Services provided by the THPL include internet access, public meeting room spaces, interlibrary loans, a Bookmobile, a Cybermobile for Spanish speakers, technology classes, adult literacy programs, and downloadable eBooks.

[2] In 2017, THPL introduced the new HAAL Pass, which gives access to certain library resources to all students in the Hillsborough County Public Schools System.

That same year, the city of West Tampa also expressed interest in establishing a public library and was awarded a separate Carnegie grant of $17,500.

[8] After another lengthy debate about location, the Old Tampa Free Public Library (also known as the Exceptional Children Education Center) was erected at 102 E. Seventh Avenue and completed June 30, 1915.

This led to the creation of a committee that aimed to devise a plan to clearly define which entity, City or County, would have control of the libraries.

Neither plan was adopted, as arguments from each side led to an impasse; some of the strongest objections against full County control came from Mayor Martinez, who stated that such an idea was "unacceptable to the citizens of Tampa who have invested millions of dollars over many years to develop the system.

This Board may make and adopt such by-laws, rules and regulations for its own guidance and for the government of the Public Library System as it may deem expedient and not inconsistent with law.

[18] The Hillsborough County Public Library System possesses many collections unique to the cultural heritage of Tampa Bay.

[21] The images highlight the unique parts of Tampa, from the sponge fisherman and cigar cities to the strawberry farms and tourists.

The mission statement of the organization is to strengthen, support and advocate for superior free public libraries in Tampa-Hillsborough County.

Donated by the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, the library allows patrons to check out these 20 instruments so they can learn to play for free.

The library's interior contains a public art piece titled The Knowledge Path,[36] which was donated by the residents of Clair-Mel, Palm River, and Progress Village communities.

[41] After 32 years of operation, the Paula Drive location was closed for construction in lieu of[clarification needed] the Town 'N Country Commons.

In addition to the resources and services that all branches offer, the Town 'N Country Regional Public Library also has a number of assistive technologies available, such as JAWS, Open Book, Dragon Speak, ZoomText, Keys-U-See, and TOPAZ.

The main emphasis of the collection is on Florida history, but it also includes material related to the southeastern United States and the original 13 American colonies.

Keel Regional Library opened on February 14, 2001, to serve the Carrollwood and Northdale communities in northern Hillsborough County.

Open seven days a week, the library houses a comprehensive circulating collection in multiple formats and a wide variety of programs and services.

Keel Regional Library is enriched by art acquired through Hillsborough County's Public Art Program, including 17 paintings by local folk artist Mr. B (Jack Beverland) which illustrate "The Song of Hillsborough", written by Hillsborough County's Poet Laureate James E. Tokley, Sr; the screen print Two Butterflies by Carolyn Heller, local artist and founding member of the County's Public Art Committee; the oil and acrylic More Toys More Fun More TV - Red Wagon by James Michaels; the oil on photograph Shadow Play #2 by Richard Reddig; a digital print of Visions for Tomorrow by Bruce Marsh; and an untitled hand colored photograph by Lorraine Genovar.

The library hosts programs for teenagers and provides involvement opportunities through the Teen Advisory Board, allowing for engagement with students from the neighboring Chamberlain High School.

Solar panels were installed in April 2020, and megawatt hour generation on a monthly, yearly, and lifetime scale can be tracked on the library's website.

[59] The building became the site of many enterprises after that – including a grocery store, an aviation school, a boutique, and even a hospital – until eventually sitting unoccupied for over a decade and being slated for demolition.

The SouthShore Regional Library offers patrons a variety of services including regular adult, teen, and youth programming, study and meeting rooms, art studio and displays, bookable recording studio, makerspace, cooking oil recycling station, as well as access to computers, printers, copiers, assistive technology, and fax machine services.

The library's recording studio, also known as The HIVE, provides users with tools and software for creating, editing, and publishing audio and video projects.

Currently available hardware and software include iMacs, Adobe Creative Cloud, video cameras, microphones, USB audio interface, headphones, green screens, studio lighting, and necessary cables and attachments.

[63] SouthShore Library's newly added makerspace, which opened in 2019 as an expansion to The HIVE, provides the surrounding community with access to 3D printing, sewing machines, pop-up programming kits, and various arts and crafts tools.

On November 5, 2003, was renamed Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library to honor the civil rights activist and former NAACP Field Director.

Its collection includes the only African-American-focused genealogy resource in the Tampa–Hillsborough County Public Library System where patrons can find a circulating library of African American life, history, culture, authentic African art, encyclopedias, atlases, local history binders, newspaper clippings, and more.

There are meeting and study rooms, safe areas for children, and a Book Nook provided by the local Friends of the Temple Terrace Library organization.

There are programs for children, teens, and adults which include activities and resources for certain age groups and developmental levels ranging from story time to crafts and games.

The library offers many resources beyond books such as sewing machines, cooking items, tools, board games, and neckties to borrow for various reasons.