Muffins With Mom

Friday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

FREE

Children are invited to enjoy a breakfast muffin, story-sharing, and craft-making with their Mom.

For children and families. Participants must register in advance at the Ask Me Kiosk or by calling 813-273-3652. Limit of 60 participants.

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

Stop Motion

Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m.

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

FREE

Discover the secrets of stop motion animation, including claymation and brick films. Learn to make a short animated film from a series of still images.

For adults. Limit of 12 participants.

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

Celebrate Mother's Day

Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.

Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St. in Thonotosassa

FREE

Children are invited to get ready for Mother’s Day by creating unique crafts to give to their Mom or Grandma. All materials will be provided.

For children of all ages.

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

A Laugh Full Of Illusion

Wednesday, May 8 at 4:30 p.m.

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

FREE

In this program, Cesar Domico shares the importance of recycling using magic tricks and comedy.

For children in grades K to 5.

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

Tea 101

Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

In Tea 101, tea specialist Kim Pham will familiarize participants with varieties of teas from around the world and share information that will make anyone a tea enthusiast. In this hands-on workshop, participants will use their senses to explore unique tea aromas, examine tea leaves, and taste tea varieties. Learn something new and be inspired to ditch regular tea bags!

For adults.

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

Florida Folk Tales: An Interactive Storytelling Show

Tuesday, May 7 at 12:30 p.m.

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

FREE

The backwoods of old Florida will appear in children’s minds as Katie Adams tells captivating, humorous tales from Florida’s folklore. Props, costumes, audience participation, and singing add color to these tales about a raccoon that makes wishes come true, a young fool who makes the cattle rancher's daughter laugh, and a one-eyed fish that saves an old woman from robbers.

This program is part of the Viva Florida 500 celebration, a statewide initiative led by the Florida Department of State to highlight the 500 years of historic people, places and events in Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de León in 1513.

For children ages 5 to 12 years.

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.

Job Support Group

Tuesdays: May 7, 14,
21 and 28 at 10:30 a.m.

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

FREE

Adults are invited to this support group that provides career assistance, including help with résumés, cover letters and interviewing skills.

For adults.

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

Save A Life: Foster A Shelter Pet

At seven locations:

Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa

Monday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

Tuesday, May 7 at 11 a.m. at the Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City

Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m. at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa

Saturday, May 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa

Monday, May 20 at 3 p.m. at the Town ’N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Ste. 120 in Tampa

Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m. at the Jimmie B. Keel
Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa

FREE

Celebrate National Pet Week and help our community by learning how to foster a shelter pet and find it a permanent home. Animal Services’ staff and trained volunteers will explain the County’s foster program, share experiences, and answer questions. Learn how the non-profit organization, Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Services, raises funds for medical needs to assist the shelter's medically needy dogs and cats. Adults are invited to help save a life and enrich their own lives!

For adults; children may accompany adults.

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

Online Genealogy Resources

Monday, May 6 at 6 p.m.

78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road in Tampa

FREE

Learn to use the library’s online genealogy databases, including Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest, and learn strategies to overcome research problems.

For adults.

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

Flying!

Monday, May 6 at 3 p.m.

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

FREE

Airplanes, bats, bees and sometimes kids fly! Children are invited to explore the how and the why of flight.

For children.

Presented by Marcey Walsh of the Institute for Pattern Literacy LLC. Funded by the Friends of the Seffner Mango Branch Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Computer Boot Camp: Prezi

Sunday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

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

FREE

Participants will learn how to create online presentations with Prezi! Anyone may sign up for a free account to explore this dynamic, cloud-based presentation design tool.

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

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

May The Fourth Be With You!

Saturday, May 4 at 3:30 p.m.

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

FREE

May 4 is Star Wars Day, so come to the library for some PlayStation 2 and board games that celebrate a galaxy from a long time ago and far, far away.

For families.

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

Author Talk By Antoinette T. Jackson: Speaking For The Enslaved

Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m.

Norma and Joseph Robinson Partnership Library @ Sulphur Springs, 8412 N. 13th St. in Tampa

FREE

Adults are invited to join Antoinette T. Jackson, Ph.D., as she shares her critical analysis on the ancestry of enslaved Africans and their descendants in the south. Jackson will discuss the ways culture, history, social policy and identity influence heritage sites, and the business of heritage research management in public spaces. Jackson is the author of Speaking For The Enslaved - Heritage Interpretation At Antebellum Plantation Sites, and an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida. A book signing will follow Jackson's presentation. Refreshments will be provided.

For adults.

Presented in partnership with the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center. 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.

Pet Time!

Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m.

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

FREE

Fun and furry, small and playful, explore the wonderful world of pets with stories, songs and activities about these wondrous furry friends!

For children ages 3 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.

