Florida Libraries Participate in “Outside the Lines” Initiative

Secretary Detzner welcomes to Florida an initiative that empowers libraries to reach communities in bold, meaningful ways

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner is pleased to welcome to Florida Outside the Lines, a week-long international initiative designed to reconnect residents with their local libraries. From September 13 to September 19, libraries around the world will be reintroducing themselves to their communities through activities, events, information campaigns and kick-offs designed to showcase their ingenuity and relevance.

“Libraries have so much to offer residents,” said Secretary Detzner. “From business incubators to makerspaces to community gardens, libraries provide the tools and spaces necessary for growth, innovation and creativity to take place.”

More than 210 libraries and organizations from around the world have signed up to participate in Outside the Lines this year. In Florida, 13 libraries – from the panhandle to Miami – are reintroducing themselves within their communities.

ParticipatingFlorida Libraries:

• Clewiston Public Library                       
• Clearwater Public Library System
• Jackson County Public Library
• Lady Lake Public Library                       
• Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach      
• New River Public Library Cooperative: Bradford County Public Library
• North Miami Beach Public Libraries
• Northwest Regional Library System: Corrine Costin Gibson Memorial Gulf County Public Library
• Orange County Library System
• Tampa Bay Library Consortium
• Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
• University of North Florida's Thomas G. Carpenter Library
• Volusia County Public Library

Outside the Lines falls during national Library Card Sign-Up Month. During the month of September, the American Library Association and libraries across the country celebrate the opportunities and resources libraries make available to patrons. Find your local library by going to fllibraries.org.                                                                

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About Outside the Lines

Outside the Lines is a global initiative originally designed by Colorado library marketers and directors that gets libraries “walking the walk” – taking action to show communities how important libraries are and how they’ve evolved. This weeklong international celebration takes place September 13-19, 2015. Outside the Lines takes concepts like customer curiosity, culture, community and creative spaces and puts them into action where they count – in our local communities. Learn more at getoutsidethelines.org.

About the Division of Library and Information Services

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services is the designated information resource provider for the Florida Legislature and all state agencies. The Division coordinates and helps fund activities of public libraries; provides a framework for statewide library initiatives; provides archival and records management services; and preserves, collects and makes available the published and unpublished documentary history of the state. Working in partnership with citizens, state employees, librarians, archivists and records managers, the Division seeks to ensure access to materials and information that benefit all of the people of Florida. For more information, visit info.florida.gov.