Selby Public Library

The original Selby Public Library, a.k.a. G.WIZ building is under threat of imminent demolition.

We are asking the City of Sarasota and the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization (SBPO) for an appropriate evaluation of this architecturally significant building to determine if repurposing it is in the best interest of the citizens of Sarasota.

The original Selby Public Library was designed by master architect Walter Netsch in 1976. Mr. Netsch was a principal star of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, whose body of work has achieved great international acclaim. Sarasota should be proud to have such an exceptional example of his work. The Library—with its trapezoidal shapes suggesting sails—was positioned to be compatible with the neighboring Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Hyatt Hotel, together overlooking Sarasota Bay. In 1998, the library moved to a larger building on First Street, downtown. G.WIZ remodeled the building as a science museum and opened in 2000.

On September 19th, Eric Keune, AIA, LEED, AP
, Design Director, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP gave a presentation about the building´s design and it´s architect and why it is considered “a working work of art” at the first public event on the original Selby Library (G.WIZ).

As fiscally responsible citizens, we’re asking Sarasota to do the right thing. Save and repurpose, don’t destroy, a part of Sarasota´s rich architectural, historical and cultural legacy.

Docomomo International would like to support Docomomo US and all ongoing initiatives to protect the Original Selby Library, in Sarasota, Florida.

A petition has been launched. Sign the Petition: here!

Here´s how else you can help.

  1. Email the City Commissioners (Commissioners@sarasotafl.gov)
    and express your opinion and/or request a meeting at the following individual email addresses:
    • Mayor Liz Alpert (District 2) (publicly asked concerned citizens and The Bay group to work with each other and find a way to reuse the building) Liz.Alpert@sarasotafl.gov
    • Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch (At-Large) Jen.Ahearn-Koch@sarasotafl.gov
    • Commissioner Willie Shaw (District 1) Willie.Shaw@sarasotafl.gov 


    • Commissioner Hagen Brody (At-large) Hagen.Brody@sarasotafl.gov
    • Commissioner Shelli Freeland Eddie (District 3 Shelli.FreelandEddie@sarasotafl.gov

2. Like Save The Original Selby Library Facebook page to stay up-to-date on this issue: Link

To know more visit Docomomo US Website.