Public Library System

www.keyslibraries.org

Tracing its roots back to 1853, the Monroe County Public Library is the oldest library system in South Florida.

In 2022, Monroe County Public Library patrons checked out physical and digital books and audiobooks, DVDs, streaming films, language learning and other courses almost 347,000 times - an increase of 20 percent over the previous year. Circulation of ebooks and eAudiobooks, using Overdrive via the Libby app, increased 16 percent, while use of the Mango language learning site and app - which includes English as a second language courses - increased by more than 60 percent. The photos on the library's Florida Keys History Center's online image archive were viewed almost 3 million times in 2022.

The library provided in-person and virtual programs covering all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens, and meeting a broad base of interests, including story times, musical presentations, author talks, specialty clubs, art workshops and displays, computer classes, and programs featuring Florida Keys history, flora and fauna. Attendance was almost 54,000. Programming in 2022 included talks by such literary luminaries as Tom Perrotta, S.A. Cosby, Sam Sifton, and Meg Cabot.

2022 Highlight: The library system was awarded a 100 percent federally-funded $975,469 grant in late 2021. Grant money was used in 2022 to enhance the technology and equipment while expanding access to digital, print, and online information services. Four pick-up lockers were added, along with two "Lending Machine" kiosks, at Bernstein Park on Stock Island and Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo,

Florida Keys Historical Archives

www.flickr.com/keyslibraries

Senior Director

Kimberly Matthews

305.292.3595

Matthews-Kimberly@ monroecounty-fl.gov

Employees: 44

Budget: $3.9 million

The library’s online historical photo archive has more than 40 million views of its 23,000 historical images. The collection includes some of the oldest images of South Florida.

Public Library Branches

MARATHON

Branch Manager: Arlene Haessler 3251 Overseas Hwy 305.743.5156

/ marathonlibrary

ISLAMORADA

Branch Manager: Meghan Brunelli 81830 Overseas Hwy 305.664.4645

/ islamoradalibrary

KEY LARGO Branch Manager: Christina Teasley

101485 Overseas Hwy. Tradewinds Shopping Center 305.451.2396

/ keylargolibrary

The only thing you need is a library card.

MonroeCounty|monroecounty-fl.gov