PUPPET SHOW: WHY MOSQUITOES BUZZ IN PEOPLE'S EARS

Multiple Showings throughout January
Puppet Show: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Presented at the following libraries: Austin Davis Branch, Jimmie B. Keel Regional, Ruskin Branch, Seminole Heights Branch (performance at the Wayne Papy Athletic Center), SouthShore Regional, and Thonotosassa Branch
FREE
Celebrate the upcoming Black History Month by attending this production based on the award winning story by Verna Aardema. Mosquito wants to make himself seem important, so he tells a big lie. The mischief that is put in motion by this lie leads to consequences that Mosquito must live with to this very day. Puppets, masks, dance and African rhythms bring this story to life.
Join us for this great performance, recommended for ages 4 and up, by the Creative Arts Theater of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department. For show times and locations and more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

Digital Bookmobile Visits The Library

Friday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Library to Host Digital Bookmobile National Tour Event
Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico
FREE

Bloomingdale Regional Library will host the Digital Bookmobile, an immersive download experience inside a 74-foot, high-tech tractor-trailer. Readers of all ages are invited to engage digital downloading through interactive demonstrations and experience Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries’ audiobook, eBook, music, and video download service at this free event. Library card holders can also check out and download digital titles any time, anywhere by visiting http://www.hcplc.org/.

The Digital Bookmobile is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This 74-foot community outreach vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players, all of which help visitors explore Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries’ download service. Interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search the library’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video.

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

FAMILY TIME: CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG'S THE POLAR EXPRESS

Monday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Family Time: Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express
Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road West, Lutz
FREE

Share in the magic of The Polar Express as we listen for the sound of the bell during the reading of Allsburg’s famous book. Each child will receive a bell from the sleigh and families can create their own "express train" to take home.

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

SUPER SATURDAY: WINTER WONDERLAND

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m.
Super Saturday: Winter Wonderland
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N Ashley Drive
FREE

Explore winter stories and games and create a craft to take home.

Seating limit: 30. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and the May K. Houck Foundation. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST FINANCIAL FRAUD

Thursday, Dec. 10, 4:30 p.m.
Protecting Yourself Against Financial Fraud
College Hill Branch Library, 2607 East Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
FREE

A financial counselor from Consumer Credit Counseling Service offers a workshop on ways to protect yourself from various forms of financial fraud and looks at ways to minimize your risk of being victimized.

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

PUPPET SHOW: FROSTY'S REVIEW

Thursday, Dec. 10, 3 & 4:30 p.m. (two showings)
Puppet Show: Frosty’s Holiday Revue
Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa
FREE

This marionette variety show features many acts, including, Frosty juggling snowballs, a dancing Christmas Tree, Rudolf on ice skates (surprising all when his nose actually glows) and of course the jolly man himself, Santa. “Yule” love it!

Seating limit: 75. Free tickets available 1 hour before the program. Presented by Ron Brown of Puppets Plus and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

TAMPA ELECTRIC RENEWABLE ENERGY AND CONSERVATION

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.
Tampa Electric Renewable Energy and Conservation
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard
FREE

Byron Burrows from Tampa Electric will discuss opportunities for energy conservation in the home, programs for residential conservation, programs to purchase renewable energy and Tampa Electric's Environmental Stewardship. This valuable program will give you ways to save energy expenses every month. Questions will be welcome.

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

THE BRAVE TIN SOLDIER

Monday, Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.
The Brave Tin Soldier
Town ‘N Country Regional Library, 7606 Paula Drive
FREE

The toy room comes to life in Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale! A toy soldier with a damaged leg falls in love with a music box ballerina and must overcome his limitations to save her from the Evil Renegade Rat, who wants her as his bride.

Presented by the Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Town 'N Country Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Jingle Jamboree

Saturday, Dec. 5, 3:30 p.m.

SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin

FREE

Celebrate the holiday season with stories, fun games and other special treats! Don't forget to wear a Santa hat to be festive for the special visit from Mrs. Claus!
For children ages 5 to 12 years.

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

HOLIDAY ORGANIZING TIPS

Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.
Holiday Organizing Tips
Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd.,
FREE

Professional organizer Jackie Grizzard gives quick, simple ways to organize your home and create holiday magic.

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

Puppet Show: Petunia's Christmas

Multiple Showings throughout December
Puppet Show: Petunia’s Christmas
Presented at the following libraries: Bloomingdale Regional, College Hill Branch (performance at the Cyrus Greene Recreation Center), Lutz Branch, Riverview Branch, SouthShore Regional, and Thonotosassa Branch
FREE

Charles the goose is being fattened by his farmer for Christmas dinner. But when Cupid strikes the arrow at Petunia’s heart, she whips up some wonderful ways to set him free. This traditional hand puppet show is based on a heartwarming, seasonal tale of generosity and love struck geese.

Join us for a great performance by the City of Tampa Creative Arts Theater. For show times and locations and more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

BURGERT BROTHERS 2010 CALENDAR NOW ON SALE!

The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and the Tampa Bay History Center are pleased to present the 13th edition of the historic photographic Burgert Brothers 2010 Calendar. The 2010 Calendar celebrates the 100th anniversary of the opening of the E. Regensburg & Sons cigar factory in Ybor City.

The Calendar cover sponsor is J.C. Newman Cigar Company - occupant of the factory since 1953 and the last of the great Tampa cigar factories. The cover features a 1951 Burgert photograph of the 100 year old building, also known as "El Reloj" because of its majestic clock tower. Monthly historic facts about the history of Tampa’s cigar industry are included on each month’s calendar.

The Burgert Brothers 2010 Calendar is the perfect holiday gift, and is available for sale at all Hillsborough County public libraries and at the Tampa Bay History Center for $5.00. The Calendar is also available at Barnes & Noble bookstores in Hillsborough County, Inkwood Books, and the H.B. Plant Museum. Proceeds from the sale of the Calendar benefit the Friends of the Library and the Tampa Bay History Center.

The Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection contains almost 15,000 images of the Tampa Bay area. Photographs from the late 1800s to the late 1950s provide a visual historic record of Tampa’s people and places. The collection is housed in the History & Genealogy Department of the John F. Germany Public Library at 900 N. Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa, and is open to the public. The images are cataloged in the library’s collection and are available online through the Library’s Web page, http://www.hcplc.org/. Reprints are available from a local photographic studio.

For more information on the Calendar call Margaret Rials, Library Services, at 813-273-3616.

THE KASSEL MISSION AT THE NEW TAMPA REGIONAL LIBRARY

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
The Kassel Mission: History's Most Concentrated Air Battle
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard
FREE

Renee Polmear from the Kassel Society will discuss the United States Army Air Corp 445th Bomb Group's tragic bombing mission to Germany.

On September 27 1944 in just over three minutes, 25 B-24’s with crews of at least 9 men each, went down in a forest in central Germany, resulting in the biggest loss in history for a bomb group in a single battle. Only 4 of 35 B-24’s made it back to the base at Tibenham, England. A video will also be presented, questions will be welcome.

For additional information check the Kassel Mission Historical Society website at: http://www.kasselmission.com/. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING SEMINAR

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m. (in English) & 3 p.m. (in Spanish)
Grant Proposal Writing Seminar
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N Ashley Drive
FREE There will be two presentations on this topic, the first in English and the second in Spanish. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.When the going gets tough, successful grant seekers strengthen their proposal writing skills. An expert instructor from the Foundation Center in New York City will show you how to craft a breakthrough proposal package, step by step.

MUSICAL: WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4 p.m.
Musical: Wind in the Willows
Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Drive
FREE

The musical "Wind in the Willows" tells the tale of Mr. Toad and his adventures and mishaps, in particular with regard to driving cars. Join Mr. Badger, Ratty and Mr. Mole as they help Mr. Toad see the importance of community and friendship.

This event is performed by the theater students of Tampa Prep. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

EASY WAYS TO GROW HERBS

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 3 p.m.
Easy Ways to Grow and Use Herbs
Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main Street, Thonotosassa
FREE

Enjoy local author Monica Brandies' informative presentation on growing and using herbs in Florida. Find out how, where and when you can grow literally ALL the herbs available in the Sunshine State.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

CELTIC MUSIC CONCERT AT THE BRANDON REGIONAL LIBRARY

Sunday, Nov. 15, 3 p.m.
Celtic Music Concert featuring Juniper
Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon
FREE

Spend Sunday afternoon listening to traditional Celtic and Alternative Folk music performed by Juniper, a popular local duo of vocal and instrumental artists.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Brandon Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

HISPANIC HERITAGE POETRY CEREMONY

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Poetry Ceremony
Town ‘N Country Regional Library, 7606 Paula Drive
FREE

Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage through poetry readings and more! Throughout September, students in grades kindergarten - fifth entered the library’s "Our Hispanic Heritage" Bookmark Contest and adults age 18 and older competed in the Hispanic Heritage Poetry Contest. At this fun-filled ceremony, the winners will be announced and the poets will read their poems and the children’s bookmarks will be on display. Music and refreshments will round out the afternoon.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Town ‘N Country Regional Library, the Tampa Tribune/ Centro Mi Diario, Pollo Tropical, and the SOS Peru Foundation. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

SAFETY IN YOUR HOME AT THE RUSKIN BRANCH LIBRARY

Thursday, Nov. 12, 3 p.m.
Safety in Your Home - Tips for Preventing Falls
Ruskin Branch Library, One Dickman Drive, South East, Ruskin
FREE

Protect yourself and learn different ways to avoid slips and falls. Find out how to prevent accidents and what you can do to make your living environment safer.

This event has a seating limit of 30 people. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

PRESCHOOL YOGA AT THE JIMMIE B. KEEL REGIONAL LIBRARY

Monday, Nov. 9, 10:15 a.m.
Preschool Yoga
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue
FREE

Preschool Yoga is an introduction for little yogis to basic postures that will help them learn body awareness, balance, breathing techniques, and more.

This event is a part of a series and is for children ages 3-5 with a maximum attendance of 20 children; tickets will be distributed in advance of the program. Please bring a mat or towel to class. Preschool Yoga is co-sponsored 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.

BLACK & WHITE FILM FESTIVAL AT THE JAN KAMINIS PLATT REGIONAL LIBRARY

Sunday, Nov. 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 2 p.m.
Black & White Film Festival
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 South Manhattan Avenue
FREE

Come and join us for our Black & White Film Festival. Beginning November 8, the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library will be showing a different black & white movie every Sunday in November.

Sunday, Nov. 8: A classic silent film about a vampire
Sunday, Nov. 15: A classic musical with Fred & Ginger
Sunday, Nov. 22: A classic noir film with Bogie & Bacall
Sunday, Nov. 29: A beloved film based on a widely read Pulitzer Prize Winner starring Gregory Peck

This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

FAMILY GAME DAY AT THE SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m.
Family Game Day
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
FREE

Join us for fun of all ages. We will have PS2, Wii, and board games for your enjoyment —a great opportunity for families to play together.

This program is co-sponsored 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 hcplc.org.

PUPPET SHOW: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m.

Puppet Show: Jack and the Beanstalk

SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin

FREE

Fee, Fie, Foe, Fun! A Giant is loose in Cloudland. Jack climbs the magic beanstalk skyward. If Milky White the Cow can remember how to wind up her tail and talk, she can save the day! After the show, enjoy a brief puppet-making workshop and create your own puppet to take home with you.

This event is for kids ages 5-12. Presented by the Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre and co-sponsored 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.

PLAY & LEARN: FAMILY DAY! AT NORTH TAMPA BRANCH LIBRARY

Saturday, Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m.

Play & Learn: Family Day!

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard

FREE

Celebrate Week of the Family! Have fun with your family! Enjoy crafts, games, and stories!

This event is for families with children under 5 and is co-sponsored 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.

THE “ABC & DS” OF MEDICAID AT JIMMIE B. KEEL REGIONAL LIBRARY

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.

The "ABC & Ds" of Medicaid

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue

FREE

Presenter Shannon Wisely of Aging Wisely will give a presentation on Medicare. A question and answer period will follow.

This event is co-sponsored by the Senior Resource Council. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

ANNIVERSARY OF HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AT COLLEGE HILL BRANCH LIBRARY

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m.

Anniversary of Historic Presidential Election

College Hill Branch Library, 2607 East Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

FREE

Celebrate the historic election of Barack Obama, our first African American President, with a media presentation and more.

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

PLAY: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT TOWN ‘N COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

Monday, Nov. 2, 10:30 a.m.

Play: Beauty and the Beast

Town ‘N County Regional Library, 7606 Paula Drive

FREE

The play Beauty and the Beast tells the tale about what happens when a beautiful girl meets a gentle beast and each of them learns a little about each other and a lot about life.

This event is presented by Play 'N Around Theatre and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Town 'N Country Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

ISAAC AND THE BAH FAMILY TREE AT JIMMIE B. KEEL REGIONAL LIBRARY

Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m.

Isaac and the Bah Family Tree

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue

FREE

Adrienne Wilson, author of children’s book Isaac and the Bah Family Tree will be sharing her book and teaching families how to make their own family trees. Bring at least one family photo or photo of a special family member for sharing. Coloring books will be provided.

This program is for families with children ages 5-8 and is co-sponsored 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 hcplc.org.

CALLIGRAPHY FOR YOUR HOLIDAYS! AT BRANDON REGIONAL LIBRARY

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Road, Brandon

FREE

Come join a class with Minnette Webster, calligrapher! Learn five "hands" in calligraphy, including Old English, just in time for holiday cards. When the class is completed everyone will be ready to address their cards with fancy lettering, write notes to include with your cards and even create some exciting gifts.

All supplies will be provided and event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Brandon Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

PUPPET SHOW: "SPOOKTACULAR STRINGS” AT UPPER TAMPA BAY REGIONAL LIBRARY

Thursday, Oct. 29, 3 & 4:30 p.m. (two showings)

Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd.

FREE

There will be chills and thrills in this marionette show with a skeleton that comes apart, a vampire who loses his head, dancing pumpkins, and many more surprises. Even the kids get into the act when volunteers are chosen to come on stage and perform. Family fun for everyone!

Presented by Ron Brown of Puppets Plus and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

MUSICAL: “WIND IN THE WILLOWS” AT JIMMIE B. KEEL REGIONAL LIBRARY

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue

FREE

The musical “Wind in the Willows” tells the tale of Mr. Toad and his adventures and mishaps, in particular with regard to driving cars. Join Mr. Badger, Ratty and Mr. Mole as they help Mr. Toad see the importance of community and friendship.

This event is performed by the theater students of Tampa Prep. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

“STAR PARTY” AT JIMMIE B. KEEL REGIONAL LIBRARY

Monday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue

FREE

For star gazers of all ages! This unique event, presented by the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club, will have telescopes, stories, crafts and more. It will be held outside in the library parking lot and light refreshments will be served.

This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

SERVICES FOR YOU: WORKING WITH MEDICARE AT ROBERT W. SAUNDERS, SR. LIBRARY

Monday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.

Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Avenue

FREE

Shannon Martin, affiliated with Aging Wisely, will give you the scoop on Medicare services and issues. Bring your questions and get answers and referrals. This program is presented by the Senior Resource Council. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT YOUR NAME FOR LIBRARY SERVICES’ TEEN SPACES

Nomination deadline Thursday, Oct. 15 at 11:59 pm

Win $50 Gift card

Name the Library Teen Space Contest. The number of teen rooms in Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries is growing and we need your help naming them! These teen spaces need a name to be used in all public libraries that can help identify them as COOL places just for teens (students in grades 6 – 12). Library Services is soliciting help from teen visitors to name their space. Entries can be placed online at http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/teens/space.html or by visiting any Hillsborough County public library by Oct. 15.

Then the voting begins! Voting will take place online only, during TEEN READ WEEK, Oct.19-23. Voting will close Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m. Teens may vote more than once.

The winning entry will be announced at the THRILL THE WORLD event, which will be held at the North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard on Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. The winner will receive a $50 gift card and editorial credit for naming teen spaces in all Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries!

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

THRILL THE WORLD EVENT AT THE NORTH TAMPA BRANCH LIBRARY

Saturday, Oct. 24, 8:30 p.m. (Registration is at 6:30 p.m.)

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard

FREE

Thrill the World is an attempt to break the world record for the largest simultaneous dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Thousands from around the world will learn Thriller, and dance and perform it together. All ages are welcome to participate, and costumes are encouraged. Come early to learn the dance and be ready to thrill the world!

Learn the dance online or at a special training event at the College Hill Branch Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., in Tampa, on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

To obtain a registration form (REQUIRED to count towards the world record), watch the instructional dance videos, or for more info, visit teens.hcplc.org or email libraryteens@hillsboroughcounty.org

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

PHOTOSHOP SERIES TUESDAY MORNINGS THROUGH OCTOBER

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 11:30 a.m.<br>

South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin

FREE

To go along with the Ruskin Big Draw, SouthShore Regional Library will be offering a four-part series on Photoshop Elements on Tuesday mornings in October. The weekly classes require registration in person required no earlier than one hour prior to the start of the program.

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

COLLEGE FINANCIAL WORKSHOP

Monday, Oct. 5, 6:00 p.m.

South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin

FREE

Join us for a FREE informational meeting giving students an outline of the process and dates they need to prepare for college. This will be a great, informative program for both teens and parents. Representatives from HCC & USF will be present.

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

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY COOPERATIVE RECEIVES NATIONAL GRANT TO HOST THE BIG READ

Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read, which gives communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 30 selections from U.S. and world literature. The Big Read in Hillsborough County will focus on The Joy Luck Club with activities taking place throughout May 2010, including appearances by author Amy Tan.

Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is one of 268 nonprofits--including arts, culture, and science organizations; libraries; and municipalities--to receive a grant to host The Big Read between September 2009 and June 2010. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading as the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.

For more information about The Big Read, visit http://www.neabigread.org/.

EXCITING NEW CHANGES TO THE LIBRARY'S REFERENCE OFFERINGS!

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is pleased to announce new changes to two of its very popular reference offerings, Homework Help (powered by Tutor.com) and NetLibrary.

Homework Help (powered by Tutor.com):

New videos, sample work sheets, study guides and tutorials.

Proof Point allows a live tutor to review and edit a student’s documents.

New access to graph paper aids student interaction with a math tutor.

The Career Center assists with career paths for young adults or changing careers for older adults by providing help with resumes and cover letters.

Avatars in the upper left-hand corner that represent the tutor and the student.

Students can now email a transcript of their session with their tutor to themselves to reference at a later date.

NetLibrary:

Media Center is a new application that makes listening to eAudiobooks easy and simple.

Connect, click, listen - the Media Center will transfer your eAudiobooks to your PC or to your portable player with just one-click.

iPod and iPhone compatible audiobooks are now available from NetLibrary. Find compatible titles through "Quick Search" function of the library’s catalog and use the words iPod audiobook or iPhone audiobook, and view a listing of more than 800 titles!

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

THE WESTCHASE ARTISTS SOCIETY RECEPTION AT THE UPPER TAMPA BAY REGIONAL LIBRARY

Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m.

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

FREE

Celebrate with members of the Westchase Artists Society during a reception that kicks off the exhibition of their latest group show, Quiet Conversations, running through Friday, Oct. 30 at Upper Tampa Bay’s meeting room during regular library hours.

The Westchase Artists Society is made up of artists interested in adding vibrancy and art to their community. The artists' works include painting, photography, pottery, paper art and more.

The exhibit is not available during events in the meeting room. For more information about the group or this upcoming show, please visit http://www.westchaseartists.com/.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

NAUTILUS SUBMARINE PROGRAM AT THE UPPER TAMPA BAY REGIONAL LIBRARY

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.

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

FREE

Dr. Stewart Nelson will present Sabotage and Re-discovery of the Historic Nautilus Submarine. This illustrated presentation recounts both Sir Hubert Wilkins' 1931 expedition and Dr. Nelson's re-discovery of the historic Nautilus.

In September 2005, Dr. Nelson, an oceanographer, author, lecturer and historian, used a manned submersible to re-discover and document the largely forgotten Nautilus of the Wilkins-Ellsworth Trans Arctic Submarine Expedition of 1931.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

LITERACY COUNCIL TO OFFER CONVERSATION CLASSES AT THE LIBRARY

Hillsborough County Library Services will host Conversation Classes, offered by the Hillsborough Literacy Council, at four branch locations:

Mondays 7 – 8 pm, September 28 – November 30 Town ‘N Country Regional Library, 7606 Paula Drive

Mondays 7 – 8 pm, September 28 – November 30 New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard

Mondays 7 – 8 pm, September 28 – November 30 Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue

Tuesdays 7 – 8 pm, September 29 – December 1 SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin

Wednesdays 11am– Noon, September 30 – December 2 Town ‘N Country Regional Library, 7606 Paula Drive

Conversation Classes provide for adults who want to practice their English conversational skills. Students will sit in a small group with other language learners and practice talking with a native English speaker. The Literacy Council is seeking volunteers to help with these classes.

For more information about volunteering or the classes, call 813-273-3650 or visit the website at http://www.hcplc.org/.

CARNIVOROUS PLANTS DISCUSSED AT SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

Carnivorous plant and botany enthusiast Tanja Diederich will discuss all the basics about growing and cultivating carnivorous plants at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. Some lucky attendees will be able to take home their very own Venus Flytrap plant for cultivation.

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

“THE ESSENCE OF QIGONG” AT THE NEW TAMPA REGIONAL LIBRARY

"The Essence of Qigong," presented by certified Qigong Practitioner Mike Kelleher will be at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard, at 7 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Kelleher will provide a question-and-answer session, as well as teach basic relaxation exercises.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese discipline still practiced by millions that is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. This ancient discipline is known for its great power of healing, combining mental concentration, breathing technique and body movements to activate and cultivate our vital energy as it flows through the invisible channels of the body.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

LIBRARY CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage, the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host two popular annual contests, as well as offer many exciting programs and events that emphasize Hispanic culture and art.

Beginning Sept. 1, students in grades kindergarten - fifth may enter the "Our Hispanic Heritage" Bookmark Contest; adults age 18 and older may compete in the Hispanic Heritage Poetry Contest. Participants may pick up an entry form at any library branch or download one from the library’s website at http://www.hcplc.org/ . Entries need to be returned to any public library no later than Sept. 30.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Town ‘N Country Regional Library, 900 Paula Drive, in Tampa on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. The contests are cosponsored by the Friends of the Town ‘N Country Regional Library, Centro Mi Diario, The Tampa Tribune, SOS Peru Foundation, and Pollo Tropical.

For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

MOTHER GOOSE “PLAY ‘N LEARN” AT THE RIVERVIEW BRANCH LIBRARY

The Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview, will host Mother Goose "Play 'N Learn" on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

This "Play ‘N Learn" event, an interactive program with different stations, will feature Mother Goose. There will be a Mother Goose rhyme/story teller and other festivities will include stories, crafts, games and lots of FUN! Participants can arrive anytime between 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. "Play ‘N Learn" programs help parents understand the importance of using rhymes with their young children and how they help build good listening and pre-reading skills.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Riverview Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

ASTRONOMY PROGRAM AT THE SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

Are you new to Astronomy and stargazing? If you are then this informative seminar is just for you. Bring the whole family and learn all the basics of Astronomy at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin,
on Saturday, August 29 at 1 pm.

