Lutz Branch Library

Very nice staff and building. Enjoyable collection that is well presented with good lighting.

A great place to check out DVDs, download books, join groups like the Chess group, Chair Yoga class, or the many children’s programs. Convenient location and they have a packed bookstore where you can purchase books inexpensively.

The Lutz Branch Library is located right beside the old Lutz train station. It shouldn’t shock anyone that this library is decorated with historical and railroad memorabilia. Each bookshelf, at least in the children’s section, has a train carved into their side. I love the character, the uniqueness and the community connection that each of the libraries in the Hillsborough Collective have. I guess that is one of the benefits of giving autonomy to each branches «friends of the library.» They can make the branch into what their community needs.
As far as the library itself goes, the Lutz version is pretty small and cramped probably due to its age. It has a lot less space than some of the other branches. This isn’t helped by the fact that the windows in here, save for some of the corner ones, are tiny and let in little light. This gives the Lutz Branch Library more of an old school elementary library feel. There are a few tables set up that have children’s puzzles and activities for the little ones which gives them something to do while mommy or daddy or grandma looks for books. The humidity, especially in the community room where toddler time is located, is strong and it makes things a bit musty.
I really like the version of toddler time that this branch puts on. It is very engaging and includes literacy concepts, book reading, music, arts and bubbles. It is also a bit smaller and more intimate than some of the other ones which allows my daughter to participate better.
My motto for this branch of the Hillsborough Collective: If the train should jump the track do you want your humidity back?

It’s small here, but that’s why they have floating collections (new books that move library to library) and the request features. If you are looking for something particular request ahead, but if you are looking to browse they usually have enough to do that well. I look for amenities in a library – programs, couches, tables, computers… and the Lutz library does great at those. It’s small, for a small area, but they really make the most of the space and making it a welcoming space to come and be – or better yet, to bring your kids.

Like the non-​headquartered libraries of the Tampa area, this library can fit about 10 elephants without them feeling cramped– anymore and we’d have a problem.
On the other hand, this library is small, cute, and has lots of charm… who goes to the library for books nowadays anyway? Located next to busy HWY 41, a tiny train station, train sculpture made of bricks, and an arched bridge covered in flowers decorate the building’s outside.
Inside there’s books (DUH)– but the fiction and nonfiction together make a total of 8 aisles! Of course, there’s DVD’s, computers (around 20 internet machines), a kids area… I’ve never seen an entire aisle dedicated to romance novels. Now I know where to go when I’m lonely at night.
It seems like the older ladies who work here were either Disney cast members or professional grandmas before… they seem to know EVERYBODY! They were so happy to help a young blood like me.
Pyra says: Never busy so you can hog the internet, but not lots of books.