SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Sarasota County officials and community members gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the county’s new History Center and the expansion of the Fruitville Public Library, a dual project that aims to elevate local access to history, technology, and community resources.

The History Center will serve as a cultural and educational hub for Sarasota County, offering public access to the region’s vast collection of historical materials, genealogical records, and archives. Designed to meet museum-quality standards, the new facility will house historic photographs, maps, films, personal documents and more in state-of-the-art storage.

According to Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, the center will also include a digitization lab, a local history exhibit gallery, and public meeting spaces for classes and workshops.

“As a librarian, it is rewarding to see our Fruitville Library integrated into this project,” said Dr. Renee DiPilato, Director of Libraries and Historical Resources. “The library will be refreshed, expanded and modernized to include a makerspace, a dedicated area for teens and several additional meeting spaces.”

Renderings of the expanded site reveal a complex that unites modern amenities with a mission to preserve Sarasota’s heritage. County officials highlighted the project’s focus on accessibility and innovation, hoping it will serve both residents and visitors for generations to come.

The event was livestreamed on the Sarasota County Government Facebook page. Photos from the ceremony and architectural renderings of the facility are available online for media and public use.

For more information, visit www.scgov.net or contact Sarasota County Communications at news@scgov.net.

Facebook Live Recording
Event Photos & Renderings

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