Secretary Detzner Commends Florida’s Libraries During National Library Week 2016

Tallahassee –

In observance of National Library Week, which is sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country from April 10-16, Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner issued the following statement:

“During National Library Week we take the time to praise Florida’s libraries and their vital contributions to the citizens and communities they serve. Libraries have the power to transform. They are trusted, inclusive and welcoming places where Floridians can read, research and learn.

“Libraries are at the forefront of new technologies, providing training and support and even makerspaces. Libraries also support their communities by providing economic development, workforce recovery and acting as small business incubators. Florida libraries deserve our support and our celebration.”

From July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, Florida’s public libraries were open more than 1.2 million hours serving more than 72 million library visitors in 555 locations across the state. Public library users checked out more than 113 million items and had more than 23 million research questions answered.

For more information about the many roles libraries play in their Florida communities, visit info.florida.gov/libraries-as.

###

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provides archival and records management services; and preserves, collects and makes available the published and unpublished documentary history of the state.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.