February 10, 2012

Kuumba Dancers And Drummers

Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

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

FREE

Tampa’s premier African dance and percussion ensemble will expose attendees to the sounds, vibrant moves, and stories of the people of the African Diaspora.

For families.

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.

Online Living: Shopping

Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10:15 a.m.

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

FREE

Learn about popular online shopping websites and online shopping safety tips. Mouse and keyboard skills are recommended.

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.

February 6, 2012

Four Seasons Author Series Welcomes Merl Reagle

The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. welcome crossword creator Merl Reagle to the Four Seasons Author Series. This special event will take place at the University Club of Tampa on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at noon.

Reagle constructed his first crossword puzzle at age 6 and sold his first puzzle to The New York Times when he was just 16. He started making the Sunday crossword for the San Francisco Examiner in 1985 (he’s now in the Chronicle), and since the mid-1990s his self-syndicated puzzle has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Seattle Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer and many others.

“Crossword-solving is supposed to be good exercise, like a ThighMaster for your mind,” says Reagle. “But like any exercise, I think it should be as fun as possible. I’ve always had sort of a bent but G-rated sense of humor – hence the guarantee in all of my crossword puzzle books, ‘Twisted but fair.’”

Reagle has been featured on “Oprah,” ABC’s “Nightline” with Ted Koppel and NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” and he co-starred in the hit documentary “Wordplay.” He currently lives in Tampa, FL with Marie, his wife and partner in their puzzle book publishing company.

The Four Seasons Author Series is presented by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. The subscription series offers four consecutive literary lunches at which guest authors are invited to speak on a variety of subjects, followed by a question and answer period and a book signing for those who wish to purchase the featured book.

Tickets are $30 for a one-time event or a subscription for four consecutive luncheons is $100. Reservations are necessary to attend. To reserve your seat for the luncheon, call the Friends office at (813) 273-3616 or e-mail fourseasonsluncheon@gmail.com. RSVP by Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.

Tai Chi With Bonnie Birdsall

Friday, Feb. 17 and 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Charles J. Fendig, 3909 W. Neptune Street 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.

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

Friday, Feb. 17 and 24 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.

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

Puppet Show: Who’s In Rabbit’s House?

Friday, Feb. 17 at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.

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

FREE

Knock, knock! Who won’t let Rabbit in his house? Find out how some animal friends make matters worse in this African trickster folk tale.

For children ages 4 and up.

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

Yoga 101: Intro To Yoga For Adults

Thursday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m.

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

FREE

Erin Wheeler of Lucky Cat Yoga introduces adults in this class. Yoga is an activity that can help heal the mind, body and soul. Basic yoga postures will be covered, along with pranayama (yogic breathing). The pace of this class is tempered to a moderate rate, so that participants leave with lots of energy. No yoga experience necessary. Bring a mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.

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.