In Tampa, the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library stands as a cornerstone institution at 3910 South Manhattan Avenue, a pivotal location within South Tampa’s highly sought-after residential expanse. This particular stretch of Manhattan Avenue, situated just a few blocks north of the bustling Gandy Boulevard corridor and south of the serene expanse of Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, positions the library at the nexus of several vibrant communities including Palma Ceia, Ballast Point, and the northern reaches of the Sunset Park neighborhood. It serves a diverse cross-section of Hillsborough County residents, primarily drawing from the established families of South Tampa, a considerable population of retirees enjoying the Florida lifestyle, and an increasing number of young professionals who have chosen this area for its blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Furthermore, its proximity to MacDill Air Force Base, approximately 3.5 miles south, means it often caters to military families and personnel requiring official documentation, including passport services for international assignments or family travel.
The library itself is more than a mere book repository; it functions as a central hub for civic engagement and knowledge acquisition in a district characterized by its tree-lined streets and historic homes. Established in 1982, the building was named in honor of Jan Kaminis Platt, a dedicated Hillsborough County Commissioner and long-time public servant whose vision emphasized community access to resources. This historical context is vital, as the library emerged during a period of significant growth for South Tampa, reflecting a commitment to public infrastructure that mirrored the area’s development. It’s not uncommon to see several generations of a single family arriving together, illustrating its deep roots within the community fabric.
Unique aspects of this facility, beyond its passport services, include its sprawling collection of Floridiana, a specialized archive focusing on the rich history and ecology of Florida, which draws researchers and enthusiasts from across the region. Additionally, the library hosts a robust schedule of educational programming, from children’s story times that attract young families from nearby neighborhoods like Bayshore Beautiful and Beach Park, to adult workshops on technology and career development. The architectural style, a contemporary design featuring ample natural light and spacious reading areas, offers a welcoming environment, a distinct contrast to the more traditional brick structures common in some older Tampa neighborhoods. Its prominent location, visible from the intersection of South Manhattan Avenue and West Euclid Avenue, ensures high visibility and ease of access for anyone navigating the South Tampa grid. For passport applicants, this means an environment that is generally quieter and more organized than a typical post office, providing a focused, dignified setting for handling crucial travel documentation. The surrounding area, largely residential with mature oak trees lining the streets, provides a calm backdrop, allowing applicants to focus on their important task without the usual city bustle. Just three blocks east, the Academy of the Holy Names, a well-known private school, contributes to the area’s family-centric atmosphere, often meaning parents are processing passports for their children’s school trips or family vacations abroad. The library is also only about 0.7 miles from the Palma Ceia Country Club, a significant local landmark, meaning applicants can easily combine their passport visit with other errands in this well-appointed commercial and residential district. This strategic placement within a highly engaged residential area underscores its role not just as a passport acceptance facility, but as an indispensable community asset deeply integrated into the daily lives of South Tampa’s residents. The commitment to maintaining a welcoming and efficient environment is palpable, a direct reflection of Jan Kaminis Platt’s legacy of public service, ensuring that residents have reliable access to essential governmental functions alongside their community library resources. The consistent flow of patrons, from those utilizing the computers for job searches to others attending literary discussions, means the facility is always active, yet organized, reflecting a carefully managed public space.
