Essential Libraries Initiative
2022 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Leon County, Fla., FL
Best In Category
Contacts
QUESTIONS?
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About the Program
Category: Libraries (Best in Category)
Year: 2022
In 2020, Leon County launched the âEssential Libraries Initiativeâ â a comprehensive re-envisioning of the Leon County Public Library System to address the changing needs of residents and trends in library use. Local and national trends indicate that the circulation of public librariesâ physical materials is declining while demand for digital content, gathering space, and interactive programming continues to rise. In other words, libraries are no longer book warehouses; rather, they are critical components of a communityâs âsocial infrastructureâ and are integral to the communityâs continued resilience and overall well-being. Accordingly, Leon County launched the Essential Libraries Initiative to ensure that the Leon County Public Library System remains a relevant and essential resource to citizens now and in the future. The initiative includes a variety of enhancements to Leon County Libraries such as new programs and services, capital improvements, existing position reclassifications, and policy revisions to realign our librariesâ programs, services, staff, and physical spaces with the communityâs greatest needs and goals.