Lutz Branch Library: Pioneer memories

There was a great turnout to the Library History Roadshow at the Lutz Branch Library this last Saturday! Enjoy some photos from the event in this slide show:

Not only did we acquire the branch collection of documents and photos, which was donated from past librarians and library patrons for the Tampa-Hillsborough Library History Archive, but the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library came to have their library memories recorded.  They also provided lemonade and a delicious assortment of cookies.

Everyone was especially thrilled that our special guest, Dr. Susan McManus, PhD, who is a native of Lutz, came to share her extensive knowledge of the history of Lutz, as well as excerpts from her new book, Going, Going…Almost Gone: Lutz-Land O’Lakes Pioneers Share Their Precious Memories. We were so pleased that her book included a photo of the original Lutz Library (right) that we had been hoping to find.

Dr. McManus's presentation was very enlightening, personable, and entertaining, while the audience was a who's who of descendants of some notable Lutz pioneers.

In case you missed this event, we have the presentation recorded here. [video 57:44 min.] 



After the presentation, Mrs. Helen Swisshelm agreed to share her memories of the Lutz Branch Library.   Mrs. Swisshelm was a member of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Library Board from 1990 to 2005 and was its Chairwoman from 1992-1993. She was also the Founder of the Friends of the Lutz Library and its President from 2000 to 2007. The Lutz Branch Library's reading room is named in her honor for her on-going dedicated support of this library. 

Friend of the Lutz Branch Library, Barbara Bryan, talks about the benefits of getting involved with the Lutz Branch Library and she shares some examples of the contributions and commitments that the Friends of the Library provide to enrich library services for the local community.




Thanks to everyone who came to this event despite the rain, to Dr. Susan McManus for the informative presentation on the pioneers of the Lutz/Land O'Lakes region, and especially to the Friends of the Lutz Branch Library for their refreshments and unwavering support. 

Meanwhile, back at the archive headquarters, we continue to digitize library history documents in preparation of the centennial online exhibit of the history of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries.

Next up... Brandon Regional Library -- September 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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/!