West Florida Regional Library

The West Florida Public Library System is an organisation of libraries that serve the Pensacola, Florida area, with branch libraries in Escambia County, Florida.

The Library System currently has approximately 360,000 books, 36,000 audio resources, and 14,000 video resource in circulation. In addition to its branch libraries, the Library System operates a mobile library, the "Bookmobile", which visits a number of areas in Escambia County each week.

Branch libraries

=Escambia County=

*Pensacola Public Library — downtown Pensacola
*Lucia M. Tryon Branch Library — on the Pensacola Junior College campus
*Southwest Branch Library — in southwest Pensacola, near Perdido Key
*Westside Branch Library — a small branch approx. 1.5 miles west of the Main Branch
*Century Branch Library (The newest Branch Library approx. 42 miles from Pensacola.)

Funding and administration

The branches in Escambia County as well as the Bookmobile are funded primarily by the City of Pensacola and Escambia County. The branches also receive aid supplement funds from the State, as well as federal grant money.

The West Florida Public Library System is administered by the West Florida Public Library Board, which is made up of nine members, of which three each are appointed by the Pensacola City Council and the Escambia County Commission.

While several libraries in Santa Rosa County (including the Gulf Breeze, Jay & Milton branches) used to be a part of the West Florida Regional Library system, they have since parted ways, hence the name change to 'West Florida Public Library'.

Borrowing policies

Patrons of the West Florida Public Library may borrow up to fifteen (15) books at a time, for up to three weeks. Only four (4) audio/visual materials may be borrowed at a time, however. Overdue books and audio materials collect a fine of ten cents ($0.10) per day per item, excluding days on which the Library is closed. Overdue visual materials and CD-ROM resources collect a fine of one dollar ($1.00) per day per item. Unpaid fines exceeding $3.00 will prevent a patron from borrowing materials until paid.

All materials borrowed from the Library can be returned to any Library branch, regardless of the branch from which they were borrowed.

West Florida Public Library cards are free for residents of Escambia county. Non-residents may apply for a card, but will be required to pay a nonrefundable $50 annual fee. Replacement of a lost card costs $3. Children under the age of 12 can apply for a card with parental permission. A patron must be over the age of 18 to borrow video and CD-ROM resources, however. A library card application form can be obtained at any branch library or downloaded from the library's website.

Computer use for the public

Currently all branches have computers for cardholders to use. The Main Branch has the most internet terminals, with 18 out on the floor, 10 in the Lab area, & 2 CD-ROM machines (with no internet access). The policy states a limit of one hour of internet use per day for permanent cardholders.

A user must have a card in good standing, meaning fines (if any) must be less than $3- or the user's card will be blocked until they talk to the Circulation Desk and resolve it.

The library's computer policy states that children may use the machines only if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, that will sit with them while on the terminal. If they are 13-17 years old, they may sit on their own, as long as their parent or legal guardian signs a permission form stating that they may use the unfiltered computers.

Visitors may show a picture ID and receive a 'Temporary Internet User Card', which will be good for a month, and allows one half hour of internet use a day. There is a strict policy against viewing or dissemintating sexually explicit images. Anyone found to be disreguarding the library's policy will be asked to leave.

Library Website

Patrons can use the West Florida Public Library website to search the library's catalog, submit reference questions to a librarian, reserve West Florida Public Library materials, and request materials from libraries across the country via interlibrary loan. The Library website also offers links to many educational resources on the internet.

External links

* [http://www.cityofpensacola.com/library/ Official Site]