Library History
History of the Clearwater Public Library System
Early Years (1900–1939)
In 1900, Clearwater was a small farming community with just 343 residents. Over the next decade, the town modernized with electric lights, a telephone exchange, and a fire department, following a major downtown fire in 1910.
When Pinellas County was formed in 1911, Clearwater quickly built a courthouse to secure its position as the county seat. That same year, the Clearwater Library Association opened a subscription library above the Peoples Bank on Cleveland Street.
Growing community support led to a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation, and the city provided land and operational funding. Clearwater's first public library opened on September 14, 1916, with Margaret Duncan as the first librarian.
The library offered newspapers, reference books, and a collection of over 2,700 books. Patrons could check out two books at a time—only one could be fiction. Despite the Depression-era budget cuts, the library remained a key community resource, even as Director Grace Mease had to find creative ways to fund building repairs.
Growth and Innovation (1940–1979)
As Clearwater grew, so did its library. A 1939 expansion prepared the library to serve World War II service members and their families.
In 1950, Clearwater opened its first branch for Black residents in the North Greenwood neighborhood, led by librarian Christine Morris. A permanent building followed in 1962, and in 1970, it became home to the Edward Allen Henry Jr. Special Collection on Negro Culture and History—now known as the Christine Wigfall Morris African American Collection.
By the 1960s, the original Carnegie library faced structural issues and lacked space. It was renovated and rededicated in 1961. During this decade, Saturday service was added and the Friends of the Clearwater Library was founded.
In 1961, the Beach Library opened at the Memorial Civic Center on Clearwater Beach, and later became part of a joint-use recreation complex in 2008.
In 1978, a temporary branch—called a "Twig"—opened in a fire station training room to meet growing demand while a larger addition to the Main Library was completed in 1980, funded by the Adler family and a federal grant.
Modern Expansion (1980–Present)
Although a 1982 referendum to expand the library system failed, public support remained strong. The City Council approved funding for a new East Library, which opened in 1985. Around the same time, the North Greenwood Library was renovated, and a Countryside Library followed in 1988.
The 1980s also brought technological updates, including a computerized circulation system that improved access and resource sharing.
In 2000, voters approved bonds for a new Main Library, designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern. It opened on May 1, 2004, featuring cultural programming, gallery space, and community events.
By the late 2010s, aging branch libraries were replaced. A new Countryside Library opened in 2015 next to Countryside Recreation Center. In 2018, the new East Community Library opened on the St. Petersburg College campus as a joint-use facility for residents and students. Also in 2018, four innovative maker spaces, known collectively as the Studios @ Main, debuted at the Main Library.
Today, the Clearwater Public Library System continues to evolve, offering innovative programs and services that meet the changing needs of its community.
Directors of the Clearwater Public Library System
- 1911 Miss Thomson
- 1911 Margaret Duncan
- 1913 Marie Allen
- 1914 Miss Garrett
- 1915 Margaret Duncan
- 1916 Margaret Duncan & Constance Chase (apprentice)
- 1918 Constance Chase
- 1920 Grace Mease
- 1932 Annie Owen
- 1942 Sarah Byers
- 1971 Elliott Hardaway
- 1976 Althea Andersen (Interim)
- 1978 Nancy Zussy
- 1980 Aleta Cozart (Interim)
- 1981 Linda Mielke
- 1991 Althea Andersen, Linda Lange, Marsha McGrath, Carolyn Moore (co-directors)
- 1992 Arlita Hallam
- 1999 John Szabo
- 2005 Barbara Pickell
- 2017 Jennifer Obermaier