1918

West Tampa Library ,
West Tampa Map

1918 2011

1918 2011

Description

The West Tampa Free Public Library, which opened in 1915 with the help of a $17,500 Carnegie grant, was one of the over 2,500 libraries constructed with the support of over $50 million from Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie believed that free public libraries would provide everyone the opportunity for self-education. Carnegie’s libraries welcomed patrons by allowing them to enter through a prominent doorway that was nearly always accessed via a large staircase. The entry staircase symbolized a person’s elevation by learning. Outside nearly every library were lampposts that symbolized the person’s enlightenment.

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Print Info

All prints, 11x14 and smaller, come with a decorative white mat. Unless otherwise specified, the historic photo and modern photo are printed on the same sheet of photographic paper. If you would like your photo framed or printed in a size not listed, please feel free to contact me.
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Photo Credits

Historic photograph Courtesy of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Modern photograph by Bryan Weinstein

Show Comments (2)

2 Responses

  1. Lauren Aziz says:
    May 15, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    Is this library still open for public use?

  2. Bryan says:
    May 23, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Yes, this building is still used as a public library. Tampa Bay Online recently wrote an article about it.

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