HELEN SWISSHELM READING ROOM IS DEDICATED

By STEPHEN HAMMILL

On the morning of March 9, the Friends of the Lutz Library and Hillsborough County dedicated a reading room at the Lutz Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., in honor of its founding member and long-time library advocate, Helen Swisshelm.

Swisshelm was presented with a self-portrait, which will hang in the newly-named Helen Swisshelm Reading Room in the Lutz Library.

The ceremony included a proclamation from Mayor Pam Iorio naming March 9 “Helen Swisshelm Day” in the city of Tampa.

Joe Stines, director of libraries for Hillsborough County, was on hand to represent the library board in honoring one of its former members. He presented her with a copy of a book featuring libraries across the country, including the West Tampa Branch Library, of which Swisshelm was a major contributor.

“She is a person of wisdom and dedication who has inspired me,” said The Rev. Bob Morris of the St. John Vianney Church, during the ceremony’s opening remarks.

“So often people will serve because an opportunity falls into their lap, but a person continues to serve for the special qualities they have,” said Karen McClure of the Tampa Friends of the Library, who was on hand to help present the painting.

The Friends of the Library provides resources, services and networking opportunities for library advocates across the country. The Tampa branch of the friends commissioned the portrait in Swisshelm’s honor.

“From the bottom of my heart, we appreciate you so much, Helen,” said Jim Norman, chairman of the Hillsborough County commission.

Swisshelm’s employment with the county began in 1971. She retired after 22 years and subsequently served on the Tampa Hillsborough County library board from 1990 through 2005, advocating for library services in under-served communities. She is the former chair of the budget committee for the library board.
Betty Castor was on hand to speak in place of her daughter, Kathy Castor, who is the Democratic Congresswoman from Florida’s 11th congressional district. Swisshelm was an aide to Betty Castor during her stint on the Hillsborough County Commission.

“People used to come by, not because they wanted to see me, but because they wanted to see Helen,” Castor said.

Swisshelm was later heavily involved in the expansion of the Lutz Branch Library. She is also the founder of the Friends of the Lutz Library and continues to serve as its president.

“She consistently reminded the board about how valuable the libraries are,” said Pat Bean, county administrator.
When the official speakers concluded their remarks, the audience was invited to do the same. A cavalcade stood up, one-by-one, to illuminate areas of the community and organizations in which Swisshelm has had an impact over the years.

“It’s an honor to be here today,” said Jan Platt, who has served for more than 20 years as a member of the Tampa City Council and as a Hillsborough County commissioner and is a fervent advocate for libraries.

“I’m really here in my capacity as a county commissioner when Helen was on the library board,” she said. “Back in the early years there was not public support for libraries. It’s so gratifying that over the years libraries have become politically popular.”

“She came to me and said, ‘Jan, we need to think of a way we can fund more libraries.’ Many of the new libraries you see built are because of the dedication of this woman right here,” she said. “It is very fitting that a reading room is being dedicated in her name.”

When it came time to speak, Swisshelm focused much of her remarks on those in attendance, personally naming and thanking the members of the Lutz Library, and members of various civic organizations.

“I am overcome,” she said. “I thank each and every one of you.”

“You know, it does take a village, and all of you are my village.”

For information about the Friends of the Library, visit http://www.thpl.org.