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Our Mission

The Sumter County Library is dedicated to the promotion of a life-long love of reading for both education and recreation. We believe that all citizens, from birth to death, are important patrons of the Library and that we must serve their information needs. Through its Downtown library, community branches, and bookmobile, all residents shall be afforded access to authoritative information to meet their personal, educational, and professional needs.

Library Materials:

The Sumter County Library makes a broad variety of printed and electronic resources available to library users. These include:

All materials at the Sumter County Public Library, with the exception of non-circulating reference materials, may be checked out for a two week period. Materials that are not on reserve for other patrons may be renewed by phone or in person for an additional 14 days, except DVDs/Videos which may not be renewed. No materials may be renewed more than twice. Adult patrons may borrow a maximum of 15 items total – books, tapes, CDs, etc. Children may check out up to 10 books at a time – but you must be at least 18 to check out tapes, CDs etc. No more than 3 items on the same subject should be checked out at one time.

There are outside book returns conveniently placed at all locations. All materials except videocassettes and magazines may be returned in the book drops. Items returned through the book drops are subject to the same fines as material returned inside each library. Additionally, materials may be returned at any Sumter County Public Library location, regardless of where they were checked out.

Overdue materials, with the exception of videocassettes and DVDs, are subject to fines at the rate of 15¢ per day per item from the due date. Videocassettes and DVDs are subject to fines at the rate of $1.00 per day. A maximum fine of $5.00 is charged for returned overdue items with the exception of periodicals and paperbacks for which a maximum of $1.00 is charged.

Library Services :

Children’s Programming: The Sumter County Public Libraries provide an in-depth program for children ages birth to twelve years of age. There are collections ranging from picture and wordless books for babies and toddlers to young adult materials for early adolescents. The Children’s Services Department also provides materials for parents and teachers, as well as bilingual materials in Spanish and English.

Additionally the Children’s Department provides  StoryTimes for pre-schoolers throughout the school year, an outreach program for children in daycare centers, an extensive summer program, as well as special events throughout the year. These are provided free of charge and are open to the public.

Conference Room: As a service to the community, the Sumter County Library offers several meeting and conference room. These areas are available to non-profit groups wishing to present programs or to hold meetings. There is no charge for use of the meeting rooms, unless food or drink is served. If refreshments are served, there is a charge of $100 ($50 refundable if no damage) to cover clean-up. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the meeting rooms. The only criteria for use is that the meetings must be civic, cultural, or educational in nature and they must be directed to general public participation and free to all who wish to attend. Groups must fill out a usage form which may be obtained at the Reference Desk.

Downloadable Application

Use of Meeting Rooms Policy

Reference Services: The library has a fully staffed and knowledgeable reference department to assist in your information search. Our reference collection consists of a broad range of both popular and academic reference titles and we strive to keep these as current as is possible. In addition to on-site reference assistance, the staff is available by phone for brief reference questions or by email at: 

 sumref1@gmail.com

Inter-Library Loan: If the Sumter County Public Libraries do not own specific resources to fulfill your needs, the Library will attempt to borrow circulating materials from other libraries through the Reference Department. Not all materials requested are obtainable. This material must be requested, picked up and returned at the Downtown library within the timeframe specified by the lending library.

Reserves: If there is a specific item that you would like to borrow and it is currently checked out to another patron, you may place a reserve on that title and you will be notified when it becomes available. Reserves may be made in person, on the phone, or on the Library web site. To reserve a book on-line you will need your Library Card and a Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you do not have a PIN, come by any of the libraries and a member of the Circulation staff will assist you in setting one up. Often new books will have an extended waiting list. If the Library does not own an item you desire, you may complete a purchase request form. Every attempt will be made to acquire that item if it is suitable for the collection. 

Computing Resources:  The Sumter County Public Libraries provide Internet accessible computers in each of its locations including Wireless Internet. In order to use the Internet capable computers, you must have a current Sumter County library card, not have any outstanding fines – or be in a plan to pay those off, and be registered to use the computer. There are Children’s Computers available that may be used for typing papers, making simple presentations, etc. Those do not need Internet permission forms.

In order to ensure equal access to all patrons, computer use may be limited to 30 minutes at a time and a two hour per day maximum. The Library staff has the discretion to extend usage periods during times of low demand.

All copies made – intentionally or otherwise – are 15¢ per page. Mistakes by the patrons are still charged to them.

On occasion, the Library will offer basic computer skills courses to the public. These courses are designed only to introduce individuals to computers, not ensure their proficiency. These courses are free and open to the general public. Check with the Reference Desk for the times and places of the courses.

For more information on the computer resources at the Sumter County Public Libraries, please ask for the Internet Usage Brochure at any of the library locations.