East Lake Community Library Passport Services

The East Lake Community Library at 4125 EST LAKE ROAD in Palm Harbor offers a vital service to the residents of the East Lake Woodlands, Lansbrook, and Ridgemoor neighborhoods, providing a convenient location for passport applications. Positioned just east of the intersection of East Lake Road and Trinity Boulevard, the library draws a diverse demographic, from young families preparing for their first international vacations to retirees seeking to explore the world. The library itself, a single-story structure built in 1998, replaced a much smaller storefront location and now boasts a collection of over 90,000 items. Besides passport services, it is known locally for its extensive children’s programs, including weekly story times attended by upwards of 50 children, primarily preschoolers from the nearby Kiddie Academy and Primrose School. Adult programs are also popular, with book clubs focused on Florida authors and genealogy workshops attracting a dedicated following, often resulting in crowded parking during peak program hours, especially Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The surrounding area is predominantly residential, with meticulously landscaped lawns and gated communities characterizing the landscape. The library serves as a community anchor, hosting not only passport services but also voter registration drives and community meetings. The adjacent Walgreens Pharmacy, located a short walk north on East Lake Road, provides a convenient spot to pick up last-minute travel essentials or print passport photos if needed. The library’s role extends beyond books and passport services; it’s a designated cooling center during the sweltering Florida summers, offering respite to those without adequate air conditioning. Moreover, the East Lake Community Library participates in the statewide interlibrary loan program, granting residents access to millions of titles across Florida. Its commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement makes it an indispensable resource for Palm Harbor. The Friends of the East Lake Community Library, a volunteer organization, actively supports the library through fundraising events and book sales, contributing to the upkeep of the facility and expansion of its services. The library’s passport service is particularly valued because the closest alternative, the Pinellas County Clerk of Court North County Branch, is nearly four miles away and often requires a longer wait time. East Lake Community Library also plays host to local artists, displaying their work in the community room on a rotating basis, showcasing the creative talent within the East Lake area. It also offers free computer classes for seniors, addressing the digital literacy gap and helping them stay connected with family and friends. The library benefits from the strong sense of community in East Lake, a testament to the area’s commitment to education and civic engagement. The presence of highly-rated schools nearby, such as East Lake High School and Carwise Middle School, contributes to the area’s emphasis on learning and intellectual pursuits. The library is a designated hurricane shelter, providing a safe haven for residents during severe weather events, reinforcing its role as a crucial community asset. This commitment to serving the community underscores the significance of the East Lake Community Library as more than just a place for books and passport applications; it’s a cornerstone of the East Lake community, fostering knowledge, connection, and resilience.

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Walking into East Lake Community Library, you’ll immediately notice the airy, single-story layout. Enter through the main doors facing the south parking lot. Proceed straight ahead, and you’ll see the circulation desk directly in front of you. The passport services are typically handled at window number 2, on the right side of the circulation desk. Expect a short wait, even with an appointment, as the staff also handles regular library duties. The typical passport application appointment lasts about 20-25 minutes, depending on the complexity of the application and the number of applicants. The library is fully ADA compliant, with ramps leading to the entrance and accessible restrooms located near the back of the building, adjacent to the community meeting room. You’ll find ample seating near the passport service area, including comfortable armchairs and a small table. The ambiance is generally quiet and conducive to focusing on paperwork. The passport service area is clearly marked with signage, making it easy to find. While the library offers a printer for public use, it’s best to arrive with your documents already printed to save time. If you need to purchase a money order for the passport fees, there’s a Publix supermarket just a short drive west on Trinity Boulevard, at the Shoppes at Trinity.

Or call us at 800-860-8610