Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library

🏢 Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library — Florida

Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library

One of only two African American research libraries in Florida, with oral history archives and a 350-seat community room.

📞 813-273-3652🌐 hcplc.org

🕑 Library Hours

Monday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours may vary on holidays.

📍 Location & Contact

Address: 1505 Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

Phone: 813-273-3652

Website: hcplc.org

📖 About Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library

The Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library traces to the 1933 Ybor City Branch and has been on Nebraska Avenue since 1969; the current 26,244-square-foot building opened in August 2015. Renamed in 2003 for NAACP Field Secretary Robert W. Saunders Sr., its second floor is a research center for African American history and genealogy with digitized oral histories and a recording room.

⭐ What makes this branch special

  • One of only two African American research libraries in Florida
  • African American history and genealogy research center
  • Recording room for community oral histories
  • 350-seat community room with full kitchen

📱 Free with a Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library card

Any Hillsborough County resident can get a library card free and unlock:

📚 Libby / OverDriveBorrow eBooks & audiobooks free with your card.
🎬 hoopla & KanopyStream movies, TV, music and more.
🕹 The Hive makerspaces3D printing, recording studios & maker tools, free with your card.

📍 More Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library branches

John F. Germany Public LibraryHours & info →Brandon Regional LibraryHours & info →C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. BranchHours & info →Seffner/Mango Branch LibraryHours & info →North Tampa Branch LibraryHours & info →Egypt Lake Partnership LibraryHours & info →Charles J. Fendig Public LibraryHours & info →West Tampa Branch LibraryHours & info →Riverview Branch LibraryHours & info →Seminole Heights Branch LibraryHours & info →Thonotosassa Branch LibraryHours & info →Town 'N Country Regional LibraryHours & info →Port Tampa City LibraryHours & info →Ruskin Branch LibraryHours & info →Austin Davis LibraryHours & info →78th Street Community LibraryHours & info →New Tampa Regional LibraryHours & info →Jan K. Platt Regional LibraryHours & info →Jimmie B. Keel Regional LibraryHours & info →Bloomingdale Regional LibraryHours & info →Maureen B. Gauzza Public LibraryHours & info →SouthShore Regional Public LibraryHours & info →Norma & Joseph Robinson Library @ Sulphur SpringsHours & info →Temple Terrace Public LibraryHours & info →Bruton Memorial LibraryHours & info →Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community LibraryHours & info →Lutz Branch LibraryHours & info →

← All Hillsborough County libraries  ·  All Florida →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What African American history resources are here?

A second-floor research center with digitized oral histories, genealogy databases, interactive displays and a recording room for new oral histories.

Who was Robert W. Saunders Sr.?

Florida's NAACP Field Secretary during the civil rights movement; the library was renamed in his honor in 2003, and a bronze bust is displayed inside.

Does it have event facilities?

Yes, a 350-seat community room with a full kitchen for large gatherings.

📍 Browse all public libraries in Hillsborough County, Florida →

✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.

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