Colored Pen And Ink Techniques

Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m.

Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

FREE

Art educator Minnette Webster teaches participants how to create a colorful floral art piece using George Suret's style of dot-to-dot techniques. All materials will be provided.

For adults. Participants must register at the Ask Me Kiosk or by calling 813-273-3652.

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

Cartooning

Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave.
in Valrico

FREE

Professional cartoonist Andre Frattino will teach participants tips and tricks of cartooning. After the class, in honor of Free Comic Book Day, free comic books will be given (first-come, first-served) between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., or until the supply runs out. Limit of two free comic books per person.

For families. Participants must pick up a FREE ticket at the Ask Me Kiosk after 10 a.m. No ticket required in order to receive FREE comic book. Limit of 50 participants.

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

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

In honor of Free Comic Book Day, come to the library to receive free comic books and participate in art activities.

For children and families.

Funding provided 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.

Colored Pen And Ink Techniques

Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m.

Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

FREE

Art educator Minnette Webster introduces George Suret's style of painting using dot-to-dot techniques. All materials will be provided.

For children in grades 1 to 4. Participants must register at the Ask Me Kiosk or by calling 813-273-3652. Limit of 20 participants.

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

Celebrate Asian American Month

Friday, May 3 at 1 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

Celebrate Asian American Month at the library while learning about the Pacific Asian cultures of China, Korea, Japan, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Participants will enjoy maps, brochures, giveaways, novelties and travel advice from AAA.

For families.

Presented by AAA travel counselor Lynn Schwalen. 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.

Basics Of Alzheimer's Disease

Wednesday, May 1 at 2 p.m.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

FREE

A representative from the Alzheimer's Association will present an overview of Alzheimer's disease, including a discussion of the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, caregiving tips, and other useful resources.

For adults.

Presented in partnership with the Florida West Coast Alzheimer's Association. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Crazy Quilts!

Wednesdays: May 1, 8,
15, 22 and 29 at 1:30 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library,
8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

Want to learn to quilt? Join Amara Scozzari as she demonstrates how to make quilts. Participants can work on the theme of the month or individual designs. All materials will be provided, but quilters are free to bring their own fabric, if so desired.

For families and adults.

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

Make‐Up Tips: For A Job Interview Or For Work

Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

This special cosmetics program teaches adults and teens how to use facial makeup application and instructional skills for polishing up images. This techniques will help participants look great when going on a job interview, or have more confidence at their current job. Margaret Rafferty, licensed esthetician since 1980, is a longtime Estée Lauder and Lancôme beautician. She will lead the facial makeup and image posting demonstrations at the library.

For adults and teens.

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

Recipe Swap

Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m.

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

FREE

Love to cook? Got that crowd pleaser recipe? Get together for a fun new way to socialize, by sharing favorite recipes and stories with other home cooks.

For adults.

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.

College 101: Paying For College

Tuesday, April 30 at 5 p.m.

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

FREE

Need money for college but don’t know where to start looking? Join a free informational meeting about funding college education. Learn about federal and state grants, where to search for scholarships, and more.

For teens in grades 6 to 12.

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

Computer Boot Camp: Microsoft Excel For Beginners

Sunday, April 28 at 1 p.m.

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

FREE

In this introduction to Microsoft Excel, learn how to format spreadsheets and turn data into charts and graphs. Mouse and keyboard skills are recommended prerequisites for this program.

For adults. Register in person after 12:30 p.m. Limit of 12 participants.

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

National Day Of Puppetry Festival

Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m.

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

FREE

Come to the library and celebrate the National Day of Puppetry with a FREE family festival including two puppet shows, puppet crafts, and a puppet workshop.

For children and families.

Presented in partnership with the Florida Suncoast Puppet Guild, Puppeteers of America, Inc. 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.

Celebramos! Dia de los Ninos, Dia de los Libros

Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m.

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

FREE

Children and families are invited to enjoy the magic of entertainer Cesar Domico and make a Latin‐American craft to take home! Snacks will be provided.

For children and families.

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.

Viola And Piano Recital With David Pedraza

Friday, April 26 at 12 p.m.

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

FREE

Mexican born violist David Pedraza is an accomplished musician who has played in many countries around the world. He is a member of the Vitali Quartet, the Palm Beach Pops, the Symphony of the Americas, and the Miami Symphony. Come and explore the exciting music of Liszt, Enescu, Monti, Joachim, Kodaly and Bartok in this special concert with Pedraza and his partner, Catherine Lan.

For adults.

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.

Open Mike Night At The Library

Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library,
8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

As part of our celebration of National Poetry Month, the library is inviting all poets and poetry lovers to join us for a lively evening of poetry, spoken word, and acoustic music at the library.

For adults and teens.

