Politics & Government

Library Gate is on its Way

Work on nearly $127,000 of Main Library entrance improvements is expected to start soon, according to library officials.

The permits are in place and some of the art that could be on display as part of the renovated and gated Main Library entrance is part of the Clearwater's Dolphin pod.

The project will get underway after library officials hear back from developers regarding final costs to install the seven-foot tall wrought iron style gate and fence around the entrance to the Main Library as well as other courtyard improvements, said Barbara Pickell, library director, during a February library advisory board meeting.

The entrace could also become home to a Clearwater's Dolphin designed in a “Where the Wild Things Are” theme by Cathie Carol Zurich-Wus, Pickell said.

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Six dolphins were purchased by the Downtown Development Board to help attract people to the Cleveland Street District. The locations of the dolphins are not all decided but the library courtyard was suggested, Pickell said.

When complete, the green fence will have a wave-like arch along the top that mirrors the library's roofline with the words “Clearwater Public Library.” A similar style fence would be added around the west terrace and pump house building as well.

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The plan to enhance the courtyard area would create an appealing vision for patrons entering the library, officials have said. Artistic elements, either a decorative planter, mosaic art or other type of sculpture would also be part of the entrance enhancements.

City leaders unanimously approved spending more than $127,000 for the entrance enhancements.

*updated 10:39 a.m. March 25

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