Charles J. Fendig Library History Roadshow

Sunday, March 25, was a beautiful day for a Roadshow at the Charles J. Fendig Public Library. Joe Chillura, who designed the building, and Maril Jacobs, a relative of Charles J. Fendig, gave a talk about the library. They discussed its unique design and how it was named after Fendig, who devoted much of his time to the Library Board. Since it was the first building designed by Chillura, he then took everyone on a tour, explaining his architectural decisions. Current and former library employees, as well as members of the community, gathered to share library stories and memorabilia.

Check out two slide shows from the event here.

Make your own slideshow with music at Animoto.

Library History Roadshow @ Charles J. Fendig Public Library

Do you remember going to the old Peninsular Branch Library when it was located in a storefront at 3837 W. Neptune Street?



Do you remember when it moved to its current location at 3909 W. Neptune Street?



Or perhaps you remember when it was renamed in 2001 in honor of long-time Library Board member Charles J. Fendig.





If you have memories of the Charles J. Fendig Public Library, join us there this Sunday, March 25, from 1pm-4pm. Joe Chillura, who designed the building, will be discussing its unique architectural features. Bring your own library photos, memorabilia and stories to share.

Spring Schedule

This spring, the Library History Roadshow will be stopping at four libraries: Charles J. Fendig Public Library, Temple Terrace Public Library, Ruskin Branch Library and Seminole Heights Branch Library. These libraries each have unique histories and have been part of their local communities for many years. More details about each Roadshow will be coming soon.

Hope to see you there!


Sunday, March 25, 2012
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Charles J. Fendig Public Library


Friday, April 13, 2012
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Temple Terrace Public Library


Sunday, April 15, 2012
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library





Sunday, May 6, 2012
10 a.m. to 3 p.m
Seminole Heights Branch Library

Library History Roadshow @ Port Tampa City Library

The Library History Roadshow made a stop at the Port Tampa City Library on Saturday, 1/14. Prior to the event, this story appeared in the Tampa Tribune.

Over 30 people gathered to hear a panel discussion featuring members of the Port Tampa Woman's Club and Port Tampa Friends of the Library President, Kevin Dwyer. They shared stories about renovating the Commerce Bank Building and moving the Port Tampa City Library there in 1998. The library's first location was inside the old Port Tampa Woman's Club building. A photo of that location was one of the great items we received to scan into our digital archive, and it is included in the first slideshow below. The Commerce Bank Building has a rich history as well: it was previously used as a grocery store and a medical clinic. A man born inside the building came to the Roadshow to tell his story.


Check out photos from the event and scans of some of the items received in these 2 slideshows.

Stay tuned for videos from the event, including a video of the panel discussion!

Port Tampa City Library History Roadshow

Right click on the image below to save a copy of the Port Tampa Library History Roadshow flier. Save the date and bring your library memories!

Hyde Park Branch Library

On Saturday, November 19, the Library History Roadshow made a stop at the Old Hyde Park Art Center. This historic building was home to the Hyde Park Branch Library from 1922-1968. We were very lucky to receive the old library sign from North Tampa Library volunteer Debbie Wooten, whose mother used to work on the bookmobile. Click on the slideshow below to see scenes from the Roadshow and to listen to Debbie's recorded memory about how she acquired this sign.

Library Aide Bunny Pearce shares her memories of Hyde Park Library in this video:


The Library History Roadshow will be stopping at branches throughout the system to find more library treasures like this sign. Our next Roadshow will be at Port Tampa City Library on Saturday, January 14, from 10am-3pm.

Coming Soon: South Tampa Library History Roadshows

On Saturday, November 19, the Library History Roadshow will make a stop at the Old Hyde Park Art Center, located at 705 Swann Avenue. This building was home to the Hyde Park Branch Library from 1922-1968.



Then on Saturday, January 14, the Roadshow will visit the Port Tampa City Library at 4902 W. Commerce Street. You may be familiar with this historic building, which has been used as a library since 1998.


Going back a little further, this is a photo of the old Port Tampa Library, which became part of the public library system in 1961.


If you remember going to library in Hyde Park or Port Tampa, save the date for these upcoming Library History Roadshow programs where you will be able to share your artifacts, photographs and memories.