By Doug “Doc” Stauffer
What do you remember of a public library? As one of seven members on the governing board of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, I have gained a great insight into the hidden benefits of the library system.
Step into any library in Okaloosa County and you’ll find more than shelves of books—you’ll find the heartbeat of a community. Libraries today are no longer just repositories of reading materials; they are dynamic public service centers that connect people to opportunities, technology, and one another.
Thanks to federal support through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Florida received $9.5 million in library funding last year. That money directly aided operations at 554 public libraries across the state, including those in many of our cities. While this funding accounts for just five-thousandths of one percent of the federal budget, the return on investment is enormous. Every dollar spent in Florida libraries contributes $10.57 to Gross Regional Product, according to the University of West Florida’s Haas Center. Nationally, the average return is at least $4.50 per dollar.
The public often hears about budget battles in Washington, but what sometimes gets lost is how those decisions affect everyday life here at home. In Okaloosa County, library funding powers a range of services that go far beyond books. These include resume assistance, job application support, GED preparation, live tutoring, language learning, and even exam proctoring for professional certifications. Libraries are also helping adults earn diplomas through Career Online High School (COHS) scholarships—offering second chances and new beginnings.
Libraries also serve as trusted access points for public resources. Many partner with the Department of Children and Families to help residents apply for benefits in a secure, welcoming setting. They also offer digital access for individuals lacking home internet, bridging the gap in rural and underserved areas.
Local programs demonstrate their impact firsthand. Crestview Library attracts about 2,300 weekly visitors during its busy summer learning sessions. The Fort Walton Beach Library recently partnered with the American Heart Association and HCA Healthcare to launch the “Libraries with Heart” initiative, circulating blood pressure kits to promote community wellness. In Niceville, residents participated in a community document shredding event, boosting personal security and awareness. Meanwhile, Valparaiso Library is hosting legal clinics on housing issues, providing community members with access to professional advice without the high cost.
Events like the Mary Esther and Destin beach cleanup—now in its third year—demonstrate how libraries bring people together for a shared purpose. From military volunteers to church groups, libraries continue to serve as a unifying force in our communities.
Ultimately, libraries remain one of the few public institutions where anyone—regardless of age, income, or background—can walk in and receive help, hope, and a path forward. They are not luxuries. They are essential.
Libraries are living proof that some of the most potent tools for transformation can be found in the quietest places. And in Okaloosa County, those places are busy making a difference—every single day. Consider visiting a library; you may be surprised at how much is happening. Check out more at www.ReadOkaloosa.org
