ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – After one of many longest renovation tasks in Bay Space historical past, the President Barack Obama Primary Library in St. Petersburg has formally reopened to the general public.
The library first closed in February 2021, shortly after being renamed in honor of the nation’s first African American president. Metropolis leaders say the undertaking required in depth repairs — from asbestos elimination to infrastructure updates — and confronted main delays resulting from hurricanes, COVID, and provide chain challenges.
Mayor Ken Welch stated, “Challenges from COVID to asbestos to provide chain to, in fact, hurricanes. However our group persevered. And as we speak this house has been fully remodeled.”
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The newly reimagined 44,000-square-foot facility options greater than 80,000 books, a state-of-the-art auditorium, an innovation lab, a number of convention and classrooms, and separate areas for kids and youths. A brand new out of doors promenade additionally provides guests the possibility to benefit from the water views whereas they learn.
Library Director Beth Lindsay stated, “At present is thrilling as a result of we get to ask the group again in to see what we now have for them.”
For longtime residents, the reopening is deeply private. Barbara Williams, who grew up visiting the library, stated, “Studying is really basic. I’m so grateful. My daughter is the primary African-American feminine OBGYN on this metropolis. And that is the library we got here to as youngsters.”
Mayor Welch additionally reminded the group of the symbolic significance behind the library’s identify: “This library was named after President Barack Obama as a result of his legacy embodies the whole lot this library ought to signify. The facility of training, the significance of details, the significance of group, and the assumption that data can remodel lives.”
Metropolis leaders say they hope the house is not going to solely function a hub for studying, but additionally as a gathering place that conjures up creativity, connection, and group for years to return.
The President Barack Obama Primary Library is now open seven days every week:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Tuesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Supply: Data for this story was gathered by FOX 13’s Regina Gonzalez.
