Reptiles, Reading, Robotics Featured In June At Hillsborough Libraries

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will provide interesting, entertaining and informative free programs for the entire family in June.

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

Children’s Theatr: The Ugly Duckling

The original adaptation of the classic tale by Hans Christian Anderson is best for ages 4 and up. During June, there will be 24 performances at library branches around the county. Visit HCPLC.org/ChildrensTheatre for more information. "The Ugly Duckling" is presented by Creative Arts Theatre Company, the city of Tampa’s professional theatre company for young audiences.

Upcoming performances will take place

• June 2 at 11 a.m. at the Town 'N Country Regional Public Library
• June 3 at 11 a.m. at the John F. Germany Public Library
• June 5 at 11 a.m. at the Seminole Heights Branch Library
• June 6 at 11 a.m. at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library
• June 7 at 11 a.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library
• June 7 at 3 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library

Fizz, Sugar And Science: Homemade Bath Sets

Create your own bath bombs and sugar scrub. These can make great homemade gifts for friends and family. Allergy note: Participants will encounter baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, Epsom salt, liquid dye, coconut oil and essential oils. This class is recommended for kids ages 6 to 12. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Science Of Fluffy Slime

Learn how the power of polymers can be harnessed to create everyone’s favorite goop: slime. Registration is recommended. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Reptile Discovery

The Reptile Discovery program is an introduction to reptiles. The information presented includes natural history, geography and conservation. It is recommended for kids ages 6 to 12.

Coauthors Eric Smith And Lauren Gibaldi: It’s Better Together

Young adult authors Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith will talk to teens about co-editing anthologies, working with their favorite authors, and finding joy in collaborating Thurday, June 1 at 6 p.m. online. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Stencil Creation With The Silhouette

Learn to design custom stencils to personalize your gear. (Wear something to protect clothing from paint.) This is recommended for teens. Registrater through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Summer Festival

Start summer off with a bang at the Seminole Heights Branch Library’s Summer Fest on Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. at the Seminole Heights Branch Library. It will feature face painting, robotics, games, music and food. It is ponsored by the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library and Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association.

Canvas Painting For Kids

Children will complete their canvas masterpiece following step-by-step instructions on Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at the Town 'N' Country Branch Library. This will be on multiple dates and locations. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Canvas Painting For Adults

Complete a masterpiece on canvas by following step-by-step instructions Monday, June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library. Registration is recommended. The class is sponsored by the Friends of the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Calligraphy Workshop

Learn how to script with a flourish using brush pens, and add flair to your writing June 6 a 11 a.m. at the Jimmie B. Keel Branch Library. This is recommended for adults. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Fantastic Fiction Island

Take part in a literary adventure of epic proportions. Kids age 6 to 12 will work together to conquer challenges. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Tuesday, June 6 at 11 a.m. at the Ruskin Branch Library
• Friday, June 16 at 11 a.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library
• Thursday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library

Ventriloquism And Magic

See an interactive ventriloquism and magic show that brings the whole family together. Space is limited for this program. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Tuesday, June 6 at 3 p.m. at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library
• Tuesday, June 13 at 11 a.m. at the Port Tampa City Library
• Thursday, June 15 at 11 a.m. at the Lutz Branch Library

The Loose Caboose Adventure

Enjoy an interactive adventure searching for the loose caboose. The program will feature magic, laugh-out-loud comedy and colorful balloon friends along the way. It is recommended for kids ages 6 to 12. Space is limited for this program. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Check the calendar for additional performances throughout the county. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Tuesday, June 6 at 3 p.m. at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library
• Tuesday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Ruskin Branch Library

Introduction To Drama

The introductory drama course focuses on the basic elements that go into improvisation. It is recommended for teens. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Tuesday, June 6 at 4 p.m. at the Ruskin Branch Library
• Tuesday, June 13 at 5 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library

Eat Your Spanish

Kids ages 6 to 12 can take part in bilingual sing-alongs, stories and games.

• Tuesday, June 6 at 11 a.m. at the 78th Street Community Library
• Wednesday, June 7 at 11 a.m. at the Seminole Heights Branch Library
• Friday, June 9 at 11 a.m. at the Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library
• Wednesday, June 21 at 3 p.m. at the Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library

Teen Writing Workshop

Teens are invited to this poetry writing workshop to increase writing, performance and artistic business skills. Space is limited for this program. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Check the calendar for additional performances throughout the county. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Friday, June 9 at 3 p.m. at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library
• Tuesday, June 20 at 4 p.m. at the Riverview Public Library

Gardening Together

Families can discover different ways of gardening and, at the end of the program, create a decorative rock to place in their garden Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m. at the Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library. All supplies are provided. Registration is recommended through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Building A Compelling Character

Teens can learn how to construct a character that helps to drive the plot and build a community within the story Saturday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at the Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library.Registration is recommended through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Giving Tree Music Drum Circle

Drum, dance and learn about rhythm, gratitude, and community through this group experience recommended for kids ages 6 to 12. Space is limited for this program. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Check the calendar for additional performances throughout the county.

