Libraries highlight awards, summer-reading gains and upcoming events

Library staff and the director used the meeting to report successes and upcoming programs. Director Chang said the library system recently won three National Association of Counties awards, including recognition for the countywide Citrus Reads program and homebound services run largely by volunteers.

Branch staff reported summer-reading outcomes: the community surpassed a goal of 600,000 minutes and logged about 673,000 minutes this year, a nearly 24% increase over the prior year; the library recorded large participation increases in youth and early-literacy registrations. Taylor and other staff previewed fall programming: C4 Con returns Sept. 12 at the Homosassa Library, and the Booked fundraising event is set for Feb. 20 with a $25,000 fundraising goal and tiered sponsorships (tickets $60 in advance, $65 at door). The staff said they will pilot multi-sheet scanners at Central Ridge and Homosassa and aim to expand evening hours to better serve working families.