We went here on a library date and it was absolutely lovely! Signing up for a card was super easy and the librarian was the absolute best! She shared about the many perks that come with being part of the PLCC library system. This location went all out for the summer reading program (the dinosaur theming was perfectly executed!). I am excited to try the Hoopla app, and we've already taken advantage of the museum admissions program! Shout out to Reading Rainbow for making me (and by extension us) a forever library kid. read more

I go here to pick up books for my mom. She needs large print books, and they have a huge selection. We prefer to go here rather than one that is closer. read more

2010 YouTube Housing Computer piracy entity's users my use in identity became clone phone shared while remotely Google account and library use of card Overall! The library and all are extremely professional, courteous and exemplary! read more

Barbara S. Ponce Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Pinellas Park, Florida

This branch of the Pinellas County library system may not be the biggest in size or reading material but it always has the latest in novels, science, history and cultures. I've only been a member here since last summer but every time I return books I find new ones that I never thought I'd run across at all and which continue to intrigue me. The pictures I've included are only the latest in what's captured my interest. The building itself is easy to find, being just two blocks north of Park Avenue in Pinellas Park off of 52nd Street, centrally located and near retail outlets. They're very open to children, having activities and times for them in rooms especially equipped for their interests. Staff are extremely helpful with any questions I've had and will go out of their way to help you find a specific book. They also carry recent as well as classic films and offer "gently used" books for sale from 50 cents to $2. For me, this library has come to be a candy store for my mind in that it continually challenges my knowledge of life. I can easily lose all track of time here, absorbed in a book or magazine. Their hours are very reasonable and for those of you who work M-F they open at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. read more

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I second the previous review as I am clearly not the first person this library has done this to. They try to rip you off to get money from you by falsely accusing you of "damaged" books. I check out many books from this library every month or so. I take deliberate care not to damage them. Many of the books I have checked out have had coffee stains and food stains on them from previous renters. Some of the books from this library are not in tip top condition. I checked out a used, older book published in the 1990s that was in less than fair condition and I read it and then returned it, to the drop box, in the exact same condition that I checked it out in. Now the library is alleging I damaged the book and that I owe them $20, which is the cost of the book brand new on Amazon to "replace" the damaged book, which was already in "used" condition when I checked it out. And I didn't even damage the book. They're essentially asking me to give them more money than that book was even worth in the condition it was in prior to me checking it out. This is absurd. Additionally, I returned this book over 3 months ago, in October and library told me today, in mid January, that they no longer have the book, so I can't see it and I can't see the damage they're accusing me of. What an oddly "convenient" story for the library staff. I've also checked out more books on two occasions since returning that particular one and this is the first time I am even hearing about the damage to it from a staff member. The staff argued that no damage was previously noted and they advised that they mark the damaged books with a red marker to indicate as such, however, this is inaccurate as I have checked out several books that had cosmetic damage and stains to their pages that did not in fact have a red marker on them. It's also fallacious logic to take that lack of previously noted damage as meaning that I was responsible for damaging the book. It could just as well be a product of the library's own laxity in inspection procedures-- and it no doubt is. It's your word against theirs unless you take pictures and videos of each book you check out. And they do this because they know they can easily get away with this. My only solution or suggestion is if you take the risk and check out books here, keep photo and video evidence of each book and it's pages that you take prior to check out to show the condition of it. Which is extremely tedious. I would not use the drop box either. Make sure you return it to a staff member. read more

I was in need of a quiet, distraction free place to study for my PMP exam, and found it here. Sometimes people did hold conversations in the quiet room, and it was frustrating but out of the month I locked myself in the library it only happened a couple of times. I passed my exam and do credit it to going here to study. Best part, their hours. They are OPEN when everyone else is closed...even on Sundays. I'm in need of the environment again to look for jobs now, and will be going back. read more

Tucked away in the middle of Pinellas Park's seemingly endless sprawl of mid-20th century suburbia is their public library. It's very compact but all of the necessities are here. The floorplan is pretty open. There's sections blocked off for children, a computer lab, and there's a quiet room. The library is pretty well-lit and the Wi-Fi is fast. There are a lot of transients around, however, that should not necessarily mean that this library is unsafe. While some patrons did have some hygiene issues, I felt safe here. There was also a roving guard that consistently made his rounds. Parking isn't bad and they were open until 8:30PM, probably the latest of all the public libraries in the Pinellas County System. read more

