The New Tampa Regional Library facility serves Tampa, specifically anchoring the thriving and rapidly expanding New Tampa community. Situated at 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard, this location provides essential passport acceptance services to a diverse demographic, including residents from prominent master-planned communities such as Live Oak Preserve, Heritage Isles, Grand Hampton, and Hunter’s Green. The facility also draws applicants from the northern reaches of Hillsborough County and even the southern edges of Pasco County, particularly areas like Meadow Pointe and Wesley Chapel, given its strategic placement directly off Cross Creek Boulevard, a primary east-west artery connecting to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Morris Bridge Road.
Since its establishment in 2003, the New Tampa Regional Library has evolved into more than just a repository of books; it functions as a critical community nexus, offering a calm and organized environment for civic services, including passport applications. The foresight in its initial design anticipated the area’s growth, making it a natural choice for a facility that requires both public accessibility and a measure of operational efficiency. The neighborhood itself, once characterized by citrus groves and sprawling ranchlands, has undergone significant transformation over the last three decades, blossoming into a vibrant suburban landscape. This growth has brought with it an influx of families seeking excellent schools like Wharton High School (located just over a mile east on Cross Creek Blvd) and amenities, young professionals, and retirees who appreciate the tranquil yet connected lifestyle New Tampa offers. The library’s role as a passport acceptance agent directly supports these residents’ increasing travel needs, whether for international business, leisure, or family reunification.
One of the unique aspects of applying for a passport at the New Tampa Regional Library is the distinct atmosphere it offers compared to a bustling post office. Here, the process often feels more personalized and less rushed. The staff, typically trained library associates, are adept at handling documentation with precision and providing clear instructions, reflecting the library’s commitment to community service. This facility primarily caters to first-time applicants, minors requiring parental consent, and individuals needing to replace lost or stolen passports, all of whom must apply in person using form DS-11. The serene setting, with its modern architecture, ample natural light streaming through large windows, and a dedicated service area, ensures a less stressful experience, especially for families with young children or individuals unfamiliar with the application process.
Historically, the development of New Tampa was a response to urban sprawl from downtown Tampa, with master-planned communities beginning to take shape in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The New Tampa Regional Library, opened in the early 2000s, was part of a larger civic infrastructure build-out designed to support this burgeoning population. It quickly became a cornerstone, offering not only literary resources but also computer access, meeting spaces, and, notably, a convenient location for federal services like passport applications. This integration of services within a familiar community institution underscores its value to the residents.
Several key landmarks define the immediate vicinity, making the library easy to locate. Just across Cross Creek Boulevard, within approximately two blocks, lies the Cross Creek Center, anchored by a large Publix supermarket at 10303 Cross Creek Blvd. This commercial hub provides a convenient stop for errands before or after an appointment. Approximately three blocks west, at the intersection of Cross Creek Boulevard and Kinnan Street, you’ll find AdventHealth Primary Care at 10041 Cross Creek Blvd, a significant medical facility. Further west, at the corner of Cross Creek Blvd and Morris Bridge Rd, is a busy intersection with various retail establishments. The geographical layout positions the library centrally within a dense residential and commercial corridor, ensuring its accessibility for a wide segment of the New Tampa population. The facility’s commitment to providing this crucial federal service locally saves residents significant travel time to other acceptance facilities, reinforcing its role as an indispensable community asset in one of Tampa’s fastest-growing regions. The library’s operations, including passport services, are closely tied to the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, ensuring a consistent standard of professional and reliable assistance for all applicants.
