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!