On Sunday, readers can check out the stacks
The big, new Largo Public Library will open for business. Want to see it sooner? That will be $75, please.
By SHANNON TAN
Published July 29, 2005
LARGO - Unfazed by the construction workers in the lobby, people have been wandering into the new Largo Public Library. One lady even returned her library books and wanted to get new ones.
But they'll have to wait till Sunday, when the 90,300-square-foot library at 120 Central Park Drive opens to the public.
With a price tag of $21-million, the library is the city's biggest capital project and the most controversial.
Most agreed that the library had outgrown its 36,000-square-foot building. But many didn't like the size and the cost of the library. Some called for a referendum. Others opposed hiring a lobbyist to pull in a state grant.
The building is being paid for with Penny for Pinellas sales tax, $1.9-million in private donations and $1.1-million in grants. Annual operating expenses are expected to increase by more than $700,000 to about $3.9-million.
Billed as the city's community living room, the library will feature wireless Internet access, a teen room, cafe and a collection of more than 240,000 books, DVDs, CDs, cassettes and videos.
Can't wait till Sunday? There's a sneak preview of the building Saturday - if you can pony up $75 for a ticket.
More than 300 people are expected at the fundraiser for the Greater Largo Library Foundation. The money will go toward future library programs.
IF YOU GOSATURDAY
VIP Preview Party, 8-11 p.m (doors open at 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $75 or call 586-7398 to make a reservation.
WHAT: Scavenger hunt, dancing, a jazz duo, poetry reading, a magician, bluegrass music, hor d'oeuvres, a cash bar, pasta and dessert stations. There will be a silent auction of items like Bucs tickets and 30 books autographed by celebrities such as Gov. Jeb Bush.
SUNDAY
Grand opening, 1-5 p.m.
WHAT: A ribbon-cutting ceremony. U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young will speak. There will be storytelling, costumed storybook characters and puppet shows throughout the day.