John F. Germany Public Library

Interested in finding out more about your family history? The library has you covered.

Uncover your connections to the past with our genealogy databases, related books, and events that help you learn about the eye opening world of genealogical research as well as how to use our resources. The Florida History & Genealogy Library at the John F. Germany Public Library is also available for in-person research with its collection of books and resources.

Find out more at HCPLC.org/Genealogy. For related events, check out HCPLC.org/Events.

[Image: A family portrait, location unknown, Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, PA 19343]

The Florida History & Genealogy Library loves recreating photos from the Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection and staff from the John F. Germany Public Library participated in recreating this fun picture. You can access the collection to inspire your own recreations by visiting DigitalCollections.HCPLC.org.

[Images: Photographer taking picture of couple dancing at studio:
Tampa, Fla., (1946) Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, PA 10180; Library Staff member taking a photo of colleagues dancing: Tampa, Fla., (2026)]

Wimauma was founded in the early 1900’s by Captain C. H. Davis. He named it after his three daughters: Wilma, Maude, and Mary. In 1927, Wimauma High School was constructed. In 1958, the school became an elementary school and high school students were moved to East Bay High School. This fall a new school opened in the community, Aquilla J. Morgan High School. Wimauma is also home to our newest library, the Wimauma Public Library / Biblioteca pública de Wimauma, located at 5714 North Street. You can find out more local history by visiting the Florida History & Genealogy Library at the John F. Germany Public Library or by checking out our wide collection of historical databases at DigitalCollections.HCPLC.org.

[Image: Couple at Wimauma High School Prom at the Bayshore Royal Hotel: Tampa, Fla., (1948) Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, PA 14775]

Arrr, did you enjoy celebrating Gasparilla, matey? Check out this 1980s photograph of the José Gasparilla pirate ship docked with the downtown Tampa skyline in the background.

You can find a treasure trove of photos like this in our Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Collection at DigitalCollections.HCPLC.org.

The John F. Germany Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 9 for air conditioning equipment replacement work. Book drops will be closed during this time.

Please visit the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library for service.

Our library website, HCPLC.org, is always open for you to reserve the latest best-seller, download a book, take an online class, or access library services.

According to the 𝘛𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘦, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Jacksonville on the morning of February 3, 1933. where the Florida Citrus Exchange presented him with a box of citrus before he left for a trip to the Caribbean. Details about the photograph were found in the newspaper’s February 4 issue. You can find that article among many more in the ProQuest Historical Newspapers database available at HCPLC.org/Newspapers. and also on microfilm at the Florida History and Genealogy Library within the John F. Germany Public Library.

[Image: President Roosevelt being presented with crate of Florida citrus: location unknown, (1933) Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, PA 8647]

More than just beads and tricorn hats, Gasparilla is a 100 plus year-old tradition in Tampa celebrating the legendary pirate José Gaspar. Visit the Florida History and Genealogy Library at the John F. Germany Public Library so you can dig up historical treasure with the many books and newspaper articles related to the pirate festival before the fun starts later this week. The library will also have a Burgert Brothers display with photos and videos celebrating the past of the Gasparilla Pirate Festival.

Was the infamous Gaspar real? We’ll never tell!

[Image: Gasparilla boat from hospital: Tampa, Fla., (1947) Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, PA 16490]

The Sunshine State has always been a tropical escape from the winter cold elsewhere in the country. Beyond being the perfect state to snap pictures of pelicans, Florida's been the place for beach trips, popular theme parks, and much more. Discover the history of tourism in our state through these informative titles available at the Florida History & Genealogy Library at the John F. Germany Public Library: ow.ly/Ma4z50XT88U

[Image: Tourists photographing pelicans on St. Petersburg Pier: St. Petersburg, Fla., (1948) Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, PA 6560]

The John F. Germany Public Library will be closed on Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10, while the air conditioning system is being replaced, and will reopen on Monday, January 12. Book drops will be closed during this time.

Please visit the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library for service.

Our library website, HCPLC.org, is always open for you to reserve the latest best-seller, download a book, take an online class, or access library services.

UPDATE: Thank you for your patience while we address the necessary repairs. The John F. Germany Public Library will reopen on Wednesday at 10 a.m. for regular operating hours.
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The John F. Germany Public Library will be closed today, Monday, December 29, until further notice due to flooding from an AC leak. Book drops will be closed during this time.

Please visit the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library for service.

Our library website, HCPLC.org, is always open for you to reserve the latest best-seller, download a book, take an online class, or access library services.

The gala, held at the DeSoto Hotel, began with a grand march, which led into a waltz to the strains of 𝘔𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴. At the stroke of midnight, three snow-white pigeons descended from a colorful balloon on the ceiling, to help usher in the year 1921. The photo is part of the library’s Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, and the information came from the January 2, 1921, issue of The Tampa Sunday Tribune. The newspaper is available online and on microfilm. You can research all your Tampa related questions by visiting the Florida History and Genealogy Library at the John F. Germany Public Library or find related materials at HCPLC.org/Genealogy.

[Image: Participants of Tuxedo Club's New Year Ball: Tampa, Fla., (1920) Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, PA 2914]