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

DORA THE EXPLORER AT THE JAN KAMINIS PLATT REGIONAL LIBRARY

Dora the Explorer will be appearing at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Avenue, on Friday, August 14, 2009 at 10:30 am. During this exciting Story Time event, Dora will be reading some of her favorite adventures and offering fun giveaways for those who attend. There will also be a drawing for four free tickets to the "Dora the Explorer: Search for the City of Lost Toys" performance on Sunday, August 16 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

This event is a partnership of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

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

LITERACY COUNCIL TO OFFER HEALTH LITERACY CLASSES AT THE LIBRARY

The Hillsborough Literacy Council is joining with the Hillsborough County Health Department to offer a class about health literacy to adult English language learners. Classes will be held at the Town ‘N Country Regional Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa, every Monday evening in August.

Students will learn how to stay healthy in the U.S. as the class covers topics including visiting the doctor, talking to the pharmacist, reading medicine labels, and signing up for health insurance. For more information, call 273-3650 or visit the website at hillsboroughliteracy.org.

The Hillsborough Literacy Council is a nonprofit affiliate of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System that teaches functionally and marginally illiterate adults to read and write through its Adult Basic Literacy program.

EGYPT LAKE PARTNERSHIP LIBRARY TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE FOR SCHOOL PREPARATIONS

The Egypt Lake Partnership Library, 3403 West Lambright Street, Tampa, will be closed Tuesday, August 4 through Saturday, August 8 for its annual school preparations. The library will reopen Monday, August 10.

For library service needs during the closing, please visit one of our other nearby branches:

Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 Central Avenue

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearrs Avenue

Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive

Please excuse any inconvenience. For more information, residents should call 813-273-3652.

TRAVEL WRITER THOMAS SWICK TO BE FEATURED FOUR SEASONS SPEAKER

Travel writer Thomas Swick will be the featured speaker for the next Four Seasons Author Series luncheon at the University Club, 38th Floor, One Tampa City Center in downtown Tampa on Friday, July 24 at noon.

Swick’s works include his latest book, A Way To See The World: From Texas to Transylvania with a Maverick Traveler which discusses what is so great about travel and provides helpful advice for the bookish traveler, and the travel memoir, Unquiet Days: At Home in Poland. He was the travel editor of the Sun-Sentinel for 19 years, and his work has been included in "The Best American Travel Writing."

The Four Seasons Author Series is presented by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. The subscription series offers an annual quartet of literary lunches at which guest authors are invited to speak on a variety of subjects. Previous authors have included Hillary Hemingway (Hemingway in Cuba), Dennis Lehane (Mystic River), Connie May Fowler (Before Women Had Wings) and Charles Shields (Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee).

Tickets are $25 and a subscription for four consecutive luncheons is $100. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc., which is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status. To reserve your seat for the luncheon, call the Friends office at (813) 273-3616 by Monday, July 20.

“FOR ALL MANKIND: THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE APOLLO MOON LANDING” AT THE SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is pleased to present "For All Mankind: the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing" with George Haddad at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin on Monday, July 20 at 3 pm.

Please join us as NASA Moon Mission expert George Haddad will discuss the unique, history-making events surrounding the first moon landing. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

“WIZARD ROCK” IS COMING TO THE LIBRARY

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is pleased to present "Wizard Rock" at the John F. Germany Library, 900 N Ashley Drive, Tampa on Saturday, June 27 at 6 pm.

The Remus Lupins and the Whomping Willows will entertain muggles and wizards alike with their Harry Potter-influenced tunes while doing a live podcast for the award-winning PotterCast.

This program is for teens ages 13-18 and is cosponsored by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library, Inc. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652, or visit hcplc.org.

WTVT FOX 13 METEOROLOGIST DAVE OSTERBERG TO VISIT SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is pleased to present "Hurricane Season 2009: Are You Ready?" with WTVT Fox 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin on Thursday, June 18 at 10:30 am.

Please join us as Osterberg talks about how best to prepare your home and your family for the upcoming hurricane season. Dave Osterberg is a meteorologist and co-host of FOX 13’s popular morning show, Good Day Tampa Bay. Osterberg joined the FOX13 team in March of 2004.

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

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR LISA UNGER AT THE JIMMIE B. KEEL REGIONAL LIBRARY

Best-Selling author Lisa Unger will be discussing her latest book "Die For You" at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, at 2902 West Bearss Ave., Tampa, on Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m.

Unger is the author of numerous books including "Beautiful Lies," "Sliver of Truth" and "Black Out” and in her latest work, the main character’s husband disappears, kicking off a mystery set in New York. Unger will be signing books afterward.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

LOCAL AUTHOR GEORGE ZELLER AT THE JAN KAMINIS PLATT REGIONAL LIBRARY

Local author George Zeller will be discussing his latest book "Beyond My Father's Farm" at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 South Manhattan Avenue, Tampa on Thursday, June 18 at 2 p.m.

In his book, Zeller recounts life on a farm in the 1940s and all the hard work it entailed. He recounts his father’s cold, harsh rule and how it affected the rest of his family. Zeller's story, encompassing love, hate, happiness, sorrow, romance, humor and hope is one about families, understanding the past, and learning to forgive.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Jan Kaminas Platt Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

Wii GAMING FOR SENIORS THIS SUMMER AT THE SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

The SouthShore Regional Library, at 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, will be offering Wii gaming for seniors this summer.

Enjoy "bowling" and "tennis" in the air-conditioning on a Wii game system. Teens will be available to help teach new users and run gaming tournaments for experienced users. Free tickets will be available one hour before start of program. Dates and times include:

Thursday, June 11 at 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 25 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, August 13 at 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 29 at 2 p.m.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT IMAGINATION LIBRARY

The Hillsborough County Imagination Library currently has over 10,000 children registered who receive a book mailed to their home once a month. Although the program is free to the families, local fund-raising efforts are required to pay for the books. Due to the recent economic times, donations to the program have been limited. At this time the program has enough funding to pay for the currently registered children but more is needed to continue enrollment.

