Longtime public servant a lifelong advocate of libraries
Hillsborough County is full of inspiring, iconic, and interesting places, and there are remarkable people behind them. In this occasional series we explore namesakes of some of the county's well-known buildings, schools, parks, and roads.
Who was Jan Platt?
Platt, 1936-2017, was a Hillsborough County commissioner for 24 years and served one term on the Tampa City Council. Among many initiatives, she championed the environment, libraries, and Girl Scouts. Platt is renowned for her steadfast belief in honest and open government. She also is namesake of the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program.
Why name a regional library for her?
"Books open doors. Books open windows," Platt said at the library's dedication in December 2000, according to a Tampa Tribune report. "Everyone deserves to have a library in close proximity to them." She is on the American Library Association's Freedom to Read roll of honor and received the Best Friend of the Year award from the Friends of the Library of Hillsborough County.
About Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library
The 25,000-square-foot library is at 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. in South Tampa. It has books, magazines, videos, CDs, DVDs, and computers that provide access to the Internet and word processing services. There are two meeting rooms, a drive-through window for checkouts and returns, and local artwork throughout, including a manatee bench and panther portico in the children's section.