Seminole Heights Branch Library History Roadshow: May 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Seminole Heights, connected by the city's trolley system, was the first suburb of downtown Tampa. Its first library opened in 1927, and although it relocated a few times during its early history, it settled on the corner of Central and E Osborne Avenues, across from Hillsborough High and Memorial Middle schools.  Below is a photo of the original library building in 1936. Do you or someone you know remember going to this library building?

The Seminole Heights Branch Library quickly outgrew the needs of the community and was replaced with a new red brick building, that had double the space and took advantage of natural lighting.  It opened in spring of 1965. This is a photo from the time it opened.

After 47 years, the community has out-grown the small facility.  Plans for a new library building, three times the size, are slated. By mid-summer, this library will close for demolition. 

Do you have a favorite memory or photo or memorabilia from a Seminole Heights Branch Library program from the past? If so we would love to record it for the Library History Archive!  

Join us on Sunday, May 6, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Seminole Heights Branch Library, located at 4711 Central Avenue -- at the corner of E Osborne Ave -- to share your memories. There will be a panel discussion that includes staff (some from the1960's!), long-time residents, as well as Gene Howes, the director of the documentary film, Seminole Heights: An Intimate Look at the Early Years, which will play twice during the event. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library. Check back for updates  regarding the event schedule.

In the meantime, please call 813-273-3652 if you have any questions about the Seminole Heights Branch Library History Roadshow.


Bring your library stories and memorabilia and be part of history! We are really looking forward to this important event!  

Temple Terrace Library History Roadshow, 4/13/2012

It was a beautiful day at Temple Terrace Public Library with a good turn out --  former staff and folks from community came out to share their photos, news clippings and memories.  In addition, the Library History Roadshow dove-tailed perfectly with the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Temple Terrace Public Library, so there was a buzz of enthusiasm surrounding these historical events.  Enjoy a photo slide show of the day's happenings!


Eleanor Howland, former Director of the Temple Terrace Public Library, worked for the library for 31 years. She's has so much of the library's history to share...



Daniel Morton, President of the Friends of the Temple Terrace Public Library, provides insight to how the Woman's Club was the driving force in the creation of Temple Terrace Public Library.



Diana McCumber was a library employee in the late 1970s/early 1980's and remembers the impact devastating fire in February, 1982.



Madelynne Johnson, who is also a former employee, is now Chair of the Temple Terrace Library Board. She shares her unique perspective into what it takes to keep the library going.



Bruce McCullough moved to Temple Terrace when he was a boy and has lived there since.  He holds a life time of memories of the community as it has grown, and especially of his fondness for the library. 



Armand Ternak, Director of the Temple Terrace Public Library, also had some words to share!



This library has a very interesting past and it has grown from modest beginnings to an impressive, dynamic resource for its community. It speaks volumes that the people of Temple Terrace voted to raise taxes so that they could keep extended library hours during the week -- there is no doubt that they love their public library!

A special thanks to everyone who came out to support this event, and especially to the Temple Terrace Public Library staff who made our visit fun!

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!