Due to this situation, any registrations received after May 1 will be placed on a waiting list. The families who are currently enrolled and receiving books will continue to do so as long as they remain living in Hillsborough County and notify the program of any address changes. As additional funding is received, families on the waiting list will become registered on a first-come first-serve basis.

It is regretful that this has happened but hopefully it will be a short-lived waiting list and new families will soon be able to enter the program. Please excuse any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please contact the Imagination Library program office at http://www.ilibrary@hcplc.org/.

“FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTMENT” AT THE NEW TAMPA REGIONAL LIBRARY

Financial Advisor Mark Elkins will present a three-part Fundamentals of Investment Workshop at the New Tampa Regional Library at 10001 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa.

In Part I on Thursday June 4th at 7:00pm, he will discuss investment strategies that help you define financial goals, how to fight inflation, reduce taxes, understand and manage investment risk and enrich your retirement.

In Part II on Thursday June 11th at 7:00pm, he will discuss retirement investing, by showing you how to overcome roadblocks to retirement security, determine your future income need, how much to save annually and other related topics.

In Part III on Thursday June 18th at 7:00pm, Elkins will explain the importance of early Estate Planning, the perils of probate, estate tax, projecting your estate tax liability, Living Wills and Durable Power of Attorney.

The seminars are free and open to the public. Questions will be welcome. Mark Elkins has a decade of experience working in the Financial Services Industry. He currently works for Wachovia Securities.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

JUNE GARDEN PROGRAMS AT THE SEFFNER-MANGO BRANCH LIBRARY

The Seffner-Mango Branch Library at 410 N. Kingsway Road, Seffner, is offering five gardening programs throughout the month of June. They include:

Nine Steps to a Great Florida Garden, Monday June 1 at 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Exotic Plumeria, Monday June 8 at 6:30-7:30 p.m.

African Violets & Cousins, Tuesday June 9 at 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Orchids 101, Monday June 15 at 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Butterfly Gardening for Watchers and Workers, Monday June 22 at 6:30-7:30 p.m.

These programs are cosponsored by the Friends of the Seffner-Mango Branch Library. For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

NEW HOURS FOR THE LUTZ BRANCH LIBRARY

The Lutz Branch Library at 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, West, Lutz, will be closed on Sundays beginning June 1. The library’s other hours will remain the same.

For library service needs in that area, please visit the nearby Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library at 2902 West Bearss Avenue Tampa, which is open on Sundays from 12:30 – 5 pm.

Please excuse any inconvenience. For more information, residents should call 813-273-3652.

SUMMER HOURS FOR THE EGYPT LAKE PARTNERSHIP LIBRARY AND THE SCIENCE LIBRARY AT MOSI

Two branches of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System will have summer hours. The Science Library at MOSI will begin its new hours on June 1. They will be:

Monday thru Friday 10 am – 5 pm

Saturday 10am – 6 pm

Sunday Closed

The summer hours at the Egypt Lake Partnership Library begin June 8, as follows:

Monday thru Wednesday 1 pm – 8 pm

Thursday 1 pm – 6 pm

Friday Closed

Saturday 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday Closed

Please excuse any inconvenience. For more information, residents should call 813-273-3652.

THONOTOSASSA BRANCH LIBRARY TO CLOSE JUNE 1 THROUGH JUNE 8 FOR IMPROVEMENTS

The Thonotosassa Branch Library at 10715 Main Street, Thonotosassa, will be closed on Monday, June 1 through Monday, June 8 for maintenance improvements. The library will reopen Tuesday, June 9 at 10 a.m.

For library service needs that week, visit one of our other nearby branches, the Seffner- Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Rd. Seffner, which has the following hours: Sunday Closed Monday 10am - 8pm Tuesday 10am - 8pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 6pm.

Please excuse any inconvenience. For more information, residents should call 813-273-3652.

GET “ENVYOUS” AT THE TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries is pleased to present two rock concerts for teens featuring ENVY, winners of the 2008 Hillsborough County Teenage Battle of the Bands. The first is at the Gazebo bandstand at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Boulevard, Tampa, on Thursday, May 28 at 7 pm followed by an event the following week on Thursday, June 4 at 2 pm at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin.

ENVY has many local fans, so arrive early, and enjoy as they play both contemporary and classic-rock performances. For the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library event, don't forget your chair and blanket!

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library and the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER TO SPEAK AT THE LUTZ BRANCH LIBRARY

Mary Kathleen Cahill, licensed clinical social worker, will speak on children’s mental health issues, at the Lutz Branch Library at 101 Lutz - Lake Fern Road, Lutz, on Wednesday, May 27, at 7:00 pm. Topics will include:

attention deficit disorder

anger management

bi-polar disorders

anxiety

depression

substance abuse

There will be a question and answer period following the presentation. Please join us for this helpful, informed discussion on children’s mental health issues and possible treatments. There is no charge for this event.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652, or visit hcplc.org.

CALL FOR HISPANIC ARTISTS AT THE SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

Coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, the SouthShore Regional Library at 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, will celebrate the work of Hispanic artists by offering a public venue for a special exhibition during September and October 2009.

This will be an invitational artist’s exhibit and artist’s work will be reviewed and selected for exhibit by the John Crawford Art Education Advisory Council. We are seeking two-dimensional hanging art pieces in various media and subject matter.

Applications are available at the library’s website www.hcplc.org/hcplc/happenings/, the SouthShore Regional Library Information Desk or by e-mailing prachs@hillsboroughcounty.org. Application deadline is June 1, 2009.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK MAY 11 – MAY 17, 2009 @ YOUR LIBRARY!

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is celebrating Children’s Book Week with a variety of programs including visits by bestselling children’s book author Todd Parr!

