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Palm Harbor Library Re-Opens After Makeover

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: January 17, 2009

PALM HARBOR - The redesigned and enlarged Palm Harbor Library is positioning itself to be a community cultural destination.

Last Saturday, at the library's grand reopening ceremony, hundreds of patrons returned for a look at its extensive remodeling effort. All day long a steady stream of people got a look at the redesigned library.

The extensive makeover took in its children's room and reference area. In addition, study and conference rooms, a Friends of the Library shop and a teen room were added.

Remodeling of the facility was paid for with:

•A $500,000 State Library construction grant.

•$500,000 in local funds

•A $247,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

•$100,000 from the Friends of the Library booster group.

Everything inside the library was upgraded, including lighting, carpeting, security and sprinkler system.

Another feature of last week's reopening was the unveiling of the libraries signature sculpture. Pinellas County Cultural Affairs paid for the colorful $50,000 statuary grouping, which stands outside the library at 2330 Nebraska Ave.

The sculpture was designed by New Orleans-based sculptor Michael Cain. Cain, who also creates vessels, light boxes and other 3-D pieces, was selected out of 106 artists who vied for the commission.

"Beyond the Blue," as the sculptural piece is known, can be enjoyed both day and night, since it is illuminated by colorful LED light strips.

Gene Coppola, library director, decided the library needed a sculpture, he said, after seeing the pair of sculptures at the intersection of Alt. 19 and Florida Avenue, at the entrance to the Old Palm Harbor Main Street historic district. Pinellas County Public Arts donated the sculptures at Florida Avenue.

Coppola started talking to Cultural Affairs officials about acquiring an art piece for the library, he said. It took about two years for the dream to come to fruition, he said.

Since the library is in an unincorporated area, it serves a dual purpose for the community. Its mission and focus is on bringing culture as well as knowledge to the community, he said.

The "Beyond the Blue" sculpture, blending Palm Harbor's nautical theme with the library's literary mission, will raise the library's cultural profile and make it a real destination, he said.

In addition, starting in January, the library plans to showcase monthly juried art exhibitions spotlighting artists chosen by a local panel of art aficionados.

The library issued a call to artists looking to exhibit their works at the library's newly designed exhibition alcove.

Artists will exhibit two- and three-dimensional artwork for two to three months. According to the library's guidelines, artworks should have strong public appeal and be crafted or framed to a professional standard. The deadline to submit an application to exhibit is Friday, Jan. 23.

Coppola is proud of the library's growth.

"The Palm Harbor Library is now more than just books," he said. "It's one of the cultural destination sites in Palm Harbor. We do change lives."

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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