Fall Into October With Family History, Food At Libraries

From the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative: Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for interesting, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in October. The events listed below are only a sampling of the many scheduled. For a comprehensive look at library programming, visitHCPLC.org, select a library location, and view that library’s calendar of events.

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.

Groups must register in advance by calling (813) 273-3652. For more information about these and the many other programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit HCPLC.org.

Be social! Like the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System on Facebook, and follow @TampaHillsLib on Twitter.


Fitness Tracking
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

Take a look at wearable fitness trackers such as the FitBit, standalone apps Google Fit and Apple Health, and smart scales that track weight, body composition, and BMI. For adults.


DNA Basics
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

DNA has become a popular tool for breaking through road blocks in your family tree. Learn about different types of DNA tests and how they can be applied to your genealogy research. For adults.


Sewing Workshop
Wednesdays, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, and Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

Join an informal meetup and share techniques, tips, and experiences while working on projects of your choice. Receive basic sewing instruction for beginners. We supply the thread, tools, and sewing machines; you bring the fabric, trims, and ideas. All skill levels are welcome. For teens and adults. Funded by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library.


Online Photo Editing
Thursday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m.
Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St. in Tampa

Online photo editing is a great tool for owners of small businesses and those who just want to tweak their photos to make them stand out on social media. We will be working with free online photo editing sites; no experience needed. For adults. Limited to 15 participants. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.


Emote Dance Party!
Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Ever wanted to learn how to pull off your favorite emote dance moves from your favorite PC/video games? Join us for an Emote Dance Party to learn how to do The Floss and jump into a Best Mates conga line. For ages 8 and up. Limited to 60 participants. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.


Introduction to U.S. Immigration Records
Friday, Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Beginning in 1820, the federal government required passenger manifests for all ships bringing in any persons to a U.S. state or territorial port. This presentation by George G. Morgan discusses the ships' passenger manifests, beginning in 1820 until the closing of the Ellis Island immigration processing center in 1957. Learn how these manifests can extend your research. For adults. Funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library.


Zentangle
Monday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.
Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway in Temple Terrace

Learn how to create beautiful outer space tangle design art by using just simple patterns and pens. All materials will be provided. For adults. Funded by the Friends of the Temple Terrace Public Library.


Cooking with Instant Pot
Monday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Lutz

Chef Warren will be demonstrating the Instant Pot. Is the Instant Pot a kitchen wonder or temporary fad? Should you buy a multicooker, and if you own one, what’s the best way to use it? Learn the pros and cons about this latest kitchen sensation and the best ways to use it in the table-for-two kitchen. For adults. Funded by the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library.


Cookbook Club: Cheese
Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

Each month, we pick a theme and bring in recipes from different cookbooks for a tasty book discussion. The theme for October is cheese. From mac and cheese to cheesecake, the variety is endless. Choose a related cookbook from our collection or use your own. Bring your dish and a copy of your recipe to the meeting. For adults. Funded by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library.


Master Gardener: Vegetable Gardening
Monday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave. in Tampa

Vegetable gardening in Florida is challenging but rewarding. Learn how to make growing vegetables easy and successful in your own yard. For adults. Presented in partnership with the Hillsborough County Extension Service.


Itty Bitty Science: Spooky Science
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

Eek! Ghosts and monsters and silly fun, oh my! Stories and hands-on fun are sure to make every little critter happy. For ages 3-5. Limited to 20 children and their caregivers. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. Funded by the Tampa-Hillsborough County Children’s Library Foundation.


Medicare Open Enrollment Period Education
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

Medicare questions? SHINE has answers! SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) provides free, unbiased, and confidential Medicare counseling to empower you to make the best decisions for your needs. This presentation explains what changes can be made during the open enrollment period and what to consider when making changes. For adults. Presented in partnership with SHINE.


Can You Afford Long Term Care?
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

Would you be able to pay for nursing or assisted living care if you needed these services? Local attorney Beverly White explains how to protect your assets and still pay for long-term care for yourself or your loved ones. For adults.


Master Gardener: Ferns
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

Learn about ferns, a type of pteridophyte, their culture, and propagation. For adults. Presented in partnership with the Hillsborough County Extension Service.


