Fort Myers Beach Library to reopen Sunday
Ceremony with lunch and tour planned to celebrate comeback from Hurricane Ian
More than two years since Hurricane Ian forced the doors of the Fort Myers Beach Public Library shut, the library board announced a grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for this Sunday, March 16.
The ceremony will begin at the library at 10:00 a.m. at 2755 Estero Boulevard and is open to the public.
The public will be invited to tour the new library facilities and learn about the library’s programs and services, including the children’s area and new library cards. The Pearl Street Band will be performing. Chiropractor Dr. Nicole Bennett will be on hand providing the latest in health and wellness updates from her office. Local artist Chester Rogers will provide free sketches.
Visitors will have a chance to view the new lobby mural and meet artist Kim Goins and photographer Monica Lynn. The Fort Myers Beach Fire District will have their truck on site for photo ops with any of the children or adults who would like their picture.
Staff from the Town of Fort Myers Beach planning department will be tabling with surveys and other information to collect feedback on the town’s comprehensive plan which is undergoing a review as part of the town’s strategic planning process.
“We are thrilled to open our doors and provide a space where the community can come together to learn, connect, and grow,” said Fort Myers Beach Library Assistant Director John Lukow. “This library is more than just a place for books. It’s a hub for education, creativity, and community engagement.”
A free lunch will be served at the ceremony, according to an announcement put out by the Friends of the Fort Myers Beach Library and Janeen Paulauskis. The ceremony is being sponsored by the King Family Foundation, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and the Friends of the Fort Myers Beach Library.
Complimentary lunches from Cubano’s and Detroit Dawgs will be available to the first 300 registrants. To register for the free lunch email friendsofthefmblibrary@gmail.com with the names of who is attending, the email addresses for all guests, and phone numbers. Cubano’s will offer Cuban, chicken, or steak sandwiches while Detroit Dawgs is serving chili dog or a hot dog with a side. Those registered will also receive a free gelato. Food trucks from Cubano’s, Detroit Dawgs, and Gelato-go Fort Myers will be on site during the day.
Free parking will be available at all town parking spaces surrounding Town Hall and the Bay Oaks pool. All metered parking will be free behind the library and on the town’s property until after the event ends at 2:00 p.m.
The library had completed much of its renovations in the summer of 2023 but delays on repairing its elevator were the primary reason in delaying the reopening by another year longer than anticipated. Delays in repairing elevators has been an issue across the island since Hurricane Ian, especially for condo buildings.
For more information on Sunday’s event contact Janeen Paulauskis at 239-980-4381 or email friendsofthefmblibrary@gmail.com.