Strong support for preserving the Tingley Memorial Library shaped a Bradenton Beach City Commission discussion April 16, though no final decisions were made.
The library discussion drew a crowd — residents, volunteers and other supporters who spoke overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the library, which is not part of the county’s public library system.
Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce, the city’s library liaison, has emerged as a champion of efforts to save the institution.
“This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart, and I will fight fearlessly on behalf of our library,” Scaccianoce said.
The library has served Bradenton Beach since opening in 1994. It is named for Beulah Tingley, a Bradenton Beach resident and library board member who sought a permanent public space when the collection was housed in a cottage on Church Avenue. Upon her death in 1986, she bequeathed more than $600,000 to establish the library.
While the building remains structurally sound, it requires significant repairs, including a new air-conditioning system and upgrades to stairs and accessibility features.
Estimates discussed at the meeting placed repair costs between about $270,000 on the low end and $370,000 on the high end.
Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique, R-District 3, attended the meeting and said he could bring the issue before the county board as soon as its May 5 meeting. He said the county could potentially fund major repairs and take on building maintenance “in perpetuity, including capital expenditures,” while working with the city to support operations.
“My general suggestion would be … that this remain a city property,” Siddique said.
In a follow-up conversation April 17, Siddique said potential county support could come from a mix of funding sources, including general funds, library millage and tourist development tax revenue, while also exploring capital improvement funding for district projects.
Siddique said he plans to bring the matter before the county board May 5, seeking support for a full-time position and an interlocal agreement that would allow the county to assume maintenance of the building “in perpetuity, including capital expenditures,” while working with the city to support operations.
He said he also would ask for provisions to share library materials and provide program support.
At the meeting, Mayor John Chappie said the city commission will revisit its future after the county board considers potential funding support.
“The library clearly benefits the whole community,” Chappie said.
Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola attended the meeting and urged the commission to maintain the library.
“Please, Lord, don’t take it down. Keep it for the community,” she said. “It’s an active thing. It’s a beautiful thing … .So just make the motion to incorporate the library with the CRA.”
City officials have discussed bringing the library under the oversight of the community redevelopment agency responsible for investing in and improving the historic district.
Clerk Terri Sanclemente said placing the library under the CRA could provide a funding source for staffing and ongoing operations, but commissioners remained divided on whether to pursue that option or wait for potential county support.
Commissioner Scott Bear said the turnout April 16 reflected the public’s stance. “Obviously, by the intent, the community wants a library,” he said.
The next city commission will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.