Libraries

COVID-19 UPDATE

The Monroe County Library System branches are now closed to in-person visits until further notice. While our physical locations will be closed due to safety concerns regarding COVID-19, the libraries will continue to serve the community. Library staff will be available by telephone Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for reference, renewal of material, and assistance for new users in the creation of an E-Library card. The E-Library card will allow users to access the library system’s digital collection and electronic resources. The “Ask-a-Librarian“ service will be expanded to provide reference services via chat and email. Librarians will provide, using the branch’s respective Facebook Live and website pages, daily virtual programmings such as storytime, book talk on our digital collection, and training sessions on our digital resources. Drop boxes will remain open at all locations and late fees will be suspended. Contact your local branch library or visit the library website at www.keyslibraries.org for additional links and information.

Monroe County Library System is the Oldest in South Florida

In 1853, the Florida Keys first public library opened in Key West. Today, Monroe County’s libraries are as popular as ever, with more than 350,000 adults and children visiting the five branches.

The libraries’ main mission is to meet the changing needs of the patrons for information, education, and entertainment. To do so, the library provides books, periodicals, and audio and video materials for circulation, both in print format and through electronic access.

Monroe County Library Branches

Key West

  • 700 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040; 305-292-3595
  • Branch Manager: Robin Henderson

Big Pine Key

  • 213 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key, FL 33043; 305-872-0992
  • Branch Manager: Stephen Chambers

Marathon

  • 3251 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-5156
  • Branch Manager: Cristy Danford

Islamorada

  • 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036; 305-664-4645
  • Branch Manager: Walt Johnson 

Key Largo

  • 101485 Overseas Highway, Tradewinds Shopping Center, Key Largo, FL 33037; 305-451-2396
  • Branch Manager: Paulette Sullivan

Hours for all Library Branches

  • Mondays – 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
  • Tuesdays – 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (8 p.m. for Big Pine Key and Islamorada branches)
  • Wednesdays – 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (8 p.m. for Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo branches)
  • Thursdays – 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
  • Fridays – 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
  • Saturdays – 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Sundays - Closed

Monroe County Libraries’ Website: keyslibraries.org

Girl standing on books at a Monroe County library

Services 

Internet

Free access for the public to the internet, through library computers, and through our wireless access that enables patrons to use their own laptops and other mobile devices.

Catalog Information

Free 24/7 access to our catalog information, giving them off-site ability to renew and request library materials. 

Flickr Images

The number of views of Monroe County Library Service’s Flickr images reached 3.5 million views in 2018, with a cumulative total of more than 26 million views since 2006. The site features historic photos of people, places, and events in Florida Keys history. Visit www.flickr.com/photos/keyslibraries to see the images.

PROGRAMS

In 2018, the five branches offered more than 3,000 programs. The programs offer something for all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens, and meet a broad base of interests. The interests include musical presentations, author talks, Lego clubs, art workshops and displays, 3D printing, scavenger hunts, a pizza cooking class, Fantasy Theatre, computer classes, and programs at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm.

Mango Languages

Interested in learning another language? The Monroe County Public Library offers the learning language resource, Mango, an app and web-based program that includes 70 world languages, including English as a second language. Mango is free with an active library card. For more information, visit https://connect.mangolanguages.com/keyslibraries or call 305-292-3595.