2013 Teen Talent Show Grand Finale

On April 13, 16 contestants performed at the John F. Germany Public Library in the grand finale of the HCPLC Teen Talent Show.  Previously, each of these contestants competed at either the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, Jimmie B. Keel Regional Public Library, Jan K. Platt Regional Public Library, New Tampa Regional Public Library, 78th Street Community Library, or West Tampa Branch Library and placed in the top three contestants.

Congratulations to our winners.  Click on the image above to connect to the HCPLC Teens YouTube Channel and see the winning performances.

Upcoming Anime Conventions

Tampa Bay Comic Con is a multi-genre convention featuring anime, comic books, video games, and favorite TV series. The next one will be this weekend, April 6-7, at the Doubletree Hotel.

Tampa Bay Comic Con


Khaotic Kon will be back in Tampa for its second year! Special events include Cirque du Anime, the Combat Musical, and the Evil Shinding of Mal-Intent. This year, Khaotic Kon has a new location at the Tampa Sheraton East. Join Khaotic Kon on the weekend of May 3-5.

Khaotic Kon


BelleCon will be making its debut in Jacksonville, Florida this year. This brand new convention will feature the Starlight Ball, the Kimono Fashion Show, and the Anime Fairytale Theater. BelleCon will be taking place on May 10-12 at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk.

BelleCon


During Memorial Day weekend, the Florida Anime Experience returns to Orlando for its third year. This con will feature the Animusical Idol, the Cosplay Photography Contest, and the Sword Arena. FAE will be taking place on May 24-26 at the International Palms Resort and Conference Center.

Florida Anime Experience


Last, but not least, we have KnightroKon at UCF. This con will feature the Pokemon Murder Mystery event, anime music video and cosplay contests, as well as special guests Crispin Freeman and David Vincent. Join KnightroKon on June 1-2 at the University of Central Florida's Student Union.

KnightroKon

Fall in Love...with a great book!

Visit the Teen section of the website for great suggestions if you're looking for something new to read. 

Each month, six new books are highlighted on the page.  You can also check out award winners such as the Florida Teens Read book or Sunshine State winners.

At the end of January, the 2013 winners of the Alex Award were announced.  Each year, ten adult books are selected for the Alex Award for having a strong appeal for teens.

Looking for Adventure?

Check out Orca's new series Seven.

After his death at 92, David McLean's unusual will sends his seven grandsons on unique journeys across the world. Read one story or read all seven.

2013 CLSP Teen Video Challenge

Take part in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP)! Create a video promoting Summer Reading at the public library, including your interpretation of the 2013 SLP teen slogan "Beneath the Surface," and you could win $275 and a $125 award for your library.


Any teen, aged 13 -18, can enter the CSLP "2013 Teen Video Challenge" in the state where they live. Videos can be created individually or as a team. The winning video from Florida will become one of the official Teen PSAs for the National 2013 CSLP Summer Reading Program (CSLP Winning Videos).


The deadline for entries is February 1, 2013. The application is available online. For more information visit the CSLP website.

It was a Graveyard Smash!

The Teen Advisory Board at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library kicked off Teen Read Week with a spooky evening of fun, inspired by classic and contemporary literary horror. Monster Mash drew around 50 teens in their creepiest costumes to enjoy ghoulish games and dance ‘til their feet fell off (literally, of course!)



Some of the night’s highlights:

• “Best Costume” prize awarded to Tinkerbell
• The Mummy Race won by mummy Wes S. and his wrapping partner Ashleigh S.
• The ghoulishly good snack table, featuring treats like cakepop eyeballs (chocolate cake coated in white chocolate and decorated like eyeballs) and graveyard pudding (chocolate pudding layered with crushed oreos with ladyfingers sticking out like little gravestones).

Thanks to the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library for making this night possible!

Outstanding Teen Volunteers!

The Teen Advisory Board makes a tremendous difference at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, and few outstanding members were recently recognized by the Library Board for their dedicated service. On September 27, the Library Board presented a Certificate of Commendation from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and a pin for Volunteer Excellence to five members of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library T.A.B., recognizing each for completing 100 or more hours of service to the library.


Rita M. receives a Certificate of Commendation for 100+ hours of volunteer service.

 Stephanie A., Cydney B., Rita M., Clarissa N., and Wes S. have each gone above and beyond in service to the library and its community, not only participating in T.A.B. projects, but also helping with programs for children and adults and volunteering for special projects with staff.

Ms. Janet and I (and Ms. Annamae too!) are proud of each and every one of them, and we’re thankful to the Library Board for helping express the appreciation that we feel for the support that these special young people have provided to us, our library and our community. Congrats!