Winter Park, FL -- October 2, 2023. With surging foot traffic and circulation, and personalized programming (including the library's current pursuit of "Family Place" certification) Winter Park Library is well on its way to becoming Florida's only Star Library on the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service.
Tech Logic Corporation (Oakdale, MN) is presenting Winter Park Library with our People First Award in order to recognize the library's extraordinary action for the benefit of their community. Winter Park Library's spaces and programs reflect a commitment shared by modern libraries around the world—a commitment to serve residents as relevant, people-first community centers.
In the early 2000s, discussions began about Winter Park Library needing updated technology infrastructure and gathering spaces. Forums with the local community emphasized the need for dedicated space for children and teens, as well as support for entrepreneurs, and better accessibility for older adults. Staff felt constrained by the lack of space and technologies to serve their community.
Based on this feedback, Winter Park Library took action. This work included collaboration with Sir David Adjaye—renowned architect of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.—to design an award-winning new facility that optimizes space for learning, study, creativity, community, entrepreneurship, and more.
Ultimately, the new spaces at Winter Park Library are all about the people. "Our content has been so well received since opening in the new space," Library Director Melissa Schneider said. "Our class attendance is up by 51% since last year, and it's up compared to where we were 5 years ago. Our foot traffic—people coming through the doors—is up 25% compared to where it was 5 years ago. We have over 13,000 people coming in the doors every month. We are really busy. We're really happy to see the growth."
Winter Park Library shared their vision in a video—"Books are Just the Beginning"—showcasing glimpses of the library's spaces and programs.
Come and help us tell the story of Winter Park Library's amazing dedication to their community!
- For details about the Award Presentation, please see the following page.
- For more details, images, and testimonials regarding this story, please see the associated posting on Tech Logic's website:
People First Award Presentation—Date, Location, Schedule
Tech Logic will present Winter Park Library with the People First Award during an onsite award ceremony and press conference, open to Winter Park Library staff members, stakeholders, the press, and the public. We look forward to your questions!
| Date | Thursday, October 12, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location |
Edyth Bush Theatre Winter Park Library 1052 W. Morse Blvd Winter Park, FL 32789 |
| Schedule |
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Award Presentation and Press Conference 11:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Dessert Reception |
| In Attendance |
Melissa Schneider, Executive Director, Winter Park Library Jody Lazar, Director of Community Engagement, Winter Park Library Winter Park Library Leaders, Staff, and Stakeholders Gary Kirk, President, Tech Logic Jeff McDaniel, Director of Sales and Business Dev, Tech Logic Beth Futch, Senior Solutions Specialist, Tech Logic |
About Winter Park Library
Winter Park Library aspires to be the intellectual gathering place that unites and inspires the community. Since the library's founding in 1885, Winter Park Library has grown and evolved— proving that books are just the beginning. The library serves 13,000 people each month with programs and resources that guide learning, connect people, and strengthen community.
About Tech Logic Corporation
As a vendor partner of Winter Park Library, Tech Logic is proud to recognize and participate in the library's vision for serving the community. Tech Logic provides automated material handling (AMH), self-checkout, and security detection solutions for Winter Park Library and for other libraries around the world. With these tools, library staff members are better able to focus on the patrons they serve.