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Friends To Seek Renaming Of Library

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By KATHY STEELE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Friends of Steve Gluckman will ask the county to rename the Seminole Heights Branch Library in honor of the historian and longtime library advocate.

Gluckman, who spearheaded the library's annual book sale for more than 13 years, died Dec. 11 at age 70.

The name request will be made to the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System's board of directors at 4 p.m. Thursday at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave.

Susan Long, president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, planned to ask the group's executive board Monday to endorse the request. Long said Gluckman's book sales collected $1,000 to $1,500 each year for children's programs at the library.

The Stephen J. Gluckman Memorial Seminole Heights Library Book Sale will be Feb. 15 and 16 at the library, 4711 N. Central Ave.

After his death, the association began collecting money to buy preservation and archaeology books to donate to the library in Gluckman's name.

The library board has received several e-mails from residents about the request, library spokeswoman Jacquelyn Zebos said.

The board requires that names be 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.

"They take these types of requests very seriously," Zebos said.

She said recommendations are sent to the county commission, which has the final say.

Longtime friend Suzanne Prieur said residents want Gluckman's work to be remembered.

"Everybody wants the library named after him," she said. "It was one of his longest-running, biggest projects and greatest love."

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 Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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