Island Branch Library — Attraction in Holmes Beach

The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island is a charming, well-loved public library that offers far more than books. Located at 5701 Marina Drive, it serves as a community hub with welcoming spaces for all ages. Inside, you’ll find a bright and colorful Children’s Room stocked with books, puzzles, toys, and creative murals perfect for families with kids under 12. Teens also get their own corner with a Teen Tech Study Room featuring a Mac desktop, available by reservation. Quiet individual and group study rooms make it easy for students or remote workers to focus comfortably. The library regularly hosts a lively roster of events from “40 Carrots” baby-and-toddler sessions, lectures, craft workshops, to Mahjong and tech‑help clinics ensuring a rich calendar for all interests. It has strong ties to the community, partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and the “Friends of the Island Library” volunteer group that supports its mission and organizes the popular annual book sale. A major renovation in 2012 refreshed its sunny exterior and updated amenities; bike racks, hearing loop, Wi‑Fi, computer stations, and accessible study spaces, and it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this library combines coastal charm, modern facility, and community spirit into a delightful and...

I like this library. It's clean and well laid out (recently renovated) and it has a good collection of books and audio materials. It carries selections by local authors (including me!) and it runs frequent, free classes and workshops for people of all ages, on a wide range of topics. They offer about 6 computers for internet browsing.

Here's an example of how friendly and helpful the staff are. The other day I was looking for biographies of Nelson Mandela, and I had trouble locating one of them. A staff member (whom I didn't know by name) came over to help me, and she went out of her way to find the book in another area for me. Then I realized that it was the head of the library! I was and am very impressed by her, the rest of the staff, and the...

I have been visiting this library since I was a child and now I bring my own child who is 4. He loves the kids area and books are easily accessible for small children. He has really enjoyed the sprouts learning backpacks and we have also checked out several instruments, which has been a fun learning experience for our whole family. Librarians are very knowledgeable...