About Us
The Citrus Springs Memorial Library is the gathering place in Citrus Springs for individuals, families, community groups, and community businesses. Residents have access to materials, electronic resources, and innovative services and programs to support and enrich their recreational, educational, and informational needs in a variety of formats.
The Past
In 1977, the first library in Citrus Springs opened its doors—in Elyce and Charles McGrenra’s garage--the entire collection was kept on two small shelves and a counter top (Putzback 2005). Through donations from friends and neighbors, the collection rapidly grew.
Putzback recalls that over the years, the library was moved to a shed, and later relocated in the old Community Center (2005). Wright explains that in 1986 the land developer offered to give the community six acres of land for a new library—with the stipulation that the library be built within a year (2003). According to Wright, monies were donated, the library was completed on time, and subsequently, it was turned over to the Citrus Springs Civic Association (2003).
Two additions later, the Citrus Springs Memorial Library had nearly doubled in size to 2,640 square feet (Schoichet 2005).
Throughout its history, the entire library collection has been built through donations, memorials, and gifts (Wright 2003). In 1999, the county approved to give the library $5,600 a year (Shoichet 2005). These monies are used for building maintenance expenditures, acquisition of new materials, office supplies, and materials processing. Shoichet (2005) adds that the library recently asked the county to increase the $5,600 to $11,304.
The Present
The Citrus Springs Memorial Library collection has more than 20,000 items and nearly 2,500 cardholders (Shoichet 2005). About one half of the collection is cataloged--on 3x5 cards.
The library is only open 21 hours per week. Volunteers staff the library. Putzback notes “volunteers continue to be the backbone of the [library] operation. They staff the library, promote it to the community, and hold fund raisers to sustain it” (2005). However, finding volunteers and keeping the library running effectively and efficiently is becoming very difficult.
The dedicated volunteers at the Citrus Springs Memorial Library have always been known for their spirit of friendliness and helpfulness and have done a wonderful job over the years.
As the library has evolved into its present service of serving the community in a number of educational and cultural activities, it has become more and more obvious that the library needs a library manager to oversee the day-to-day operation, as well as coordinate the extra activities the library has assumed over the years.
It was decided to ask the Civic Association for financial help in the library’s quest for a manager. The Civic Association responded quickly and positively, and membership voted to give money to the library for that purpose.
A committee immediately went to work writing a job description, and flyers were posted throughout the community in the search for a library manager.
The Future
As cited in Putzback (2007):
Citrus Springs Memorial Library celebrates its 20th anniversary in January 2007. It enters a new era. The library's first paid position, a manager, was made possible by a two part installment grant from the Citrus Springs Civic Association. "The Library building has been here 20 years. We have grown with the community," Virginia Buelke, library president said. "Our community has doubled and so have our needs."
Lorna Eastman is the new library manager. She's no stranger to the community. The Citrus Springs resident has volunteered with the library for five years. "My goal is to coordinate the work of all the volunteers and customer service," Eastman said. Her priority is to increase community access at the library. Eastman wants to expand the number of groups who hold classes there. She is currently seeking individuals and groups to display handcrafted items or collectibles on site. Top of her list of things to do is the expansion of current non-fiction books and reference materials.
Despite the 1986 predictions of sitting Board of County Commissioner Jean Grant, the Citrus Springs Memorial Library remains independent of the county's library system. The county has provided the library with some financial support over the years. This past year the county increased the allocation to $12,000 for its operation--not new books. Volunteers must fundraise to add new materials to the library collection. Usually twice a year they spend countless hours culling the shelves for book sale items. The proceeds range from $400 to $600 per sale. 'Our budget doesn't allow us to add but a few current best sellers a month," she said.
Eastman believes that someday the library will be open five days a week. It is currently open 10am to 4pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 10am to 1pm on Saturday. The Citrus Springs Memorial Library has 1,800 cardholders and has issued 3,998 cards since its inception. Both Buelke and Eastman are counting on the continued support of the community in sustaining and expanding the library.
The community is invited to attend the anniversary open house from 10am to 4pm on February 14 at the Citrus Springs Memorial Library. If you are interested in volunteering at the library, joining the association, or making a book donation or cash contribution call Lorna at 489-2313.
Sources cited:
Putzback, L. L. (2005, September 10). It began with honor system. Central Ridge Visitor. pp. 1, 4.
Putzback, L. L. (2007, January 27). Citrus Springs Library celebrates 20th anniversary. Central Ridge Visitor, pp. 1,4.
Shoichet, C. E. (2005, August 15). Library metamorphosis. St. Petersburg Times Online Tampa Bay. Retrieved September 26, 2005, from
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/08/15/news_pf/Citrus/Library_metamorphosis.shtml
Wright, M. (2003, July 16). Library turns new chapter. Citrus County Chronicle Online. Retrieved September 26, 2005, from http://www.chronicleonline.com/ articles/2003/07/16/news/news01.thml