Popular StoryCorps Program Comes to Westchase Area

The program enables residents to have their histories recorded.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:57 a.m. April 2 to include more information about the location of the pilot program. Westchase residents will soon be able to leave their mark on history. Tampa-Hillsborugh County Public Libraries were selected to serve as a pilot for the popular StoryCorps interviews program. StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to provide people of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share and preserve the stories of their lives. The organization uses a variety of ways to collect interviews from stationary booths, a touring trailer, door to door and via the Internet. Since 2003, StoryCorps has collected and archived more than 45,000 interviews with nearly 90,000 …

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Westchase Libraries Go Digital

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is taking its catalog online.

Upper Tampa Bay and Austin Davis library patrons will soon be able to surf collections, pay fees and find materials for kids right from their smartphones and home computers. The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative has announced plans to switch to a new online catalog system on April 29. Called Polaris, the new system will “enhance the Cooperative’s management of library resources, reduce costs, boost productivity, and is expected to improve customer satisfaction,” according to a media release from the library system. Right now, the plan calls for starting to migrate to the new system starting on April 8. Once Polaris is online, library patrons will be able to: What You Need to Know As the library system makes the upgrade, there …

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Tiny Artists, Teen Filmmakers Focus of Library Events

The Upper Tampa Bay Library is playing host to a number of events March 14 geared toward aspiring artists and area families.

Would-be teen filmmakers and preschoolers with a penchant for arts and crafts might want to pay a visit to the Upper Tampa Bay Library this week. The library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., has a few programs on tap Thursday, March 14 that could be of interest. Here’s a look at the schedule for Thursday: Families aren’t being left out of Thursday’s lineup either. Family Time starts at 7 p.m. and includes stories, songs, rhymes and more. Kids can even come dressed in their pajamas. For more information about the upcoming events, visit the library’s website.

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Upper Tampa Bay Library Construction: What To Expect

Construction is set to begin at the library. Here's what you'll need to know.

After construction is complete at the Upper Tampa Bay Library there will be 12,000 more square feet added to the building located at 11211 Countryway Blvd. The additional space will mean a new, larger children’s room, a bigger community room, increased study space, more space for computers and a bigger book store. The $2.1 million construction project shouldn't disrupt library goers too much, however some portions will be blocked off, said said Swati Bose, manager of Hillsborough County architectural services. Until the library expansion is complete, library goers will need to contend with a few changes. According to Hillsborough County, here's what to expect during construction: If you have questions about the construction call 813-635-…

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Free Holiday Arts and Crafts at the Westchase Library

Take part in holiday "Crafternoons" at the Upper Tampa Bay Library next week.

Help your children get into the holiday spirit and create some loving crafts for your home during this special Winter Crafternoons events at the Upper Tampa Bay Library.  Funded by the Upper Tampa Bay Library, these events and free and open to the public. All events begin at 4:30 p.m. The library is located at 11211 Countrway Blvd in Tampa. The classes are as follows: Wednesday, Dec. 12 - Kirigami Snowflakes. Thursday, Dec. 13 - Scented Soaps. Friday, Dec. 14 - Felt Plus Pets. Saturday, Dec. 15 - Foam Cottages. For more information call 813-273-3652.

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Tampa Construction Company Chosen For Library Expansion

The Upper Tampa Bay Library will be expanded by 11,000 square feet.

A Tampa based-construction company that has worked with IKEA and the University of South Florida will be completing construction on the expansion of the Upper Tampa Bay Library. The Williams Company has worked on projects throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States. An evaluation committee appointed by Hillsborough County reviewed the request for proposal submitted by the Williams Company. It then went through a review and scoring process. "They're well experienced," said Swati Bose, manager of Hillsborough County architectural services. The County Commission is scheduled to approve the Williams Company contract on Thursday, Nov. 15. Work is set to begin on the $2-million expansion in December. The 11,000-square-foot expansion to…

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Lost World Invades Library For An Evening

Reptile expert Gino Sassani stopped by the Upper Tampa Bay Library on Wednesday to present his family of reptiles and other cool creatures.

Gino Sassani won't return to the Westchase area libraries until next year. However if you don't mind traveling, his next library appearance will be 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2012 at the Riverview Library,  10509 Riverview Dr. Riverview, FL 33578. For more information call, 813-273-3652.

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Internet Restored at Hillsborough Libraries

Branches throughout the county lost internet service today, but officials say it's back on.

Library officials say the Internet has been restored at county-wide libraries. According to the library system, a power outage at the main library in downtown Tampa occured earlier today and caused spotty Internet access at branches throughout the county. In addition, the library system’s website, hcplc.org, was also down. Despite the Internet glitches, libraries remained open, according to a media release. Visitors can still select and check out books and other materials.

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5 Things To Do With the Kids This Week

Dress like a cow, play with Legos, watch a movie under the stars...all this week in Westchase!

  1.  Razzmatazz Entertainment - Laugh and learn with comical puppets, ventriloquism, and amazing magical tricks. Ages 5-12. Monday, July 9, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd, Tampa, Fl 33626. 2. Lego My Library - This fun, interactive program is back. Kids will use Legos to create and express themselves. This month's theme is Space. Tuesday, July 10, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Austin Davis Library, 17808 Wayne Rd., Odessa, Fl 33556. 3. Espresso Yourself - Create works of art using tasty beverages as the medium. Painting with coffee, tea, and others beverages will produce a cool, watercolor effect on paper; and it smells delicious! Ages 12-18. Thursday, July 12, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public…

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Puppet Show, Public Forum, Ponds: 5 Things To Know This Week in Westchase May 7-11

A look at events you should know about in the week ahead.

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