Viewfinder: Seminole Heights Branch Library

Take a good look at these pictures of the , because it will be torn down in one year, according to library staff.

Don’t panic!

A bigger a better library is expected to open its doors in 2013 on the same property at 4711 N. Central Ave., across the street from and .

While constructions are in progress for the new facility, service will be redirected to the at 8916 N. Boulevard, according to Evan St. Ives, treasurer of the branch's Friends of the Library.

The Friends work closely with and at the library and help support it by raising money. 

According to the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, the budget for the new facility is $7,300,000. 

The preliminary project includes a bookstore inside the planned 20,000-square-foot, two-story building. The current library is hosted in a 6,000-square-foot, one-story space.

“The bookstore is to raise money for the free services offered at the library, such as the summer programs for the children” St. Ives said. 

The future library will offer all brand new books for a budget of $500,000 and will move toward electronic services, according to St. Ives. 

A tiny preview?

Self-checkout counters and computer and technology classes. 

Last week, the library hosted an open house to let folks know about its free services. 

Besides books and magazines, the library offers a selection of classes, DVDs, CDs, eBooks, a computer lab, WiFi, and a public fax machine. 

Visit the noon to 8 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays. 

Questions?

Call the library at 813-273-3652.