There was a time when the Pasco County Commission — facing tough financial times — made deep spending cuts to the county’s library system.
But the economy has improved, allowing increased funding for libraries.
Plus, taxpayers chose to invest in Pasco’s libraries by overwhelmingly supporting the passage of a general obligation bond issue to pay for major upgrades.
Beyond new furniture, redesigned spaces and improved technology, the system also has continued to hone its programming to offer a vast array of activities, space for community meetings and other offerings that go far beyond the old-fashioned notion that a library is just a place to go to check out books.
Of course, patrons continue to check out books, but they also take advantage of wide-ranging opportunities to learn and have fun.
Patrons aren’t the only ones who recognize what the system has to offer.
The Florida Libraries Association (FLA) recently named the Pasco County Libraries system as the state’s Library of the Year, during the 2023 FLA awards ceremony.
On its website, the FLA reported that: “The Pasco County Library System provides innovative services, materials, programs, instructional classes, and informational events relevant to their populations.
“Most notably, the creative development of their library spaces has earned them the Library of the Year award.
“An ambitious makerspace initiative with heavy citizen input has added a custom makerspace to almost every library branch in the system. From ‘The Foundry’ woodshop at the Land O’ Lakes Library to the ‘Regency Fresh Test Kitchen’ in New Port Richey, citizens now have open access spaces to gather, learn new skills, and share ideas.
“The system’s newest branch, the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center (in Odessa) has multiple makerspaces and a 250-seat theater shared with the K-8 school next door.
“These unique spaces and their top-quality staff promote access to information, community, education, and culture throughout Pasco County and provide a blueprint of the 21st century Florida library.”
The popularity of Pasco’s libraries is evident.
Patrons couldn’t wait for the completion of renovations at the New River Branch Library, in Wesley Chapel; the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, in Land O’ Lakes; and, most recently the Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City.
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, referenced in the state award, is a very busy place — offering a steady stream of activities and learning opportunities for people of all ages.
Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa shared the news of the library system’s award during the Pasco County Commission’s May 23 meeting.
Carballa was clearly delighted by the recognition that his staff and the county’s system received.
“We’re very, very proud of the work that our library team does.
“We’re really happy and proud for those folks to win this great honor. Hats off to the team, there,” the county administrator said.
Published June 07, 2023