• Monday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library
• Tuesday, June 13 at 4 p.m. at the Thonotosassa Branch Library

Fossils: Clues Of The Past

Dig into the science of geology with this hands-on fossil lab. Learn about the rock cycle and how we can use that knowledge to uncover clues to the Earth's buried past. It is recommended for kids ages 6 to 12. Space is limited for this program. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Check the calendar for additional performances throughout the county.

• Tuesday, June 13 at 3 p.m. at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library
• Wednesday, June 21 at 11 a.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library

Help Dogs Find Joy Through Toys

Learn all about offering enrichment to animals and try your hand at turning old T-shirts into braided dog toys. These toys will then be donated to Hillsborough County Pet Resources to provide enrichment to their shelter dogs. It is recommended for children ages 6 to 12. Registration is recommended.

• Tuesday, June 13 at 3 p.m. at the Brandon Regional Public Library
• Thursday, June 22 at 3 p.m. at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library
• Thursday, June 29 at 3 p.m. at the Riverview Public Library

Stencil Creation with Cricut

Teens can learn to design custom stencils to personalize their gear Tuesday, June 13 at 3 p.m. at the John F. Germany Public Library. (Wear something to protect clothing from paint.) Registration is recommended through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. It is sonsored by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library.

STEAM Time: Invisible Ink Making

Children age 6 to 12 can engage in a hands-on STEAM project or activity Tuesday, June 13 at 6 p.m. They will make invisible Ink using household items. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. Supplies needed: Measuring cup and spoon, mixing bowl, note card or heavy paper, cotton swab, paper towel, baking soda, water and concentrated dark fruit juice.

Books Through History

Kids age 6 to 12 will discover how the appearance of books has changed throughout history from scrolls to the modern printing press, and learn how to hand bind a book to take home on Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library. Registration is recommended through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Art Of Letter Writing

Kids age 6 to 12 can write and design a “thank you” card for a special person using simple calligraphy and decorating. Registration is recommended. The class is limited to 20 participants. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Wednesday, June 14 at 3 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library
• Tuesday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Port Tampa City Library

LIT! Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, June 15
Teens can discover new authors, genres and reading interests by learning how to use NoveList to lead you on your next literary adventure on Wednesday, June 15. Registration is recommended through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• 3 p.m. at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library
• 6 p.m. at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library
• 6 p.m. at the Riverview Public Library

Beginners Anime Manga Drawing Class

Teens can learn how to draw emotions in an anime manga style. Space is limited for this program. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Check the calendar for the additional performances throughout the county. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Friday, June 16 at 11 a.m. at the Town ‘N' Country Branch Library
• Wednesday, June 21 at 3 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library
• Thursday, June 22 at 3 p.m. at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library

Introduction To Music

An introductory music course for kids ages 6 to 12 will focus on the basic elements of music: melody, rhythm and harmony. Space is limited for this program. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Check the calendar for additional performances throughout the county. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Tuesday, June 20 at 3 p.m. at the Brandon Regional Library
• Tuesday, June 27 at 3 p.m. at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library

Bring WWII History To Life

Adults will learn about the research needed in bringing World War II history to life through the fictional book, “The Long March Home.” The book follows the story of three friends who join the army and are plunged into the battle for control of the Pacific Theater, culminating in a harrowing ordeal. Authors Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee will discuss their process of blending real facts with fictional storytelling to create a coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope. This online program will take place Tuesday, June 20 at 6 p.m. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

S.M.A.R.T. Journaling

Adults can learn how to use S.M.A.R.T. goalkeeping and bullet-style journaling to break down larger professional and personal ambitions into attainable and trackable goals. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

• Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m. at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library
• Friday, June 23 at 11 a.m. at the North Tampa Branch Library

Guide To Working In Digital Art

Teens can learn from fellow digital artist LluhnarDragon how to become a digital artist Monday, June 26 at 6 p.m. online. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

U.S.S. Tampa: Pageantry, Protection & Patriotism

In 1918, during World War I, the U.S. Navy suffered its worst disaster when the U.S.S Tampa (named after the city) was sunk by a German U-boat in the English Channel. Everyone, including 24 boys from Tampa, was killed. Prior to the war and after the Titanic tragedy, the ship was a Coast Guard cutter protecting many countries' vessels from floating icebergs in the North Atlantic. The heroic story of the U.S.S. Tampa can be viewed on a mural made of more than 200,000 pieces of glass on the side of the Tampa Bay History Center Wednesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. online. This is recommended for adults. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. This program is being presented in partnership with the Tampa Bay History Center.

Shocking Science

Discover the basics of electricity, what it is, and how it is used. Discuss currents, circuits and static electricity. Get hands-on building electro-magnets and simple DC motors. This clas will take place Thursday, June 29 at 3 p.m. at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library. It is recommended for kids ages 8 to 12. Registration is recommended through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.