This is a small local library serving the Westchase and surrounding Tampa communities, and it ended up being such a great experience for me. It had been decades since I last used a public library--and even longer since I had a library card. But this past year I've been fully in my "books and Kindle era," and while I love physical books, I didn't want to start hoarding more since I've already run out of bookshelf space. Minimalist problems So I finally decided to get a library card. I completed the application online back in December but didn't make it in until March. When I arrived, the process couldn't have been easier. The librarian simply looked me up in the system, handed me my card, and even pointed me in the direction of my next thriller read. She was incredibly helpful, and the whole experience was quick and seamless--I honestly wish I had done it sooner. As mentioned, it is a smaller library, but that hasn't been an issue at all. You can easily search for and request books, eBooks, and audiobooks online through the Hillsborough Library app and the Libby app, which makes everything super convenient. Overall, such a positive experience and a great reminder of how valuable our local libraries are! read more

Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Love this library. Basically grew up here and even though it's been renovated a lot, it still feels the same in spirit. Quiet, organized, and abundant. read more

Not a very quit place when people are tutoring out in the lobby when they can use a closed room. No one else wants to hear what they are teaching them! Not fair to everyone else working and trying to study . read more

Super easy way to get library books. I lived in Pinellas County for the past five, six? (wow I'm getting old) years and I got used to their check out system. Even though we are now just over the bridge, I learned a couple new tricks the first couple times I checked out. 1. I'm glad they have cards for your key ring. It might be that since I got my Pinellas card many years ago it is a new development, but it is much easier for me to just stick it with my keys instead of trying to find my card every time I check out (first word problems, I know). 2. Here, they have shelves with books on hold so you can go grab them yourself! At every library I've been to in Pinellas the books were held behind the counter so I'd have to ask a librarian for my books. I enjoy this system because I can just grab and go (using the self checkout). 3. The DVDs are locked. You have to slide them through a device when you check out. I didn't realize this and made it home with locked DVDs. Either they don't lock them in Pinellas or since a librarian was always checking me out (see number 2) they always unlocked it for me. This particular library is on the smaller side of libraries I've been to, but they still have a good selection of books (and I tend to order my books online from other libraries and just pick them up here most of the time). They also seem to offer some neat classes (like tai chi) certain days. I'm definitely going to have to check a class out eventually. Finally, I like their hours. They are open pretty late. Since this library is 1.7 miles from me I doubt I'll ever go to another one. read more

Super quiet, nice workers, and great atmosphere to study in. The private rooms are always kept clean and the benches have great space for a study group session. read more

Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library - private tutor room scenery - Libraries Near Me - Tampa, Florida

No drive through makes it really difficult to pick up books right now. This would have been a perfect location to add a drive through because of the huge parking lot. Now I have to drive all the way to JBK. read more

I really like this neighborhood library, especially after some of the renovations it went through a few years ago. The expansion gave this tiny library a better layout. What used to be the children's room is now a media room with places to study. The children's room was moved to the back and and can be seen from the community room where the magazines are. This is my favorite area because there are plenty of tables with outlets as well as study booths. Since I work from home I can come here when the kids are out of school and work while I watch them in the children's room for a change of scenery. The book check out kiosks are all updated and easy to use. This library holds some community classes. I went to a meditation class here once to see what it was like. It was informative and the instructor was cool, but I had a hard time relaxing in the room we were in. I'd try it again as I'm sure it's just me. The staff is friendly enough. My only complaint is that this is the only library that I've been to that yells out the closing time every 5 min until closing for the last half hour which is annoying when you are trying to get the last few minutes of reading or work done. I even noticed the staff with keys in hand ready to lock up as soon as the last person was out. I've never seen anything like it. The employees are gone as soon as closing time arrives. No clean up no nothing. So I now leave before the annoyance happens or skip the library altogether if I know I need a certain amount of time to get things done. read more

I love this library as it is less than 5 min from my home. The employees are courteous and helpful. They have a well rounded selection of books and have a nice amount of brand new ones. The neat thing is their bookstore run by volunteers. There are a lot of great books in there for fair prices and it is well-organized. The prices are also good. Recommended!! read more

This is a great library that is pretty quiet and also has a private study room that you can use. It is decently big and is nice. If you want a place to study this would be a good place to go. Used to go here to study when I was in college. read more

Wow, who knew that libraries had been transformed into a pretty cool place to hang out and get some paperwork done during the middle of a Florida thunderstorm / afternoon deluge? The Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library can be found on Countryway Boulevard midway between Linebaugh Avenue and Race Track Road very near to the community of Westchase, and not far from Citrus Park and Carrollwood. This is not the newest and biggest library in the Hillsborough County library system, but it's by far one of the nicest. The main lobby has some very clean public restrooms, community conference rooms available for non-profit groups, and a side alcove with several sets of tables and chairs all situated near power plugs which makes it very easy to drop in and re-charge your electronic devices while doing some work. Through the secondary doors into the main part of the library you'll find some semi-private conference rooms where small teams of people can gather to work on homework or business projects without distributing the folks in the main reading room. The main part of the library contains shelves of books (hardbacks and paperbacks), along with magazines, newspapers, and electronic media including CD's and DVD's. You'll also find computers with an internet connection for checking your Google or Yahoo email accounts, and for conducting on-line research. Once you've obtained a Hillsborough County library card you can check out any of these items, or place them on hold should someone else already have the item checked out. The staff behind the desk are all super-friendly and very willing to help you find a book or help you with a research project. There are photocopy machines located in the library, and although they are pricey, it's nice to have that convenience nearby. I'm sure that this place is overrun with the little gerbils right after school lets out, but I did see that the library offers "storytime" book-reading sessions which seems like a nice way to keep things under control. They also have a number of continuing education classes and community outreach events to appeal to all age groups. Very nice experience, and a great reminder that the library serves the entire community -- not just the school-aged crowd. read more

