That all changed thanks to Councilman Ralph Veillard, newspaper owner W.L. Straub, and the fiercely passionate Annie McCrae. After years of letters, lobbying, and more meetings than you’d care to attend, they finally coaxed a $17,500 grant out of the legendary steel tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. And so, Mirror Lake Library was born-a Beaux-Arts beauty with bold cornices, grand swags, and the kind of sculptural detail that might make you want to check out an architecture book right now. Picture the architect, Henry D. Whitfield, working straight from Carnegie’s loftiest dreams, designing dozens of these libraries as beacons of hope and knowledge.
But, of course, this was Florida in 1915-a time for big changes and, sometimes, small-minded rules. While Carnegie’s vision was for libraries open to all, St. Pete insisted on sticking to segregation’s unjust script. When the doors opened, Black citizens were kept out completely until, nearly 30 years later, local hero Mrs. S.M. Carter organized an interracial committee to finally win access-to the basement, at least. It wasn’t perfect, far from it, but that hard-won victory led to the opening of the James W. Johnson Library, the city’s first branch for African Americans. If only books could turn the pages of history faster.
Now let’s step back to those early days. The very first librarian, Emma Moore Williams, had a CV that would impress anyone-she was not only the first to run the show here but also the first English teacher at St. Pete High. If you thought an English teacher’s red pen was scary, you should’ve seen her shelving system. Her sidekick, Margaret Jenkins, came from running a “Free Reading Room,” gathering 3,000 books to fill the library’s fresh shelves. Annie McCrae, ever the advocate, was offered the head librarian spot but turned it down-she said it was a “political conflict of interest,” which, in small city politics, might be the only plot twist harder to follow than some Russian novels.
And get this-the library could originally hold 16,000 volumes. Annie reminded everyone it wasn’t just about storing stories; she said a library “may kindle a train of thought that shall found museums… inspire noble deeds.” Not to be dramatic, but, if you feel a little smarter while standing here, you’ll know why.
Fast-forward a bit, and the ride wasn’t always smooth. In the 1980s, the library was suffering: mold, water damage, and air conditioning on the fritz. Not exactly the recipe for that legendary “library smell.” The city nearly shut it down, but, thanks to public outcry and a stubborn love for books, the building was saved, restored, and expanded. When Mayor David Fischer finally - with much fanfare - cut the ribbon on the new/old library in 1994, people cheered. The elevator and fully accessible design, finished in 1997, brought everyone up to speed-and up the stairs.
Today, Mirror Lake Library is more than a stash of books: it’s a hive of storytimes, meditation, therapy dog reading sessions, and even walk-in computer help. And yes, you can still borrow a book-or stream an audiobook if that’s more your speed. But before you go, take a second to look up at those bold lines, the Beaux-Arts style that links you with St. Pete’s past dreamers. I’d say this is one library that’s never checked out.
