Join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative for engaging, entertaining, and informative free programs for the entire family in September. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some events are held online while others are held in person. Here is a list of some of the events happening this Autumn:

   Tampa Bay Teen Lit Fest: Tampa Bay Teen Lit Fest is a one-of-a-kind event bringing critically acclaimed writers of Young Adult Fiction to one virtual space. Join the Hillsborough County Libraries for live sessions featuring authors who write in a variety of genres. Attendees will get a chance to ask questions, hear stories and even win books from their favorite authors. The last day to experience this event will be Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021.

   Candy Fest: During this family event at Bruton Memorial Library, attendees will become immersed in an experience of candy, games and crafts. It is encouraged to dress in costumes to experience games and storytime fun for all ages. This event will take place Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

Seed of the Month: Pumpkin | Seed Library:  Enjoy Autumn’s favorite fruit with the Hillsborough Public Libraries. Drop by the Bruton Memorial Library to pick up a pack of pumpkin seeds to grow. Pick up pumpkin seeds by Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, or while supplies last. 

  The Gratitude Project:  November is National Gratitude Month. Stop by Bruton Memorial Library to create a gratitude leaf. The library will put each leaf completed on display for the entire month of November. This event is open to all ages and will take place throughout the whole month of November.

   Tampa Bay History Center: Native American Exhibits Virtual Tour: Join the libraries online as they catch a glimpse at some of the Tampa Bay History Center’s unique spaces. Exhibits will include Florida’s First People, The Seminole and Miccosukee Story and Coacoochee Story Theater. A question-and-answer session with a Tampa Bay History Center representative will follow a video tour and a brief presentation and will take place Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.

   Writing Poetry for Kids and Tweens: Kids ages 7 to 12 are invited to explore and create their poetry with award-winning author Jaimie Engle. In addition, Engle will teach attendees about epitaph poetry with an optional chance to share their own stories. Attendees are encouraged to use a tablet, laptop or a computer with a webcam for this virtual event. They will also be given a writing prompt on their favorite superheros and what their epitaph would look like. This event will be held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. 

  Cultural Cooking: Fry Bread: Fry Bread is a staple dish across many Indigenous Nations. Join Chef Mira as she gives a cooking demo on making this delicious dish inspired by the recipe from Kevin Noble Maillard’s picture book, Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story. Attendees can win a free copy of Maillard’s book by providing their address while registering. This event will take place online Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, and is open to all ages. 

 Teen Stay & Make: Patchwork Quilt: During this event at the Bruton Memorial Library, teens are invited to show their creative side and collaborate on a patchwork quilt. Each attendee will complete one square that will be on display in the lobby for the remainder of November. This event is open for grades 6-12 and will take place from Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, to Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, or while supplies last. 

   OneBlood Donation Drive: Give blood at the Bruton Memorial Library with OneBlood. Participants receive a special “thank you” gift. This event is only for adults ages 18 and older and will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021.

   To learn more about each event or register for an event, go to https://hcplc.org/ and click on the “Online Events and Classes” tab.