850 Good News: Oldest Florida library undergoes renovations for the future

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - When you think of a library, you might picture rows of books, quiet corners, and maybe a few students studying.

But inside Florida’s oldest library, you’ll find more than just pages of the past.

At the Walton-Defuniak library, you’ll see lots of history and also a very modern reminder of why libraries still matter.
And that’s what makes this story 850 good news.

In the heart of town stands a library older than some states. The building dates back to 1886.

It’s quiet. But the place itself speaks volumes.

“It has been continually operating and has the designation of being the oldest operating library in the state of Florida,” said Walton County Public Library System Director Caitie Cerise.

This isn’t just a library. It’s a living archive, which is why the city has begun restoration.

“We are working on waterproofing and flashing part of the building to ensure we don’t have any leaking. We are replacing part of the original roof,” said Cerise.

She says the library renovations should be complete within the next 30 days.

“We are improving some of the drainage, and we are replacing some of the windows and some of the plumbing,” said Cerise.

But here, history isn’t just preserved-- it’s experienced.

“Libraries continue to meet the needs of their community, which means they have to evolved and change over time. How people access information has absolutely changed. And so, the uses of our library’s spaces and services we provide have also changed,” said Cerise.

Preserving the library means protecting a piece of the past.

But it’s also an investment into the future.

“As those traditional third places where people can just be and exist are disappearing, the libraries remain that place where people can connect,” said Cerise.

Some come here to learn-- some to remember and some to simply be.

“People crave that connection where they’re physically present and together. So, our programming that we offer provides places and opportunities for education, and not only that, but also just a community connection,” said Cerise.

As residents enter another next chapter, the library remains a place that’s been here for generations. And it’s still turning pages in people’s lives.

“Reading for recreation is never going to go out of style. People still enjoy reading and putting their hands on a book,” said Cerise.

In an age of screens and speed, this old library proves that sometimes stepping back into the past serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app.