I love coming across a great library with something for the whole family! As soon as I walked in, I…read morenoticed a cute little bookstore to the left, and just around the corner was a fantastic kids' section filled with books and activities for them to explore. I especially loved that they had a Black History Month display with crossword puzzles and a Valentine's Day coloring activity for the kids--it's the little details like that that make a space feel welcoming. One of the cutest things was the puppet stand, where kids can let their imaginations run wild. I'm definitely bringing my daughter back this weekend to check it out! She's only a year and a half, but you never know what experiences will spark something new for her. I also took advantage of the private rooms for some quiet work time. You can reserve them for up to two hours, and if no one is waiting, you can extend your time, which is super convenient. I did notice that the bathrooms were locked, likely due to the large homeless population in the area, but I really respect that the library still welcomes them in to read, charge their devices, and enjoy the cool air. The space was very clean, and I can't wait to come back! Just a heads-up--it's downtown, so there's no free parking, but it's definitely worth the visit.

I didn't like this library at all . I frequent a lot of libraries around here and this one , I'm…read moresure is historic but very outdated. It appears that they may be under renovations . But there's not much space for privacy besides the rooms that you have to make a reservation for . It is so cold inside.

It had been years since I had gone to the library. I used to love going when I was younger but as I…read moregot older technology has taken over. I have to say I am so glad I went! This library was so clean and peaceful. Staff was very welcoming and helpful. I definitely recommend anyone that works from home or just needs some alone time to stop by and spend some time here. I even got a FREE book that I could keep as part of the summer reading program

Five stars for the location, adequate parking, and the decor inside & out. I did not interact with…read morethe librarians, but saw them working behind plexiglass shields. They looked earnest & engrossed in their duties. Friday, 5/2/22, I visited this library for a one hour lesson in writing a "love letter will." It was interesting and I learned a few things. It was also a pitch for estate planning and wills, but I'm happy with our attorney and our will. I took the useful brochure with me. Afterwards, I wandered down the wide hallway to the double glass doors to peruse the books for sale in the front of the library. Prices were reasonable. I also looked around at the plethora of books and other materials that patrons could check out. But I had to call this visit short. I had to hurry to Palm Harbor to lead a class (Tai Chi for Balance). I hope to return for a more in depth look at what this majestic library offers.

The library offers a full range of services including books, magazines, free Wi-Fi and most…read moreimportantly meeting spaces to hold our 2026-2027 Board Retreat for Leadership Hillsborough. And the room we met in was the James B. Johnson Community Room, "Jim" Johnson is Leadership Hillsborough's longest-serving graduate recently honored for 25 years of dedicated service to our organization and to the South County community - contributions that continued long after his own class year ended. Convening to shape the future of LH inside a space named in his honor was a fitting reminder of what his work is really about: not a credential earned once, but a commitment sustained over decades. #LeadershipHillsborough#LeadershipDevelopment#BoardLeadership

We had nothing to do today, so why not go to the library! Support your local libraries. My nephew…read morehad a nice time in the children's corner. The toys were a little run down/dirty but honestly that's to be expected when dealing with children. My cousin and I picked up some library cards as we didn't have any, it was our first time there! The library is very nice and clean, and there is so much it offers! We want to come back for future events that they hold!

I took my grand kids to this library because it is convenient to the south Tampa area. There is…read moreample parking and it is in a secure area. I thought the security was visible from the metal detection at the entrance to the sheriff officer by the desk. Once inside, the children area is located just to the right. It was very clean and an employee was consistently reshelving books that the kids took off the shelf to look at. There are two computers in the children's area to explore learning activities. The seating/furniture was okay but not super kid friendly. I would have liked to see some bean bag chairs or a carpeted area for a casual relaxed reading. It was not crowded at all just after the lunch hour and it was a good time for all of us.

After waiting years for the renovations at Charles J. Fendig public library to finish I am so…read moredisappointed with the finished results. The children's area is almost nonexistent and the lack of parking is still an issue. This location is the most convenient to my house, but I would rather drive further to the Jan Platt library because there is plenty of parking, a larger selection of books, and there is an incredible children's section that is walled off so you don't have to worry about young children disturbing the peace at the library. This is one of the smallest libraries in Tampa so chances are that they won't carry the book(s) that you're looking for.