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

Jump, Jive And Jam!

Wednesday, April 24 at 10:15 a.m.

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

FREE

Children will Jump, Jive And Jam! in this fun and funky high‐energy movement class incorporating the right amount of fitness, fun and music to stimulate both the body and the mind.

For children ages 3 to 6 years, along with their caregivers.

Presented by Michelle Pinto. 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.

Introduction To Genealogy

Monday, April 22 at 6 p.m.

78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road in Tampa

FREE

Participants will learn research strategies to get on the right path to find their ancestors.

For adults.

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

Poetry And Jazz Month Celebration And Lit Wit Award Ceremony

Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.

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

FREE

Join the library in celebrating April as National Poetry and Jazz Appreciation Month. Local poets Gregory Byrd, Melissa Carrol, Silvia Curbelo, and Myron Jackson will read from their original poetry, accompanied by jazz performers Sam Koppelmen on vibraphone and Pam Epps on saxophone. The winner of the Lit Wit Humorous Poetry Contest will be invited to read their winning poem.

For teens and 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.

Computer Boot Camp: Microsoft Access II

Sunday, April 21 at 1 p.m.

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

FREE

Learn to build queries that perform calculations, change records and use advanced criteria; create forms to display and enter data; and use Design View to take forms to the next level.

For adults.

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

Viva Florida 500 Flamenco

Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m.

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

FREE

The art of dance, song and guitar from southern Spain. This program is part of the Viva Florida 500 celebration, a statewide initiative led by the Florida Department of State to highlight the 500 years of historic people, places and events in Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de León in 1513.

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.

Celebrate National Library Week With Author Talk By Lori Roy

Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m.

Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

FREE

Meet Edgar Award‐winning author Lori Roy who will discuss both of her novels, Bent Road and Until She Comes Home. A question and answer session and book signing will follow the presentation, as well as a reception.

For adults.

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

Scratch Day: Getting Started

Saturday, May 18 at 4 p.m.

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

FREE

Celebrate Scratch Day! Get to know this programming language by the MIT Media Lab that makes it easy to create interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art; and share creations on the Web. In this class, explore the basics of working with Scratch.

For children in grades 3 to 5. Limit of 12 participants.

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

Earth Day Every Day!

Wednesday, April 17 at 4:30 p.m.

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

FREE

Musical duo The Earthlings entertain with unusual instruments and magical illusions to show why every day can be Earth Day.

For children and families.

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

Teen Iron Chef

Tuesday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

In this fun and interactive program, each team of teens must turn a mystery ingredient into delectable dishes. Impress the judges and will the challenge!

For teens ages 13 to 19 years.

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

Tampa 1898: Prelude To The Spanish‐American War

Tuesday, April 16 at 3 p.m.

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

FREE

Get to know the Rough Riders, and find out why Tampa was the staging ground for the Spanish‐American War.

For children in grades K to 5 and families.

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

Mastodon Matrix Project

Mondays: April 15,
22 and 29 at 6 p.m.

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa

FREE

Come to the library to participate in real hands‐on science! Participants will sift through 14,000 year old dirt that surrounded a prehistoric elephant skeleton, while looking for shells, bones, hair and rocks from the time when mastodons roamed the earth! Anything found will be reported back to the Paleontological Research Institution, and will become part of the real scientific record!

For children and families.

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.

Computer Boot Camp: Microsoft Access I

Sunday, April 14 at 1 p.m.

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

FREE

Learn the basics of relational databases: create tables to store data; link records from different tables with relationships; make simple queries to easily retrieve and filter data.

For adults.

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

Picasa

Saturday,
April 13 at 3 p.m.

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

FREE

Learn to use Picasa Google's photo sharing tool to edit, organize and share photos.

For adults. Participants must register in person after 2 p.m. Limit of 12 participants.

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

Teen Talent Show: Grand Finale!

Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

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

FREE

Watch the 1st and 2nd place Teen Talent Show champions from around the county compete for ultimate bragging rights and big prizes! Who will be named the most talented teen in Hillsborough County? Show up to find out!

For teens and families.

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.

Ask‐A‐Lawyer: Do It Yourself Divorce

Tuesdays, April 9 at 7 p.m.

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon

FREE

Learn how the legal process involved in divorce proceedings can be simplified and managed at minimum cost.

For adults.

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

Create A Legacy, Not A Mess

Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa

FREE

Michelle Passoff, author of Lighten Up! Free Yourself From Clutter, works with her clients to address piles of papers, bulging closets and jammed garages and attics, she guides them to make space in their lives for accomplishment and satisfaction. In this program, Passoff will discuss life goal‐setting to create a no‐fail action plan to end clutter and organize, and will share a step‐by‐step paper filing and closet management system!

For adults.

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