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Library lands grant for renovations

With $1-million from the state and other sources, the Palm Harbor Library moves ahead with plans that also will provide more services.

By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published January 27, 2007

PALM HARBOR - The Palm Harbor Library last spring saw voters reject a proposed tax increase for a major expansion, but it will soon receive $1-million in funds for renovations.

The Florida Department of State has awarded the library a $500,000 grant for renovations. That will be matched by another $500,000 from the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, the Palm Harbor library foundation and the county's library reserve fund.

The money will be used strictly for capital improvements, said library director Gene Coppola.

"Since the referendum didn't pass, we're looking at other ways to improve services," Coppola said. "We're going with the same plan as before."

Last year, Palm Harbor voters were asked to approve two quarter-mill tax increases to raise money for renovations and more staff at the library as well as to expand recreation services and facilities. The increases would have meant $900,000 more per year for the library and recreation departments. Both measures failed.

Coppola began applying for the grant even before the referendum went to a vote, he said.

"I was saying to myself, 'I don't want to put this all on the taxpayers' shoulders,' " he said.

Every year, the Florida Department of State grants millions for capital improvements at libraries across the state. Last year, it awarded $7.1-million in aid, said Mike Gomez, the department's director of budget and financial services.

Palm Harbor library officials will use the money to repave and expand the library parking lot, re-carpet the 26,000-square-foot building, raise the ceiling in some places and add a new driveway on the Riviere Road side of the library. The bathrooms will be completely upgraded as well, Coppola said.

Construction could begin in early 2008.

"This is for the benefit of the community," Coppola said. "Whether you voted for the referendum or not, you're still going to have access to it the library."

The library could be in store for more funding. If voters approve extending the Penny for Pinellas - a 1-cent sales tax earmarked for local projects - Palm Harbor would receive funding for the following specific projects:

- $5-million to expand and renovate the Palm Harbor Library.

- $4.175-million to expand the East Lake Library.

- $6-million for Palm Harbor and East Lake fire-rescue teams.

Voters will decide whether to approve the Penny in a March 13 referendum.

If approved, the Penny extension would begin in 2010 and go to 2020. It would generate an estimated $1.9-billion over that decade with more than $200-million of that going to fund a jail expansion and court improvements.

Nicole Johnson can be reached at njohnson@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4162.

Library Improvement list

What the $1-million will buy

Administrators of the Palm Harbor Library plan to use a $500,000 Department of State grant, plus another $500,000 in matching funds, to:

- Repave and expand the library parking lot.

- Re-carpet the 26,000-square-foot building.

- Raise the ceiling in some places.

- Add a new driveway on the Riviere Road side of the library.

- Upgrade restrooms.

[Last modified January 27, 2007, 00:11:28]