Volusia Libraries Earn Statewide Recognition

Posted On: June 2, 2025

What do refurbished bicycles and entrepreneurial dreams have in common? They're both changing lives through Volusia County Public Library's groundbreaking programs – and earning the library system prestigious awards across Florida.

Rolling Toward Success

Picture this: A job seeker finally lands an interview, but there's one problem – no reliable way to get there. Enter the library's Pedal Forward project, a game-changing initiative that's putting wheels under opportunity. Born from the keen observations of the County's Social Worker in the Libraries program, this creative solution tackles a surprisingly common barrier that keeps people from employment and essential services.

The innovation caught statewide attention, earning NEFLIN's coveted Library Innovation Award 2024. But more importantly? It's getting people to work, to interviews, and to the services they need to build better lives.

Where Business Dreams Take Flight

Meanwhile, aspiring entrepreneurs are finding their launching pad through the Acuity Business Pass program. This isn't just another workshop series – it's a comprehensive support system developed with Volusia County's Economic Development Division that fosters entrepreneurship and supports local economies by giving residents access to meeting spaces, business resources, mentorship, and tools to help small businesses thrive.

The results speak volumes: The program swept major honors, claiming both the 2025 Libraries Mean Business Award from the Florida Library Association and the 2025 Library Innovation Award from NEFLIN. But the real success stories are the small businesses now thriving thanks to mentorship, resources, and meeting spaces that helped turn ideas into reality.

Celebrating the People Behind the Magic

Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum—it happens because of dedicated people like Dale "Rusty" Larrimore, who earned the Florida Library Association's 2025 Outstanding Paraprofessional Award. This statewide honor recognizes Larrimore's exceptional service and leadership that touches every corner of daily operations.

The recognition didn't stop there. Four team members earned PEER Choice Awards, the region's gold standard for library excellence:

• Pia Andersen – Behind the Scenes Award (for the essential work that keeps everything running smoothly)
• Jessica Deprinzio – Make It Happen Award (for turning challenges into solutions)
• Mary Clogston – Ambassador Award (for representing the library's mission with distinction)
• Susan Yirak – Above and Beyond Award (for service that exceeds every expectation)

Summer Adventures Await

As school doors close and summer begins, library doors swing wide open with engaging programs designed to keep young minds active and curious. With activities spanning all 14 branches, families have endless opportunities to explore, learn, and discover together.

Ready to see what's happening near you? Dive into the full lineup of summer programs at www.volusialibrary.org and discover why Volusia County Public Library isn't just checking out books – they're checking all the boxes for community innovation and service.

The Volusia County Public Library system continues to prove that libraries are far more than repositories for books—they're launching pads for dreams, solutions for challenges, and cornerstones of thriving communities.