Ruskin Branch Library History Roadshow, 4/15/2012

The Ruskin Branch Library, one of Florida's first rural libraries, was founded by the Ruskin Woman's Club, whose membership and community initiatives continue to thrive. It is located at 26 Dickman Drive in Ruskin, Florida, nestled along a beautiful tributary where wildlife, including manatees, are frequently sighted.

On Sunday, April 15, 2012, the Hillsborough County Library History Roadshow crew visited the Ruskin Branch Library to gather their library memories.  Check out the photos from this event!



A variety of people from the Ruskin community came out to have their photos and memorabilia from library events scanned for the archives. We were able to record some interesting memories about the Ruskin Branch Library, past and recent.

Hear Donna Allmond's memory from 1956 about her grandmother bringing her to the library when it was located within the Ruskin Woman's Club.  Her grandmother, Martha Ekker, also had a role in the opening of the current library facility.




Listen as "Joni" Maschek shares her pivotal involvement with the library's history.



Mac Miller has lived in Ruskin his entire life. He remembers the Ruskin Branch Library's beginnings...




Ruskin Branch Library staff member, Cheryl Licata shares what it is like working at the library.



Hear why the Ruskin Branch Library helps Eugenio Ramirez improve his quality of life.



Gathering these memories helps us to understand the importance of public libraries in Hillsborough County.  Capturing the library's history creates a better sense of community.


Are you Interested in learning more about Ruskin's history? Go to http://www.ruskinhistory.org/!

Ruskin Branch Library History Roadshow

The Ruskin Woman's Club is celebrating its centennial this year and part of that celebration includes the library. Did you know that Ruskin's public library began inside the Ruskin Woman's Club building?



We were lucky enough to scan old library documents housed in Ruskin Woman's Club, including old library catalogs like this one.



The current Ruskin Branch Library opened in 1966. An image of the dedication program is below.



Join us on Sunday, 4/15, from 1pm-4pm at the Ruskin Branch Library to share your memories. A panel discussion with members from the Woman's Club and the community will take place at 2pm. Bring your library stories and memorabilia. It will be a great day!

Library History Roadshow @ Temple Terrace Public Library

Mark your calendar for Friday the 13th of April! The Library History Roadshow is coming to the Temple Terrace Public Library from 10:00am-3:00pm.







The Temple Terrace Woman's Club opened a library in a small golf caddy house in 1960.
The library collection grew quickly, and in 1962, the City of Temple Terrace took on the responsibility for it. The collection moved several times, settling at 202 Bullard Parkway in 1966. Rising from the ashes of a 1982 fire, and expanded in 1997, the Temple Terrace Public Library is now celebrating its 50th anniversary.


This Roadshow will also be held during National Library Week, which will be a perfect time to celebrate the history of the Temple Terrace Public Library.

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!