Crafts for Kids: Halloween Paper Masks
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Bring your creativity and make fun, spooky Halloween paper masks. Supplies provided. For children and their caregivers. Funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library.


Elevator Pitches That Elevate You
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

Join Communications Specialist Veronica Blakely as she assists in crafting an elevator pitch that helps to heighten interest in you and your business. For adults. Limited to 20 participants. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. Funded by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library.


Q&A with a Financial Planner: College Planning
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa

Join Certified Financial Planner Lori Nadglowsk for a discussion of college savings options, "real" cost of student loans, Bright Futures scholarships, and how to select a college based on your budget. For adults.


Using AncestryDNA Today
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico

Drew Smith, University of South Florida librarian and past president of the Florida Genealogical Society, will explain how AncestryDNA can be used to identify relatives. AncestryDNA continues to add new tools to help with matching testers, categorizing matches into groups, and discovering the right relationships. This presentation focuses on how to use the latest AncestryDNA tools, such as ThruLines and Groups. For adults.

Youth Baking Contest
Saturday, Oct. 12
Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Lutz

Your favorite baked dessert could make you a winner in the baking contest. Entries are split into two age groups: ages 5-10 and 11-17. Prizes are given for first-, second-, and third-place winners. Drop off baked goods by 11 a.m. The awards ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. Contest rules and permission slips are available at the library. For children and teens. Funded by the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library.


Tampa’s Untold History: Seminole Heights
Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.
Seminole Heights Branch Library, 4711 Central Ave. in Tampa

In 1905, Hillsborough County purchased a 128-acre farm that ran from Hillsborough Avenue to Hanna Avenue, which became the “County Poor Farm.” This working farm was staffed by patients referred to as “inmates” who harvested citrus crops sold by the County. The grounds also housed a hospital, nursing home, tuberculosis sanitarium, state isolation hospital, boys’ detention home, and more. Come and explore this fascinating history using library resources. For adults.


Memory Box Family Craft
Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 W. Union St. in Tampa

Make new memories as you work together to create a decoupage memory box to preserve family keepsakes. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own items to personalize your box. This program is designed as a hands-on activity for family groups of two to four people. For ages 7 and up. Limited to 10 groups. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. Funded by the Tampa-Hillsborough County Children's Library Foundation.


Tribute to Poet Mary Oliver
Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. in Tampa

Join local poets as they recite select poems by Mary Oliver, one of America's greatest poets. Oliver won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for her poetry collection “American Primitive.” She authored more than 20 volumes of verse in her 50-year career. Performers include Joyce Carpenter, Cath Mason, Evelyn Ann Romano, Brenda Tipps, and Janet Watson. For adults. Funded by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library.


Genealogy: Cemetery Research
Monday, Oct. 14 at 12:15 p.m.
Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Lutz

Learn how to find family cemeteries, interpret gravestone markings, and use the information that you find. For adults. Presented by Kelly Whitelock of Tampa Bay Roots.


3D Printing Open House
Monday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa

Curious about 3D printing? Join us for our 3D Printing Open House to learn the basics of 3D design with Tinkercad, and see a demo of the library's 3D printer in action. For all ages. Funded by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library.


Master Gardener: Pest Control Solutions
Monday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.
Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City

Learn the basics of Integrated Pest Management and less toxic solutions for pest control in your landscape. Participants are invited to bring a plant for an exchange afterwards. For adults. Presented in partnership with the Hillsborough County Extension Service.


Hands-Only CPR
Monday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Join Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, in partnership with the American Heart Association, to learn the life-saving skill of Hands-Only CPR. Participants will receive hands-on training that will empower them to act when help is needed. For teens and adults. Limited to 30 participants. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.


Frosted Pumpkin
Monday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa

Autumn is in full swing! Celebrate this season of harvest by creating a frosted pumpkin for your home decor. For adults. Limited to 10 participants. Register through the calendar feature atHCPLC.org. Funded by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library.


