Learn More About Escambia’s Library System, Take A Survey

October 14, 2014

Escambia County is asking residents to take another in a series of surveys — this one about the West Florida Public Library System.

The system libraries serve more than 300,000 people in Escambia County. With seven libraries, the WFPL has grown and adapted to meet the changing information needs of the community since its inception in 1938 at Old Christ Church with just 3,300 books.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE A BRIEF SURVEY ABOUT ESCAMBIA COUNTY LIBRARIES.

Today the WFPL offers hundreds of thousands of books and audio-visual materials. More than 137,000 people this year already have used the computers and free Internet connections to build their technology skills, research genealogy and job search. More than 1.5 million visits are made to the libaries per year and more than 2,700 people each month attend neighborhood meetings, seminars, civic forums and other opportunities to interact and share ideas with their fellow residents at library facilities.

Residents of Escambia County can receive a free library card. The library system has checked out 578,712 items to the residents of Escambia County so far this year alone, such as books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and more, all free of charge witha library card. In addition to books, the library card allows patrons to access online encyclopedias and databases, attend numerous programs for all ages or use free wireless internet and computers. Nearly 12,000 residents each month use the Internet on more than 150 WFPL computers.

Over $6.7 million in Local Option Sales Tax has funded six new library faculties and a Bookmobile:

  • 2004 – Southwest Branch Library
  • 2007 – Century Branch Library
  • 2008 – Tryon Branch Library
  • 2012 – Main Library
  • 2012 – Molino Branch Library
  • 2014 – Westside Branch Library at Legion Field

Additionally, Local Option Sales Tax has allowed $875,000 in upgrades to preexisting library facilities:

  • Buildings – $209,807
  • Radio Frequency ID System – $455,367
  • System Software – $209,826

For more information, visit MyWFPL.com.

Comments

3 Responses to “Learn More About Escambia’s Library System, Take A Survey”

  1. Book Lover on October 16th, 2014 1:55 pm

    I love the main library! There are so many books and it is so inviting. I do agree that the computers are always filled up not that I need to use one.

    My main request would be to put a nice library in Cantonment. Since I moved to that area I rarely frequent the library.

  2. sam on October 16th, 2014 8:17 am

    on occasions when i go to the local libraries, it appears the majority of folks are on computers. how times have changed.

  3. Kane on October 14th, 2014 3:32 am

    Those are wonderful upgrades but I’d love to see a 3-D printer added to that list. Other libraries across the nation are receiving them and it would be nice if our town was on that cutting edge for awhile.