Libraries are filled with spectacular and spooky programs for the entire family

Hillsborough County, Fla. (Oct. 3, 2025) - Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for engaging, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in October. 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 at your library, call (813) 273-3652 or visit HCPLC.org. 

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Movie Screening: "Hocus Pocus"

Saturday, Oct. 4, 3 - 5 p.m.
Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, FL 33511

Enjoy a movie screening of "Hocus Pocus" (1993).

New kids in town accidentally free a coven of evil witches. With the help of a magical act, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal. Don't let the Sanderson sisters put a spell on you! Rated PG.

Recommended for all ages. Registration recommended.

Come Write-In: Fantasy

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602

Let's work together on writing projects! Participate in word wars, pick a prompt out of a bowl, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the library as you work to finish your writing project.

Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

Here There Be Dragons

Thursday, Oct. 9, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Dr. SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570

Learn about dragons in folklore from countries around the world! Participants will then make their own dragon egg replicas to take home.

Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

Movie Screening: "Goosebumps"

Saturday, Oct. 11, 3 - 5 p.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618

Enjoy a movie screening of "Goosebumps" (2015).

A teenager teams up with the daughter of young-adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware. Rated PG

Recommended for children.

Thrills and Chills Genre Party

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618

Join other fans of the horror book genre. Create origami bat bookmarks. Play illustration games and engage in several short writing challenges designed to spark laughter and entice the imagination.

Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

The Curtain is a Haunted House

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL, 33596

The show features incredible magic, hilarious comedy, a knee slapping puppet routine, and lots of audience participation from both kids and adults.

The show is like having a stand-up comic for kids; the adults will laugh and have just as much fun. It's a funny show! Recommended for children.

Filipino Heritage Celebration

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647

Celebrate Filipino heritage through stories, traditions, and history. Discover the rich culture of the Philippines through engaging activities.

Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

STEAM Time: Spider Insider

Thursday, Oct. 23, 4:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St., Thonotosassa, FL, 33592

Engage in a hands-on STEAM activity. This session's focus is spiders!

Recommended for children ages 6-12. Registration recommended.

Film Screening: "Halloween" (1978)

Friday, Oct. 31, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL, 33596

Enjoy a screening of "Halloween." (1978)

Recommended for adults.