The Robert W Saunders, Sr. Public Library is located on Nebraska Avenue in Ybor and is part of the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC). I visited this location one Saturday afternoon with my family. My wife was there for a race discussion that was taking place in one of the libraries huge meeting rooms. I came along to entertain the children. Part of the way through the meeting my daughter got antsy so we went out and explored what the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library had to offer.
If I were to review the Robert W Saunders, Sr Public Library in the same way that I review other branches (based on what they offer kids) I would be doing this branch an injustice. I mean, as far as I can tell, the Robert W. Saunders branch doesn't have Legos or maker spacers and it's kids section is relatively small compared to some of the others (although it is enclosed, which is a plus). The unique thing about this branch, and what catapults it near the top when it comes to ranking local libraries, is the amount of easily accessible information about race in Tampa. This branch has an appearance of being one part library, one part civil rights in Tampa museum. I spent about half an hour exploring the visuals and artifacts that are hanging up in the libraries lobby. I could've spent far longer if I didn't have a toddler constantly disappearing on me.
My motto for this branch of the Hillsborough Collective: A great library contains the diary of the human race. read more