Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library offers holiday-inspired events for the whole family in December
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Dec. 6, 2024) - Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for engaging, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in December. 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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Holiday Closings
Christmas - All locations will be open until 6 p.m. Dec. 23. All locations will be closed Dec. 24 except Temple Terrace Public Library. All locations will be closed Dec. 25. All locations will be open until 6 p.m. Dec. 26 - 31.
Needle Felting - Make a Holiday Snowman
Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m.
Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St., Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Attendees will learn about the materials and techniques used in needle felting to create their own felted project. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
Fun with Florida Flowers
Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m.
Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33603
Learn about the amazing native wildflowers found in your own Floridian backyard! Afterwards, make seed balls and pressed flower bookmarks to take home. Recommended for teens. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
Bilingual Story Time
Friday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618
Enjoy books, rhymes, songs, and activities in both English and Spanish. This engaging program offers social interaction and builds reading skills.
Disfruta de libros, rimas, canciones y actividades tanto en inglés como en español. Este atractivo programa ofrece interacción social y desarrolla habilidades de lectura.
Program capacity of 20 children. Tickets will be available at the marked service desk 15 minutes prior to the event, on a first-come, first-served basis. One ticket per child and caregiver.
La capacidad del programa es de 20 niños. Los boletos estarán disponibles por orden de llegada en el mostrador de servicio 15 minutos antes del evento. Un boleto por niño y padre.
Recommended for children ages 2 to 7 and their caregivers.
Clean Up - Homemade Cleansing Set
Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m.
Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St., Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Join us as we create our very own foaming hand soaps and sugar scrubs. These can make great homemade gifts for friends and family. Allergy note: Attendees will encounter essential oils and coconut oils. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
Life Cycle of a Star - Paper Circuit Light Up Star
Monday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m.
C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610
Learn about the life cycle of stars and then create your own light up paper circuit to create a star. Recommended for teens ages 13 to 17. Registration recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
Book Discussion: "Bright Lights, Big Christmas"
Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 10:30 a.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618
Join us for a discussion of "Bright Lights, Big Christmas" by Mary Kay Andrews. Synopsis: As Christmas draws closer, Kerry Tolliver leaves her family Christmas tree farm and heads for the wilds of New York City to help her brother. While there, she quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors, including Patrick, a single dad raising his son Austin. Will their holiday romance have a chance? Recommended for adults. Registration Recommended. Copies of the book, eBook, audiobook, and eAudiobook are available at the library.
STEAM Time: Make Your Own Snow Dough
Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m.
Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
Engage in a hands-on STEAM activity. Today's focus is learning how to mix ingredients to make snow dough. Recommended for children ages 6 to 12. Registration recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
"A Christmas Carol" 1951 Film Showing (TV-G)
Thursday, Dec. 19, at 3:30 p.m.
Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 3909 W. Neptune St., Tampa, FL 33629
Join us for a movie screening of "A Christmas Carol" (1951) (TV-G). Synopsis: A first-rate adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel about Ebenezer Scrooge, a London miser who, despite his wealth, refuses to make charitable contributions and treats his sole employee, Bob Cratchit, as an indentured servant. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his selfish business partner, Jacob Marley, and then by three more spirits that same night, an experience that forever changes his life. Recommended for adults.
STEAM Time: Origami Snowflakes
Thursday, Dec. 19, at 3:30 p.m.
C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610
Engage in a hands-on STEAM activity to make Origami Snowflakes. Recommended for kids ages 6-12. Registration Recommended.
Movie Screening for Kids: "Balto"
Friday, Dec. 20, at 3:30 p.m.
Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613
Join us for a movie screening of "Balto" (1995). An outcast dog transports desperately needed medicine through blinding storms in Alaska. Rated G. Recommended for children ages 6-12. The remarkable true story of a hero who inspired a nation and became a legend. This is the story of Balto, a sled dog who doesn't know where he belongs until a tragedy forces him to find his noble spirit and restore hope to a small town. Rated G. Recommended for children ages 6-12.
Make a Duct Tape Rose Pen
Monday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m.
Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
Join us as we explore the history, science, and the decorating potential of Duct Tape as we craft a rose topper for a pen. Recommended for teens ages 13 to 17.
Movie Screening: "Nightmare Before Christmas"
Friday, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647
Join us for the movie "Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993). Recommended for adults. Rated PG.
Synopsis: Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere. Rated PG. Recommended for adults.