Thanks to Bob L's description, I feel like I've really missed out on being able to see the interior…read moreof this lovely structure. It's closed now to the public but this was Tampa's main library until 1968. The marker outside reads "Built with a $50,000 grant from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Tampa Free Public Library opened its doors on April 27, 1917, becoming the City of Tampa's first public library. This venture was the result of a sustained community effort led by the Tampa Woman's Club adn the Tampa Board of Trade, a tax approval by citizens for annual operating costs, a 4,000-book donation by Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Lothridge, and the deciated work of head library Helen V. Stelle (1917-1947." [Review 10411 overall, 178 of 2019.]

When I first came to Tampa via USF I had to visit this classic library. It was a beautiful…read morelibrary, but too small for the booming city and in a lousy non-downtown location. I guess the people took the trolley or bus to first go here. I wish it could have a more community usage so more people can see the interior and its balconies.

Awesome library with a wealth of resources. There is plenty of parking and the library has lots of…read morespace to hang out/study/socialize in. The layout of this library is pretty open air concept with several study rooms off the main part. There are also comfy chairs and seats dispersed around the library so you can get comfortable. The librarians sit in the center at th Circulation Desk counter and are there to answer questions and be of assistance. There are also self-serve kiosks scattered about where you can check out your own books :) I especially love the Children's section (newly redesigned) as well as the "classes" such as "Baby Time" and "Toddler Time" that are offered here. These particular sessions are run by either Miss Holly or Mr. Frank who are both fantastic and engaging! There are many other events that are worth checking out and that can be found on the website. Events are listed with a title, target audience, and with a small description. If you are from the area, I would check out the upcoming event offerings. If you are in the area, definitely check out this library!

I think this library is phenomenal. They have ample parking , they offer a variety of community…read moreprograms , it's very spacious and the folks that work there are extremely friendly and helpful. I've been coming here for over 20 years. All of my experiences have been quite positive.

Came in to check it out. Thought I could pay a fine. Instead, no one is here. It's completely open!…read more You can sit and read alone or with others. There are books to take or read here. A section is for little ones, and a section for adults. You can also find information about the Hillsborough Library System: Hoopla online, tutoring, how to connect to the website, and more.

This library is pretty large and has great amenities! They have a designated children's area that…read moreis huge! The children's area has a designated room for story time (come early to get a ticket), tables for crafts or homework, tons of books (obviously) for all ages...and the best part... a room in the back of the children's section that is a play area that is full of legos, blocks, a play kitchen, etc. The play area has benches lining the perimeter so caregivers can watch the children. I'm not as close to this library anymore, but I do enjoy visiting with my daughter for story time and the play area.

I love that this library has a drive through service. Just pull up with your digital barcode and…read morethey'll hand you your books. Plus you can return books through the window as well. The people are always friendly and helpful. Also check out the many services the library provides: story time, computer classes, meeting spaces, and so much more!

This is a very nice library. I love that they have story times for different age groups and a play…read morearea for small kids. On Wednesdays they have baby time at 11am and I believe at 10am as well. Baby time last for 20-30 minutes and they are lead by very engaging and sweet story time tellers. We do sign language, sing songs, do hand games, and read stories. The babies love it. And then afterwards we usually go to the play area in the back. Not every library in this county has one. She enjoys playing with the other babies and we also read books in the children's library. Customer service is always amazing. Everyone is so nice. And the place is always clean and has a lot of natural light. It's very refreshing coming here.

Loudest library I've ever been in - absolutely no one makes any effort to use inside voices- incl…read morethe librarians - screaming kids everywhere - people on zoom meetings just talking out loud. Horrible

This library is beautiful. I had to write a review because I've been coming here for many years now…read moreand it's time. I revisited recently and it's always pristine and they always offer great extras like plant seeds, museum passes and a bookstore indoors.

This library is great! They have multiple, free services to help the community. Language classes…read moreand a teen room that's main goal is safety and inclusion. And a great little Cafe right in the building. They also showcase art from local artists that are beautiful and always changing.