Black History Month: Spiritual Songs: The History Of The Negro Spiritual

Sunday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m.
Brandon Regional Library,619 Vonderburg Drive in Brandon
FREE

Celebrate Black History Month with recording artist Dr. Naima Johnston-Bush as she presents an historical musical adventure using powerful storytelling, historical facts and dynamic vocal performance to trace the creation and development of the Negro Spiritual as a distinct American art form.

All ages.

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

 

The First Lady's Roots: An Author Talk With Dr. Antoinette T. Jackson at the Norma and Joseph Robinson Partnership Library @ Sulphur Springs

Saturday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Norma and Joseph Robinson Partnership Library @ Sulphur Springs, 8412 N. 13th St. Tampa, FL 33604

Join Dr. Antoinette T. Jackson, Associate Professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of South Florida, as she discusses her book Speaking for the Enslaved, which highlights how public interest in First Lady Michelle Obama's roots and connections to Friendfield Plantation in South Carolina helps tell a bigger story about American history, heritage, and genealogical links.  This talk will focus on plantation life in general and the role the First Lady's family history and connections to Friendfield Plantation plays in shaping ways of obtaining and using knowledge about the past today.  A book signing will follow the program.  Refreshments will be provided.

All ages.

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.

Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library Book Sale

Saturday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa
FREE

Grover's Corner Bookstore open during normal library operating hours. Loading Dock Bookstore open from 10:00 to 3:00 on second Saturday of each month.

All ages.

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

Puppet Show: The Flying Tortoise

Several times/locations: 

• Wednesday, February 5 at 3:30 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico
• Thursday, February 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winston Park Recreation Center, 7605 Destin Drive, Tampa, 33619
• Tuesday, February 11 at 3:30 p.m. at the Rey Park Community Center, 2301 N. Howard Ave.
• Friday, February 14 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Cyrus Greene Recreation Center, 2101 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610
• Wednesday, February 19 at 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa
• Friday, February 21 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at the Town ’N Country Regional Public Library, Ste. 120, 7606 Paula Dr. in Tampa

FREE

Mebeku the tortoise loves his smooth, shiny shell, but still wishes for more. If only he could fly like a bird, he could attend Falcon’s delicious banquet high in the sky. Alas, Mebeku learns the hard way that greed and deceit can cause a lot of trouble. Celebrate Black History Month with this traditional trickster West African folktale featuring bright, colorful puppets.

For children ages 4 and up.

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

Reservations required for groups, call 273-3652.

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

Astronomy & Telescope Viewing at the SouthShore Regional Library

Tuesday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
FREE

This program with Craig MacDougal will feature a short astronomy presentation insid
e the library, detailing what will be observed, followed by an outside viewing of the moon and planets through a telescope.

For adults.

No registration required. Funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Community Cinema: The Trials of Muhammad Ali at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library

Tuesday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m.
C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. M. L. King, Jr. Blvd. in Tampa
FREE

In celebration of Black History Month, enjoy a special showing of The Trials of Muhammad Ali. The film, by Bill Siegel, covers Ali’s toughest bout: his battle to overturn the five-year prison sentence he received for refusing U.S. military service and explores Ali’s exile years when he was banned from boxing and found himself in the crosshairs of conflicts concerning race, religion, and wartime dissent.

A panel discussion will follow the screening and feature Dr. Abraham Khan, Associate Professor, Africana Studies at the University of South Florida, local attorney Delano Stewart, and student minister Ali Muhammad.

For adults.

This program is presented in partnership with WEDU PBS. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Storytelling Workshop at the Town ’N Country Regional Public Library

Tuesday, February 4 at 4:00 p.m.
 7606 Paula Drive, Ste. 120 in Tampa
FREE

The 34th Annual Storytelling Festival will be held April 26, 2014 at Hillsborough High School. Young people interested in performing at the festival should attend this series of five workshops to learn to become a festival-quality Storyteller.

For children and teens in grades K to 12.

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

Tale Spinners Storytelling Club at the Austin Davis Public Library

 Tuesdays: February 4 and 18 at 4:00 p.m. 
Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
FREE

Fairytales, fables, and legends, oh my! Learn about storytelling and how to choose a good story to tell. Be ready to tell a story at the Storytelling Festival.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

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.

I Love Science at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library

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

What kinds of people get to do science every day? We’ll explore the places science can take you in life if you stay curious!

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.

Ben Franklin: Bigger Than the Legend at the SouthShore Regional Library

Saturday, February 1 at 4:00 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
FREE

Dr. Rich Davis, as Ben Franklin, will entertain and enlighten with history, stories and fun as he reveals Franklin's life and achievements.

All ages.

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

Civil Rights - Blues Got Us Music Program at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library

Saturday, February 1 at 3:30 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico
FREE

Notable folk and blues music duo Bill and Eli Perras present an inspiring one-hour song and story program in celebration of Black History Month. They intersperse original and traditional music and songs with stories of icons of the civil rights movement, such as Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Tuskegee Airmen, Harry T. Moore, Martin Luther King, Jr., and events that led up to the civil rights movement.

All ages.

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.

Women of the Underground Railroad at the West Tampa Branch Library

Saturday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m.
West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W. Union St. in Tampa
FREE

A mix of music and dramatic monologues spotlight the brave women who helped lead scores of slaves to freedom.

All ages.

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.

ABCs of Early American Handwriting: Tips On Transcribing at the John F. Germany Public Library

Saturday, February 1 at 11:00 a.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa
FREE

Join the Florida Genealogical Society for a program presented by local genealogist Ann Palmer.
Learn about reading difficult handwriting on early documents and learn tips on interpreting and transcribing what you find.

