In July 1922, the original Hyde Park branch library opened on the grounds of the Hyde Park School, now Gorrie Elementary School. After years of requests from Hyde Park residents, the library was opened in this building while it was still on the Gorrie campus. It was built in 1913 to temporarily house the school while the permanent brick structure was constructed.

In April of 1934, the library was trundled to this location at 705 Swann Avenue after the city purchased the property, causing several hours of traffic tie-ups. After being placed, the building was renovated and slightly enlarged. It opened for new business in October 1934. In 1968, The Main Library, now called the John F. Germany Library, opened, and this branch was shuttered. In 1969, a group called the Tampa Realistic Artists moved in. Now called the Old Hyde Park Arts Center and run by the Tampa Regional Artists, they offer community art classes and exhibitions.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved