Services
Access Computers and WiFi at the Library
Manatee Library provides public access to public
computers equipped with Microsoft Office and the Internet at all locations as well as WiFi access for personal devices, as part of its mission
to deliver services that meet the information needs of the community and reduce barriers to access.
Access Online Newspapers and Magazines: PressReader
Access over 7,000 articles and newspapers for free with your Manatee County Library Card.
Apply for a Library Card
Apply for a Manatee Library card today! Manatee Library has numerous options for obtaining a full or limited-access library card.
Attend a Storytime
Perfect for children of all ages, Manatee Library Storytime programs spark imagination, build literacy skills, and foster a love of reading in a fun, interactive environment.
Borrow Developmental Toys
Manatee Library's collection of developmental toys is designed to support children with special needs by providing access to assistive and adaptive tools that encourage interactive play and skill-building.
Borrow Early Literacy Kits
Borrow Early Literacy Kits filled with books and activities to support preschool and elementary-age children in building essential skills at home.
Borrow eBooks and Audiobooks: Libby App
Browse and borrow the more than 16,000 titles that the Libby App has to offer Manatee County Library Card holders.
Borrow from the Library of Things
The Library of Things includes items such as telescopes, musical
instruments, tools, binoculars, hotspots, children's developmental toys
and literacy kits, museum and attraction passes, and more!
Discover Local History
Manatee Library offers a local history archive
at the downtown Central Library, called the Eaton Florida History Room, as well as an online digital archive and an Archive Lab.
Explore Genealogy
Manatee Library offers an extensive genealogy collection available to the public for in-house use at Central Library, as well as a
selection of general genealogy materials that may be checked out, and online resources including Heritage Quest and FamilySearch (in-library use only).
Explore Homeschool Resources
From curriculum guides and lesson ideas to online learning tools and educational programs, Manatee Library has everything you need to make homeschooling easier and more enriching.
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Find Homework Help Resources
Looking for extra support with your child's schoolwork? Manatee Library homework help resources are designed to make learning easier.
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Find Library Events and Classes
Manatee Library offers many programs for all ages, special events, storytimes, and classes!
Linkedin Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform with expert-led courses.
Print, Copy, Scan, or Fax at the Library
All Manatee Library locations (excluding the Little Discovery Center) offer access to printing, copying, faxing, and scanning.
Request a Library Lobby Stop
Schedule a Pop-Up Library to visit your care facility or retirement
community! Manatee Library's monthly Lobby Stops provide residents with
assistance in registering for a Library card, accessing e-resources and
e-reading materials, and selecting physical materials to check out from the traveling library collection.
Request an Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a special service, provided to Manatee Library resident cardholders, to obtain materials not available in our library system.
Request an Obituary
Manatee Library can provide copies of local obituaries if available in our
archive.
Request Books by Mail or Delivery
Manatee Library offers free delivery of library materials to residents who are not able to visit a library due to a
temporary or long-term physical or visual disability.
Request Library Visit
Schedule an informational and educational presentation or storytime from the Library for your students, residents, or business. Also request the Library's presence at an event, festival, or open house.
Research and Learn at the Library
Discover the materials, databases, learning resources, and class that Manatee Library offers to help you conduct research or just learn something new.
Reserve a Library Meeting Room
Meeting Rooms of various sizes are available to reserve at all Manatee Library locations, excluding the Little Discovery Center.
Reserve a Library Study Room
Individual and small group Study Rooms are available to reserve at several Manatee Library locations.
Reserve a One-to-One Tech Help Appointment
Most Manatee Library locations offer basic one-on-one technology help
with a library staff
member. These 30-minute sessions assist patrons with Androids, iPhones,
tablets,
laptops, and library eBook and eAudiobook resources.
Reserve a Recording Studio
Recording studios are available at two (2) Manatee Library locations: Central Library and Lakewood Ranch Library.
Reserve an Archive Lab Station
A digital DIY space located at Central Library, Archive Lab is comprised of 4 stations where you can scan and save your photos, home videos, scrapbooks, slides, and more. The Archive Lab is also open to local organizations, small businesses, and churches.
Reserve Museum and Attraction Passes
Manatee Library offers complimentary passes to attractions and
museums including The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the Big Cat
Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, the Florida Railroad Museum, and
Imagine Museum.
Sign up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a self-paced early literacy program that encourages families to read at least 1,000 books to their children before they start kindergarten.
Suggest a Library Purchase
Manatee Library welcomes suggestions for purchase of items for the collection, based on the Library's Collection Development criteria.
Volunteer with the Library
Volunteers are a very important part of the
Library! Manatee Library volunteers are beginner or skilled individuals who perform a
variety of tasks that support library staff in providing excellent
library services.
Trained service animals are permitted in all Library and County buildings in compliance with ADA Accessibility laws.
Pets of any kind are prohibited in Library buildings. From time to time, exceptions for the presence of animals in Library buildings are made for library-related programs.
Please see Animals in the Library policy.
Yes! Manatee Library has many other types of materials for checkout including eBooks, eAudiobooks, DVDs, games, early literacy kits, telescopes, binoculars, musical instruments, hotspots, tools, and more. See the Library of Things and the Library Catalog to discover more about these items and put them on reserve.
Yes, daycares, schools, assisted living facilities, places of worship, associations, businesses, or other organizations in Manatee County may be eligible for an Organization Library Card, which are only issued by Library Outreach staff.
- Access to borrow all print books, magazines, puzzles, paperback materials, movies, CDs, Library of Things, Kits, and Playaways at all Manatee Library branches
- One year of Library access to be renewed annually by designated contact. May not be used for personal use.
- The organization is financially responsible for all materials checked out on the card.
- Organizations may also request a rotating mini-library collection for their site.
How to register:
- an Organization library card requires an individual to register as a designated contact.
- The designee must complete an Organization Library Card Application, show their photo ID, and provide their business card, badge, letterhead, or other official documentation which indicates their association with the organization, and the organization's contact information.
- Contact Library Outreach staff at library.outreach@mymanatee.org.
Yes! To access your Manatee Library card account, visit the Library Catalog, and click on Log In in the upper right corner. After logging in with your library card number and PIN, you will be able to see your current checkouts and holds under My Bookshelf, as well as saved searches and reading history (keeping a reading history is optional and can be selected under My Bookshelf>Profile).
For additional assistance, contact Ask a Librarian.
Yes, Manatee Library offers many book clubs at most locations! To find book clubs, visit the Library's Event Calendar. Browse the calendar by scrolling or use the filters and search box on the left of the page.
Exam proctoring is available through Central Library, by appointment only. At least 30 days notice and a photo ID is required. Arranging exam proctor materials is the responsibility of the student/testee, not the library staff.
Please contact Library Programming to schedule.