DeLand Regional Library, DeLand, Florida

The DeLand Regional Library is a 1989 vintage facility that serves this lovely small city of 40,000 people. It is a branch of the broader Volusa County Public Library System. It’s situated just a short walk from the city’s active downtown area.

When we arrived at the library, we noted the ample parking, much of which was in use - always a good sign. As we walked through the parking lot, we saw the library’s Mobile Technology Lab van. A long, covered walkway led from the parking lot to the two-story brick building.

For a library of this age, it is in excellent condition. A staircase from the first floor to the second is at the center of the entry area and features a nice sculpture of a woman and child reading on a bench. Draped over the bench is a quilt, which seems to be a ubiquitous accessory we’ve seen at many libraries.

Children’s and teens are both located on the first floor, along with an auditorium (more later), and a workroom (though it wasn’t entirely clear if it was for the staff or patrons).

The adult collection is on the second, as are periodicals, 17 public computers (additional ones are available in children's and teens, a print station, and media. There’s also a fairly large local history and genealogy room on this floor. During our visit, it was nice to see people gathered playing chess and working on a community puzzle.

One thing that was a little strange (to our eyes) was the fact that service desks were completely enclosed. Not surprisingly, these were put in place during COVID. When we asked the staff how they felt about them, the response from one was positive. She explained that it helped establish boundaries. It did, she continued, make it hard to hear sometimes. This is something we experienced ourselves.

We were also shown the library’s small auditorium. Our favorite thing about it was the chronological photos of earlier versions of the library (and there have been plenty). 

As we were leaving, there was one more thing that struck us: a metal frame for measuring bags - like you’d see at an airport gate. It was there to prevent people from bringing many or large items into the library. There were exceptions - strollers, wheelchairs, large musical instruments, and roller backpacks (specifically for students). We weren’t terribly comfortable with this. It seemed like a tool for saying “no” to people. Given the exceptions, we surmised that it was primarily targeted at unhoused patrons.

Obviously, this is a challenge libraries face all across the country, with varying degrees of sensitivity and success. Perhaps the best example we’ve seen was at the Chattanooga library, where an area with lockers was available for people to safely check their possessions.

This was a nice enough little library and we were happy to see it. DeLand is a lovely place and we enjoyed the visit.