Movement to Rename Library Opposed

Recent efforts to rename the Port Tampa City Library in honor of the late Ellen Green have spurred some to oppose such a move. Jan Simpson shared the letter she wrote to the library board with the Port Tampa Blog. I tend to agree with Jan. The park that was already in progress when Ms. Green died seems a more appropriate tribute as it makes a positive new contribution to the neighborhood. The library is a landmark in both our geography and our history as its very existence is a tribute to the hard work of many community members. It should remain the Port Tampa City Library.


November 2, 2006



Mr. James B. Johnson, Jr., Chairman
Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library Board
900 N. Ashley Drive
Tampa, FL 33602

RE: Port Tampa City Library

Dear Chairman Johnson:

As a resident of the Port Tampa community, I do not support a petition to rename the Port Tampa City Library. I sincerely hope the Library Board will not approve the petitioners’ request.

In April 1998 the Port Tampa community, after much discussion with county officials, voted at a civic association meeting to name the building the Port Tampa City Library. Several options were considered and debated. The consensus was that the imposing edifice should be dedicated to the Port Tampa community in recognition of the hard work and perseverance of many, not any one individual (such as James G. Yeats who commissioned the building) or organization (such as the Port Tampa City Woman’s Club that ignited the campaign to save the building for our library), who worked together for a common cause.

Speaking only for myself, the name “Port Tampa City Library” represents the names of all the volunteers that contributed to the five-year effort to save the building from demolition; the library board staff and director who succeeded in finding the right paths to save the building and fund our dream; the city, county, and state officials who acted favorably to secure the building as a library; and the planners, architects, and contractors who made our dream a reality.

The building was officially opened on June 14, 1998 and dedicated as the Port Tampa City Library. It stands proudly at the curve in the road as a tribute to the entire community.

Sincerely,