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Money For New Library Included In Budget

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK and KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 30, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Joe Stines' news was met with cheers and clapping.

The library director told the residents at the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association meeting July 22 that money for a replacement library has been included in next year's recommended budget.

"I'm very happy to tell you that in our capital fund budget, we have marked $7.3 million to replace the current library," he said.

While the county commission's 2009 budget must survive two more public hearings in September before it is fully approved, he said he didn't expect anything to change.

"We've worked really hard on this," he said, adding that it is possible to be building by late 2011 or early 2012 if the budgeted funds are approved.

To keep the library at the same 4711 N. Central Ave. location, Stines said they must increase parking.

The school district owns property adjacent to the library but doesn't want to sell it. Instead Stines said a joint parking deck is under discussion.

A two-story library of 10,000 square-feet per floor is planned with entrances to the parking deck from both floors.

Residents want the library renamed after historian and library booster Steve Gluckman, 70, who died of a heart attack in December. A request was made in January to the library board, which makes recommendations to the county commission.

At the association's meeting, Stines said he felt it inappropriate to name a library after someone and then tear it down.

The request is on hold until the new library is built.

The library board can consider names based on geographic locations, library supporters, special benefactors or prominent literary figures. Namings or memorials for library rooms can be based on significant, long-term service to the library, significant financial or other contributions, historical or cultural significance, or noteworthy public service.

For more than 13 years, Gluckman spearheaded the library's annual book sale, which collects money for children's summer programs.

"I'm very happy to get a new library for Seminole Heights because you badly need it," Stines said.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com. Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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