The Ruskin Branch Library turned 50 years old last week. The library’s history reaches back to the early part of the 20th century. Community leaders gathered a collection of books to form the nucleus of a library from donations by citizens in the town. Over the years the library has been housed in private homes, the Chamber of Commerce building and at the Ruskin Woman’s Club. In September 1963, the Ruskin Library Association was formed to raise funds for construction of the present building. Chere Simmons photos.
James Hawkins, a folk musician and storyteller, entertained visitors at the library’s 50th anniversary celebration Nov. 12. The event was the kickoff for the History of SouthShore Celebration that culminated at the Firehouse Cultural Center on Saturday, Nov. 15, with a documentary film, displays and guest speakers featuring South County’s history.
Members of the board of directors for the Friends of the Library are ready to cut the anniversary cake for the Ruskin Branch Library. Pictured, from left, are: Peggy Boa, president; Linda White, vice president; Cheryl Hurley, treasurer; and Pat Sullivan, secretary. The group helped sponsor the event along with the Firehouse Cultural Center, or FCC, Hillsborough Community College, Ruskin Woman’s Club, the Ruskin History Project and Hillsborough County.
From left, Gerogia Vahue, executive director of the Firehouse Cultural Center, and Frances Hereford, facilities coordinator at FCC, a sponsor of the event.
From humble beginnings, the Ruskin Branch Library now boasts a modern computer lab.
