New and Better Signs for the SouthShore regional Library:

The SouthShore regional Library is great! But some people had trouble finding it. When someone would ask, we would say..."to get to the SouthShore Library, just turn north at the large brick Beth Shields Middle School sign between the I75 overpass and US301 on 19th Avenue".

Quite a few times, the Friends were asked..."why doesn't the library have a big sign like the school on 19th Avenue"....or even better, "why don’t the school system and the library system share the existing sign?" So the Friends thought..."why not".

We soon discovered that while both the school and library systems serve the residents of HC, they are two separately funded organizations. And, while the two organizations cooperate in many important ways, it isn't always easy!

So the Friends asked Candy Olson, HC School Board member, to help. Candy said that she always enjoyed a challenge and would see what could be done.

On April 14th. of 2011, as I visited the library, both the Beth Shields middle School and the SouthShore Regional Library were displayed on the same existing school system sign. What a great example of teamwork between county governments, and a great improvement in the community awareness for our new library.

Candy Olson deserves our sincere thanks for being a great contributor to both our schools and our libraries in Hillsborough County. She is truly a "Friend of the Friends of the Library". See our new sign below:

Library Hours

Mon – Wed: 10am to 9pm Thu: 12pm to 8pm Fri: 10am to 6pm Sat: 10am to 5pm Sun: 12:30pm to 5pm

The library staff also needs help shelving books in the library. There are many activities that you can become involved in. The important thing is......"Have Fun and Help the Library".

The First Meeting on the Plaza

Below, the library staff and the Friends Board enjoy the first plaza meetings on a wonderful spring day in 2011. Bottom left to right; Mimi Rose & Tom Rose (Volunteer Directors), Jim Duffy (President), and Gail Daane (Treasurer). Top left to right John Smith (Vice President), Renelda Sells (Library Chief), Liz Ward (Secretary) and Lorri Robinson (SouthShore Supervising Librarian).