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.