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The Key West Library, also known as The Key West May Hill Russell Library is part of the Monroe County Library System and is based in Monroe County, Florida. There are five branches that make up the Monroe County Library System and the Key West Library has been part of Key West island life for more than 50 years. The Key West Library is the southernmost branch of the Monroe County Public Library and one of the oldest libraries in the state of Florida. The Key West Library serves more than a quarter of a million visitors annually. Pirates and spongers, authors, and artists; their legacies linger, and their stories can be found in the Key West or the (Monroe County) May Hill Russell Library, the headquarters branch for the Keys. This library has an extensive and fascinating Florida History collection, as well as a large reference section. The library provides several weekly children's programs and hosts provocative lecture series.
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History
On April 8, 1892, a group of citizens organized the Key West Library Association and the first public library was opened in the old Masonic Temple on September 15, 1892. After 1896, the operation was assumed by other civic groups, including the Key West Women's Club, which provided library service for 44 years. Funds were raised through the group's efforts to build the Monroe County Public Library, which opened in November, 1959.
Before 1950, the only archives of Key West history were government records or private collections, but after the Art and Historical Society was formed in 1950, it maintained a small archives to support the museum. With the founding of the Old Island Restoration Foundation in 1960, it became obvious that a larger archives was needed to support the restoration projects. On February 15, 1964, Monroe County Library Director May Hill Russell formed the Historical Research Committee to act as a single body to compile all the historical material for the city and county. May Hill Russell called together a group of volunteers to find and collect material for the new archives.
The Florida History Collection, as it became known, soon outgrew the two boxes and moved to various spots within the Library until 1975, when the new wings were added and the Florida History Collection had a home with a small vault, now the children’s room. The Florida History Collection continued to grow. In 1993, to meet the need for more security and space, the County Commission added a wing in the rear of the library with a large vault to house the Florida History Collection.
A corps of volunteers scan, catalog, conserve and transcribe donated treasures of Keys history. Through the generosity of the community, the collection continues to grow and Keys cultural heritage is being preserved for future generations.
Library Holdings
The Key West Library houses a multimedia collection that includes some 190,000 items, public computers with internet access, remote online services, and has a renowned Florida History Room. The Library also offers reading groups, film screenings, children's programs and more. Monthly book sales and seasonal lecture series are sponsored by Friends of the Key West Library.