Construction Update
Our second story construction project officially begins on February 12. For safety reasons, the Children’s Wing is now closed and the Meeting & Conference Rooms, Study Rooms A & B, and the Deaf Literacy Center will be closed starting February 5. Study Rooms C & D are now available by reservation only.
A portion of the youth collection has relocated to other parts of the library and programs will be held at the Safety Harbor Museum and other locations to be announced. We will provide the same level of service with minor changes during this transition. Stay tuned to our website for updates. Thank you for your patience during the construction period of approximately twelve months.
Please see the maps below for new locations of library collections:
More Information & Background of the Project
In 1994, the existing library facility opened in the current location. In 2008, after significant community input, the library underwent a renovation adding 9,300 square feet and celebrated a grand reopening in April 2009. Architectural design included the structural ability to accommodate a second story due to anticipated growth. As the library became a cornerstone in the downtown district, we attracted high numbers of visitors and organizations due to our educational and cultural programs, resources, and meeting areas, making it difficult to keep up with the demand for space.
In 2015, city staff began discussing the addition of the second story. The following year, the Library Foundation kicked off their Let’s Build a Story capital campaign with a goal of raising $500,000. They’ve met their goal and continue to raise funds due to increased costs. The Friends of the Library also support the project with a $35,000 donation. Twenty-five percent of the construction is funded through grants and donations.
In March 2020, a design kickoff meeting was held with the architect and the commission noted the second story as a workshop goal. The pandemic then stalled the project. Fast forward to May 2023, when the site plan for the project was approved by the City Commission. In December a general contractor was selected and the City Commission approved the first-floor lighting upgrades and second floor addition at the December 4, 2023 commission meeting. The addition will add 4,784 square feet, including approximately 1,800 square feet of meeting room space.
The library has been growing for many years, offering a wide range of books and online materials and services from seeds and tools, to high school diplomas, museum passes, games, programs, and much more. A unique cake pan collection was recently added. We are excited for this next phase of the library which cements it’s importance in our community for learning, literacy, cultural experiences, and a meeting place that’s vital to a creative and innovative city.