The meeting will be held in the Auditorium of the John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa, beginning at 11:00 AM. For more information please visit: http://fgstampa.org/

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

Applying To College at the Austin Davis Public Library

Tuesday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
FREE

Confused about the college application process? Attend an informational meeting to learn the process and receive advice needed for college preparation. Learn about library resources that can assist with application approval.

For high school students and their parent(s)/caregiver(s).

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

Storytelling Workshop at the Town 'N Country Regional Public Library

Tuesday, January 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Town ’N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Ste. 120 in Tampa
FREE

The 34th Annual Storytelling Festival will be held April 26, 2014 at Hillsborough High School. Young people interested in performing at the festival should attend this first of five workshops to learn to become a festival-quality storyteller.

For students in grades K to 12.

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

College Financial Workshop at the 78th Street Community Library

Monday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m.
78th Street Community Library, 7605 Destin Drive, Tampa, 33619
FREE

Join us for a FREE hands-on workshop giving students and parents an opportunity to fill out the forms for financial aid. A representative from Guidance Services in HCPS Do we know what this is? will be available for questions.

For teens and parents.

Presented in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. 

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

Paws To Read! at the North Tampa Branch Library

Monday, January 27 at 4:00 p.m.
North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard 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.

Raw Fusion: The Art of Delicious Nutrition

Two times/locations:

• Tuesday, January 21 at 6:15 p.m. at the Austin Davis Public Library
Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
• Wednesday, January 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

FREE

Join Dr. LJ Rose as she explains about raw fusion living, how to create healthy alternatives to favorite dishes, and sample some delicious recipes.

For adults.

Funded by the Friends of the Austin Davis Library and  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.

Bird, Bird, Bird Is The Word at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library

Wednesday, January 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road in Seffner
FREE

Children grades K-5 will learn how to identify ten common birds, use binoculars and field guides, and learn why the turkey was almost our national bird. Each child will receive a Hillsborough County bird list along with activities, coloring pages and a turkey craft.

Presented by Nancy Murrah of Wildlife Fundamentals.

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.

Puppet Show: The Flying Tortoise

• Wednesday, January 15 at 10:15 a.m. at the SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin 
• Thursday, January 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Thonotosassa Branch Library, Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St. in Thonotosassa
• Wednesday, January 22 at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m at the Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
• Monday, January 27 at 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Boulevard in Tampa
• Tuesday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library,  10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

FREE

Mebeku the tortoise loves his smooth, shiny shell, but still wishes for more. If only he could fly like a bird, he could attend Falcon’s delicious banquet high in the sky. Alas, Mebeku learns the hard way that greed and deceit can cause a lot of trouble. Celebrate Black History Month with this traditional trickster West African folktale featuring bright, colorful puppets.

For children.

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.

Sound and Light: Crystal Bowls Magical Experience at the Town ’N Country Regional Public Library

Saturday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Town ’N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, Ste. 120 in Tampa
FREE

Join crystal bowl musician, Patricia Nielson, as she uses harmonizing sounds and music from crystal bowls with voice and color visualizations to help attendees attain a wholeness of being. Please bring mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.

For adults.

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.

No Fuss Foods: Light Cooking at the 78th Street Community Library

Saturday, January 11 at 1:00 p.m.
78th Street Community Library, 7605 Destin Drive, Tampa, 33619
FREE

Cooking delicious and nutritious meals does not need to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Join Rowena Sjovall of No Fuss Foods as she demonstrates how to make easy, nutritious meals.

For adults.

This program is funded by the Friends of the 78th Street Community Library.  For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Pirates and Princesses Party! at the John F. Germany Public Library

Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa
FREE

Ahoy mateys! Celebrate Gasparilla at the annual Pirates and Princesses Party with guest storyteller Katie Adams. Journey on a magical pirate adventure with pirate tales and pirate and princess crafts. Pirate and princess costumes are encouraged.

For children.

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.

Distaff Day Celebration at the SouthShore Regional Library

Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin 
FREE

Join the Southshore Needle People and local fiber artists in celebration of Distaff Day--the day women resumed their household work after the twelve days of Christmas had ended. There will be demonstrations, networking, a fiber fashion show and fun
for all skill levels. All fiber arts will be represented--needle craft, spinning, weaving and more.

All ages.

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

Cracked Walnuts Present Music Of Vaudeville at the SouthShore Regional Library

Friday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin 
FREE

Join us for a special concert with nutty washboard and banjo duo, Cracked Walnuts. Husband and wife team, Jeff and Jan Ausfahl, are from the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and will entertain young and old alike with music like campfire and folk songs, patriotic favorites, traditional jigs and reels and even old movie and television music.

All ages.

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

DIY Expert Ron Turner at the Temple Terrace Public Library

Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway in Temple Terrace
FREE

Award-winning writer and DIY expert Ron Tanner makes a stop at the Temple Terrace Public Library to offer a comic monologue about his funny, he
art-warming book "From Animal House to Our House: A Love Story". Combining romance with history and humor, Tanner tells the true story of how he and his wife bought condemned property -- a wrecked former frat house -- and restored it to its original Victorian splendor. They knew nothing about fixing up houses when they started. In 2008, THIS OLD HOUSE magazine featured their remarkable work. They now run Houselove.org, a DIY website. Tanner's talk includes an impressive slide show.

For adults.

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

Astronomy & Telescope Viewing at the SouthShore Regional Library

Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin 
FREE

This program with Craig MacDougal will feature a short astronomy presentation inside the library, detailing what will be observed, followed by an outside viewing of the moon and planets through a telescope.

For adults.

No registration required. Funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Healthy And Happy Campers at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library

Monday, January 6 at 3:00 p.m.
Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road in Seffner
FREE

Sunshine, exercise and deeelicious food! Everything we need to be healthy and happy tastes great and feels good. We’ll take a peek at our future when we take good care of our bodies.

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.