Introduction

The Highlands County Library System was created by affirmative referendum in 1987 to be governed by the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners.  The system was formed by joining through contractual agreements, the municipal libraries of Avon Park and Sebring, and the Friends of the Library supported library of Lake Placid.  The Library now serves a population of 75,860 citizens, of whom, 28,500 (37%) possess current library cards.

The Board of County Commissioners created a Library Advisory Board that coordinates major library operation and policy concerns with the Director.  The Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for the development of the library.  The Library System Director reports to the Highlands County Administrator.  The Avon Park, Lake Placid and Sebring Public Libraries each have a professional librarian acting as library manager.  These librarians report to the System Director.

In 1993, the Highlands County Library System initiated a strategic planning process designed to facilitate an updated 3-5 year plan.  In order to be eligible for State Aid to Libraries as described in Chapter 257 of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 1B-2, Florida Administrative Code, a library system is required to complete a plan and submit the plan as part of the application process.

A planning committee was established consisting of the Library Director, Assistant Director, a branch librarian, a full-time staff member and a member of the community.  Many meetings were held that help to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and successes of the Library.  This committee also participated in a series of workshops given by the State Library of Florida on long range plan development.  As a result of these workshops, the committee was able to develop roles of the Library that were based on the community's need for information, education and recreation.  Goals and objectives were developed to provide quality service and programs to all citizens of Highlands County.  The result of this planning process is this Strategic Plan of Service.


It is anticipated that the State Library of Florida will accept this plan and will award State Aid to Libraries funding to Highlands County, including operating grants and equalization grants, to supplement local funds and support implementation activities.  The amount of state funds awarded to Highlands County in subsequent years will vary based on the amount of local expenditures.  State Aid funding is awarded to a county based on the level of effort expended by the county and based on the ability of the county to fund their library system adequately.

It is the intention of the Highlands County Library System staff, Library Advisory Board, and representatives of the Friends of the Library groups to review and revise the plan annually, and to develop a yearly action plan for achieving the objectives.

The criteria for the development of the initial plan were those contained in the Standards and Guidelines for Florida Library Services (1985).  New standards for library service were implemented by the State in April, 2004. These new criteria have been adapted as required taking into consideration local circumstances and available funding.

Highlands County Library System currently receives its primary local funding from ad valorem tax revenues.  Highlands County is eligible for State Aid to Libraries funding which accounts for more than 50% of the Library System's budget for FY2004.  Standards and Guidelines recommends 77%  to 87% of a library's budget should be from local sources with a $22 minimum per capita to provide free basic library service to the residents of the county.  Highlands County's current per capita budget for FY2004 operation of our libraries is $12.95 (including grant funding and state aid), with $7.50 (58%) coming from local sources.