SOUTH FLORIDA'S FIRST PUBLIC LIBRARY

South Florida'S First Public Library is a Florida historical marker in Monroe County, dedicated 1967.

Monroe County · dedicated 1967 · 700 Fleming Street - Monroe County Public Library, Key West

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On April 8, 1892, a group of citizens organized the Key West Library Association. The first public library was open in the old Masonic Temple September 15, 1892. After 1896, the operation was assumed by other civic groups, including the Key West Woman's Club, which for 44 years provided library service. Through the group's efforts, funds were raised to build the Monroe County Public Library which opened in November, 1959.

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under a mile from where William Gabby lived in the 1760s

what this marker records spans 1777 to 1789, overlapping William Gabby's years here

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Marker data: Florida Historical Marker Program, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State

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