Eloise Hurst, our SouthShore Supervising Librarian, received the Hillsborough County....

"Friends Librarian of the Year"

for 2007".

She deserves the award every year!

PS...Eloise is in the middle of the front row 

Sonia Baruch is a new addition to SouthShore Library. She is responsible for youth and teen programs. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration. She also received a Masters in Library Systems from USF while working full-time at the USF Tampa Library. Since joining the HC Public Libraries in 2003, Sonia has been a Youth Services Librarian and been involved with a variety of local and statewide youth programs. A Senior Librarian, she comes to SouthShore from the New Tampa Regional Library. Sonia brings a high level of innovation and expertise to the SouthShore team and to the teen programs. Welcome aboard and Go Gators!  Go Bulls! And Go Teens!

Key Library Staff On the Move:

In early 2010, two of our favotite librarians left SouthShore for new opportunities within the library system.  

Jo Combs, second above, is "caught on camera" at the Friends Third Annual Celebration;  with Julie Troupe, Ruskin Supervising Librarian. Jo shows that librarians can have fun! Jo was our Adult Education and Genealogical Specialist. She was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by everyone. 

Directly above is Bill Harris, Teen Programs Manager and Library Technical Support Specialist. Bill is shown with the winner of the recent SouthShore Library Teen Talent Contest. Bill started the teen program at SouthShore. Today, teens have an active participation and input into every aspect of the library. We wish Bill the best of luck.

Jo and Bill...Stay in touch...and Thanks!  

Michelle Weinstien Above is Michelle Weinstien, our SouthShore Library Children's Librarian, dressed for the 2009 children's Halloween programs. She is responsible for childrens programs. She also does all of the things that a "regular librarian" does....shelve books, work at the reference desk, etc. Don't you agree that Michelle will do almost anything to make the kids become future library users and supporters? 

Laurie Burhop Laurie (below) is our new Arts Coordinator. She has been a professional artist for thirty five years and was an art teacher for twenty years in the Evanston, IL public school system. She has taught at many levels..... Kindergarden through High School, but primarly taught at the Middle School level. She has worked with Spacial Design Companies in Chicago, IL creating woven installations for major corporate displays and residential collections. She is a member of SouthShore Arts Council and was active in the Ruskin Big Draw and the Ruskin Mural. We all wish Laurie the best in her new job at the library!!