The Riverview Public Library is part of the Tampa–Hillsborough County Public Library System and the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. The library is located in Hillsborough County, Florida.
The Riverview Public Library houses over 70,000 items, including books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs. It offers online and internet access to its patrons through public computers and Wi-Fi. The library provides computer training classes for children, teens, and adults. It also has community and study rooms that are available for public use. The library includes a recording studio, two creative content rooms, a makerspace, and a "makeryspace" for children.
The Friends of the Riverview Library manage the bookstore in the library.
History
The Riverview Branch Library opened on November 18, 1979, inside an 8,000-square-foot building to serve the people of Riverview, Gibsonton, and Apollo Beach. The land was donated by the Gardinier Corporation. It had previously been used as a worm farm. At first, library services were provided through a bookmobile stop called Riverview Station, which was located in a local grocery store. As the community’s needs grew, citizens formed the Riverview Library Association and planned to build the library themselves. In 2008, the size of the parking lot was doubled.
More than 103,810 visitors have checked out over 200,000 items from the library. This one-room library had limited computers, charging stations for electronic devices, and a single meeting room that holds 55 people. The Riverview Branch Library was declared no longer able to meet the needs of the community, and plans for an expansion or replacement were discussed.
On March 3, 2016, a public meeting was held to discuss the proposed expansion or replacement of the Riverview Branch Library. Four possible locations were presented for consideration. The new library was expected to be completed by Spring 2020.
Services
The Riverview Public Library offers the following materials and services:
- Books
- Audiobooks
- Magazines
- DVDs
- Internet access
- WiFi access
- Printing and copying
- Scanning (you need a flash drive)
- Faxing (local and toll free)
- Assistive technology
- Programs
- Computer training classes
- Community and study rooms
- Recording studio
- Makerspace
- Friends of the Riverview Library bookstore
Replacement building
The new Riverview Branch Library spans 35,000 square feet and includes eight meeting rooms, a makerspace area, a recording and editing studio, a covered and screened-in reading porch, a 5,000-square-foot children's section, the Friends of the Library bookstore, and a vending café. Sustainable features include solar panels on the roof, an electric car charging station, patio furniture made from recycled materials, and landscaping with native plants that require less water.
The library was expected to be completed in spring 2020. The total cost was estimated at $12.6 million, funded by the Library Capital Projects Fund. Construction began in April 2019, and the new Riverview Branch Library officially opened on April 5, 2021.