Lake County Library System receives $6,000 from Florida Humanities to expand America 250 book collection
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (DATE, 2026) – The Lake County Library System has received a $6,000 America250 Book Collection Grant from Florida Humanities to expand its circulating collection with more than 400 new titles commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.
Lake County Library System has been awarded an America250 Book Collection grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
The grant is part of Florida Humanities' America250 Book Collection Grants initiative, which provides public libraries across the state with funding to expand collections featuring books that explore the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the American experience. Participating libraries also receive materials to create America250-themed displays with recommended reading lists for youth and adult audiences.
The Lake County Library System is a cooperative partnership between Lake County and its participating municipalities, providing library services through 16 public library locations. The system offers books and digital resources, technology, educational and cultural programming, meeting spaces, and knowledgeable staff who support lifelong learning and access to information.
"Access to information and lifelong learning are at the heart of the Lake County Library System's mission," said Lindsay Platt, associate director of Library Services. "This funding allows us to expand our collection with materials that help our community explore American history during this significant national milestone."
"Public libraries are vital spaces for democracy in our nation, providing community members of all ages with access to a wealth of knowledge," said Patricia Putman, associate director of Florida Humanities. "Florida Humanities is thrilled to support these American institutions by providing them the resources they need to expand and enhance their collections just in time for our nation's semiquincentennial."
Florida Humanities awarded more than $78,000 to 123 libraries and library systems statewide, supporting the purchase of more than 4,000 books across 25 Florida counties.
Grant funding has allowed the Lake County Library System to expand its collection with titles that commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in library programming do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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