North Greenwood Library facts for kids
The North Greenwood Library is a public library in Clearwater, Florida. It's a part of the Clearwater Public Library System, which helps connect people to books, computers, and learning. You can find it at 905 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. It's a great place for everyone to explore new ideas and stories.
Contents
What Can You Do at the Library?
Discover Books and More
At the North Greenwood Library, you can borrow many cool things. This includes books, magazines, DVDs, and Blu-rays. You can even check out video games and a ukulele kit! All books can be read inside the library for free, even if you don't have a library card.
Computers and Wi-Fi
The library has a computer lab with free internet access. There is also free Wi-Fi available throughout the building. If you need to quickly check something online, there are two express computers for 15-minute use. You can also pay to make copies or scan documents.
Fun for Kids
The children's area has been recently updated. It features fun Lego tables and special coloring areas with materials. Kids can also watch G or PG rated movies on a high-definition television. With a librarian's permission, you can even play video games on a console connected to the TV.
Online Resources
With a library card from North Greenwood or other Clearwater Libraries, you get access to many online tools. These include apps like Overdrive for e-books, Pronunciator to learn languages, and Hoopla for movies and music.
The Library's Story
Starting a Community Library
Back in the 1940s, the Black community in Clearwater wanted a library for their children. The City Commission agreed to help fund it. But the community first needed to find a building and a librarian.
On March 15, 1950, the library opened its doors. It was located on the corner of Pennsylvania and Cedar Street. This first library was a special place for the Black community. Christine Wigfall Morris was the first Black librarian in Clearwater. She worked hard to open and run the library.
A New Building and a New Name
The library quickly became very popular. It grew too big for its first rented space. So, a new building was built on Palmetto Street. This new library, designed by Eugene Beach, opened in September 1962. It was called the Northeast Library and had 15,000 books.
Christine Morris continued to be the main librarian. She did many jobs to keep the library running. She was a librarian, a cleaner, and even helped people with advice. After she retired in 1983, the library was renamed the North Greenwood Library. This is the name it still has today.
Honoring Christine Morris
In 1970, a special collection of books was added. It was called the "Edward Allen Henry Jr. Special Collection on Negro Culture and History." In 2002, this collection was renamed. It became "The Christine Wigfall Morris African American Collection." This honored Christine Morris for her many years of hard work. She dedicated her life to the library and the community.
A Modern Home and Community Support
The North Greenwood Library moved to its current building in 2002. This modern building is at the corner of N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and Palmetto St. Its grand opening was on January 18, 2003.
In 2009, there was a worry that the library might close. This was due to budget cuts. People in the community, including local leaders, marched to save the library. After much discussion and voting, it was decided that the library would stay open. This showed how much the community valued their library.
