Winter Park Library loaned out its first book nearly 140 years ago. Since December 9, 1885, the 501(c)(3) organization has served the community by offering materials and hosting events designed to inform and educate. And flex workspaces, a recording studio, a makerspace, and computer labs have come online to keep up with the evolving professional landscape.
Winter Park Library was first organized as the Winter Park Circulating Library Association. Books and materials were kept at the home of one of its founding members and residents could join for an annual fee of one dollar. Members could each borrow one book for a two-week period and a ten-cent fine was levied for late returns.
The first library building was constructed in 1902 on a donated Interlachen Avenue property. A new expansion opened on the same land in 1959 and the move to its 460 E. New England Ave. building was completed in 1979. In December of 2021, the ribbon was cut at the 52,000-square-foot, $41.7 million Winter Park Library and Events Center at 1052 W Morse Blvd.
The Morse Boulevard facility allowed for an expanded programming schedule and additional resources that sparked a 22% increase in visits, a 44% increase in materials borrowed, and an 81% increase in event attendance. The growth was recognized in 2023 by Tech Logic, which presented its People First Award to Winter Park Library for its commitment to serve residents as “a relevant, people-first community center through updated technology and gathering spaces.”
Winter Park Library Executive Director Melissa Schneider told the32789 that a partnership with REED Charitable Foundation will facilitate an upcoming literacy intervention program to offer targeted support for struggling readers. “We’ve been able to position the library as a leader in literacy and lifelong learning,” she said.
As Winter Park Library prepares to celebrate 140 years, several events and programming additions are in the works:
- The Library Journal Design Institute will meet at Winter Park Library this spring with library leaders from across the country discussing ways libraries can evolve for future generations.
- The library will introduce Book Club Kits in the spring to help the community come together over books and shared conversations.
- Several programs will be presented in partnership with the City of Winter Park as part of the Black History Month calendar of community events.
- The Americans and the Holocaust exhibit will be presented July 25 – September 5 in collaboration with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- The AI Spring 2025 Lecture Series will be presented in partnership with Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business. The monthly series will explore the practical applications and implications of artificial intelligence with presentations and Q&A sessions.
The library is also planning to host its largest annual fundraiser. The Love Your Library gala will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. This year’s “Yacht Rock” event, presented by AdventHealth, features the soft music style that blends rock and jazz. Arthur’s Catering will present a nautical dining experience and guests can explore the library while enjoying live music. More than 300 items will be up for bids in the annual silent auction and a yacht getaway raffle is available to all regardless of event attendance. Tickets, event packages, and information links are available on the event web page.
All Love Your Library proceeds will benefit library operations, provide materials, and help make programming and classes possible.
