Visit Our Beautiful Facility

We invite you to visit our beautiful library building and gardens. This historical architectural gem was designed by Boston architect Henry Richardson Shepley and built by local builders, Griffin Brothers, in 1950. The library was named after Johann Fust, the financier of Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable-type printing press. The Gutenberg Bible was the first book printed in this manner, and a page from a Gutenberg Bible is housed in the foundation’s archives. 

From 1951 to 2012, the Johann Fust Community Library was a private library. In 2012, the library’s board of directors invited the Lee County Library System to take over library services. During 2012 and 2013, extensive renovations of the building and gardens were completed. The renovations were designed by Seibert Architects of Sarasota and carried out by Ball Constructions, also based in Sarasota. Seibert Architects received an award from the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects. The project was funded by generous donors to the foundation, who contributed to the capital campaign. 

When the library reopened on June 25, 2013, Lee County Library System assumed responsibility for library services, and the foundation’s role and name changed to what they are today, the Johann Fust Library Foundation.

The Johann Fust Library Foundation owns and maintains the award-winning buildings and lovely gardens. The foundation also offers adult literary programs that feature authors and speakers. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, many of the literary events are offered at no charge to the public. The Lee County Library System provides library services, including children’s programming, within the beautiful surroundings.