Libraries

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 our five branches.

The libraries’ main mission is to meet the changing needs of our patrons for information, education and entertainment.  To do so, we provide 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

  • 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

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. 
  • Library Website: Free 24/7 access to the Library website: keyslibraries.org. The website has links to a variety of databases, also at no charge.

PROGRAMS

In 2017, the five branches offered 1,505 programs. The programs offer something for all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens, and meet a broad base of interests. They 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.

Those programs were well attended, drawing 42,417 participants in 2017 – nearly 25% more than the previous year.

Hurricane Irma Information

In 2017, the libraries’ onsite and outreach users of our wireless computer access increased by more than 40%. Many of these users were seeking hurricane recovery information and assistance after Irma’s devastating impact.

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Implemented an ongoing program of collection analysis. This has resulted in weeding outdated print materials, replacing with updated materials where appropriate, and expansion of special areas of the collection such as non-English materials to reach that underserved part of our communities.
  • Expanded our popular e-materials collection to more than 5,000 e-books available for easy download. E-materials circulation of nearly 28,000 accounts for almost 10% of our total circulated items.
  • Weeded our print reference collections for unused and outdated materials, as our e-reference services have increased with growing usage of our online databases available for study and research.
  • Continued plans for the new Marathon Library with staff exploring options for furnishings and maximizing use of space for patron projects.
  • Expanded the use of our webpages and social media to become more inclusive of branch activities and reach a broader public audience.

2018 GOALS

  • Along with the focus on print materials for the non-English speaking community, we will expand our e-materials collection to include comparable resources for this underserved group.
  • Resources in our children’s and youth areas will be examined for currency and merit; the physical properties of these areas will be studied and improvements made where needed to increase the appeal as well as comfort and safety of the furnishings and rooms used by our young patrons.
  • Programs for all ages will continue to expand in style and content, including stronger focus on bi-lingual presentations and involving more branch collaboration and joint planning.
  • Plans for use of space and furnishings for the new Marathon Library will be focused on creativity and fiscal responsibility, as they become more tangible and geared to specific needs.
  • In response to patron requests, we will expand our database resources to include a variety of media, involving appropriate staff in comparison studies and test trials, to ensure the best and most viable selections for our needs.
  • More collaboration with the County public information officer will enhance our public presence and awareness of our activities and services.
  • Digitization of Florida History materials in the branch collections will increase the web presence of these collections and enable better access to the information available system-wide; archival materials will be treated accordingly; systematic indexing and cataloging of content for study and research will be implemented, and promotion of these materials will be improved.