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.

      January 29, 2015

      Puppet Shows: Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People’s Ears at these Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries:

      Thursday, February 5 at 3:30 p.m. presented for the 78th Street Community Library at the Winston Park Recreational Center, 7605 Destin Drive in Tampa

      Monday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Library,1906 Bloomindale Ave in Valrico

      Tuesday, February 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W. Union St. in Tampa

      Wednesday, February 11 at 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa

      Thursday, February 12 at 10:15 a.m. at the Seminole Heights Library, 4711 Central Ave in Tampa

      Wednesday, February 18 at 10:15 a.m. at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road in Seffner

      Thursday, February 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Hwy. in Odessa
      FREE

      Mosquito wants to make himself seem important, so he tells a big lie! The mischief that is put into motion by this lie leads to consequences that mosquito must live with to this very day. Encounter puppets, masks, dance and African rhythms, exploring the wide range of emotions that are evoked in the award-winning story.

      Presented by the Creative Arts Theatre of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department.

      For children.

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

      January 28, 2015

      Managing Diabetes at these Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries:

      Wednesdays: February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4 and 11 at 3:30 p.m. at the Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, W. in Lutz

      Thursdays: February 5, 12, and 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

      This multi-week program is lead by a licensed health care professional. Each class provides valuable tools and information designed to help you take control of your diabetes. Participants must be over 18 and have a diagnosis of diabetes. Registration is required. Go to www.hillscountyhealth.org or contact Amanda at 813-307-8015 ext. 7104. Presented in partnership with Florida Department of Health Hillsborough County.

      For adults.

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

      Science In The Theater at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library

      Monday, February 2 at 3:00 p.m.
      Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road in Seffner
      FREE

      Special effects, sound, lightning…how a play becomes ‘alive’ in a theater. Let’s find out together.

      Funded by the Friends of the Seffner-Mango Branch Library.

      For children.

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

      Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library

      Tuesday, February 3 at 4:30 p.m.
      Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa
      FREE

      Craft a special card for your bestie or your boo.

      For 'tweens and teens ages 10-18.

      Presented by the Teen Advisory Board and 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.

      Prodigy – Sci-Fi Fantasy Art at the Seminole Heights Branch Library

      Prodigy – Sci-Fi Fantasy Art 
      Mondays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 3:00 p.m.
      Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 Central Ave. in Tampa
      FREE

      Prodigy is a research-based prevention, intervention and diversion program for at-risk youth ages 7 to 17. Art and diversity come alive at The Art Spot, Prodigy Cultural Arts’ visual arts and crafts series.

      For children ages 7 to 17.

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

      January 27, 2015

      Hiroya Tsukamoto: Acoustic Guitar Music With Japanese Folk Songs at these Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries


      Friday, January 30, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin 

      Monday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa
      FREE

      Join Hiroya Tsukamoto as he performs solo acoustic music that will include original materials along with Japanese folk music and the stories behind them. Hiroya is a one-of-a-kind composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan and his sound has been described as cinematic acoustic music.

      For adults. 

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

      January 26, 2015

      Tampa's Rebels And Revolutionaries

      Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m.
      Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library
      3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa
      FREE


      USF Special Collections Librarian Andy Huse will discuss Tampa’s rebels, misfits, and cultural revolutionaries in his informational and entertaining presentation entitled, “Tampa’s Rebels and Revolutionaries: Looking Beyond the Gangsters and Pirates.”

      For adults.

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

      January 20, 2015

      Successful Strategies for New Businesses

      Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00 p.m.
      Town 'N Country Regional Public Library
      7606 Paula Drive, Ste. 120 in Tampa
      FREE

      This program, in partnership with the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. is presented in Spanish and provides basic information on how to start a business. Topics include: licenses and permits, state regulations, financing options, and business development services offered by HBIF.

      For adults.


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

      Introduction to German Genealogy

      Wednesday, January 28 at 2:30 p.m.
      SouthShore Regional Library
      15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
      FREE


      Where do you start when you want to find a German ancestor? Learn that and more in this basic overview of German genealogy class presented by Joanne Ryder. Ms. Ryder is a member of the Florida State Genealogical Society and the President of the Southwest Florida Germanic Genealogy Society.

      For adults.

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

      Bad Kitty: Problems and the Solutions to Living with a Cat

      Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m.
      Seminole Heights Branch Library
      4711 Central Ave. in Tampa
      FREE


      This program will help humans understand why a cat does what it does! Litter box problems, spraying, destructive scratching, counter hopping, and door darting are innate behaviors - normal and natural for a cat.  Learn how to change these behaviors and still be a cat's best friend.

      For adults.


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

      January 15, 2015

      The Organizing Queen

      Saturday, January 24 at 1:30 p.m.
      Lutz Branch Library
      101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road W.

      Join professional organizer Betty Arnold as she demonstrates simple organizing tips and practices that will make life easier and more manageable. Arnold will also share ways to reduce clutter, free up time and energy, and enhance living space, both physical and emotional.

      For adults.

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

      New Tampa Reader's Theater

      Tuesday, January 20 6:00 p.m.
      New Tampa Regional Public Library
      10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

      Reader's Theater turns a read-aloud into a show! Readers of every level can participate. Perform without memorizing lines or building a set, and let's tell the story together. For children and families.

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