Positives: The checkout staff are great: very friendly, knowledge, and helpful. They used to have a friendly security guard and they at least pretend to have a Quiet Room, even though no one enforces the quiet rules. The printer situation is not ideal, but is better than many others within the Pinellas County library system. Negatives: However, the place is filthy. I have to bring my own cleaning wipes when I go because otherwise I come back with a film of dirt on everything I touch. The keyboards are sticky and the desks are dark with grime. Not ideal for working on professional resumes and schoolwork. The ladies that sit in the middle of the library are a joke. If you have a question, you have to wait a while for them to look up from their conversations or computers. Even then, they aren't friendly or helpful at all. More often than not, I end up helping the other library patrons with their issues since the center staff either can't be bothered or walk out to the computer in question and loudly try multiple options that don't make sense. Overall, this location is mostly a daytime respite for the local homeless population. They talk loudly at the computers and listen to music so loud you can here it 4 screens over. Nothing is monitored so enjoy the free-for-all. read more

I went to this location because I was waiting on my sister and decided that it was a cool place where I could catch up on some of my Yelp reviews other than using my phone in the car. Automatically you notice that the exterior is dark and cold and its not shiny and new like the other libraries. That is not always a bad thing though. The inside does not have the best lighting and there seems to be a lack of shelf space because there are books on carts everywhere! Either this location has a lack of staff or lazy staff. Not sure of which. I asked the young lady at the check-out desk about using the computer and if I had to sign up due to being a resident of Hillsborough county. She was very helpful and gave me a Computer Access Key Card to use any time I am at a Pinellas County Library. It was easy access and there was no wait time so I was thankful for that for sure. The only issue I had was that there were a lot of computer users that seemed to have bad smokers coughs hacking up hair balls and other unidentified items and the occasional restless homeless person or whino bopping back and forth had me a little on guard. Other than that this library just needs a minor face lift, some TLC for those less fortunate and hotel cubes for the computer are so you don't have to hear or see your neighbors latest finding in their throat. YIKES! read more

Barbara S. Ponce Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Pinellas Park, Florida

Excellent variety of programs for children of all ages! Free WiFi and lots of computers. Centrally located in Pinellas county. read more

Barbara S. Ponce Public Library - Some of the children's program materials. - Libraries Near Me - Pinellas Park, Florida

I love this library, i moved to town about two month ago and have been coming a few times a week- use some internet, and rent a few movies / tv series, some books and catch some Pokémon too . Everyone has been beyond helpful and pleasant! I love libraries to start with, but the staff is kind and even the security guard! While i was here on my computer he walked up to me as id been there a while and to wave at him down if i wanted to use the bathroom he would watch my things for me, rarely do you find people nice enough to do that kinda thing anymore. They have a good amount of computers for anyone to use. A small "quiet room"which I love the idea of! I always see signs for children activities, but I don't have kids. The front desk has helped me retrieve books and put things on hold for me, asked me the most convenient way to get ahold of me when its ready for pickup. The outside has bike racks and nice outdoor tables , with stationary umbrellas... the internet even reaches out to them when it's not crazy busy ! You have a few homeless people who are around, but thats any place thats open to the public now days, they don't harm anyone. ‍ Overall i drive past. Different library in the area to come to this one. read more

I have been coming to this library since 2nd grade, I am now a junior in college and it's a Sunday afternoon and I've had a busy week and wanted a nice quiet place to study. There are a ton of people and no one is enforcing masks and I told them I don't feel comfortable sitting next to people who aren't wearing mask. I ask for a study room and they tell me it's for groups of 2-4 people. Although there are 2 study rooms available they tell me no. I kindly say I will gladly leave if another group comes and wants the study room, they still tell me no. I understand there are rules but if the study rooms are not in use I don't see why I am unable to get one. At other libraries you can hold a study room for 1 person. I was very disappointed in my visit. I don't have the best home life and I like going to the library to get away from that but hey it is what it is. read more

