The Reader
Calvin Whitfield · 2018 · Bronze and reclaimed cypress
A life-size bronze figure perched on a bench, lost in a book — a quiet tribute to the historic Gulfport Library next door.
Installed for the library's centennial in 2018. The bench is real and intended for sitting; visitors are welcome to share it with The Reader. Look closely at the book cover — Calvin etched the names of every Gulfport children's librarian since 1918 into its pages.
Location: 5501 28th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707
About the artist
Calvin Whitfield is a Gulfport resident and retired shipbuilder who began welding figurative sculpture in 2008. His pieces appear in libraries and parks across Pinellas County.