The Palmetto Branch Library, in downtown Palmetto, was built in 1969 and renovated in 2007 with eco-friendly features like low-energy lighting and stormwater retention. The library includes a makerspace, a pollinator garden, and a children’s area with a Spanish section, graphic novels, and a growing literacy collection. Serving a diverse community, the 12,700 sq. ft. library offers programs tailored to local needs and supports Palmetto’s agricultural heritage.
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED
- Bike Racks
- Children's Room
- Combat Wounded Parking Space
- Computer Work Station
- Copier/Scanner/Fax Machine
- Gardens
- Hearing Loop
- Kitchen
- Library
- Makerspaces and DIY
- Meeting Room
- Parking
- Phone Charging Station
- Restrooms
- Study Room
- Water Fountains
- Wheelchair
Meeting Rooms
Location Details
Palmetto Branch Library, to the right of circulation deskHours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:50 p.m.Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
One (1) large meeting room and one (1) small conference room are available to reserve at Palmetto Branch Library. For more information: Library Meeting Rooms
Meeting Room/Auditorium capacity: 100
Conference Room capacity: 15
Seed Library
Location Details
Circulation deskHours
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
The Seed Library at Palmetto Branch Library was established in partnership with the UF/IFAS Extension Service. It offers a variety of seeds for fruits and vegetables, flowers, and herbs ready to sow. Growing your own food is an important and valuable skill that anyone can learn and strive to provide the knowledge and resources to grow, harvest, and save seeds. Whether they are novices or Master Gardeners, all library card holders are welcome to participate in the Seed Library.
A Manatee County Library card is required to borrow seeds, and patrons can take home up to three seed packets at a time, and no more than nine per month. The seeds patrons check out do not have a due date and do not have to be returned, but patrons are welcome and encouraged to harvest, save, and donate to our collection.
The Seed Library at Palmetto Branch Library is displayed in a small, vintage card catalog on the circulation desk. Patrons are welcome to open the drawers and browse the collection. When ready, we kindly ask that they bring the seeds to a staff member for check out.
Makerspace: The Forge
Location Details
To the right of the circulation desk as you walk into the main entrance.Hours
Hours vary.The Forge is a makerspace featuring specialized equipment, hands-on
workshops, and open lab hours. The space offers the tools you’ll need to
build your next creative project, explore new interests, and create
something original. Visit us at Palmetto Library to learn more about coding, robotics, 3D printing, music and
video recording, sewing, t-shirt design, and more! See the library's Event Calendar for upcoming classes and workshops.
Ages
12 and over. On Tween Tuesdays and during some age-specific programs,
ages 11 and under are allowed if accompanied by an adult.
Computers & Coding Equipment
- Laptops
- Arduino Uno coding station
Audio Visual Equipment
- Podcast Studio
- HUE Animation Studio
- HUE Canon Vixia HF R800 Camera
- Green Screen with lighting kit
3D Printing, Electronic Cutting & Engraving
- Cricut Maker, Cutting Machine
Arts, Crafts & Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Artist sketch markers
- Illuminated Tracing Light Box
- Sentro Knitting Machine
- MakeDo construction kits
- Bicycle tool kit
Robotics & Circuitry
- Sphero, Programmable Robots
- Smart Circuits
- Edison Circuits
- Snap Circuits
Gaming
- Picade
- Bloxels
Children's Room
Location Details
Palmetto Branch Library, center of building
Study Room
Location Details
Palmetto Branch LibraryHours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:50 p.m.Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
One (1) individual study room is available to reserve at Palmetto Branch Library. For more information: Reserve a Library Study Room
Capacity: 2
Learning Garden
Location Details
Behind the Palmetto LibraryHours
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
This garden provides a sustainable outdoor environment for library patrons and the surrounding community to use for programs, relaxation, and learning, that also benefits pollinators and the local ecosystem.
The Palmetto Library Learning Garden was created in partnership between the Manatee Library, the Palmetto Friends of the Library, and Manatee County Master Gardeners, made possible through generous donations and a grant from the Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Sweet Bay Nursery generously provided native plants and the Library Garden Club has provided dedicated volunteers.
