Mission Statement
Enabling the seamless provision of outstanding public library services countywide.
History
The Polk County Library Cooperative was formed October 1, 1997 through an Interlocal Agreement between the 13 municipalities with public libraries and the Board of County Commissioners. The Cooperative enables the city-owned and operated public libraries to open their doors to all residents of the county, including those in the unincorporated area.
Cooperative Member Libraries
- Auburndale Public Library
- Bartow Public Library
- Dundee Public Library
- Eagle Lake Public Library
- Fort Meade Public Library
- Latt Maxcy Memorial Library (Frostproof)
- Haines City Public Library
- Lake Alfred Public Library
- Lake Wales Public Library
- Lakeland Public Library System
- Lakeland Main (Downtown)
- Larry R. Jackson Branch (North Lakeland)
- eLibrary (South Lakeland) a joint project betwen City of Lakeland and Library Cooperative)
- Dr. C.C. Pearce Municipal Library
- Polk City Community Library
- Winter Haven Public Library, Kathryn L. Smith Memorial
- Justice Stephen H. Grimes Law Library (County operated non-circulating special collection)
Projects
- Bookmobile (services provided by a contract with the Lakeland Public Library System)
- B-Mail (home delivery services provided by a contract with the Lake Wales Public Library)
- Historical & Genealogical Library (Cooperative operated non-circulating special collection)
Services
The Polk County Library Cooperative
- Provides the structure for members to give seamless countywide library services
- Coordinates activities, information and funding for member libraries
- Facilitates Interlibrary Loans
- Delivers materials between member libraries five days a week
- Operates a Wide Area Network linking all member libraries to shared resources and services
- Operates the shared library automation system and online card catalog
- Provides e-mail to and designs/houses web pages for members
- Manages e-rate program for members
- Synchronizes continuing education and staff development opportunities for members
People
The Cooperative contracts with the member cities to provide the following staff:
| Cooperative Coordinator, Full-Time |
| IT Manager, Full-Time |
| Network Supervisor, Full-Time |
| Web Designer/Systems Administrator, Full-Time |
| Computer Technician, Full-Time |
| Administrative Assistant, Full-Time |
| Delivery Van Driver, Full-Time |
| Reserve Delivery Van Driver |
Contact
| Mailing Address | 2150 S. Broadway Avenue Bartow, FL 33830 |
| Phone | (863) 519-7958 |
| Fax | (863) 519-7926 |
| Web | Online Form |