Now fully operational, with Helen and Milton forever in the rear-view mirror, Gulf Beaches Public Library is ready to officially show off it’s newly refurbished, designed and decorated home, and expanded slate of programs and services. You are invited to join the big community celebration for our Grand Reopening on Thursday, February 26 from 5 to 7 pm. Co-hosting the celebration is the Pinellas Beaches Chamber. Light refreshments, live jazz, a silent auction and more will enhance a spirited evening filled with stories of the library’s resiliency: its remarkable comeback told by insiders, and inspiring tales from library regulars who will share what this community gem means to them. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own stories to tell! Event sponsors include Henry Ashwood Music, VS Importing, Redington Beach Liquors, VS Importing, Socially Funded Charity Auctions and Publix. The event is free and open to the public.
Says Library Director Stanley Silverstein, “We are thrilled to share our Grand Opening with our incredible community. GBPL began as a humble endeavor in 1952 and relocated to its current location in 1969. We serve 15,000 patrons from our beaches alone, and more from all over Pinellas County. That equates to roughly 4,000 that come through our doors each month. So it is an understatement to say how meaningful it is to be able to welcome back our beloved library community, many of whom are still building back their own homes and lives after the devastation of the storms. Last year I heard regularly how eager they’ve been to return – and now they have.”
Along with books (print, audio, eBooks’), magazines and newspapers, familiar and newly added services and resources including those for computer and printer usage, tax help and notary, and weekly programs are also offered: international film, writing, adult coloring, mahjongg, meditation, Scrabble, investments, book club, and a wealth of children’s programs held in the newly refurbished, designed and dedicated children’s space.
Many months after the few gathering places could open that offer a safe, familiar and welcoming environment for residents and visitors along the Pinellas Beaches after the 2024 storms. Gulf Beaches Public Library Director Stanley Silverstein along with the library’s leadership recognized the critical need for just such a gathering place and worked tirelessly to bring the library back to its
community. Still lacking finishing touches, and among a grateful group of celebrants, the library was among the first along the beaches to open its doors on February 10, 2025, five months after the storms.
A most unexpected, but welcome surprise arrived early on. It allowed for GBPL’s speedier reopening. It was delivered to Silverstein in late 2024 when one longtime neighbor donated $150,00 who said, “I felt a hole in the community caused by the library’s destruction and indefinite closure.” Notably, with her generous gift that also memorialized her late husband’s love for the library, it was the library’s largest private donation in its history.
The five beach towns of Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores, collectively fund GBPL.