Top Shelf
by Jeannine Gage
When it comes to library systems in the state, Seminole County’s is not the largest or the most well-funded. What it does have, however, is a dedicated staff determined to serve the community with innovative programming and superior customer service.
“In spite of our small size, we produce an amazing amount of programming,” says Christine Patten, manager of Seminole County’s Library Services Division. “The library staff just put their hearts and souls into providing these programs to delight and inform the community and to promote lifelong learning.”
The Florida Library Association (FLA) took note and recognized Seminole County with its 2025 Library of the Year award this past spring. The Seminole County Public Library also received FLA’s Innovative Programming or Service award.
Small but Mighty
“We’re just thrilled and so proud,” says Christine. “We’re such a small system compared to so many others in the state.”
One of the programs the library was recognized for was the Great Seminole County Adventure (now called Passport to the Past). The program is an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt in which participants visit museums around the county, complete an activity or learn a fact about local history, and then receive a stamp. Once participants have collected stamps from all the stops, they return to the library to share their experience.
“It’s a fun family activity and you learn some history,” says Sara White, youth services senior librarian. “It has bolstered engagement with our libraries and museums alike.”
The program was created by former librarian Amy Marie Cantley with help from Bennett Lloyd, coordinator of the Museum of Seminole County History. Librarian Diana Long is heading up the project this year.
Booking It to the Library
The Seminole County Library’s youth programming was another thing that stood out to the Florida Library Association. Programming for younger readers has grown exponentially over the years; more than 26,000 kids participated in activities last summer.
“We do a lot of community outreach,” says Sara, “and we are always adding new programs.”
Those include building Rube Goldberg machines, making clay gratitude bowls, creating holograms, and engaging in tabletop role-playing games.
Seminole County has experienced rapid growth – with its population now close to 500,000 – so it’s no surprise that a recent master plan included recommendations for expansion of some existing library facilities and the addition of a library branch in Winter Springs, which doesn’t have one. Seminole’s system currently has branches in Casselberry, Sanford, Oviedo, Longwood, and Lake Mary.
The one-cent infrastructure sales tax that was approved by voters last year includes funding for the library system.
“We’re thrilled the library was included,” says Christine. “It acknowledges that we are important to the community.”
Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart is among the leaders in our community who have offered their congratulations on the Florida Library Association award.
“This honor reflects the dedication and creativity of our library staff,” says Commissioner Lockhart. “Being named Library of the Year is an extraordinary achievement that highlights our community’s deep commitment to education.”
A Friend Indeed
Another boost to the library’s success is its strong volunteer group, known as Friends of the Library. The group runs the library’s bookstore in Casselberry, which brings in extra funds.
“We could not survive without them,” says Christine.
Nancy Richter has been volunteering at the Casselberry library for many years.
“I love helping people have access to books,” says Nancy. “I just think that is so important. Plus, they are so appreciative of us here and treat us well.”
Christine and Sara both say it’s important to them and the rest of the team that all people have access to the library and can enjoy the activities and programming without worrying about cost.
Chelsie Berio and two of her children were recently perusing the books at the Jean Rhein Central Branch in Casselberry. She says they visit frequently to check out books and take part in kids’ activities there.
“The fact that all these resources are free is so great,” says Chelsie, who lives in Casselberry. “I wouldn’t be able to expose the kids to so many books and educational opportunities without the library.”