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Join us for the 10th annual Family Heritage Festival
Join us for a conversation about Tampa history with USF Special Collections librarian, Andy Huse. Huse will be discussing his book From Saloons to Steakhouses: A History of Tampa. This takes readers on a journey into historic bars, theaters, gambling halls, soup kitchens, clubs, and restaurants, telling the story of Tampa's past through these fascinating social spaces many of which can't be found in official histories. Beginning with the founding of modern Tampa in 1887 and spanning a century, Huse delves into the culture of the city and traces the struggles that have played out in public spaces. He describes temperance advocates who crusaded against saloons and breweries, cigar workers on strike who depended on soup houses for survival, and civil rights activists who staged sit-ins at lunch counters. These stories are set amid themes such as the emergence of Tampa's criminal underworld, the rise of anti-German fear during World War I, and the heady power of prosperity and tourism in the 1950s.
After the book discussion, there will be a light lunch served. After, attendees will get a tour of the Florida History and Genealogy Library and have the opportunity to get research help from librarians.
Today's hours
We're open 10:00AM to 6:00PM
| Mon, Dec 16 | 10:00AM to 9:00PM |
| Tue, Dec 17 | 10:00AM to 9:00PM |
| Wed, Dec 18 | 10:00AM to 9:00PM |
| Thu, Dec 19 | 10:00AM to 9:00PM |
| Fri, Dec 20 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sat, Dec 21 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sun, Dec 22 | Closed |
The 140,000 square foot John F. Germany Public Library serves as the reference hub and resource center for all citizens of Hillsborough County, and as the flagship library of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system.
Professional staff are here to provide you with timely, accurate answers to your basic information requests and to facilitate your in-depth research-whether for school, business or personal projects. The John F. Germany Public Library is home to several comprehensive research tools and local history collections.
The John F. Germany Library also serves as the local branch library for the downtown area and surrounding communities by offering popular materials such as bestsellers, music, videos, audio books, and more to customers of all ages.
Our computer labs and PCs provide a supportive environment for electronic access and learning. Meeting rooms of varying sizes are available for public use.
A variety of fun and educational programs for children and adults are presented throughout the year. These events and classes are designed to increase research and computer skills, facilitate information access, and foster the love of reading.
For art lovers, a permanent art collection enhances the ambience of the environment, including the Bella Apollonia sculpture, and rotating exhibits in the Louise & Arnold Kotler Art Gallery on the second floor, exhibits the work of local and regional artists.
If you like books and bargains, visit Grover's Corners, the Friends of the Library Bookstore, located on the first floor.
