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Library Plaza Honors Harkins

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2007

RUSKIN - When he was a trustee for the Tampa Bay History Center, James Harkins was one of the major forces in establishing Ruskin's SouthShore Regional Library.

"The library would have still come to this area, but it would not have happened nearly as quickly without Jim," said Joe Stines, director of libraries.

And the members of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Board recently showed their appreciation.

With family and friends surrounding the honoree, the James J. Harkins Plaza was dedicated Nov. 16.

"I feel very honored and grateful," Harkins said. "It's a beautiful library and I feel extremely proud to be a part of it."

Though the outdoor area has been a part of the library since its opening in October 2006, it has not yet been utilized for any of the library's programs.

A wrought-iron fence will be added to the open plaza, which is scheduled for completion in early to mid-2008 and will host some of SouthShore Regional's educational and recreational events.

"It's one of the first libraries for which we're planning outdoor events," Stines said.

About 40 people attended the event, which also included the unveiling of a bronze plaque bearing Harkins' name.

"He has meant so much to this area, and we've all been very lucky to know him and have him down here with us," said Jan Kaminis Platt, who had a Tampa library dedicated in her honor in 2000.

Platt was one of the featured speakers during Harkins' ceremony.

An author and historian, James Joseph Bartholomew Harkins retired to Sun City Center in 1994, where he eventually became a director of the Community Association.

His achievements in the area include founding the SouthShore Roundtable, as well as serving on the Hillsborough County Historic Resources Review Board and the Hillsborough County Library Board.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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