Essential Libraries Initiative

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

In 2020, Leon County launched the “Essential Libraries Initiative” – 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 libraries’ 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 community’s “social infrastructure” and are integral to the community’s 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 libraries’ programs, services, staff, and physical spaces with the community’s greatest needs and goals.