Get Creative! With Your Public Library

Whether writing lines of code or poetry or fixing a leak or a math problem, creativity helps us use our imagination to solve problems and connect with the world in beautiful new ways every day. The library is here to support your family’s creative development at all ages with events and classes, virtual resources, collaborative spaces, and of course, books.

Ages 0-6

Try: Early Learning Hive – Creating connections through the world with children both real and imaginary is a key developmental skill for children of all ages.  Solving problems and navigating social and emotional situations helps children with school readiness. The Early Learning Hive spaces available at three public libraries are designated for this age group to encourage development of creativity, motor skills and cooperation through play. Available at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, Riverview Public Library and New Tampa Regional Library. HCPLC.org/Kids

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Read: “Not a Stick” by Antoinette Portis – This charming picture book is all about imagination. It’s a good introduction to thinking outside the box (or stick). Let it inspire you to think about the wonderful things other everyday objects can become. bit.ly/HCPLC-NotAStick

Ages 6-13

Try: HAAL Pass – Every student enrolled in a Hillsborough County Public School, Hillsborough County Charter School or Hillsborough Virtual School has a library card in their pocket with HAAL Pass. Students use their student ID number and the default PIN to access public library resources. Use the HAAL pass to learn another language, take an online animation or photography course or try out other creative pursuits. HCPLC.org/HAALPass

Read: “Make Meatballs Sing: The Life and Art of Sister Corita Kent” by Matthew Burgess – Younger kids will enjoy the vibrant illustrations of artist and educator Corita Kent’s journey, and older kids will learn from descriptions of artistic techniques as they read about how Kent’s dreams become reality. Connect to Kent’s art by trying some simple printmaking techniques like applying paint to a cut apple and pressing it to a page. bit.ly/HCPLC-Meatballs

Ages 13-17

Try: Recording Studio – Build new skills when you create a podcast or green screen video recording. You can also record a song with a ukulele borrowed from the library. A Recording Studio orientation is required for first-time users and children under 14 years must be accompanied by a guardian. Available at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, John F. Germany Public Library, Riverview Public Library and SouthShore Regional Library. TheHive.HCPLC.org

Read: “What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions” by Randall Munroe – Comics artist and former NASA robotics employee Munroe answers questions with math, providing insight into creative problem solving. Read his answers to questions like “How much Force power can Yoda output?” Consider how to think through your own absurd questions in real-world ways. bit.ly/HCPLC-WhatIf

Adults

Try: GoPro – Capture your adventures on camera and try your hand at videography. Available for pickup for those 17 and older at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, New Tampa Regional Library and C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library. HCPLC.org/GoPro

Read: “Syllabus” by Lynda Barry – Artist and professor Lynda Barry offers a composition book full of observations, drawings and simple exercises that will get you thinking about creative development and practice for you and the kids in your life. Barry’s 5-minute daily diary is manageable for even the busiest of us. bit.ly/HCPLC-Syllabus

Visit HCPLC.org/Events for even more creative opportunities.

Originally Published in March 2022 | All photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library.