Volusia County Public Library

Throughout history, Volusia County Public Libraries were often started by women's clubs or associations which supported the library though memberships. They were often very small and located in small rooms in city halls or community centers. The collection consisted of second hand books donated from the citizens and there were not many professional librarians to run the facilities. Charlotte Smith, the head librarian at Stetson University, organized the Volusia County Public Library program in the year 1949 in an effort to upgrade libraries countywide. In the early 1950s in Florida, 200,000 people had no access to library services and only a quarter of the population had adequate service.[1]

In the year 1956 Congress passed the Library Services Act which would provide funds to supplement or organize library service to communities under 10,000 population. These funds were provided for a period of two years in order to help set up a county system. This act started the wheels turning for two state officials, Elizabeth Cole, Florida State Public Library Consultant and Vera Nistendirk, Director of Extension Services. These two finally got the committee to recommend the formation of a unified county library system to the County Commissioners on April 12, 1961. By September 1961, the county library system went into operation and a library board member was appointed who then in turn hired the first Director of the Volusia County Public Library. All decisions were approved by the County Council.[1]

By October 1, 1962 eight branches of the Volusia County Library System were in operation as well as the Library Headquarters and the Bookmobile Services. By October, 1980, all thirteen branches of the Volusia County Public Library had been established. Since then, with the help of Volusia County and the Friends of the Library group's, equipment, furnishings, and books have been purchased to keep up with the times and provide current information and exceptional service to the citizens of Volusia County. The first computers were introduced in 1981, updated processing equipment arrived in 1983, and a data entry and barcoding system was introduced in December 1990. All throughout the county, library buildings were getting updated or new buildings all together. By 1991, the Library Support Center was moved into their own building and out of the City Island, Daytona Beach Regional Library. Six regional branches were named around that time. They are Daytona Beach Regional Library, DeLand Regional Library, Ormond Beach Regional Library, Port Orange Regional Library, Deltona Regional Library, and New Smyrna Beach Regional Library. The baby branches were designated as DeBary Public Library, Edgewater Public Library, Keech Street (John H. Dickerson Public Library, Lake Helen Public Library, Orange City Public Library, Oak Hill Public Library, and Pierson Public Library. To summarize, a loose federation of community libraries has evolved into a progressive system of 13 libraries, plus the Library Support building, has a staff of 168 full-time employees and 29 student workers, and has made all of the libraries linked by computer technology. There are also roughly 5,000 Friends of the Library members and a little more than 1,000 citizen volunteers.[1]

In 2014 record rainfall occurred in Daytona Beach, causing the temporary closure of Volusia's John H. Dickerson Heritage library.[2] Adversity struck again in the form of Hurricane Irma crippling Volusia's largest branch, City Island in September 2017.[3]

John H. Dickerson Heritage Library, Daytona Beach viewed from Keech Street.

After Irma's devastating blow, Volusia County expanded library hours in Daytona Beach at the John H. Dickerson Heritage Library.[4] Undaunted, City Island reopened its doors in May 2018 following repairs costing almost 1.5 million dollars. City Island library relaxed fines for children at the same time expanding the children's play area, including a fenced-in playground, additional playground equipment, two pavilions, a sidewalk, security lighting and security cameras.[5]

Volusia County Library Center at City Island seen from Beech Street.

Volusia County Libraries have continued to move toward its goal of 21st Century excellence in library service and technology.[6] Among the library upgrades are RFID tags and self checkout stations.

Self checkout station