CRESTVIEW — Anna Florence has many job titles at the Robert L.F. Sikes Public Library.
Florence is the library’s records clerk, but she also keeps library statistics, maintains patron cards, handles inter-library loans and the book drop, and helps visitors.
And she has been doing those things for 30 years.
THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY
Florence, who was born and raised in Crestview, is a 1980 Crestview High School graduate and is married to William Florence.
What started as a volunteer position for her while attending Okaloosa Walton Community College — now Northwest Florida State College — became a full-time position in 1986.
A lot has changed since then.
For instance, when Florence started as a clerk, the library was located on Highway 90 in NWF State’s satellite location. Its present Commerce Street location opened in June of 2002.
In addition, the library’s information sources have evolved over three decades.
“There is lots of new technology such as computers, E-readers and automation,” Florence said. “There are no more card catalogs or due-date cards in the back of the books.”
She said the library has seen increased membership due to an influx of area military.
To serve what’s become Okaloosa County’s largest city, the library now schedules daily educational and enrichment programs; it has a Career Resource Center and a teen area; it offers one-on-one computer skills tutoring; and it features multimedia such as DVDs.
‘A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE’
Marie Heath — the library’s director who has worked there for a decade — said Florence is more than a co-worker.
“She has a great sense of humor and tells the funniest stories,” Heath said. “She has been a good friend to me and very supportive.”
Sandra Dreaden, the reference librarian who has worked with Florence since 1989, said, “Anna has a wealth of knowledge of the Crestview area.
“Here at the library she jumps in to do whatever is needed to keep the library running smoothly. She is irreplaceable.”
Sabrina Sturdivant, Heath’s executive assistant, echoed her co-workers’ sentiments.
“She is the go-to person on policies about the library,” Sturdivant said. “She is very dedicated and is such a hard worker.”
Library patrons like Charles and Marci Nicholson have noticed.
“We have known Anna for many years,” Marci Nicholson said. “She has become a good friend to us and checks in on us at home often. We just love her!”
“Anna is one of the greatest! There is nothing we wouldn’t do for her,” Charles Nicholson said.
Florence said she enjoys many aspects of working at the Crestview Public Library.
“I started working here because I love books and enjoy interacting with the people that come in,” she said. “I have developed such great friendships with people across the city of Crestview.”
As for the past three decades?
“It has been a great journey,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘It has been a great journey’