The Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries encourages residents to research and understand the likely impacts on Florida library funding
if Florida’s Amendment 3: Homestead Tax Exemptions, Property Assessments, and Spending Restrictions Amendment passes in November. Although the amendment has not yet been voted upon, the Bay County Public Library’s book budget has already been reduced by over 40% ($90,000) and library open hours cut to 5 days a week for the 2027 Fiscal Year1. A hiring freeze is already in place. While there is the final Budget Meeting on September 25, these cuts are most likely to stay as stated. If Amendment 3 passes by a 60% vote, even greater cuts to the library budget are likely. If Amendment 3 passes, the impact to Bay County will likely be a decrease of $36 million2 in tax revenue. The Bay County Public Library will pay the price and will no longer be able to provide its current level of exceptional services to the community.
The Northwest Regional Library System library card is free for residents of Bay, Gulf and Liberty counties. Our library community depends on a stable local tax revenue to provide new books and materials, public computers, Wi-Fi, early literacy and children’s programs, adult programming, job seeker support, meeting rooms, mobile library services, trusted reference support and a vibrant space for life-long learners of all ages. Diminishment of these services would be detrimental to the well-being of our thriving community, currently and for future generations. Libraries are now more than ever relevant to a growing and productive community.
Florida’s Amendment 3 will detrimentally impact libraries across the state of Florida. While each library maintains its own unique budget, many libraries are funded largely by their local County or City General Fund generated by Property Taxes. Other than property taxes, there are no alternative funding sources to cover these costs at this time.
The passage of Amendment 3 means Florida libraries will lose book funding; some will lose staff, which may reduce library hours, and some libraries will close completely in 2027. Immediate library closures are most likely to occur in smaller municipalities and counties where there is less funding available. Each library funded by property taxes will face more dire budget challenges in the future years to come, permanently transforming the landscape of Florida libraries forever. Once a library closes, the likelihood of it reopening is unknown, unpredictable, and may take years to return, if ever.
The Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization that supports the programs and activities of the Bay County Public Libraries. This effort is to help educate the public about the dire impact on libraries if Amendment 3 passes. The Friends encourage each voter to do their own research – know before you vote. Libraries are investments in a community’s future. Below are a few Bay County Public Library community voices who value the library and support library funding.
1 Bay County FY 2027 Tentative Budget
2 Bay County – Understanding Amendment 3
Bay County Public Library Community Voices:
“Libraries are lifelines from providing access to the internet to discovering the book needed at the right time. Nationwide, literacy levels are low. Access to a wide selection of books and early literacy programs help a child start on the right track for all families. Libraries are for everyone. As a stay-at-home mom, I save hundreds in one library visit with picture books alone.”
Sarah Burris, President of the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries
“Losing funding for our library will hurt our community’s access to culture, knowledge, and stories. We must protect funding to ensure our libraries stay strong so everyone can enjoy this incredible resource.”
Hung Tran
“We use this library. We went yesterday to get more books, and there are so many things happening there that people probably don’t even realize. Books, children’s programs, computers, educational resources, community programs and so much more. I’m all for saving people money. Lord knows we all need it. But I also think we need to understand where that money is coming from and what we could lose along with it. Support your local library. These places matter.”
Steph Kelly & Shanda Walker
“My grandmother was the librarian for Calhoun County, so as I child I spent countless hours in a small local library. For me this opened up new worlds, sparking my curiosity and love for reading. I fear that Amendment 3 would deny children these opportunities that helped shape my life.”
Scott Clemons, Former Florida State Representative and Former Mayor of Panama City
“Going to the library and reading books allowed me the opportunity to explore a whole new world outside of my home. A library losing funding would mean kids like myself losing the opportunity to explore and imagine a world bigger than their own.”
D. Michelle Bryant, Founder of the PC Senior Living Group
“I love what libraries represent. Knowledge and opportunity shouldn’t only be available to people who can afford them. Someone might come in because they need internet access, want to learn something new, are researching where they come from, looking for their next opportunity, or simply need a safe place to be for a little while. There’s room for all of that. To me, libraries aren’t just buildings filled with books. They’re places filled with possibilities.”
Britt Reynolds
“Whether I’m looking for my next murder mystery or informational book to learn about my newest interest, admiring local artists work or attending a Tuesday at Two program, I know the library has just what I want. Library funding is important because libraries have something for everyone.”
Angie Gentry, Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries Board Member
“Libraries aren’t just sources of information — they’re sources for community. They’re a place that holds a safe space for our histories, imagination, special interests, local resources, gatherings, and community support. It’s both the books and the people.”
Teena Jaxon
“If you knew me growing up, I was either in the library or in a book. I still have my first library card where I could barely write my name on there. Just having the access to a library was an incredibly crucial part of my development and own personal safe place to escape.”
Amanda Jones
“As a homeschooling family, we rely heavily on the amazing book collection at our libraries. Not only does it save our family thousands of dollars per year, but we are also introduced to so many incredible stories that are making our learning so well rounded. With decreased funding for books, my family, as well as our community, will suffer.”
Carrie Kutzer
“If it wasn’t for the library having funding for so many new titles, I wouldn’t have had the books I needed. I’ve been visiting the Bay County Library since I was a baby and it definitely fostered my love of reading and learning. It would be dreadful to see other kids miss out on that.”
Silas Dyer, Bay High class of 2026, Yale class of 2030
“Libraries are the heartbeat of a community. A library is one of the few places where nothing is expected from you – no money, no fancy clothes, no degree, no name – yet so, so much is offered. I can’t imagine a single demographic that couldn’t benefit from the library.”
Victoria M.
“As a writer, I began as a reader, and libraries have always been a sacred space for me. They are one of the few places where anyone—regardless of age or income—can discover new worlds, learn new skills, and find inspiration for empathy. A library is one of the greatest investments a community can make. Protecting funding for our libraries is about protecting opportunity for everyone. Strong libraries build strong individuals and communities, which is the very reason some forces fight so forcibly to limit funding and ban books.”
Michael Lister, NY Times Bestselling Author, known for his acclaimed John Jordan mystery series
“I didn’t grow up in a house full of books. But I grew up with a library card. Because of that I have a house full of books. Without the public library I would have been a lonely child but those books, those stories, kept me company. Public libraries and public schools are the lifeblood of a community.”
Mike McKinney, Lucky Mud
“When I was a young girl, we checked out books from our local library all the time. I read so much that my Mom used to tell me to put down my book and go play outside! Without the library, my parents could have never afforded the number of books I read. The library opened up the whole world to me!”
Teresa Link, Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries Board Member
“I love libraries. I love books. Libraries are the cornerstone of democracy and needed in every community.”
Shelley Clark, JD Former Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries Board Member
“I’m a library power user. I’m there 4 – 5 times a month and I save tons of money not buying my books. I come from a family of book collectors, and the library has always been the best place for me. Get books, read, and relax.”
Sarah Woods, Former Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries Board Member
“The library has always been a sacred place to me. As a kid, the library and its shelves of books were my refuge from bullying and sadness. We must ensure today’s children are able to experience that feeling of safety and wonder, that only a public library can provide.”
Lou Columbus
Pictured: Sarah Burris, President of the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries, Hung Tran, Steph Kelly & Shanda Walker all photographed at the Bay County Public Library. Photo Credit: Lou Columbus
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