About Us
If I was a book, I would like to be a library book,
so I would be taken home by all different sorts of kids.Cornelia Funke
Our Mission
To strengthen, support and advocate for superior free public libraries in Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Our Vision
To connect library users to their community and to the world and ensure that all residents have the freedom to read, watch, listen, play, learn and discover at Tampa-Hillsborough libraries.
Our Roots
Our activism and support date back to 1967 when a group of passionate individuals came together with a vision to support and strengthen our libraries and communities.
We Believe
Libraries strengthen communities by providing free and equal access to information and technology for all and that great libraries are essential for stronger communities.
We value creativity, inclusivity, innovation, integrity in all our activities, responsible stewardship of our resources, and green initiatives through our recycling and upcycling programs.
We lead community advocacy campaigns, raising awareness and funds for our libraries. Through donations and sales of books, Friends helped update our libraries, raising funds for equipment, furniture, and technology for our many branches.
We fund diverse programs, resources and services beyond those supported by the county, thereby enriching and enhancing our public library branches and communities in Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Great Libraries cannot be built by today's tax dollars alone.
Please consider giving your time, talents or treasures today!Jeremy Scott Bills, Friend & Board of Directors
We nurture and engage a community of library supporters through membership, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, the recycling and sale of books, outreach, events and countless library programs.
We support and provide the community with continuing opportunities to invest in the success of libraries. THrough our highly-affordable bookstores and book sales, we are making it possible for every family to have their very own home library.
We give our time, talents,
We strive to empower our community to use all of the amazing, enriching, and free services that our libraries offer, and to create lifelong lovers of learning.
This organization is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code since March 1967. EIN Number 59-6174497. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA (CH #01052) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY IS REGISTERED WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES, DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AS A CHARITABLE, FUND-RAISING ORGANIZATION. FILE NO. CH #01052. The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough, Inc. has not retained any professional solicitor, and 100% of each contribution is received directly by the Friends of the Library.