St. Petersburg, Fla. – The St. Petersburg Main Library, located at 3745 9th Ave. N., will be renamed the President Barack Obama Main Library in honor of America’s first African American president and part of the City of St. Petersburg’s celebration of Black History Month.
The dedication ceremony will be streamed via Facebook Live on Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. and can be viewed at facebook.com/StPeteFL.
A limited number of attendees will be permitted on-site at the dedication, with masks being necessary when within six feet of others.
St. Petersburg Mayor Kriseman said, “I am incredibly excited for this dedication. As I said three years ago when we announced the changes we will see here and the new name for St. Petersburg’s main library, highlighting Barack Obama’s extraordinary story and history-making presidency in this way will inspire generations of young people. I believe the President Barack Obama Main Library will not only complement city buildings bearing the name of local trailblazers, but will serve as an example to other cities. Our main library has always been an exciting hub for learning in our city. It is made all the better by honoring President Obama.”
The dedication and installation of a new sign will kick off renovations at the library. The 55-year-old facility will undergo a $6 million renovation, funded by Penny for Pinellas sales tax revenue.
The renovations will include an upgraded rear patio and outdoor gathering space, reconfiguration of interior spaces with new programming areas, additional parking spaces, ADA-compliant restrooms, HVAC improvements, asbestos abatement, and fire protection.
The renovations are expected to be completed by late 2022/early 2023.