North Tampa Branch Library
8916 North Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33604
October 19, 2013
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
With special guest speaker Commissioner Ken Hagan at 11:30 a.m.
Join us to hear Commissioner Ken Hagan speak about growing up in North Tampa being part of the legacy of Hillsborough County Public Libraries, from being a student to his current role as a County Commissioner. The event will be held in the community room and is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Overview of the library's history
Library service in North Tampa began with the bookmobile making stops in the neighborhoods of Sulphur Springs, Golfview and Forest Hills. In 1960, the Chamberlain High School PTA spearheaded the drive for a permanent library in North Tampa, with their petition that included hundreds of signatures, submitted to the Mayor and the Tampa City Council. After much deliberation between neighborhood civic groups, the City Council and the Planning Commission, it was decided that the location of the new North Tampa Branch Library would be built across the street from Chamberlain High. The North Tampa Branch Library opened on January 13, 1964 in a 3,500 square-foot building.
As Tampa's population exploded, this neighborhood library quickly outgrew its space. The library building was expanded twice; to 7,000 square feet in 1967 and again to 10,500 square feet in 1977.
Do you remember the previous library buildings?
On August 14, 2008 a groundbreaking was held for the construction of a 24,000 square-foot modern library building, which opened on September 18, 2009 at the same location.
This most recent building includes a large community room, children's room, teen room, quiet study room, computer lab, as well as additional meeting rooms.
Do you have memories, photos or memorabilia of the North Tampa Branch?
The Library History Roadshow team will be at the North Tampa Branch to digitize your library memories for our archive on October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Record a video or oral memory...Or bring in your photos or memorabilia and we will scan and return them to you while you wait.
Join us as we gather the library's history!
