Manatee announces Central Library reopening date as Hurricane Milton recovery continues
The Manatee County Central Library will reopen to visitors Monday, Feb. 3, nearly four months after sustaining serious damage from a powerful hurricane.
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key in October. The storm is estimated to have caused more than $351 million in damage to the unincorporated areas of Manatee County, the Bradenton Herald previously reported.
Milton brought widespread flooding and destruction to the area. The storm’s strong winds and heavy rains damaged the Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton, prompting an extended closure.
Tammy Parrott, the county’s library services manager, said she is excited to welcome library users back.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome our community back to the Central Library. This space has always been a cornerstone for learning, creativity and connection,” Parrott said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald. “After the challenges from the hurricanes, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the library ready to serve our residents once again
Ahead of the Feb. 3 reopening, residents can use curbside pickup at the Central Library to check out and return books. Curbside pickup is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Central Library to reopen after hurricane damage
Certain parts of the library will remain closed while workers continue to fix the roof, walls and carpet.
“It’s significant enough that we needed to prioritize the safety of the public before we reopened,” said Parrott, who added that a completion date for those repairs has not been determined.
When the library reopens, people can resume key services in the building, such as browsing the book collection, using computers, preserving family photos, using 3D printers and getting help with taxes.
The library will not offer study rooms, book clubs and other meetups until a later date.
The county’s other six libraries are operating normally.
- Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton
- Anna Maria Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach
- Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch
- Palmetto Library, 923 Sixth St. W., Palmetto
- Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton
- South Manatee Library, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton
Visit a library branch or www.MyManatee.org to apply for a library card.
