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Director’s Message Mission Statement History Advisory Board Vision Statement Career Opportunities

Director’s Message

At the Collier County Public Library, our mission is to provide you with educational environments, facilitate community engagement, and cultivate life-long learning. Library staff are committed to exceeding your expectations each and every day. As library director, it is my goal to continue the importance of libraries as safe and welcoming spaces in our community. Your public library is the local center of information and services with a commitment to equal access for all. I invite you to take advantage of the unique services and programs we offer, by making the most of our library system and exploring the wealth of resources and services available at all ten of our libraries throughout the county. We are dedicated to creating and strengthening reading habits in children from an early age and supporting education at all levels. We also support activities and programs for all age groups to foster personal creative development.

Catherine Cowser

Library Division Director

Mission Statement

To provide educational environments, facilitate community engagement
and cultivate life-long learning.

History

From as early as the 1930s the Women’s Club of Naples had a “book room” that was open to the public. But in early 1957 Judge E.A. Wildermuth, Ben Parks, Jr., and Michael Chance were instrumental in forming a Friends of the Library organization that generated interest in crafting a public library for the burgeoning community. In September of 1957 the Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of creating the Collier County Free Public Library, and the first incarnation was located at the corner of Third Street South and Broad Avenue. In addition, a bookmobile provided continuous services to county residents in remote locations such as Everglades City, Immokalee, and Marco Island. The first dedicated building was erected in 1966 at 650 Central Avenue and over the years has expanded to three regional libraries and seven branches.

Take a Journey Through The Libraries Past

Advisory Board

The Collier County Public Library Advisory Board is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The five Library Advisory Board members establish library policy and recommend courses of action concerning the future development of the library system. Members serve four-year terms. Library Advisory Board meetings are open to the public. Meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Please check out our Events Calendar for the next scheduled meeting. Library Advisory Board meeting agenda information. For additional information about the Library Advisory Board, call the administrative office, located in the Headquarters Library, at 239.252.7311.

Vision Statement

Through high quality libraries, residents and visitors will reach their potential and communities will thrive.

Library Career Opportunities

All employment openings in the Library are announced on the Collier County Government's Jobs page. Position title, employment type, salary, and closing date for applying are indicated. To apply for an announced position, please complete the online application on the website.