Public Libraries in Tampa - Hillsborough County, Florida

Do you still like the feel and smell of real books? Does the thrill of the search using your feet instead of your fingers appeal more than sitting motionless at the computer? Do you get a feeling of accomplishment when you physically turn the last page of a good book? Do you want your kids to experience all this?

Believe it or not, there is still such a thing called a Library. If you can't afford to buy all the books you want at a bookstore or online, and you are in the Tampa, Florida area, check out the Hillsborough County Public Library System.

Tampa, Florida and its surrounding Hillsborough County area is the 55th largest city in the U.S. and the 48th fastest growing. There are two major universities, approximately five popular colleges, and countless grade schools and high schools. The demand for Libraries and Library Services by students from elementary school through college, plus people who like "real books" as mentioned above, is tremendous.

The Hillsborough County Public Library System has three Headquarter Libraries and 25 Branch Libraries. Here is a list of all the public libraries in Tampa, Florida and throughout Hillsborough County. Beside the list is a map pinpointing all locations, and a spot to enter any Tampa area zip code and find the closest branch.

Main Phone Number: 813-273-3652.

Many of these libraries have been fully renovated within the last few years to include state-of-the-art computerized methods of book searching with Internet and E-mail availability, yet retaining the comfy, cozy feel of the old catalog-card file libraries.

Special Services Available:

-Anyone can search the Hillsborough County Library Catalog Services or Databases and Websites from your home computer or any computer to see which library location might have the book you are looking for without wasting time driving from one to the other.

-Out of town when your books are due? By getting a Hillsborough County Library Card, you can sign on to their Library System with your Card Number at any computer from anywhere, and renew books even just one day before their expiration date.

-The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative has an online service called "Live Homework Help" for students who need homework help or tutoring in basic subjects. You must have a valid Hillsborough County Library Card.

Special Events:
The headquarters and branch libraries organize their own special events. From the Home screen, click on "Happenings and Events."
Some of the locations have meeting rooms available.

So come on in and enjoy a real book with pages. Libraries need our patronage so they don't disappear and librarians don't lose their livelihood.

Sources:
Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries: http://www.thpl.org/.
Largest Cities in the U.S.: http://www.citymayors.com/gratis/uscities_100.html.
Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S.: http://www.citymayors.com/gratis/uscities_growth.html.