Free, Fun, and Full of Discovery: Hillsborough Libraries Roll Out May Programs

Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 4, 2026) - Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for engaging, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in May. 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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Brick Building
Tuesday, May 5, 4-5 p.m.
Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626
Explore creativity and problem-solving with colorful building blocks in this guided activity. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Registration recommended.

A Bottle of Calm
Wednesday, May 6, 4-5 p.m.
Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Rd., Odessa, FL 33556
Create a calming bottle and learn techniques for managing stress. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

Handsewn Buddies
Thursday, May 7, 2-3 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Dr. S.E., Ruskin, FL 33570
Learn hand-sewing basics while creating a plush toy. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

Keeping Houseplants Happy
Friday, May 8, 2-3 p.m.
West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W. Union St., Tampa, FL 33607
Discover tips to maintain healthy indoor plants. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

Here There Be Dragons - Make Your Own Dragon Egg
Saturday, May 9, 3-4 p.m.
Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St., Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Learn about dragons in folklore and create your own dragon egg. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

Jawsome Sharks
Monday, May 11, 4-5 p.m.
C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610
Explore shark species, their history, and research tools like the OCEARCH tracker. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Registration recommended.

Making Stickers with the Silhouette
Monday, May 11, 5-6 p.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647
Create custom vinyl stickers using the Silhouette Cameo. Recommended for teens ages 13-17. Registration recommended.

Master Gardener - Managing Beneficial Insects in the Landscape
Tuesday, May 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618
Learn how beneficial insects support healthy landscapes and how to identify them. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

Master Gardener - Managing Beneficial Insects in the Landscape
Tuesday, May 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33604

Master Gardener - Managing Beneficial Insects in the Landscape
Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m.-noon
Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33603

How to Crochet
Wednesday, May 13, 4-5:30 p.m.
Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613
Learn beginner crochet techniques and patterns. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

3D Printing Workshop
Friday, May 15, 3-4:30 p.m.
Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
Learn how to create and render a print-ready design using Blender. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

Meditation with Gabrielle
Monday, May 18, 6-7 p.m.
Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 3909 W. Neptune St., Tampa, FL 33629
Relax and learn meditation techniques in a group setting. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.

Tampa Taiko Japanese Drumming
Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m.-noon
Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
Experience Japanese culture through interactive drumming performances. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Tickets available 15 minutes prior on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Tampa Taiko Japanese Drumming
  Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m.-noon
  SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573

Bookbinding for Teens
Wednesday, May 27, 4-5:30 p.m.
Town 'N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615
Learn the history of books and create your own hand-bound book. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.

Tony the Balloon Guy
Saturday, May 30, 3-4 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Enjoy an interactive show featuring balloon art and humor that promotes reading and creativity. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Tickets available 15 minutes prior on a first-come, first-served basis.