Dunedin Public Library: A Snapshot of Community Impact

Published on February 04, 2026

Dunedin Public Library

Written by: Phyllis Gorshe, Dunedin Public Library Director

The Dunedin Public Library is a vital community hub and the oldest public library in Pinellas County. Through its wide range of programs and services, the library has long served as a cornerstone for learning and enrichment for residents of all ages. The following snapshot offers a breakdown of how our community used and engaged with the library during the 2025 fiscal year.

 

By the Numbers

In FY25, the library welcomed 164,293 visitors and issued 1,621 new library cards, reflecting its ongoing role as an essential access point for learning, connection, and civic engagement. Our total number of registered card holders is 29,423.
Community members relied heavily on library technology and spaces:
  • 13,576 internet sessions
  • 45,633 WiFi sessions
  • 2,421 study room uses
Programs and Services


Programming remains a cornerstone of the library’s impact.

  • 484 adult programs with 7,631 attendees
  • 407 youth and teen programs with 17,198 participants
We offer engaging story times along with educational and fun programs for elementary, middle and high school students, including special evening and Saturday events designed to support families with busy work schedules. And for adults, we offer a variety of programming featuring movie screenings to authors talks, educational presentations and craft workshops.
Services such as notary assistance (367 completed) and passport acceptance (691 applications) further demonstrate the library’s role as a trusted public service provider.
Overall, the library facilitated 269,570 circulations and 453,940 total transactions, showcasing the usage of the library which includes books, DVDs, special collections like the museum passes, and online resources like the Dunedin Times, downloadable ebooks and eaudiobooks, and online educational databases.

 

Funding and Support

The library’s operations are primarily funded through the City’s general fund, supported by property taxes. Additional financial support comes from the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, which distributes state aid to public libraries, along with generous contributions from the Friends of the Library, the Dunedin Public Library Foundation, and individual bequests.


As a designated passport acceptance facility, the library also generates supplemental revenue, with all passport-related funds returning directly to the general fund.

Together, these funding sources ensure that the library can continue delivering high-value services, robust programming, and essential resources that strengthen our Dunedin community.
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