Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County

10/09/2026

Why We are Voting No on Amendment 3.

Florida’s libraries are for everyone. They are places where children learn to read, students study, job seekers get online, seniors stay connected, families attend programs, neighbors gather, and people of all ages find books, technology, information, and help.

But strong libraries do not happen by accident. They depend on stable local funding for staff, hours, buildings, collections, technology, programs, and open doors.

Amendment 3 will reduce the local revenue that helps fund the services Florida communities rely on. Around the state, local leaders, Friends groups, foundations, and library supporters are already warning that reduced revenue could mean fewer hours, fewer books, fewer programs, less technology access, new fees, delayed projects, staff reductions, or branch closures.

Please join us and “Take the Pledge to Vote No on Amendment 3”. Then share the pledge with friends, family, neighbors, and everyone who values their local library.

Help Keep Libraries Funded. Help save the library services Florida communities rely on every day.

Take the pledge: https://www.keeplibrariesfunded.org/pledge

10/09/2026

Uncover the mysteries behind legendary sea monsters with The Florida Aquarium, gain insight into how our local firefighters do what they do while learning about fire safety, have fun creating stories in an interactive collaborative session, and discover all there is to know about the bats of our sunny state at our libraries next week!⁠
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Find these programs and much more by checking out HCPLC.org/Events.

10/09/2026

looking for your next spooky read? BookPage to the rescue (again!) 📚

Freida McFadden’s THE WITCH is a gothic haunted house tale for those who like history with their mystery Poisoned Pen Press

https://www.bookpage.com/?p=233921

10/09/2026

Looking for your emotional support FOL? Here we are to remind you:

Like, follow, share to help support libraries!

09/29/2026

Hello Library Friends,

🪧Remember September Sign Up🪧

We see you, early Halloween decorators! And perhaps you noticed the cinnamon broom scent in the air too, but it’s still Library Card Sign-Up month. Share your Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library story at https://hcplc.org/about/stories

Sign up to receive our newsletter (this post is an excerpt) here: https://foltampa.org/contact/
and we'll keep you informed and inspired.

🗳️VOTE NO on Amendment 3

With the Amendment 3 Vote staring at us from November, we are dedicated to protecting and advocating for our libraries. Take the pledge to Vote No and protect Florida's libraries at https://www.keeplibrariesfunded.org/

📌 National & International Events Coming in October 🍂

😎TeenTober (All Month): A nationwide celebration sponsored by YALSA and the ALA to showcase library services for young adults, foster new skills, and encourage reading.

📚 National Book Month (All Month): Honoring writers, literature across America, and the pure joy of diving into a good book.

🔎 Information Literacy Awareness Month (All Month): Highlighting the value of critical reasoning and learning how to effectively evaluate print and digital sources.

📚 National Cookbook & Children's Magazine Month (All Month): A wonderful excuse for creative culinary programs, youth reading initiatives, and thematic displays.

🔓 Banned Books Week (Oct. 4-10): An annual nationwide movement spotlighting our fundamental freedom to read and emphasizing unrestricted public access to diverse viewpoints.

🕵️ Mystery Series Week (Oct 5-9): Spotlighting whodunit collections, hosting author visits, and sparking discussions in genre book clubs.

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰National Friends of Libraries Week (Oct 18-24): Recognizing, honoring, and bringing onboard our incredible library volunteers and advocacy teams.

💻 🔓 Media Literacy Week (Oct 26-30): Helping our patrons master fact-checking strategies and navigate digital spaces with confidence.

📚 🔓 International Open Access Week (Oct 19-25): Concentrating on unhindered access to scholarly work and academic research across libraries.

📖 Dictionary Day (Oct 16): Commemorating Noah Webster's birthday through playful vocabulary contests and reference challenges.

🖊️National Day on Writing (Oct 20): Celebrating local creative expression and writing events coordinated alongside the NCTE.

👻 All Hallow's Read (Oct 31): Enjoying the seasonal tradition of sharing and checking out chilling horror stories and spooky reads.

09/29/2026

We smell the cinnamon brooms too, but September is still here, which means it's still Sign Up Month. We're celebrating just a few of our favorite stories posted by your HillsCo neighbors about why they love their library. Already have your fave library? Share your library story https://hcplc.org/about/stories Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

No card yet? Sign up today and get rewarded!

09/23/2026

Some of the hits from the Library Stories happening around the county Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
September is Library Card Sign Up Month do you have yours yet? 📚 stories