Chidsey Library

The Chidsey Library or Chidsey Building is a historic building located in Sarasota, Florida at 701 North Tamiami Trail. The building was home to the city's first public library from 1941 to 1976.

Chidsey Library
Front of Chidsey Library
General information
TypeGovernment library
Architectural style
Address701 North Tamiami Trail
Town or citySarasota, Florida
CountryUnited States
Coordinates27°20′32″N 82°32′51″W
Named forJohn and Ida Chidsey
Construction startedMay 12, 1941 (1941-05-12)[1]
InauguratedNovember 13, 1941
ClientSarasota
OwnerSarasota
Design and construction
Architect
Architecture firmMartin Studio of Architecture
Chidsey Library
NRHP reference No.11000241[2]
Added to NRHPMay 4, 2011

History

The library's design was done by Martin Studio of Architecture consisting of Thomas Reed Martin and Frank C. Martin.[2] The Chidsey Library opened in May 1941 as the City of Sarasota's first public library building.[1] The building was dedicated to John and Ida Chidsey in November 1941 as they made the building possible by helping pay for the majority of the cost for the project which was approximately $25,000,[3] equivalent to $340,000 in 2019.

In 1974, Sarasota County assumed responsibility of all public libraries throughout the county. The building was used as a library until 1976, when library operations moved to Selby Library at 1001 Boulevard of the Arts.[1] At the same time, Sarasota County Historical Resources moved into a portion of the Chidsey Library.[4] The county's Historical Resources fully occupied the Chidsey Building in 1998, when library operations moved to its current location at Selby Public Library.

References
  1. Shank, Ann A. "The Chidsey Library". Sarasota History Alive!. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  2. "National Register Information System – Chidsey Library (#11000241)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  3. "About the Chidsey Library Building". Friends of Sarasota County History Center, Inc. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  4. Salmond, Jessica (October 2, 2014). "Historical Commission strives to expand in historic library building". Sarasota Observer. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
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