Programs celebrate America 250 with history, art, film, genealogy, comics, and hands-on fun
Hillsborough County, Fla., (Sept. 1, 2026) - Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for engaging, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in September. 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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Art Shop: America's 250th Edition
- Tuesday, Sept. 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Port Tampa City Library, 4902 W. Commerce St., Tampa, FL 33616 - Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-noon
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Students will shop for art supplies with their play money and be challenged to make an American flag-inspired masterpiece while working within a budget. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.
Curious About Cursive
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6-7 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Learn cursive; great for journaling, meditation, and reading historic documents! Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.
Beginner's Sourdough Workshop
- Wednesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Rd., Odessa, FL 33556 - Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596 - Monday, Sep. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 3909 W. Neptune St., Tampa, FL 33629 - Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647
A foundational, hands-on class designed for brand-new bakers or those wanting a solid understanding of the sourdough process. Recommended for adults.
Make Believe Theater: Save the Rainforest
Saturday, Sept. 5, 11-11:45 a.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
With over 15 colorful puppets in a lush jungle setting, puppeteer and eco-tour guide Katie Adams takes the audience on a journey to explore the delicate balance of the Rainforest ecology. Recommended for children.
Matchmaking a Family Tree
- Thursday, Sept. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Town 'N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615 - Tuesday, Sept. 29, 4-5 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Attendees will learn the basics of a family tree using a game and then learn how to build their own. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.
Movie Screening: "Revolution" (1985)
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596
Join us for a film screening and follow-up discussion on "Revolution." Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.
Tampa Bay History Center: The 1890s Tampa Takes Off
Thursday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-noon
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Presented by the Tampa Bay History Center. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.
Movie Screening: "National Treasure" (PG)
Friday, Sept. 18, 3-5:30 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Join us for a movie screening of "National Treasure" (2004). Recommended for children. Registration recommended.
Family History for Teens
- Friday, Sept. 18, 4-5 p.m.
Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613 - Tuesday, Sept. 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611 - Wednesday, Sept. 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33603
Learn ways to research your family history. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.
Heroes Quest
Saturday, Sept. 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
Attendees will have fun creating their very own hero using art supplies and simple writing techniques for character creation. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.
Motion Picture Paradise: A History of Florida's Film and Television Industry
Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-noon
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Join author David Morten for a brief tour through 125 years of filmmaking history in Florida with a special focus on the Tampa Bay Region. Recommended for adults.
An Afternoon with Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Saturday, Sept. 19, 1:30-3 p.m.
Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
Don't miss this exclusive event! Meet award-winning comic book legends Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti for an exciting panel packed with behind-the-scenes stories from DC and Marvel. Recommended for teens and adults.
Cigar City: The Story of Ybor City and West Tampa
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2-3 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
By 1885, the cigar industry had transformed Tampa from a sleepy fishing village of 700 people into a booming, multicultural city. How did this industry take root, grow, and eventually decline? Recommended for adults.
Hero's Journal
Saturday, Sept. 19, 3-4 p.m.
Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
Learn about the hero's journey and start to write your own tale with world-building activities. Record your adventure in a journal you can take home with you. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.
American Pantheon
Saturday, Sept. 19, 4-5 p.m.
Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569
Mythology has always played a role in shaping society and providing cultural identity. To the modern American, superheroes are our mythos. Join us for a deep dive and making your own comic strip! Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.
Legends of Johnny Appleseed with Katie Adams
Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-noon
Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Rd., Seffner, FL 35584
Puppeteer and storyteller Katie Adams weaves the heartwarming story of Johnny Appleseed from the early days of the United States. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.
Genealogy: Finding Female Ancestors
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4-5 p.m.
Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
What do you do if you're researching a female ancestor pre-1900? Well, you have to get creative. Come learn how to track your female ancestors in this delightful genealogy course. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.