The Safety Harbor Public Library was founded in 1938. The library is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Among the services offered are books, CDs, DVDs and magazines for checkout. The library also offers computer classes, a deaf literacy center, literacy services for the blind and physically handicapped, programs for adults and young adults, story hours and children's activities.
The library was first mentioned in the minutes of the Safety Harbor Women's Civic Club during their meeting on October 19th, 1938. The club met at the Community House located on 2nd Street North, which also became the location of the first Library. The president of the club, Mrs.Zinser, appointed Mrs. Kindred committee head to investigate the feasibility of opening a library funded by the Works Progress Administration, also known as the WPA.
Although the official opening date of the library is not known, on November 25, 1938, Mrs. Daisy Cahow was appointed the first librarian by the WPA. There is no record of library hours, but a Children's Hour was scheduled Saturday mornings, 10:00 to 11:00 am. In meeting minutes, Mrs. Cahow stated that to keep the library going, there must be good circulation and library supplies were needed. This was bought to the attention of the Women's Civic Club. Soon needed supplies were authorized and the women of Safety Harbor went to work to obtain books for their new library.
By January 1939, there were 100 books on the shelves and Mrs. Cahow asked the community for gifts and loans of books. Mrs. Zinser organized a Book Tea benefit with a book donation as admission. A total of 50 books and $2.35 was collected. At the time, the library collection consisted of 100 books, not including state books borrowed from Jacksonville. The Women's Club was responsible for their transportation costs. The success of the first tea benefit initiated a second and third event in February and March 1939, which also included a speaker and foreign doll display for additional entertainment. Things have not changed that much. Last month we held a wine and cheese Friends of the Library fundraiser with a solo performer for entertainment and we still hold Story Times, a highly attended library staple.
Safety Harbor Public Library
101 2nd Street North
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Phone: (727) 724-1525