PPLC in the News Roberta Whipple: A Tribute St. Pete Beach Library Director The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative mourns the loss of Roberta Whipple, longtime friend and colleague. Roberta's passion for libraries was incorporated throughout her everyday life. She focused on bringing high quality, innovative programming that highlighted the rich history of this area to her library. And on a personal level, she was truly passionate about literature and its ability to capture the local flavor of a location and era and sought to incorporate printed word, photographs, music, and film to emphasize that local history It is with a heavy heart that we say good bye to such a strong library supporter and committed professional in our community. We have included the memorial created for Roberta Whipple below. Roberta L. Whipple (Lamb) Roberta L (Lamb) Whipple, 57, of St. Petersburg, lost her battle to Ovarian cancer on Dec. 16, 2009. Born in St. Petersburg and growing up on St Pete Beach, she graduated from Lakewood High School, Florida State University then taught English at Gibbs High School. She returned to FSU and received her M.S. in Library Science.

Current Newsletter February Click HERE for past issues.

Roberta began her library career in Jacksonville, then moved to the Hillsborough County Library system. She then returned to St. Pete Beach realizing a childhood dream of becoming the Administrator of the St. Pete Beach Library. She truly would help anybody that had a problem at the library and go the extra mile like her Dad "Doc" Lamb did at Lamb's Pharmacy. Her laugh and energy was infectious and was a kind and loving person.

Roberta was a member of the Florida Library Association, 23 year member American Library Association/ Public Library Association, former secretary of the Corey Area Business Association and lifetime member of Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. Roberta began the Sister City link between St. Pete Beach and Sandown, Isle of Wight, UK. She recently accomplished another lifelong dream of being published as the author of "St. Pete Beach's Corey Avenue". When not involved with books, Roberta could be found at Tropicana Field watching her beloved Rays or traveling with her husband Jon. Roberta was a member of Pasadena Community Church.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert "Doc" L. Lamb; and her mother, Mary E. Lamb. She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Jon P. Whipple; sister, Mary Carolyn Wachsmuth and brother, Lawrence Lamb (Marj), Tampa; father and mother-in-law, Les and Jean Whipple; brothers-in-law, Steve (June) and Tom (Cynthia); nephews, RJ Lamb, Jason and Luke Whipple; and niece, Elspeth Baldwin (Whipple) Grand Nephews Ian and Bret Baldwin. Grand Niece Kyla Baldwin.

Roberta's wishes were to start a St Pete Beach Library Foundation. It will be The Roberta Whipple St Pete Beach Library Foundation. Checks should be made out to City of St Pete Beach and put a note for Roberta Whipple Library Fund. Another wish is for donations to the American Cancer Society at 4801 86th Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33782, earmarked for Ovarian Cancer Research making a note it be in honor of Roberta Whipple. Lastly donations or volunteering to Suncoast Hospice in Roberta's name would be appreciated as they do a great service and a job that is truly saintly.

— Reprinted from the St. Petersburg Times

Celebrate Rock'N'Roll History with Clay Cole

Clay Cole will be at the Dunedin Public Library on Sunday, February 14 at 2PM.

Clay Cole had a TV show out of New York in the 1950's — 1960's that rivaled Ed Sullivan. The Rolling Stones debuted on the Clay Cole Show, Chubby Checker introduced The Twist on the Clay Cole Show and before it ended its run everybody was on: The Beatles, The Turtles, Paul Anka, The Four Seasons, The Isley Brothers, The Fifth Dimension, Stevie Wonder, Peter Paul and Mary ... well, everybody.

Mr. Cole is now on a book tour promoting his book, Sh-Boom: The Explosion of Rock'N'Roll, 1953-1968. He will talk about his career, followed by a book-signing.

Plus, please join us for Woody Guthrie: American Balladeer presented by Adam Miller, folk singer and storyteller. Join us February 10, 2010 at 6:30 PM for an evening of music and stories about the man who wrote "This Land is Your Land".

For more info call Liz at 727-298-3080, x224.

Clearwater Library's "Text a Librarian"

On Jan. 4, the Clearwater Library system began using a new service called "text A Librarian." Patrons can use their cell phones to text questions to a Clearwater Public Library system librarian. Send text messages to 66746 and begin the message with cpls. A librarian will text back with an answer. The Clearwater Public Library system is the first library in the state of Florida to offer this service.

Example:
cpls do you have hamlet on dvd?

For more information regarding this new service, contact the Clearwater Public Library system at (727) 562-4970.

Online Event Calendar

The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative Calendar of Events is now available online. You can search for your favorite programs at our member library locations. Click HERE to begin using our interactive newsletter.

PPLC Monthly Newsletter

Current Newsletter - February

Previous Newsletters

2010: January

2009: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2008: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2007: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2006: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2005: October, November, December

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