Todd Parr is the author of over 25 children’s books including The I Love You Book, It’s Okay to Be Different and the beloved Otto series. His characters also inspired the award-winning television show ToddWorld. Books will be available for purchase for Todd to autograph after each program. Meet Todd and listen as he reads from his books and talks about what it’s like to be an author, at the following libraries:

Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Avenue, Saturday, May 16, at 10:15 am.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue, Saturday, May 16 at 1:30 pm.

New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard, Saturday, May 16, at 4 pm.

Other Children’s Book Week programs will feature children’s book author Michael Sampson. Michael has co-authored several children’s books with Bill Martin Jr. including the extremely popular Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 and The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry. Michael will talk about what it’s like to be an author and read from his books at the following libraries:

78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road, Monday May 11 at 10:30am.

SouthShore Regional Library at 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, Monday May 11 at 3:45pm.

Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Boulevard, Tuesday May 12, 11am.

Additionally the library also received a grant from Dollar General Stores that will supply local elementary school students with 5,000 books to support the Reading Is Fundamental program. Librarians will begin visiting selected schools during Children’s Book Week to offer interactive reading programs and give children a chance to choose a book to keep, encouraging the love of reading in all children.

Children’s Book Week events are sponsored by the following: Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library, Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library, Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc., Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library, and the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library. For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES PRESENT "THE GINGERBREAD BOY: A PUPPET SHOW"

Join one of your favorite fairy tale characters, the Gingerbread Boy, as he runs away from the farmer’s wife, the farmer and a host of animals, too. The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is pleased to host this delightful children’s tale presented by Creative Arts Theater of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at the Riverview Branch Library at 10509 Riverview Drive, Riverview on Wednesday, May 13 at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm and at the College Hill Branch Library, 2607 East Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tampa on Thursday, May 14 at 10 am.

For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

KEEP YOUR BOAT AFLOAT AND SAFE @ YOUR LIBRARY

As part of the local observance of National Safe Boating Week, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 79 is offering a unique and information-packed Boating Safety Course "Sampler" and Vessel Safety Check for boat owners and passengers at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm.

The sampler is an overview of the "must-have" information boat owners need to be safe on the water and that is presented in the Auxiliary’s full Boating Skills & Seamanship Program. Sampler topics include:

· Boat Handling Techniques · Required Safety Equipment · Navigation Basics · Boat Trailering · Rules of the Nautical Road · Highway Signs on the Water · Marine Radio Use · Maritime Domain Security Awareness

In addition, Auxiliarists will be available to provide Vessel Safety Checks in the library’s north parking lot. Residents can bring trailer-able boats for the free, 15-minute inspections that determine the presence of federal/state required documentation, safety equipment and overall vessel condition. Passing vessels receive a VSC decal; citations are not issued for missing/expired items.

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

TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES WELCOME "ROAD SCHOLAR" & ACCLAIMED STORYTELLER CARRIE SUE AYVAR TO THE LUTZ BRANCH LIBRARY

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries welcomes Florida Humanities Council Road Scholar Carrie Sue Ayvar on Monday, May 4, at 7 pm to the Lutz Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road West, Lutz.

Ayvar will usher her audience on a multicultural journey of imagination with her vast repertoire of tales. An accomplished storyteller, she flows seamlessly between Spanish and English as she blends traditional, international and personal stories connecting Florida’s people, languages, and cultures.

Ayvar is very involved in Florida storytelling guilds and is the Florida State liaison to the National Storytelling Network. She also participates in Florida Humanities Council Prime Time Family Reading program as a Bilingual storyteller. This program is cosponsored by the Development Committee, Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and by the Florida Humanities Council.

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

Have A Ferociously Good Time As Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Presents "Paws For Reading"

To celebrate National Pet Week, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Presents "Paws for Reading" May 6 – 12. Celebrate our furry friends with crafts, pet tales and the opportunity to read with a therapy dog at the following library branches:

78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road, Tampa, Tuesday, May 5 at 4 pm.

Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico, Thursday, May 7 at 4 pm.

College Hill Branch Library, 2607 East Dr. MLK, Jr. Boulevard, Tampa, Friday, May 8 at 3 pm.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon, Saturday, May 9 at 11 am.

For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

THE 29TH ANNUAL TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY!

Attention School Media Specialists, Teachers, Youth Leaders, and Parents. Hillsborough County is gearing up for its Twenty-Ninth Annual Storytelling Festival!

The culminating festival will be held April 18, 2009, from 9 am - 4 pm. This year the festival will be returning to its traditional Tampa home, Hillsborough High School, located at 5000 N Central Ave. in Tampa. The festival is FREE and open to the public.

In addition to this year’s Featured Storyteller, Donald Davis, the festival also presents hundreds of school-aged Festival Quality Storytellers, regional storytellers of all ages, balladeers, puppets, storybook characters, and much, much more!

This event is produced by the Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Committee, the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, the City of Tampa Recreation Department, and the Creative Arts Theater with the support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

SURVEY: “HOW DO THE PUBLIC LIBRARY COMPUTERS AND INTERNET HELP YOU?”

From April 6 to April 19, the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is participating in a nationwide Internet survey to find out how people use the free computers and Internet connections in public libraries. The U.S. IMPACT web survey is being conducted by the University of Washington Information School with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Until now, there has been no nationwide research about how library computing services fit into peoples’ lives. Some believe that library computers are used mostly for entertainment, but librarians report that people use them to find jobs, stay connected with family and friends, or to get health information. The goal of the U.S. IMPACT studies is to collect evidence about the ways computers in public libraries help people and their communities across the United States. This information will be used to improve these services and to inform policy makers about how best to fund and support them. In these hard economic times, this information will be invaluable.

You can access the web survey from the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative website at http://www.hcplc.org/ from April 6 to April 19. The survey is completely anonymous and takes 10 to 15 minutes to fill out. The researchers at the University of Washington encourage you to take a few minutes to help improve public library computing services across the United States. For more information, ask at the library information desk, or visit the IMPACT studies web site at http://impact.ischool.washington.edu/.

