Mission
When the Highlands County Library System became an entity in 1987, the Board of County Commissioners, the library staff, the Friends of the Library groups and concerned citizens had a vision to provide free basic library service to all the county residents.The Highlands County Library System will provide current, high-demand, high-interest materials in many formats for every age group; will support individuals of all ages who are pursuing a continuing program of independent learning; and, will encourage young children to develop an early interest in reading and learning through both services for children and for parents and children together.
The Highlands County Library System responds to need, opportunities, and concerns expressed in the mission statement by:
- Providing free access to information for all County residents.
- Supporting the Library Bill of Rights and principles outlined in the American Library Association's Freedom to Read statement.
- Developing a cooperative library structure, as defined by the state, as the best method to improve library service throughout the county.
- Be responsive to user needs.
- Emphasize high quality service.
- Offer non-judgmental service and unrestricted access to materials.
- Communicate with each other in a honest and open fashion.
Residents of Highlands County will consider libraries as the primary source for all their information needs. Library facilities will be modern, spacious and inviting with full capability to accommodate a variety of activies and services. Library staff will be well trained and capable of assistng library users in negotiating their way through the information network.