Bookish Cosplay
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Who makes a great cosplay character? Anyone! Create your own, find your doppelganger, or take on your favorite persona as we explore the power of character in life and literature. For teens and adults. Presented by author Jaimie Engle.

Master Gardener: Dragonflies and Damselflies
Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway in Temple Terrace

This presentation by Erica Strand teaches you about the "flying dragons" of the garden. These beautiful and unusual insects are extremely beneficial predators of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. This talk will cover common dragonfly and damselfly species found in our area, fun facts about these fascinating aerial acrobats, and ways to attract them to our gardens. For adults. Presented in partnership with the Hillsborough County Extension Service.


The Little Mermaid

• Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Lutz
• Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Drive, SE in Ruskin
• Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 3:30 p.m. at Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 3909 W. Neptune St. in Tampa
• Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave. in Tampa

When a sea witch offers a beautiful mermaid princess the chance to make her dreams come true, it comes at a price. The Little Mermaid sacrifices key parts of herself—her tail and her voice—for legs, in the hope of winning the heart of the prince and gaining a soul. Filled with music, movement, and humor, two actors explore all the roles in this unique retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale. For ages 5 and up. Presented by Creative Arts Theatre Company, the City of Tampa’s professional theatre company for young audiences.


Cooking for Two at Home: Fast, Frugal, and Fun
Thursday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Drive, SE in Ruskin

Enjoy a presentation with Chef Warren Caterson in which he shares time-saving kitchen tips, cooking hints, and humorous anecdotes about the challenges and joys of cooking for two. The presentation culminates with a 10-minute cooking demonstration that any home cook can replicate. For adults. Funded by the Friends of the Ruskin Library.


Game Day
Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m.
Charles J. Fendig Public Library, 3909 W. Neptune St. in Tampa

Meet up with other local gamers for adventures and fun. Develop elaborate strategies, and explore fantastic worlds during a day of tabletop gaming. Popular genres include economic, strategy, card, and role-playing games, or feel free to bring your own. All skill levels welcome. For teens and adults. Facilitated by Tampa Area Gamers. Funded by the Friends of the Charles J. Fendig Library.


Community Day
Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m.
Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr. in Tampa

This family event will feature music, games, food, and activities for all ages. Visit with local organizations, and learn how their services can benefit your family. Funded by the Friends of the Town ‘N Country Regional Library, and sponsored by Hillsborough County Aging Services, Head Start, and Parks & Recreation.


Introduction to Genealogy

• Monday, Oct. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard in Tampa
• Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa
• Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. at C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Tampa

Want to take up genealogy but don’t know where to begin? This beginner’s class gives attendees the tools to get started and strategies to succeed with family research. For adults.


DNA and the Search for Family Roots
Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.
Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave. in Tampa

Personal DNA testing has revolutionized the process of finding biological family for adoptees and foundlings. Many of these people are now able to discover their relatives and family roots by using genetic genealogy. John Hartman will share his journey and discoveries in the field of genetic genealogy. Learn how DNA is inherited, which type of DNA test to take, and other helpful insights. For adults. Limited to 30 participants. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.


Anansi and the Tree of Life Puppet Show
Monday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

The great baobab tree spreads its limbs, giving food and shelter to all animals. There in its branches lives Anansi the Spider, full of mischief and schemes. Always quick to steal and cheat, Anansi never learns his lesson. He perpetually comes back for more, providing humor and positive life lessons for us all. Puppeteer and storyteller Katie Adams uses colorful puppets, a large-sized baobab tree with shadow puppets, and African music to bring these stories to life. Stay afterward for a fun puppet-making activity. For ages 3 and up and their caregivers. Funded by the Tampa-Hillsborough County Children’s Library Foundation.


Cookbook Club: Fall into Flavor
Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview

Explore the flavors of fall with root vegetables and squash. Choose a book from the display, prepare a recipe, and bring it to the meeting to share with other participants. Bring your own place setting (bowl, plate, and silverware) for each meeting. For teens and adults. Funded by the Friends of the Riverview Branch Library.


Field Trip to the Fire Station
Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m.
Thonotosassa Branch Library, 10715 Main St. in Thonotosassa

This press release was produced by Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. The views expressed here are the author's own.