Free November programs feature hands-on learning, holiday fun, children's theater, and a special appearance by author Marla R. Miller
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2026) - Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for engaging, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in November. 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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Retold Tales Genre Party
Monday, Nov. 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
Do you enjoy retellings of famous tales and classics? Celebrate this sub-genre with big bad wolf origami, word games, and short writing challenges designed to spark laughter and entice the imagination. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.
For the Love of Reading
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610
Kids meet up for literacy activities and games. Recommended for children. Registration recommended.
Turkeys, Wild Fun!
Attendees will learn about the turkey, its origin, history, and impact on different world cultures. Afterwards attendees will create a turkey bookmark! Recommended for children. Registration recommended.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 4-5 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 - Monday, Nov. 16, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Egypt Lake Partnership Library, 3403 W. Lambright St., Tampa, FL 33614 - Wednesday, Nov. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626 - Wednesday, Nov. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz, FL 33548 - Thursday, Nov. 19, 3-4 p.m.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618 - Thursday, Nov. 19, 4-5 p.m.
Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613 - Friday, Nov. 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Dr. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570 - Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m.-noon
78th Street Community Library, 7626 Palm River Rd., Tampa, FL 33619 - Monday, Nov. 23, 3-4 p.m.
C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610 - Wednesday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-noon
Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 N. Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33603 - Wednesday, Nov. 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Engine Visit - Senior Safety
Join us for an informative session on enhancing home safety for yourself or the seniors in your life. This presentation covers important topics such as fall prevention, common medication mistakes, escape planning, proper extinguisher use, the importance of smoke alarms, and cooking safety. Recommended for adults. Registration recommended.
- Thursday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-noon
Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, FL 33511 - Tuesday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-noon
Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz, FL 33548
Here There Be Dragons
Learn about dragons in folklore from countries around the world! Participants will then make their own dragon egg replicas to take home. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.
- Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 - Saturday, Nov. 7, 3-4 p.m.
Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Rd., Seffner, FL 33584 - Monday, Nov. 9, 4-5:30 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Dr. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570 - Thursday, Nov. 12, 4-5:30 p.m.
Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St., Thonotosassa, FL 33592
How to Start Beekeeping
Saturday, Nov. 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz, FL 33548
Learn the basics of starting your own hive, including equipment, hive setup, bee care, and best practices to help your bees thrive. Perfect for anyone thinking about becoming a beekeeper. Recommended for adults.
An Afternoon with Marla R. Miller
Monday, Nov. 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa, FL 33647
Join the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library for a very special event as we welcome author Marla Miller to discuss her book: Betsy Ross and the Making of America. An opportunity to meet the author and have your book signed will follow the talk. Books will not be available for sale; however, attendees may get a free book while supplies last! Recommended for adults.
Children's Theatre - The Wind in the Willows
Attend a children's theater performance that focuses on dramatic and imaginative play. In this whimsical and musical adaptation of the enduringly popular children's novel, you'll join Mole, Ratty, Badger, and Mr. Toad on their whirlwind adventures through the countryside and beyond. Written by Jenny Stafford. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets will be available at the marked service desk 30 minutes prior to the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Saturday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-noon
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596 - Saturday, Nov. 14, 3-4 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596
Beehive Benefits: Honey, Pollen & Beeswax
Explore the natural products of the hive! Learn about the health benefits of raw honey, the nutritional value of bee pollen, and the many practical uses of beeswax. Recommended for adults.
- Saturday, Nov. 14, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602 - Monday, Nov. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626
Creeping Cryptids - A Choose Your Own Adventure Story
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5-6 p.m.
Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, FL 33511
Your family is off on an adventure to Revolutionary War tourist spots, but you are not as interested … until you see clues that point to a hidden adventure with strange creatures around each corner. Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.
Interactive Drum Circle by the Giving Tree
Friday, Nov. 20, 3-4 p.m.
Town 'N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615
Giving Tree uses their drums as the vehicle to transport a group of people to a place of stronger community and to foster a deeper connection with each other. Together we create more! Recommended for children.
The Importance of Bees
Saturday, Nov. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Dr. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Discover why bees are essential to our ecosystem and food supply. This class explores pollination, environmental impact, and how protecting the bees helps our future. Recommended for adults.
Ozobot Odyssey
Monday, Nov. 23, 2-3 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Can you code your way out of the maze? Learn how to navigate a robot out of a labyrinth using coding. No prior coding experience necessary! Recommended for teens. Registration recommended.
About Hillsborough County
Established in 1834, Hillsborough County government provides essential services to a diverse and growing community under the leadership of a publicly elected, seven-member Board of County Commissioners. Services include water, solid waste and recycling, parks and recreation, public safety, infrastructure, pet resources, economic development, environmental stewardship and a wide range of community programs and public services. Hillsborough County services are paid for in part by property taxes. Learn more at HCFL.gov/PropertyTax.