Story by STEVE TRAIMAN
Photos by Janet Nummi
When the St. Pete Beach Library officially has its Grand Reopening week of celebrations starting April 26, visitors will find what is essentially a brand-new facility that had its original grand opening October 28, 1969.
Betcinda Kettells, who joined the staff in October of 2015, became the Administrator in August of 2016 and was named Director in 2020, told Paradise News, “We moved to a temporary Gulf Boulevard location in March of 2020 and provided curbside service there until we opened back up to the public in May of 2020. We continued service there until February 20, 2021, and reopened the renovated library on March 1, 2021.
“In addition to providing all materials and services at the temporary location (except programming) we also successfully dealt with the challenges of Covid-19 and instituted a Little Free Pantry to assist with food donations to insecure individuals and families.
“The library is, for all essential purposes, completely new on the inside from the roof to the floor. A/C ducts, ceiling, lighting, all new furniture and shelving, flooring. The signage inside and out has been redone in the original outdoor sign font. The landscaping, delivery ramp, new book drop, bike rack, benches, and, soon, a new parking lot are included in the outdoor improvements.”
“In addition to an expanded Children’s section, there are larger sections for Large Print books, Audio/Video CDs and DVDs, and the Friends of the Library Bookstore.
“Dramatic and whimsical sea life murals in the Children’s area and on shelf end-caps were graciously donated by local artist Dean Fortune.” Added Library Clerk Tom DeCair,
“Although basic library materials remain roughly in their previous locations, streamlined new shelving and removal of bulky interior pillars provides plenty of space for 12 public computers, up from 10. (Social distancing limits current availability to five public computers.)
“The additional space and all-new energy efficient LED lighting give the library an open, airy look that contrasts dramatically with the dark, dingy library of a year ago.
“New seating areas with new, mid-century modern furniture include a charging station, and two charging poles that provide up to 28 additional locations for charging electronic devices.
“A new generation self-service checkout machine is user friendly and can show patrons their checkouts, holds and fines, in addition to checking out and renewing items.
“The City Commission has turned the alley behind the library between 73rd and Corey into a one-way thoroughfare from Boca Ciega to Blind Pass to facilitate a new, 70% larger 24-hour book drop for all library materials located on the left (driver) side of the alley.
“A new ramp to the back door provides access for delivery and pickup of hundreds of books weekly from/to other libraries. back door delivery, and book drop staff access help minimize interference with library patrons.
“Also new is an internal book drop for all library items being returned, that now go through a door slot to the back room for processing and can’t get dropped in places where they’re confused with checkouts or shelving. “
CITY OFFICIALS COMMENT
Mayor Alan Johnson told Paradise News, “The St. Pete Beach library was constructed in its current location in 1969 and has been a part of the city’s history ever since. While some of our residents think ‘no one uses a library anymore’, those people need to spend some time there – it’s busy!
“More importantly it’s a place where our community congregates. SPB is a resort destination as well as a Gulf Coast beach town. We are the #1 beach in the country this year and that is not just because of what Mother Nature blessed us with, but also because of our people, our community!
“The library is a big part of that, it’s where people come, congregate and in part help to create that community. Visitors come and enjoy our resorts and other amenities, but it’s the warmth of our residents and the sense of community that makes them feel welcome and anxious to come back.
“Renovating the building brought it up to modern standards while maintaining the historic architecture which will continue the city’s enduring character for many years into the future. In my opinion preserving our community is priceless.”
City Manager Alex Rey emphasized, “It’s not often a community has the opportunity to modernize and restore a building to a design that is in keeping with its history and its future. While that’s no easy task, it’s one that the people behind the St. Pete Beach Library renovation took to heart and succeeded brilliantly.
“The library was designated as a historical structure in 2020 and the plans for renovation of this 1969 building were aimed at modernizing its service capabilities and amenities while staying true to its late mid-century roots.
“With a new roof, windows, ceiling, and lighting, we were able to give the facility the modernization it required. We didn’t want to lose the charm and retro vibe. The design, branding, colors and outside landscaping were chosen with these things in mind. The outcome is captivatingly modern, and yet nostalgic. It’s a shining example of how a library can be a community focal point by exemplifying the community’s personality.
“In addition to lending media, the library is a place for entertainment, group gatherings, and computer usage, as well as educational and social programming. To bolster these efforts, the Friends of the Library has donated over $26,500 and are on track to purchase additional items as well.
“The overall $2.6 million renovation will help the library continue its valuable offerings to the people of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and the South Pasadena communities in a building that benefits the whimsical personality of our award-winning beach town.”
Added Vince Tenaglia, assistant city manager and point person on the project, “We were very lucky with great contractors like Hennessy who kept the job on target. The City Commission really came through with about $2.6 million to fund the project, plus about $130,000 from the PPLC library consortium and over $26,500 from the Friends of the Library.
“Special thanks to Recreation Director Jennifer McMahon and Library Director Betcinda Kettells for coordinating the Grand Reopening week of celebrations for all the library’s publics.”
“What started out as a roof repair ended up as a brand-new library of which our entire community can be very proud!”
St. Pete Beach Library Schedule For Grand Reopening Events
Coordinated by City Recreation Director Jennifer McMahon and Library Director Betcinda Kettells, here’s the tentative schedule for April 26-May 1 events celebrating the library’s Grand Reopening, with masks requested:
- Monday, April 26, 9:30am– Ribbon cutting ceremony for special invitees, with Friends of the Library giveaway and McDonald’s coffee outside.
- Tuesday, April 27, 4pm– Kids’ Day, with after-care and Gulf Beaches Elementary 6, 7 & 8-year-olds invited for youth area and community room for crafts, with parent pick up at the library.
- Wednesday, April 28, 5-6pm- District 4 Residents’ Day Tours
- Thursday, April 29, 5-6pm- Districts 2 & 3 Residents’ Day Tours
- Friday, April 30, 5-6pm- District 1 Residents’ Day Tours
- Saturday, May 1, 10am-Noon- Book End Celebration with Treasure Island and South Pasadena residents invited. After inside tour, outside kids can touch a fire truck and police vehicle, with mimosas for adults and refreshments from Chick-fil-A, with the St. Pete Sax Quartet playing during event.
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Betcinda Kettells, Tom DeCair, Mayor Alan Johnson, City Manager Alex Rey, and Assistant City Manager Vince Tenaglia for their excellent comments and input.]
[Steve Traiman is president of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman, St. Pete Beach, providing business writing services at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com or by phone to 727-363-7531.]