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Federation Motto:
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In great
things, Unity
In Small
things, Liberty
In all
things, Charity
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GFWC
Temple
Terrace
Woman's Club
Temple
Terrace Library
The first community project was undertaken by TTWC in 1959. This
was to establish a library for the citizens of Temple
Terrace.
The nearest library facilities were ten miles from this small
city of around 3,800 inhabitants and book mobile services were
not available in the area. Temple
Terrace
was
fortunate to have the services of a City Manager who encouraged
the women to start a public library.
Subsequent
City
Managers continued to provide support for the library program.
Under the leadership of the first club president, club members
donated and collected books from neighbors and organizations.
They enrolled in seminars to be trained for library work and
they processed the books. With the help of volunteers from a
local Girl Scout troop, members cleaned and renovated a small
building provided by the City of Temple Terrace, which was
located at
Inverness
and
Glen Arven Avenues on the 10th fairway of the Golf Club.
Christmas Bazaars raised funds for seed money for the project
and several Mayors took a keen interest in seeing this library
develop and have contributed generously to the program. On
January
15, 1960
, less than one year after the TTWC adopted this project, the
Temple Terrace Library was officially opened. These club women
had accomplished a remarkable community service in the short
period of time through their dedication and talents.
Initially volunteers staffed the library three days a week. Members
concentrated on getting the library accredited with the State
Libraries and organized the ‘Friends of the Library’ as well
as serving on the first Library Board. Other members served on
the Hillsborough County Library Advisory Board and the City
Library Board. Because the library grew so rapidly during
its first year and more space was needed, the City of Temple
Terrace agreed to relocate the library to the
Municipal
Center
on Glen Arven Avenue
where the City Hall was located. The library was moved on April 21, 1961. Expansion continued,
necessitating the hiring of a professional librarian. At
this point the City agreed to take over the full responsibility
for the library. It was officially transferred to the City on
February 2, 1962
just two years after the
official opening. At the time of the transfer the library had in
inventory of 4,000 books.
On
April 17, 1996
the Temple Terrace Library moved into a new building on Bullard
Parkway
where it is located today. TTWC members served as head
librarian and directors for many years. Today the
collection of library items totals over 67,000. TTWC
has continually contributed to the library through the years and
has always been a member of the ‘Friends of the Library’.
Several club members have served on the Library Board and worked
with the ‘Friends of the Library’ on book sales. TTWC
has a tradition of donating books to the library as a memorial
upon the deaths of club members and/or their close family
members.
TTWC has been honored by the Florida Federation of
Women’s Clubs, the City of Temple Terrace and The Chamber of
Commerce for its work on this community service project.
Click
on the picture to be taken to the library's website!
Click here to go back to the club's Projects page!