Personally, I think this library is fabulous. It is a great escape into the world of books & widom. Sitting back & taking some proper time for yourself is so restorative. Libraries obsolete, NO NEVER! They can order you almost any book, CD, DVD that you may desire. They have computers available for you use along with a copy machines. Librarians haven't changed that much. Silence is always golden, always remember that. They are also ultra helpful and will devote endless time assisting you! Can't live without them. They also have great programs that they host from yoga to Learning how to go green. I got a free reclaimed water barrel....how cool! What's a girl to do? Always keep up with local libraries & YMCA'S. read more

I love this library! I come about once a week and have for over 10 years. I raised all my kids with a love of reading. The library gives them an endless amount of choices and keeps them excited about learning. They did a large renovation and now there are rooms for all ages. They also have great programs and the staff is always very friendly and helpful. read more

This library is just okay. Sure, it's close to home, it's quiet and they've got books, but the place is tiny. I suppose for browsing the web, or printing out groupons (because some places still require it), everything is good in the hood. This is my voting precinct, and when I pop in on election day, everything is fluid. Not sure if it's their process or the people, but the folks over at the church on Sheldon should take note. Drive-thru book returns are a plus, and theirs can accommodate 2 cars simultaneously. Clean, organized and friendly and small. That's the wrap up. read more

Staff is friendly and helpful. Great for catching up on magazines so I don't have to buy so many subscriptions. Speaking of saving money, the Gazebo Bookstore, run by the Friends of the library, is a room off the main corridor and just to the left of the glass doors, is filled with a great variety of books! Small paperbacks are just 50 cents. Large trade paper covers are $2. Awesome collection of hardback fiction for $2 and many in all these categories are in great condition and lots of best selling authors. In addition the library offers a number of activities from meditation for adults, to story times for toddlers. What a wonderful resource! read more

Greatest library on the planet! The inside is gorgeous. The staff is unbelievably helpful and friendly. There are so many quiet areas to sit and work, huge selection of books, speedy WiFi. Can't say enough good things about this library. I have been to several in the Tampa area and this is by far my favorite. read more

Clean and friendly access to computers, videos, and books. A stark contrast to the newer TnC location, this one does not require constant police presence, and open access to computers are easily assumed. Does not resemble a transient bus stop, or include a senior citizens center, but that's part of it's undeniable charm. A fine, five star Carnegie library close to home! Don't dig the five stars? Try TnC... read more

This library is as screwed up as it gets. I returned a DVD. Walked it into the library and dropped it in the return slot then was told that they do not have it. REALLY. I called and told them when I returned the item and that I was the first item dropped into their returned items. HMMM .. way over their head. they don't have it. LIARS SCREWED UP .. yes they are. NEXT I get a phone call and plus it is on my personal email with the library that a DVD I requested is on hold. OK cool But when I get there NO DVD. HMMM everyone is scratching their heads and offers an explanation they don't have it. Explanation is... That is a very popular title and maybe there was a a mix up.??????? MAYBE Think before your speak YOU screwed up young lady Where is the DVD? Hardly the type of library and service that I am accustomed to up in NY. If you cannot open until 1230 on Sunday maybe you should just be closed. What a waste of time. Disgrace for sure.!! I am disgusted for sure with your remarks. Upper Tampa Bay Library read this and IMPROVE your services. Right now you stink! You lose everything. read more

This is not my everyday local branch but is within the circle of branches I visit for various community programs. Beautifully laid out inside, I did have a chance on a recent visit to use one of the multiple study/seating areas to do a little work as my home internet was out for over 12 hours (grrr). This branch is quiet and welcoming. I also looked for some art books while I was here and found the stacks well organized and easy to navigate. I've also attended a few events including an amazing combined Tibetan singing bowls/Tai Chi event. The community rooms are huge and great spaces for events. My only frustration with this location is that the sign on the main street always confuses me as it is a bit before the actual entrance..however, I am not faulting the library for my unfamiliarity with this area. Another fantastic Hillsborough County Library branch. One correction - as of 2017 this is now the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library - not the "Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library". read more

New friendly and they have access to all of the books and videos etc in the entire hillsborough library system as long as you can wait a few days. It has access to the newspapers and current magazines as well as Internet .the librarians are friendly and helpful all the time. read more

Despite the fact that the Town n Country branch is newer, this one is much nicer, probably because of the area it's in. I don't find their stickering conventions as atrocious (http://www.yelp.com/biz/town-n-country-regional-public-library-tampa#hrid:Tna6mGDDuTG6lgPl_pZpQA) & it feels much cozier, somehow. Plus, the building is much prettier by far. For a branch library, it's A-OK. read more