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SouthShore Regional Library Turns 2

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

RUSKIN - The newest library in South Shore is about to celebrate a birthday. And everyone is invited to join in the fun.

On Nov. 15, the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library will host an activities-filled day beginning at 10:15 a.m. and lasting until about 4 p.m. at the facility, 15816 Beth Shields Way.

"It's our way of saying thanks to the community for its support of the library," said Jim Duffy, vice president of the group. "Because of that support, we have the fifth-busiest library in Hillsborough County."

The Friends group is responsible for raising money to support library programs not funded by the county.

Duffy said the Used Book Room has become the Friends' main source of revenue.

"It earns about around $60 daily, and that's only possible because the community continues to donate used books so willingly," he said.

This year, the group has contributed $20,000 for free programs and for supplies and equipment. It also helped library staff member Bill Harris start a teen volunteer group. Other initiatives from the group included a series of computerized gaming classes, teen art classes and creation of a teen advisory committee that recommends books and media to the library that will interest teenagers.

Duffy said the group expects to donate about $25,000 this year.

"In our second year of operation, the SouthShore Regional Library offers more free programs than any other Hillsborough County library," Duffy said. "There is a great opportunity for other individuals and organizations to get involved."

Interested in helping out? Call Duffy at (813) 634-1396 or e-mail him at jduffy1@tampa bay.rr.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

OPENING DAY: Oct. 12, 2006

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 40,000

NUMBER OF BOOKS: About 123,000

COST TO BUILD: $10 million

COMPUTERS: 49

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

• 10:15 a.m.: Fritzy Bros. One-Man Circus will juggle, ride a unicycle and clown around.

• 11:30 a.m.: Drawing cartoons and Manga with Leah. Children can learn cartooning as a form of personal expression.

• 2 p.m.: American Girls program. A hands-on workshop for doll lovers and collectors, ages 7 to 14. Visit the library before Nov. 15 to see a display of American Girls dolls, including Samantha, Felicity, Addy and Josephina.

• 3:30 p.m.: Game Zone, Wii. Gaming for seniors will include bowling and tennis. Teenagers will teach and assist.

• 3:30 p.m.: Game Zone, "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero." Mostly for teens who wants to be the next rock star.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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