Clearwater Public Library System- Main Library

Specialties

The Clearwater Public Library system is a five branch municipal library system located on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico in Central Florida.

Enhancing Lifelong Learning & Enriching Lives!

To meet the informational, educational, recreational and cultural reading and viewing needs and expectations of all citizens and population groups in the community, using a wide array of library formats and materials and a trained and dedicated staff.

History

Established in 1916.

In 1911 the Clearwater Library Association opened a subscription library on the second floor of Peoples Bank. The next few years, its use and citizen support were enough to convince the Carnegie Foundation to approve a request for $ 10,000 to build a permanent public library. For grant approval, the City of Clearwater had to provide a site and promise support and maintenance.

The Mayor and Town Council approved the name «Clearwater Public Library» and accepted the Carnegie money. Architect F.J. Kennard, of Tampa, designed the building, and construction contract was won by G.A. Miller at $ 8,781. The balance of the Carnegie grant was used for furnishings, screens, and a Remington typewriter. The Women’s Club arranged the dedicatory reception, and the Library Board hosted the festivities on September 14, 1916. Miss Margaret Duncan was appointed Librarian at a salary of $ 50 per month.