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Group Seeks Name Change For New Tampa Library

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By LAURA KINSLER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

HUNTER’S GREEN - Carol Poland has been a neighborhood activist in New Tampa almost as long as there has been a New Tampa.

"We built our house up here because we wanted to be out in the country," she said, chuckling at how much the Bruce B. Downs corridor has developed around her in the past 16 years. "This used to be called the road to nowhere. There was one gas station up at Pebble Creek and we could buy our milk and bread there."

She organized the first neighborhood watch in Hunter's Green and helped launch some of the area's most popular events: Taste of New Tampa and the Hunter's Green Health and Safety Expo.

Now, the New Tampa Community Council wants to recognize Poland's efforts by renaming the New Tampa Regional Library in her honor.

"I think it's about time someone from New Tampa had a public building named for them," NTCC President Frank Margarella said.

Margarella initially spoke to Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners chairman and former New Tampa resident Ken Hagan about renaming Cross Creek Boulevard for Poland, but he decided on a different approach.

"As we started working on it, I realized there would be resistance from business people," Margarella said. They decided to approach the Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library Board about renaming the library.

"I think it is an excellent suggestion," Hagan said.

Poland was shocked at first, but she has started to come around. She retired from her many civic activities in 2006 and now focuses her efforts volunteering at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

She organizes monthly ice cream parties for patients in the polytrauma unit at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, and she hopes the library honor brings attention to the injured veterans.

"We need people to do more for these veterans," she said.

Joe Stines, director of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, said it's unusual to get a renaming request for a relatively new library. The issue first goes to the library board's bylaws committee, which is tasked with researching the person.

The board has strict requirements for naming libraries. Names usually are based on geographic locations, special benefactors, prominent literary figures and library supporters. Namings or memorials for library rooms can be based on significant, long-term service to the library, significant financial or other contributions, historical or cultural significance or noteworthy public service.

"We do our research," Stines said. "They write to people. They contact the Friends [of the New Tampa Regional Library]. They also want to hear from the New Tampa Community Council because that group fought really hard to get that name. It can take a little while to get the input they want."

Margarella said the council fully endorsed the renaming request. "I just think she's an extraordinary person and I'd like to see it done during her lifetime," he said.

After the library board votes, the matter goes to the county commissioners.

"They're the only ones who can vote to rename a building," Stines said.

To comment on the proposed name change, e-mail board@thpl.org or write to: Library Director Joe Stines, c/o John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa FL 33602.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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