Tarpon Springs Public Library Reopens June 1 With Limited Hours

Press from Tarpon Springs Public Library: The Tarpon Springs Public Library announced that they will reopen to the public with limited hours beginning Monday, June 1, 2020. New safety measures will be in place due to COVID19. Practices are subject to change in accordance with City, County, State and Federal guidelines.

New Library hours are as follows:

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

The library will be closed Monday - Saturday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. for cleaning.

Curbside pick-up service will continue to be available by appointment Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. For more information, visit the Tarpon Springs Library website at http://tarponlibrary.org/curbside .

Social distancing will be required with 6 feet of separation between individuals not in the same party. Staff will be wearing face masks. Patrons are also encouraged to wear masks. Safety shields have been placed at all public service desks. Seating options, computers, and computer time will be limited. One-on-one staff assistance will be limited. Returned items will be quarantined for up to 72 hours. Donations of books and other materials will not be accepted until further notice.

Library in-person programs and meetings are suspended until further notice. Virtual programming will be available. Expanded e-resources are being added. Take-home activities including summer reading items and craft kits will be available.

The Tarpon Springs Public Library looks forward to welcoming back our patrons and providing service safely. For questions or additional information, please call the library at (727) 943-4922 or visit their website at http://tarponlibrary.org .

Other City Facilities

Playgrounds, Fitness Park and Basketball Courts: All City playground facilities, the fitness park at the North Safford-Live Oak Complex and all basketball courts will re-open on Monday, June 1, however the Splash Park will remain closed at this time. Planning is underway for a future, limited occupancy opening of the Splash Park.

Sunset Beach Pavilions: Picnic pavilions at Sunset Beach will re-open on June 1.

Yardwaste Facility: The Yardwaste Facility will resume normal Saturday hours (7a.m. until 12 noon) beginning on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

City Hall: The lobby area of City Hall, drive through window at the City Clerk’s office and the walk up window at the Utility Billing office are open. The remainder of City Hall facilities remain closed to the public and all public meetings will continue to be conducted virtually until further notice.

Pinellas CARES Grant Application Deadline Extended Through June 30

The extension of the Pinellas CARES programs gives individuals and businesses another month to seek help through the program. Individuals and families can request emergency help paying overdue rent, mortgage and utilities through the Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance program. Pinellas residents who have lost their job or significant income due to COVID-19 can apply for one-time assistance by texting COVIDCARES to 898211. Those who have questions or need to speak to someone by phone can also call 2-1-1 or visit this website for more information: https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/where-to-get-help/.

Small business owners with a commercial location in the county can also apply online for the Pinellas CARES Small Business Grant, a one-time $5,000 grant to cover expenses such as employee wages, vendor bills and mortgage or rent costs.

Applicants should review all eligibility requirements and ensure all required documents are correctly submitted to expedite the review and approval process for the grant.

Details for all facilities are posted on the City’s website at http://www.ctsfl.us/covid-19.htm as well as complete information regarding closures, postponements and re-opening schedules.

This press release was produced by Tarpon Springs Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.