Architect reveals Gulf Gate Library concept

Harvard Jolly, the St. Petersburg-based architecture firm, revealed the initial renderings of the new Gulf Gate Library last night at an open house at St. Andrew United Church of Christ.

Members of the Gulf Gate Teen Advisory came out to inspect the conceptual plans, which they like — especially how much space it affords. Kayla Owen, 14, and Caleb Hill, 19, explained to the Pelican Press that they had a difficult time coexisting with some of the older patrons of Gulf Gate library. “They were always telling us to quiet down when we had our meetings,” Owen said.

“We feel like our voices are getting heard,” said Hill.

That’s the point, according to Sarabeth Kalajian, general manager of the county’s libraries. The architecture firm and Sarasota County Public Works are hoping for community input for the design of the new library, which is expected to change throughout the year as the public makes suggestions.

June Haas, a member of a book club that meets in Gulf Gate Library, said that it was obvious the library was running out of room. But, she felt cozy in the back room chatting about books with her friends.

Two large easels holding sheets of paper flanked the renderings for the public to list suggestions for the new library or concerns about the design. One of the suggestions read: “Large scale collections — please don’t place these books on the lower shelf. Hard to reach for older patrons.”

Check out the May 31 issue of the Pelican Press for in depth coverage featuring interviews with architects and the project manager.

Contact Alex Mahadevan at [email protected].