Tarpon Springs Library Visits Top 93,000 as Adult Program Attendance Doubles

The Tarpon Springs Public Library at 138 E. Lemon St. welcomed 93,964 visitors during fiscal year 2026, a 6% increase over the previous year. The library’s annual report, presented to city commissioners on Oct. 27, details a surge in community engagement that has outpaced general growth in the city.

Adult programming saw the most dramatic change. Attendance at these events climbed to 4,759, more than doubling from 2,107 in the prior year. The library offered 275 adult programs during the fiscal year, up from 163. Library Board Chairwoman Marilyn Chapman told commissioners that the popularity of these events came as a pleasant surprise.

“One of the most surprising things to me was how popular our programs are,” Chapman said. “Program participation increased significantly; the adult programming more than doubled participation. Our youth programming, which was already high .. grew 14% last year too.”

Youth program attendance rose to 9,249 from 8,050. Computer use at the library also grew, reaching 26,930 sessions from 24,119. The library’s digital holdings expanded to 43,961 items, up from 39,368. Total circulation of physical and digital materials edged up slightly to 150,484, compared to 148,624 the year before. New library card registrations remained steady at 1,183.

Chapman noted that patrons continue to use both print and digital resources. “Tarpon Springs wants both. Everybody’s using both,” she said. “It makes sense because we’re kind of old school, and proud of it, so we want everything happening in the library to stay there. But we also want our digital presence.” The library offers one-on-one appointments for patrons who need help using personal computers, phones, or tablets.

The Friends of the Library sponsor most of the library’s programs. A new Memory Café now meets on the first Saturday of each month. This initiative grew out of the library’s partnership with Peace4Tarpon and provides a space for people with dementia and their caregivers to mingle and find support.

The library also added a Florida native plant garden where patrons can borrow seeds. Renovations are scheduled to finish next year, adding new study and meeting rooms. Plans also include a Preservation Lab for digitizing photos and videos, a 3D printer, and a Cricut machine for arts and crafts.

In early 2027, an Exploration Lab for young people and a Sensory Space in the youth services area will open. The Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society’s Depot Museum will also join the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative’s museum pass program, allowing cardholders to borrow free museum passes.

The positive report arrives as the city prepares for the Nov. 3 election on Amendment 3. This statewide property tax measure could reduce the library’s revenue by millions of dollars. A city spokesperson said that if the amendment passes, cuts will be made to all general fund departments, including the library, though the extent of those cuts has not yet been determined.

Mayor John Koulianos said the report shows the library does more for the community than many residents realize. Commissioner Lori Weaver called the library a gem and the last remaining institution of free thought. “When you walk into the library, it’s all free choice,” Weaver said. “It’s really a gem, and I’ll do everything I can to protect it going forward.”