Hillsborough County To Reopen Additional Libraries

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — In the ongoing effort to carefully and methodically restore services to residents, Hillsborough County is reopening additional public libraries.

These libraries will reopen to the public on Monday, Dec. 14:

• Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St. in Tampa
• Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
• Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road in Seffner

Selected spaces within these libraries will reopen at 25 percent capacity. The buildings will be open to the public Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition, these facilities will be open by appointment:

• Florida History & Genealogy Library, (located in the John F. Germany Public Library), 900 N. Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa
• James J. Lunsford Law Library, 701 E. Twiggs St. in Tampa

These libraries join nine others that were reopened in November. The decision to continue this phased reopening was made after consultation with health officials, emergency managers, library staff, and Hillsborough County officials.

Curbside services will continue at the buildings that are not yet open to the public. While Florida History & Genealogy Library will be open by appointment, curbside service will continue at John F. Germany Public Library.

Library Services has taken numerous steps to help ensure the safety of visitors. These include:

• Visits will be limited to one hour.
• Children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent.
• Face coverings and social distancing are required. Temperature checks will be conducted at the door.
• Study rooms, meeting rooms, makerspace, and recording studios will not be available for use at this time.
• Library programs, including story times, will continue virtually.

For more information, visit HCPLC.org.

The reopening of some libraries aligns with Hillsborough County’s overall efforts to gradually restore services based on the data and input of public health experts. The primary focus for Hillsborough County remains public safety.

This press release was produced by Hillsborough County. The views expressed here are the author's own.