President Barack Obama Main Community Library

Local governments and school districts throughout the United States have honored former American Presidents, and most recently President Barack Obama, via the naming and renaming of public buildings and roads. As President Obama approached the end of his second term, the City of St. Petersburg began to envision an appropriate way to honor our first African-American president.

Mayor Rick Kriseman, Urban Affairs Director Nikki Capehart, and Education and Community Engagement Director Leah McRae met with community leaders to discuss the library’s renaming on May 15, 2017.

In the spring of 2017, Mayor Rick Kriseman convened community leaders in order to receive feedback on the renaming of St. Petersburg’s Main Library, and the enhancement of the library’s programming to include an emphasis on presidential history, civics, and the contributions of the President and Mrs. Michelle Obama. Subsequent discussions with staff at some of our nation’s presidential libraries have sparked ideas about future partnerships.

The potential renaming and programming would come at the right time, as the City of St. Petersburg is currently planning to revitalize the main library with updates and additions to parking, access and amenities. $6,000,000 will be dedicated to the library for much-needed upgrades from the recently renewed ‘Penny for Pinellas.’

Prior to moving forward with the renaming of our main library to the ‘President Barack Obama Main Community Library’ and the associated programming enhancements, we invite your participation. Mayor Kriseman's vision for this work begins and ends with the involvement of our community.