43rd Storytelling Festival, Other Hillsborough County Library Events

TAMPA, FL — The 43rd annual storytelling festival, children's theater and ukulele lessons are some of the many free programs taking place at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative in April.

43rd Annual Storytelling Festival

Celebrate the art of storytelling at the 43rd Annual Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival with special guests and performances on Saturday, April 29 at the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library.

• 10 a.m. – Opening ceremonies and featured teller Tamara Green, whose repertoire of stories focuses on the beauty of folklore, enchanting African tales, Florida stories and the richness of historical stories.
• 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Featured youth storytellers' performances.

Other festival happenings include strolling characters and performers, story arts and crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and a storybook character parade. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County Inc. and Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Click here.

Children's Theatre: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

During April, there will be eighteen performances of the interactive play, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" happening at several library branches around the county.

The immersive and exciting show encourages children to participate by using props. "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" by Ernie Nolan is presented by the Creative Arts Theatre Company, the city of Tampa's professional theater company for young audiences. The show is best for ages 2 to 6, and attendance is limited to 40 people.

It will take place:

• April 4 at 11 a.m. at Blythe C. Andrews Jr. library
• April 5 at 11 a.m. at the Maureen B. Gauzza library
• April 11 at 11 a.m. at the Southshore library
• April 12 at 11 a.m. at the Riverview library
• April 13 at 3 p.m. at the Thonotosassa library
• April 17 at 11 a.m. at the Seminole Heights library
• April 18 at 11 a.m. at the Robert W. Saunders Sr. library
• April 19 at 3 p.m. at the Arthenia L. Joyner library
• April 20 at 11 a.m. at the Seffner-Mango library
• April 24 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Jimmie B. Keel library
• April 25 at 11 a.m. at the Town 'n' Country libary
• April 27 at 3 p.m. at the Ruskin library

Visit HCPLC.org/ChildrensTheatre for more information.

English Practice At Conversation Corner

Practice speaking English in the comfort of a small group with an English speaker to help you try new words. Meet for conversation with other adult language learners.

• Tuesday, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 11 a.m. at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa
• Tuesday, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 11 a.m. at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
• Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 11 a.m. at Riverview Public Library, 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview
• Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 4 p.m. at SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
• Saturday, April 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 10 a.m. at Town' N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr. Suite 120, Tampa

Visit HillsboroughLiteracy.org for more information.

Caribbean Quarter

Visit the Gallery on the Avenue at the Robert B. Saunders Sr. library for a last glimpse of Maria-Ortiz Haynes’ exhibit capturing the color, spice and rhythms through the media of stained-glass mosaics from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 6.

Book Sale

The Friends Of The John F. Germany Public Library will host a book sale at the on April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Poetry With Wordsmith Gianna Russo

There will be an online discussion of the power of poetry with the Wordsmith of the city of Tampa, Gianna Russo. Russo will take about her journey as a poet, where she finds inspiration, and hold a short reading to celebrate National Poetry Month. This program takes place on Monday, April 10 at 6 p.m. and is recommended for adults. Register through the calendar feature here.

Beginner Ukulele

The Bruton Memorial library will host beginning ukulele for ages 9 and up on April 10 and 17 from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Click here.

Afrofuturism Exhibit

Come to the Gallery on the Avenue at the Robert B. Saunders Sr. library for an inspirational glimpse of Afrofuturism with Adinkra symbols fused onto strong, proud faces by Jason Hayth from Tuesday, April 11 through Thursday, June 8.

Bookbinding

Children age 6 to 12 can participate in an online hands-on STEAM bookbinding project Tuesday, April 11 at 6 p.m. Supplies needed include loose pages (same size), thicker paper or cardboard, blank paper, recycled wrapping paper, a single-hole punch, twine or yarn, a ruler, regular tape and scissors. Click here.

American Sign Language Basics

An online American Sign Language Crash Course will take place Monday, April 17 at 6 p.m. for adults.

Register through the calendar feature here.

Building Financial Stability

An adult's online course on building financial stability will take place Wednesday, April 19, at 6 p.m. The course will discuss steps for building long-term financial success. Topics will include money habits, cash flow, credit, risk management and tracking economic progress. Click here.

Dog Tails With Fuzzy Rogers

Fuzzy Rogers loves to snuggle up with anyone who wants to share a book and some pats on the head. You can find him in the children’s area ready to listen on April 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Bruton Memorial library. Reading with Fuzzy Rogers can help children improve reading, communication skills and build confidence.

Then, in honor of National Library Week, there will be a Pawsome Party with Fuzzy Rogers and Bonnie for all ages April 27 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Bruton Memorial library. Click here.

Edible Flowers

Master Gardener Volunteer Nicole Pinson will discuss growing, harvesting and enjoying edible flowers online Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. Register here.

The events listed are only a sampling of the many scheduled. Find more listings under the "Events & Classes" tab here.