Message from the Library Director

Many of the Library's services have remained operational while library facilities are closed in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. All of our digital collections, online classes, children's virtual story time programs, and personal assistance with information requests and technology instruction have been provided remotely by phone, chat, text or the Web. We have also extended Wi-Fi into the parking lots of many of our facilities.

As part of Hillsborough County's overall phased approach, book drops opened at select libraries last week to allow customers to return items and to begin quarantine period on these materials prior to re-circulation. Contact-free access to books and other materials are being offered by curbside pickup as of yesterday. Borrow by Mail service will also be an option for the convenience of customers in areas far away from our first group of libraries to open for curbside pickup.

With the needs and safety of our large and populous county in mind, we are moving forward with utmost care following CDC guidelines at the direction of our County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners in reopening high traffic public locations. Libraries are high-touch environments: there is minute by minute public handling of materials, computers, printers, furniture, bathroom fixtures, etc. Every effort is being made to have protocols and safety equipment in place prior to reopening so that the public and employees are safe.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back into our libraries very soon. I encourage you to visit our Online Library available 24/7 at hcplc.org for updates on our return progress.