How your membership supports the library

Dear Friends, 

As we enter this joyful season and ask you to renew your membership in the Friends—or even increase your support if you are able—we thought you might appreciate a closer look at how the library uses your contribution.

Books, Books, Books… and Periodicals
Your generosity buys books in every format—print, ebooks, and audiobooks. A thriving, diverse community like Key West always needs more books than the county budget can provide. Typically, county funds cover only the first half of the year. After that, the Friends’ donation keeps new books flowing.

One of the costliest areas is ebooks and audiobooks. Through the
Libby service, Monroe County essentially leases digital titles. Popular books must be re-rented, and even classics still under copyright must be purchased repeatedly to remain available. Ebooks are now the fastest-growing borrowing format at our branch. Busy Key West residents love being able to check out books instantly online. And the budget-minded find they can forego Audible and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions when they use the Libby service. The library also offers an impressive range of periodicals through Libby. In 2025 alone, the top ten magazines have already been checked out 6,850 times.

Supplies for Activities…and Snacks
Friends’ funds also support the materials that make the library’s many programs possible. A quick glance at the events calendar shows something happening nearly every day for adults—craft corner, ceramic painting, mahjong—and for kids—story time, Magic the Gathering, scouts.

For young people, these gatherings provide fun and learning while introducing them to all the library has to offer. For adults, the activities strengthen the sense of community we cherish and reinforce the library’s core mission. Librarians tell us almost no one leaves without a book. It’s no wonder the Key West Library is the most visited branch with the highest circulation in the Keys.

And More…
We also underwrite special projects, like the bike repair station and Palm Garden sound system. These opportunities often arise during the year and we do our best to support them.

We hope seeing how the bulk of your membership dues are used makes you proud to be a Friend of the Library.

Warmest wishes,
Barbara Ross