"ROAD SCHOLAR" CHAZ MENA TO PORTRAY JOSÉ MARTÍ AT THE WEST TAMPA BRANCH LIBRARY

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries welcome Florida Humanities Council "Road Scholar" Chaz Mena on Saturday, April 25 at 1 pm to the West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 West Union Street, Tampa.

“Charla – A Chat with José Martí,” is written and brought to life by actor Chaz Mena. Mena’s one-man performance is set in 1891, with freedom fighter José Martí rehearsing a speech that he will deliver the next evening to a gathering of Cuban exiles in Tampa’s Ybor City. With time running out for the Cuban independence movement, Martí struggles to find the words that will spark the flames of revolution for Cuba’s freedom—Cuba Libre--from Spanish rule. Dr. Martí will answer questions from the audience after his speech, followed by a “charla” (chat in Spanish) with actor Mena.

This program is cosponsored by the Development Committee, Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and the Florida Humanities Council. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

AUTISM DISCUSSION AT THE NEW TAMPA REGIONAL LIBRARY

Behavior Analyst Jamie L. Granatino will discuss Autism characteristics, symptoms, possible causes and treatment options on Monday, April 27 at 11 am at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard, Tampa.

Jamie L. Granatino has a MS degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. She has been working with children with special needs for ten years and is a board certified Behavior Analyst. She works for Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

CELEBRATE CHARLOTTE BRONTE’S BIRTHDAY AT THE UPPER TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is pleased to celebrate Charlotte Bronte’s birthday on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 pm at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Boulevard, Tampa.

Victorian scholar and Bronte expert, Dr. William Scheuerle, will provide background and stories about Charlotte Bronte. A birthday party will follow. Attendees are invited to dress in Victorian costume.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

“ACOUSTIC BLUES” AT THE SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is pleased to present "Acoustic Blues" at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin on Wednesday, April 8 at 2 pm.

Please join us for a performance by local musician Scott Simon. Simon is a singer/songwriter and finger-style guitarist with an earthy sound that combines his bluesy acoustic guitar playing, heartfelt vocals, and mystical lyrics. Free tickets available one hour prior to the beginning of the program.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

EARTHLINGS WASHBOARD BAND AT THE SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is pleased to present the Earthlings Washboard Band at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin on Tuesday, April 7 at 2 pm.

The dynamic duo of Ann Richards and K.C. Jones use a variety of folk and recycled instruments to showcase reading and library appreciation. Award-winning songwriters, singers and musicians, the Earthlings have performed over 4,000 shows in seven states and three provinces. Children, ages 5 – 12, join us and clap your hands to the beat.

This program is cosponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

SOUTHSHORE REGIONAL LIBRARY PRESENTS “PETER RABBIT: A PUPPET SHOW”

Join Tampa-Hillsborough County Library System for a Peter Rabbit show unlike anything you have seen or read before! Come to the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, on Thursday, April 9 at 2 pm to enjoy the antics of the irrepressible character, Peter Rabbit. After the show, enjoy a brief puppet making workshop and create your own puppet to take home. Don’t miss a minute of the fun!

Presented by the Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre and cosponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org

Hillsborough County Public Cooperative Presents “The Gingerbread Boy: A Puppet Show”

Join one of your favorite fairy tale characters, the Gingerbread Boy, as he runs away from the farmer’s wife, the farmer and a host of animals, too. The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is pleased to host this delightful children’s tale presented by Creative Arts Theater of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at the following locations:

Ruskin Branch Library show held at the Ruskin Recreation Center, 901 6th St SE, Ruskin, Monday, Mar. 16 at 10:30 am.

Jan K. Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. Wednesday, Mar. 18, at 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 3:30 pm.

Temple Terrace Library, 202 Bullard Pkwy., Temple Terrace, Friday, Mar. 20 at 3 pm.

Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tuesday, Mar. 24 at 10 am, 11 am and 3:30 pm.

Seffner-Mango Branch Library, at 410 N. Kingsway Rd., Monday, Mar. 30 at 3:30 pm.

For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

UPPER TAMPA BAY REGIONAL LIBRARY PRESENTS “JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: A PUPPET SHOW”

From magic beans to a magic musical harp, the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd, Tampa, will present a live puppet show on Thursday, March 12 at 4 pm. Puppeteer Jerry Bickel brings the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk to life with the use of delightful marionettes. Afterwards, there is a workshop where you can learn to make your own puppets. Join us for this special afternoon program.

This event is cosponsored by the Friends of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

"ROAD SCHOLAR" DAVID COLBURN AT THE NEW TAMPA REGIONAL LIBRARY

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries welcome Florida Humanities Council Road Scholar David Colburn on Thursday, March, 19 at 7 pm to the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard, Tampa.

In his latest book, From Yellow Dog Democrats to Red State Republicans: Florida and Its Politics since 1940 (University Press of Florida, 2007), Colburn discusses the population growth and chaotic gubernatorial politics that altered the Sunshine State from 1940, when it was a sleepy impoverished southern outpost, to the present and the emergence of a dominant Republican Party.

From Yellow Dog Democrats to Red State Republicans: Florida and Its Politics since 1940 will be available for purchase and author signing.

This program is cosponsored by the Development Committee, Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and the Florida Humanities Council. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.

"ROAD SCHOLAR" JEFF KLINKENBERG AT THE JAN KAMINIS PLATT REGIONAL LIBRARY

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries welcomes Florida Humanities Council Road Scholar Jeff Klinkenberg on Saturday, March, 14 at 1 pm to the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 South Manhattan Avenue, Tampa.

Jeff Klinkenberg, award-winning columnist, St. Petersburg Times writer and author, talks about the fascinating encounters between Homo sapiens and alligators from the 16th century to the present. He will discuss the history of the Florida dinosaur we call the gator. During his presentation, Klinkenberg insists that you keep your hands inside the boat.

Klinkenberg’s books, Pilgrim in the Land of Alligators and Seasons of Real Florida, will be available for purchase and author signing.

This program is cosponsored by the Development Committee, Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and the Florida Humanities Council. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.