Library History Roadshow Features John F. Germany Public Library

This just in from county officials:

On Sunday, Jan. 13, from 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., the Library History Roadshow will feature the John F. Germany Public Library at 900 N. Ashley Drive, in Tampa. Library patrons are encouraged to bring their John F. Germany Public Library memories, photographs and memorabilia to share.

The John F. Germany Public Library serves as the reference and resource hub for Hillsborough County residents, and as the flagship library of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System.

The building opened in 1968, replacing the 1917 Tampa Free Public Library (a.k.a. Carnegie Library on 7th Avenue). In 1976, a four-story annex was added. In 1999, the library was re-named to honor local attorney, former judge, civic leader, and long-time library supporter, John F. Germany.

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries will begin celebrating their 100th Anniversaries in 2014. To prepare, the libraries have partnered with the Tampa Bay History Center, the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, and other community partners to present the Library History Roadshow.

The Library History Roadshow will make stops at library branches throughout Hillsborough County through 2013 to gather and document the communities’ library memories, photographs and memorabilia. On this journey, the Library History Roadshow will feature four libraries that closed many years ago and each of the libraries in Hillsborough County, including the main library; 24 branch libraries; the Bookmobile; the Spanish‐language Cybermobile; the Talking Book Library; and two city-operated libraries.

Staff and volunteers work onsite at each Library History Roadshow to digitally scan photos and other printed items that residents bring, and immediately return the originals to their owners. Attendees delight in recording video and audio stories that share their historical knowledge of and experiences at the libraries.

For more information about the Library History Roadshow, and to see photos and videos of library memories and treasures, visit http://thplhistoryroadshow.blogspot.com. Or, contact the

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System at 813-273-3652 for details.