Block Party!

Saturday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m.

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

FREE

Kids use LEGO building blocks to build a fun, interactive and creative project. The library provides the LEGOs; kids provide the imagination!

For children in grades 1 to 5.

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

Introduction To Tai Chi

Saturday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m.

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

FREE

Relax the mind and strengthen the body and spirit with the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi. Instructors will demonstrate the basics. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing.

For adults.

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

New Year’s Resolution: Learn A New Language

Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10:15 a.m.

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

FREE

Thinking about learning a new language in 2012? Let the library help keep that resolution. Learn about Mango languages and other resources available through the library!

For adults.

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

Tai Chi With Bonnie Birdsall

Fridays: Jan. 6, 13,
20 and 27 at 1 p.m.

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

FREE

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

For adults.

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

Stargazing With Clear Sky Adventures

Thursday, Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

FREE

Enjoy a closer look at the moon and planets! Astronomers from Clear Sky Adventures will have telescopes set up outside the library so you can observe the moon's craters, the bright cloud bands of Jupiter and other celestial wonders. The expert staff will answer questions to further enhance the enjoyment of the night sky. Telescopes will be set up in the parking lot near the entrance to the library.

For families and adults.

Funded by the 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.

Introduction To Tai Chi

Thursday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m.

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

FREE

Relax the mind and strengthen the body and spirit with the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi. Instructors will demonstrate the basics. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing.

For adults.

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

Motion Commotion

Thursdays: Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 11 a.m.

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

FREE

This fun and very interactive preschool music and movement program will shake out some sillies.

For children ages 18 months to 5 years, along with their caregivers.

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

Music Together

Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m.

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

FREE

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

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

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

Avoiding Probate With Proper Estate Planning

Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

FREE

Avoid unnecessary probate expense by carefully planning an estate will that insures wishes are carried out. A legal expert will explain basic estate planning followed by a question and answer session.

For adults.

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

Author Talk: Departure By Mary Ann Marger

Monday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m.

Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa

FREE

Mary Ann Marger will discuss her book, Departure, which follows a German boy during and after the Holocaust, when his close friendship with a Jewish boy causes him to courageously defy his Nazi indoctrination. Marger will discuss how Departure came to be, what it is about, her 40-year fear of confronting the Holocaust and how she overcame it. Marger will also enlighten participants on the surprising number of descendants of Nazis who have converted to Judaism and provide commentary on the painting, Departure, by leading German expressionist artist Max Beckmann. The painting gives Marger’s book its title and has a pivotal role in the story.

For adults.

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

Holiday Celebration with the Rough Diamond Band

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

FREE

The Riverview Library Holiday Celebration rings in the holiday season with live festive country music from Kenny Flint and the Rough Diamond Band. Flint and his band are a well-known local act that plays a variety of country and southern rock music. This concert will feature country-inspired renditions of holiday favorites.

For adults and families.

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

Super Science Saturday

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

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

FREE

The library turns into a science lab in this interactive, hands-on science learning event.

For children in grades K to 5 and their families.
For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

An Entourage Holiday Celebration

Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

Lutz Community Center, 98 1st Ave. Northwest in Lutz

FREE

This is the third annual musical presentation of Holiday Celebration by Entourage of Steinbrenner High School. The talented ensemble features 14 singers and a four-piece band that offers high quality entertainment, complete with costumes, choreography and fun. Holiday Celebration will be presented in the Lutz Community Center. Refreshments will be provided.

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

Puppet Show: The Snow Queen

Thursday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 and 6 p.m.

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

FREE

After one of the Snow Queen’s visits, some of the brightest and most beautiful children are missing. Hans Christian Andersen’s story of unselfish love and friendship will put everyone in a holiday mood.

For ages 4 and up.

Presented by Creative Arts Theatre of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Ecokids

Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

FREE

Enjoy books about the natural world and make an earth-friendly craft to take home.

For kids in grades 1 to 5. Limit of 20 participants.

Funded 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 www.hcplc.org.

Puppet Show: The Snow Queen

Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

FREE

After one of the Snow Queen’s visits, some of the brightest and most beautiful children are missing. Hans Christian Andersen’s story of unselfish love and friendship will put everyone in a holiday mood.

For ages 4 and up.

Presented by Creative Arts Theatre of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Grown Folks Story Time: Mr. Maxwell’s Mouse By Frank Asch

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Blvd. in Tampa

FREE

Everyone loves to hear a good story, so come to the Grown Folks Story Time where librarians will read selected excerpts from short stories and novels. This month's selection is Mr. Maxwell's Mouse, by Frank Asch, an award winning picture book for older readers featuring a sophisticated cat, a bold and worldly mouse and a good bottle of wine. Bring a favorite snack; beverages will be provided.

For adults.

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

Stories And Songs With Mrs. Claus

Monday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

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

FREE

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

For children, families.

Register at the Ask Me Desk or by calling (813) 273-3652.

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

Block Party!

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.

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

FREE

Kids use LEGO building blocks to build a fun, interactive and creative project. The library provides the LEGOs; kids provide the imagination!

For grades 1 to 5.

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

The Fritzy Brothers One-Man Circus

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m.

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

FREE

The Fritzy Brothers One-Man Circus will entertain the whole family with juggling, acrobatics and humor.

For children, families.

Funded 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.

Paws To Read

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

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

FREE

The library's going to the dogs! Children are invited to practice reading to a certified therapy dog and enjoy a simple craft.

For children.

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