It would be hard to overestimate how important our little pink library is to the community of Key West — but the numbers make that case quantifiable. In our January newsletter, Senior Librarian Kim Rinaldi reported on Key West Branch usage for the year 2024, numbers which bear repeating because they are so impressive.

In 2024, the Key West Branch circulated a astounding total of 92,209 items to 14,005 Key West library card holders. To put that in context, some 55 percent of Key West’s 25,103 residents hold library cards. Each of those cardholders checked out items an average of 6.6 times.

Further, the community relied heavily on the Library’s in-house laptops which were used a total of 9,918 times, and patrons asked the front desk staff 8,795 questions. In total the library was visited 150,242 times. In addition, Library staff and local presenters held 566 events attended by 8,334 Key Westers, visitors, and snowbirds. 

The Friends of the Key West Library are proud to support the Key West Library and the Monroe County library system. Each of our valued members, through their membership dues, donations, book sale purchases, and presence at our events, are key to our efforts.