Introduction
Gulf Beaches Public Library is situated in the Florida city of Madeira Beach. Madeira Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico coast of Florida. It is within Pinellas County just west of Saint Petersburg.
The library serves not just Madeira Beach but also the townships of Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores, and the city of Treasure Island. It operates as a non-profit making corporation. Each of the five communities appoint two members to the Board of Trustees.
The library was founded in 1949 and occupied its first purpose-built home in 1952. Such was the success of the library that it was forced to move to a new building in 1969. That building was extended in 1988 and now comprises 10,000 square feet.
In 1989 Gulf Beaches Public Library became a member of the Pinellas Public Library Co-operative. This move has enabled the library to expand its digital services and widen the range of materials available on loan. As well as local folk the library also welcomes visitors to the area.
Where is Gulf Beaches Public Library?
Gulf Beaches Public Library is housed in a truly impressive building at 200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach, FL 33708. Any mail should be addressed to this building.
The library is open from 10am to 6pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week. On a Tuesday it is open from 10am to 8pm and on a Saturday from 10am to 5pm. The library does not open on a Sunday. It is also closed for all public holidays.
What are the Rules of the Gulf Beaches Public Library?
It is the aim of the library to provide users with a pleasant environment where they can choose books, read, follow up research, write or study, and take part in library events and community programs. With this is mind, the library has established a set of rules which every user is asked to follow.
The library prides itself on being a center where users can access the internet or undertake research using its excellent computer hardware. Therefore, the following rules apply to the use of the computers:
· No computer equipment must be damaged or altered in any way
· No programs can be downloaded or installed on the computer hard drives
· No obscene material can be viewed, sent or printed using the computers
There are also general rules governing behaviour in the library:
· The library staff must not be physically or verbally abused or suffer any form of sexual harassment
· Unruly behaviour and the use of offensive language is banned
· Smoking or the use of any tobacco products is prohibited
· No goods or services can be sold within the library building
· Soliciting is prohibited
· Alcohol and illegal drugs are banned from the building. No-one under the influence of either will be allowed in the building.
· Users are asked not to make loud noises, talk loudly or cry while in the building
· Users are asked to leave at closing time and not to loiter around the building
· Any posters or material intended for distribution must be approved by the administrators of the library
· While cellphones and some electronic devices are allowed into the library, their use must not disturb other users
· No animals are allowed in the library, with the sole exception of service animals
· Children must not be left in the library unattended. The library staff are not carers.
· No library equipment, property or materials should be damaged, abused, or vandalized
· Washing of clothes, bathing or shaving is prohibited in the restrooms
· No illegal activities of any kind are allowed in the library
Services provided by Gulf Beaches Public Library
Gulf Beaches Public Library offers a range of services including:
· Books to borrow
· DVDs to borrow
· Computer services in the library including internet access
· Children’s story telling, including Virtual Story Time and Virtual Preschool Story Time during the current pandemic
· Normally a Writer’s Group meets at the library, but this has been suspended for the time being
· The Chatterbooks Club has also been suspended until further notice
· Mah Jong is played every Thursday during normal times
· Scrabble is a popular pastime and will be played on Friday afternoons when things get back to normal
· The Tampa Bay Scrabble Club meets on Saturdays twice a month but has been forced to suspend activities just now
· During normal times the library also hosts an Investment Club on Thursday afternoons.
· The library staff are happy to discuss user’s needs and will recommend books as well as computer programs and other resources accessible over the internet
How do I get a library card?
For those living in Pinellas County obtaining a library card is straightforward. Just take some form of identification plus a document that roves you are a resident of Pinellas County along to the library. You can use a Driver’s license, ID card, utility bill or tax bill, voter’s registration or property deed to prove who you are and where you live.
You will be asked to complete an application form and then you can begin borrowing! Your library card is valid in all public libraries in Pinellas County. You can also use it to undertake reciprocal borrowing in the libraries of Pasco County, Citrus County, and Hernando County.
When a card is being issued to a child under 14 a signature will be needed from a parent or guardian. A library card is valid for three years. Visitors can apply for a one-year card.
FAQs
Q. Can I send a fax from the library?
A. Yes. There is a fax machine in the library although it will only send faxes. Faxes cannot be received.
Q. Is there a photocopying machine available?
A. Yes. There is a photocopying machine that will make copies in black and white or in color.
Q. Can I scan documents in the library?
A. Yes. There is a scanner available for public use. Files can be saved to various types of drive or can be emailed.
Q. What happens if the library does not have the book I want?
A. The library will try to obtain the book through the Inter Library Loan Scheme from another library.
Q. How long can I keep a book I have borrowed from the library?
A. For a new book the limit is 14 days, otherwise the limit is 28 days. DVDs can be borrowed for 7 days.
For more info, check out Gulf Beach Public Library
Summary
The Gulf Beaches Public Library is a wonderful resource for those living in the area. The staff are friendly and pride themselves on being helpful and patient. There are many facilities available including access to computers and the internet, books, CDs, DVDs and a huge range of other materials. The library is also a calm quiet haven for those wishing to do research, writing or just enjoy some downtime browsing books.
Once you’re done with your visit, there’s nothing better than getting to relax by your own private pool with a glass of wine. At the Eiko’s Beach House, you’ll find the perfect family vacation home with a private pool, hot tub and direct access to Treasure Island Beach!
