Thrive
Main library officially renamed for Barack Obama
Mayor Rick Kriseman
The St. Petersburg Main Library, which has operated under that name since its construction in 1964, was renamed the President Barack Obama Library Friday morning.
In a brief ceremony, St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman, Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin and City Architect Raul Quintana officially dedicated the new sign on the front lawn of the library, on 9th Avenue North.
Kriseman said naming the facility for President Obama was a natural choice, and praised the historic nature of his presidency. “He will always be our first Black president,” the mayor observed, “and his presidency was one that we can always be proud of.
“When young people, black or white, see this sign, or enter this library, I want them to be inspired. And I want them to know what’s possible, in St. Pete and in America.”
The library will close April 1, said Quintana, so that the collection can be safely moved to a holding location. A massive interior renovation and upgrade project will begin at the end of this year, with the library expected to re-open in early 2023.
