Get Ready for the Solar Eclipse with Your Local Library!

Hillsborough County, Fla. (April 2, 2024) - Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for interesting, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in April. The events listed below are only a sampling of the many scheduled. Find more listings under the "Events & Classes" tab at HCPLC.org.

The views expressed in these programs are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc., which do not endorse the presenters. For more information about these and the many other programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit HCPLC.org.

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Astronomy: Solar Eclipse

• Tuesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, FL 33511
• Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618
• Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
• Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626
• Friday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596
• Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at Egypt Lake Partnership Library, 3403 W. Lambright St., Tampa, FL 33614
• Saturday, April 6 at 3 p.m. at Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross the U.S. from Texas to northern Maine. In the Tampa Bay area, it will be visible as a partial eclipse. Local astronomer Craig MacDougal will explain how eclipses happen and the different types. He will illustrate what the eclipse will look like locally and how to view it safely. Recommended for adults. Registration required. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. Funded by the Friends of the North Tampa Branch Library.

Paint Glow-in-the-Dark Solar Eclipse Bags

Thursday, April 4 at 4 p.m. at Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library
1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33605

Unleash your creativity with a hands-on Solar Eclipse activity. Come in and paint your very own solar eclipse canvas bags with glow-in-the-dark paint. Recommended for children ages 6 to 10. Registration recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

STEAM Time: Pinhole Camera

Thursday, April 4 at 4 p.m. at Thonotosassa Branch Library
10715 Main St., Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Engage in a hands-on STEAM project or activity. Today’s focus is Pinhole Camera. Registration is recommended. For kids ages 6 to 12. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

3D Eclipse Models for Kids

Saturday, April 6 at 10:30 p.m. at Bloomingdale Regional Public Library
1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596

Learn how eclipses occur by creating a 3D model of the Earth and Moon. For children ages 6 to 12. Registration recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Eclipse Chalk Art

Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m.

• Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr., Suite 120 Tampa, FL 33615
• Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33603

What’s the difference between a total, partial, or annular solar eclipse? Create a 3-in-1 chalk project to illustrate the differences. Learn what to expect to see in the sky this year and next, and why it is important to protect your eyes with proper solar eclipse glasses. For kids, ages 6 to 12. Registration recommended. Limited walk-ins available. Ok-to-get-messy clothing is recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Monday, April 8

• 1 p.m. at John F. Germany Public Library 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
• 1:15 p.m. at SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
• 2:15 p.m. at Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613
• 2:30 p.m. at Egypt Lake Partnership Library 3403 W. Lambright St., Tampa, FL 33614
• View the solar eclipse streamed live from NASA TV. Recommended for all ages. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Children’s Theatre: The Magic Fish

• Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610
• Saturday, April 13 at 11 a.m. at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618
• Saturday, April 13 at 3 p.m. at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618
• Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. at Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626

When two siblings discover a fish who grants wishes, will they both remember what is truly important? Or will one of them be swept away by their own greed? “The Magic Fish” is a modern adaptation of the classic Grimms’ fairy tale, “The Fisherman and His Wife,” that explores a theme as old as time and yet is still relevant to today’s world. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Augmented Reality for Kids: AR Masks

Friday, April 12 at 3:30 p.m. at C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library
2607 E. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610

Mix creative, virtual environments with the real world through augmented reality (AR). Today’s AR focus will be AR Masks. Bring your own smart phone or tablet to participate and download the app: Quiver – 3D Coloring App. For kids ages 6 to 12. Registration is recommended and can be done through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Art Shop

• Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
• Saturday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596
• Wednesday, April 17 at 3 p.m. at Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, FL 33511
• Monday, April 29 at 4 p.m. at North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 North Blvd., Tampa, FL 33604

What can you create with your budget? Students will shop for art supplies with their play money and be challenged to make a masterpiece while working within a budget. This program promotes financial literacy, decision-making, and creativity. For kids ages 6 to 12. Registration is required and can be done through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Fiero Code for Kids

• Wednesday, April 17 at 5 p.m. at Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
• Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. at Egypt Lake Partnership Library, 3403 W. Lambright St., Tampa, FL 33614
• Thursday, April 25 at 3 p.m. at New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647
• Saturday, April 27 at 3 p.m. at Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569

Learn about life as a programmer from real-life coders and get started with Fiero Code. For kids ages 8 to 12. Registration is recommended and can be done through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Coding with Ozobots for Kids

Thursday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. at Ruskin Branch Library
26 Dickman Dr. S.E., Ruskin, FL 33570

Engage in an introductory, hands-on color-coding activity using Ozobots. For kids ages 6 to 12. Registration is recommended and can be done through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Chapter Books to Screen

Thursday, April 18 at 4 p.m. at North Tampa Branch Library
8916 N. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33604

Read Roald Dahl's “Matilda,” then join us to watch the movie, and discuss which version you liked better. For kids ages 6 to 12. Registration is recommended and can be done through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.