By Rebecca B. I come to the Pinellas county library occasionally to print, use the internet, read kids magazines, and the free social activities. Because I am handicapped, I am able to use the Christian record services lending library to get special tapes for free and a Daytona beach lending library for the tapes and … Read more
By Sharon C. I always loved to read, but I never intended to become a librarian. I enjoyed working with children, so I majored in Education in college, but when I graduated with my degree and teaching license, the city of New York was having a hiring freeze due to budget cuts! What to do? … Read more
By Mike S.
There’s no use pretending. I HATE science project questions!!!
My main gripe is that some kids fail to get the idea that a science project is about comparing different processes, methods, variables. The research literature you need has to do with what is already known about those variables, not about your particular combination of variables.
By Kathy Y. Truthfully, I never thought I’d find myself working in a library. I wanted action so I went into the military shortly after graduating from college and action I got. When I got out, I worked for the county and then a private college. I didn’t really feel those jobs … if you … Read more
By Marie M. I was fortunate enough to start work / teaching at the Jacksonville Public Library system 10 years ago! I love that I get the experience to teach art to children (ages 1-14) and their caregivers. This is a unique experience which is not available many other art education venues. The library is … Read more
Ken Detzner, Florida’s Secretary of State supports public libraries, calling them “a place of learning, a hub for educational resources, and a community center.” According to an ROI study conducted by the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development, University of West Florida, libraries deliver value to the areas they serve by supporting economic … Read more
By Ken D. The public library is a place of learning, a hub for educational resources, and a community center. Children discover new worlds as they’re read to, young adults learn new skills, and librarians assist patrons needing educational or business support. Not only have libraries historically proven to be beneficial to the areas they … Read more
By Kathy D. Growing up, I cannot remember a time when I didn’t go to the library once a week with my dad. As the youngest of 5, this was our special time. I would load up the maximum number of books I could have, and start reading before we even pulled into the driveway. … Read more
By Meredith H. From my kindergarten days through middle school, my family moved 11 times. I attended 8 different schools in 6 cities. Wherever we found ourselves, the place we visited first was always the closest public library. There, I found the companionship of old friends on the shelves as I struggled to make new … Read more
By Ken Detzner
The public library is a place of learning, a hub for educational resources, and a community center. Children discover new worlds as they’re read to, young adults learn new skills and librarians assist patrons needing educational or business support.
Not only have libraries historically proven to be beneficial to the areas they serve, a recent Return on Investment study conducted by the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development, University of West Florida, provides the hard numbers demonstrating the economic value of public libraries. The overall Return on Investment that libraries offer, the business and educational support that is provided, and the essential services provided show that libraries are not only places of learning, but add economic value to their local communities.