[3] The current Neoclassical library building was built by James G. Yeats in 1926 and served as the First Bank of Port Tampa.

Formerly outside the building were the Port Tampa City Benches, commissioned in 1998 through Hillsborough County's Public Art Program.

The benches, fabricated by artist Susan B. Gott, consist of 28 kiln cast, multi-colored glass tiles set in steel and are now located on the second floor.

[1] After the library’s relocation into the Commerce Bank Building in 1998, the Maritime Reading Room was designed and opened as a display meant to “appeal to anyone with a passing, passionate, or professional interest in boats, sailing and the sea.

In addition to books, a number of sea-related artifacts are displayed, including scale-models of ships, navigational equipment, and antique boat parts.