The Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library was just named Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association.
“We’ve made a concerted effort to be the most accessible library in the state of Florida,” said Andrew Breidenbaugh, Tampa-Hillsborough County Library Director. “We have no overdue library fines. Every child in Hillsborough county has a library card free of charge,” he continued.
The Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library offers much more than books. With a library card, people can use an audio recording booth, sewing machines, 3-D printers, mobile wifi hot spots, among many others.
“We lend digital tablets that have pre-loaded educational software for kids. And we have, without a doubt, the most extensive digital collection of materials,” said Breidenbaugh.
The programs extend well beyond the page too with many STEM opportunities for children and adults.
“Libraries do learn from each other. We absolutely look around the country, around the state and find out what’s exciting, and then we talk to our community members and find out what part of that would be exciting for them,” said Breidenbaugh.
Breidenbaugh also awarded WTTA with The Outstanding Business/Media Partner for helping showcase all the library has to offer.
