The Penny’s Investment in Thoughtful Capital Improvements
How Libraries Support the Evolving Needs of Local Residents
Local Option Sales Tax revenues are a vital source of funding that has given West Florida Public Libraries the means to invest strategically in new facilities, expand and restore existing locations, and create modern spaces that meet the continuously evolving needs of Escambia County and City of Pensacola citizens.
Since its first approval by voters in 1992, L.O.S.T. revenues have funded major capital improvement projects for our local library system.
Across Escambia County, from Century in the north to the Southwest branch near the coast, eight public libraries open their doors providing dedicated spaces where residents come to learn, create and connect. Explore what the penny has done for our community’s libraries:
BELLVIEW LIBRARY
A more recent capital project funded by the penny is the $3.8 million conversion of the old Wells Fargo Bank building into the Bellview Library. Opened in September 2022, it became the eighth branch in the West Florida Public Libraries system and the first public library in both the Bellview community and Escambia County's District 1, expanding services in a fast-growing part of the county.
For Bellview residents, the new library offers books, technology, educational programs, workforce resources and lifelong learning opportunities, strengthening the community and improving quality of life for thousands.
CENTURY LIBRARY
In 2007 the Century Library opened after the town of Century’s former police station was transformed into a modern 3,000-square-foot library with L.O.S.T. revenues.
Nearly two decades later, the Century Library remains a testament to the long-term value of investing in community infrastructure. It continues to serve as an example of how thoughtful capital improvements and repurposing existing structures create benefits for residents that extend well beyond the original project.
MOLINO LIBRARY
In October 2012, Escambia County completed the Molino Community Center and Library, revitalizing the historic 1939 Molino School.
Funded by L.O.S.T. revenues, the project transformed the site into a 16,000-square-foot community hub with a library, auditorium, museum, and meeting space. By restoring and repurposing a historic structure, Escambia County preserved a landmark while creating a vibrant community asset.
PENSACOLA LIBRARY
One of the first notable capital projects funded by L.O.S.T. was the $7.7 million renovation of the Downtown Pensacola Library main branch in 2013. Of that total construction cost, more than $6 million was funded by L.O.S.T. revenues. The renovation added 25,000 square feet to the existing library building, creating a modern 51,000 square foot facility.
SOUTHWEST LIBRARY
After Hurricane Ivan severely damaged the small Southwest Library in 2004, L.O.S.T. funds were made available to lease a much larger 8,000 square foot branch building that has become a popular gathering space for southwest residents. L.O.S.T. revenues provided $107,988 for Southwest Branch Library's new furniture, shelving, and installation, which allowed the library to open fully equipped to serve the community.
TRYON LIBRARY
L.O.S.T. revenues were used in 2008 to fund the relocation and construction of the Lucia M. Tryon Branch Library to its current location on Langley Avenue.
First opened in 2009, the new facility expanded the branch’s ability to serve a growing community and created improved space for residents to access resources, participate in programs, and receive support.
Today, the Tryon Branch Library is the only public library serving Escambia County Commission District 4 and is the second-busiest location in the West Florida Public Libraries system.
WESTSIDE LIBRARY
In 2014, L.O.S.T. funding also supported the development of the Theophalis May Neighborhood Resource Center. Combining recreation, education, technology, and library services under one roof, the $3 million center created a cost-effective model that provides an indoor gymnasium and auditorium, classrooms, expanded computer and internet access, kitchen facilities, and a neighborhood library branch.
The project also honored the site's rich history, known as Legion Field, which for nearly a century served as a community gathering place and hosted legendary baseball figures, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, the New York Yankees, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Negro League players. Preserving elements of that history while creating a modern community resource ensured that the site's legacy continues to serve future generations.
In addition to supporting the construction and renovation of library facilities across the county, Local Option Sales Tax pennies help fund library vehicles, radio frequency ID (RFID) system and software.
For more information about our local libraries, visit the West Florida Public Libraries site here.