Like crossing six traffic lanes into Los Angeles-- If you survive the outside, then the inside is worth it. There's always a collection of seedy people outside ignoring the "Do Not Smoke Here" signs. I can't picture them reading Jodi Picoult or checking e-mail, so why are they there? The guard stationed at the front should be comforting, but just the fact that he's needed there... But once inside, it's a very clean and pretty spacious library. There is a large collection of reading material here... and a Vietnamese section! (Wow-- you know there's a lot of Asians around you when...). I've been happy with the variety of DVDs available... and a great VHS collection for you non-techies. Plus enough seats so you can lose yourself in work. The 8+ computers and children's section are always full. Expect to wait a bit for computer use (duh, it's a library-- read a BOOK while you wait) and avoid the noisy school kids after 2pm. Most likely you'll sit across from someone who appears homeless and cusses out loud. So far the staff seems more occupied with whatever their computer screens are commanding them to do. Where are my smiles and greetings? I'll suck it up-- this library closes the latest out of most St. Pete libraries; 8:30 pm most week nights. read more

This is my local library and it's average. Not a huge selection of books, but that's the benefit of PPLC book holds. The location is convenient and clean, but most staff seem to be bothered that you're there which doesn't really help. Other than that, I'm grateful to have a library right down the street. read more

I can't say I have spent a lot of time here in person, because I use my library card to rent ebooks and audiobooks completely virtually. However, a) the fact that they offer that alone is points in my book for convenience's sake, and b) when I went to renew my card, not only were they super helpful on the phone, but the lobby has a person checking people in and giving masks to those in need! I forgot mine at home, and I was so happy to see this important public service is available and SAFE during this needy time, and now I have another REUSABLE mask in my rotation. read more

The two horrid women at the desk in the center of the library should work at the DMV. The first one (two weeks ago) made me feel like a tool and an idiot because I didn't know how to move a scanned copy to my flash drive. Like it was the biggest issue in her world. But the second one, the mean and wretched and lazy blond one, totally even refused to help me. I had printed out an original of a sheet of business cards. (I bought the sheets of pre-perforated paper from Office Depot.) I nicely asked her if we could open up the copier hopper to put in MY OWN PAPER and make ten copies. She refused. She said "we can't do that.". I corrected her and said that she WON'T do that. Then she got this attitude because sliding open a drawer would cause this lazy bureaucrat some effort. UPS did it for me for $0.75. The blond, lazy, facebook-watching, unhelpful shrew is a DISGRACE to government service. read more

Visited this pleasant, well-laid-out library this Saturday afternoon. It's next door to a school, so heavy traffic when they let out. Guard desk by the entrance, along with bus schedules, shelves of free local papers and restrooms. Behind the restrooms is a snack bar with vending machines, a microwave and a few seats. Upon entering there's the checkout area on your left and info desk ahead. Shelves of new books on your right. Behind and to one side of the info desk are the magazine racks, the children's area plus an open computer area with about 15 terminals. Behind the computers is a large area with plush seats for lap-toppers. There's a large quiet room to hide in. Two bus lines plus several shops and eateries within walking distance. read more

I love this little library and their wonderful library system. There is adequate parking and their hours allow me to find a time to get there despite my weird working hours. The open floor plan is convenient, and all of the staff are super helpful. If you'd rather search on your own there are computers located around the library that you can use. When requesting books from other libraries the run around time is quick, requesting an extension of a loan is easy with their online system. There are sometimes loiterers, but their security leaves you feeling safe. There is a lobby area with extra doors that seems to keep these individuals separate from the true library goers. There is a drive through book drop that alleviates the issue of needing to go inside if you're just dropping off. I've never waited more than a few months for help or checking out. If I ever look lost someone asks if I need help before I can get the words out of my mouth. There is also a program that gets you feee entry into some of our local museums with your library membership. I've been to most of the libraries in the area and I definitely consider this one a hidden gem. read more

Very nice and open library. Staff is very friendly and helpful in trying to get you what you are looking for. Large computer area if that is what you require. They do different things for the kids during the summer that they can interact with as well as play movies. Only downside is that there always seems to be multiple homeless people outside the building either panhandling or divesting themselves of some body fluid. read more