Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 7-9-21

Local
Well-Known Librarian Retires
By Monique Stamps Sentinel Staff Writer
Mrs. Carrie Hurst, noted librarian and commu- nity activist retired from the Robert W. Saunders, Sr., Public Library on June 30, 2021 ending a 20+ year ca- reer.
Mrs. Hurst has received many awards throughout her career and she ended her ca- reer with yet another award. Mrs. Hurst was presented the “Above and Beyond” award, given to individuals that go beyond their normal duties to aid someone.
Mrs. Hurst spent the last stage of her career as an Administrative Librarian, managing the historic Robert W. Saunders, Sr., Library.
Mrs. Hurst began her career at Tampa-Hillsbor- ough Public Library in 2000 at the 78th Street Library. She was transferred to the old Robert W. Saunders Library in early 2001.
After five years, she was promoted to Branch Man- ager.
In 2008, she became branch manager of the Semi- nole Heights Library. While at the Seminole Heights Li- brary, she oversaw the clos- ing of the old facility and the reopening of the new facility in 2013.
In 2015, Mrs. Hurst was promoted again. She opened and assumed management of the rebuilt 26,000 sq. ft. Robert W. Saunders, Sr., Li- brary where she retired.
The Director of Library Services for Hillsborough County Public Library, An- drew Breidenbaugh, states: “Mrs. Hurst has made a positive impact in our libraries and on the lives of our citizens during her nearly 21 years with Hills- borough County, and she has demonstrated compassion and leadership as the branch supervisor for the Seminole Heights Branch Library and Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library.
Mrs. Hurst was recently recognized by the University of South Florida School of Information as the recipient
CARRIE HURST
... Community Activist and Noted Librarian Retires
of its 2020 Jean Key Gates Distinguished Alumni Award for her dedication to the li- brary profession and her commitment to improving the lives of the community.”
Mrs. Hurst was instru- mental in establishing the Friends of the Library groups at both the Seminole Heights Public Library and the Robert W. Saunders, Sr., Public Library, including the Ada T. Payne Friends of the Library.
As a community educa- tor, Mrs. Hurst interviewed many members of the com- munity for the Hillsborough Remembers Oral History Collection, a project de- signed to create and encour- age improved understanding and communication between generations in Hillsborough County through a program of oral history collections that connect younger and older citizens in a positive, educa- tional environment.
Mrs. Hurst was elected to the International Board of Beta Phi Mu Library Honor Society and has served as Di- rector and on the Society’s Scholarship Committee.
As a member of the Florida Library Association, Mrs. Hurst has served on the Nominating Committee and Scholarship Committee.
Mrs. Hurst has been married to Mr. Robert Hurst for over 40 years and they have two sons, Robert and Randall, and three grandchildren, Robyn, Josiah and Jotham.
Non-Profit Looks To Have School Supplies For Students’ 2nd Semester
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
A local non-profit organ- ization wants to have school supplies for needy students when they return to school after the Christmas holiday season, the founder said.
Jacqueline Reynolds
says there are so many events to help students start school in the fall, but none to help when those supplies run out. “Joshua’s Way wants to adopt needy schools in our community and have supplies ready for them when they return to school after Christmas,” Mrs. Reynolds said.
Joshua’s Way is a rela- tively new organization, having carried that name for 2 years, she explained. Joshua, Mrs. Reynolds’ godson was killed in an ac- cident 2 years ago on Mother’s Day. “He was very involved in the community and we want to keep his memory alive. His mother, Kayetrina Nich0ls, is also very involved.”
On Saturday, July 17th, Joshua’s Way will sponsor a “70’s Soul Summer Jam” at Al’s Soul Food Restaurant, 2302 E. 7th Ave. The doors open at 7:30 p. m. for the show that begins at 8 p. m., featuring Methrone. This
post COVID event will be held on the patio of the restaurant with social dis- tancing. Tickets are avail- able on eventbrite.
“We want people to dress in their ’70’s outfits, enjoy some 70’s music. We’ll have prizes for best dressed and best dance. We want people to put on their boogie shoes and come on down for this worthy cause,” Mrs. Reynolds said.
This event will be one of two events planned for 2021 to get school supplies for students as they return to school in January. The other will be a holiday event.
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