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New Century Library Manager Focusing on Community Connection and Growth
May 6, 2025
The new branch manager of the Century Library, Stevie Thomas, is aiming to strengthen the library’s connection with area residents and expand its services.
Thomas previously served as a senior librarian and systemwide youth services coordinator for the West Florida Public Libraries (WFPL).
“I want to see the library grow and connect with the community,” she said. “I’m looking for ways to do that.”
She is working to increase the number of library programs, ranging from book-related events to educational classes.
The library’s annual Summer Reading Program for children begins May 27 and runs through early August. The Century Library will also participate in the WFPL system’s free summer lunch program, sponsored by Feeding the Gulf Coast.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Color World will launch in late May and feature a full schedule of events, including a community drum circle, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, a magical variety show, Art of the Wild, an interactive musical experience, dog puppets, an artist workshop, the popular Reno’s Reptiles, the Pensacola Museum of Art, a Moogician, Sunset Wildlife Connection, and Pensacola Little Theatre.
Thomas is also building partnerships with Pensacola State College, Camp Fire USA, along with Century Health and Rehabilitation.
“I want to see the Century Library be a part of the community,” said Thomas, who lives in the area.
Although located next to Century Town Hall and sharing a parking lot with it, the Century Library is a branch of the West Florida Public Libraries and is not affiliated with the Town of Century. The library is funded by Escambia County taxpayers.
Pictured: New Century Library Branch Manager Stevie Thomas adds a DVD to the library’s extensive collection and shelves books in the children’s area. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
8 Responses to “New Century Library Manager Focusing on Community Connection and Growth”
We first met Stevie at baby story time at the downtown library a few years ago. We are so lucky she is coming up here to share her skills and talent!
We first met Stevie at baby story time downtown a few years ago. She was incredible and we are so lucky she is coming out to the boonies to grow the library! Welcome Stevie!
I know the library does their best to respect everyone’s beliefs and lifestyles, not just Christians and conservatives. I’m glad there’s a place where everyone in the community can gather and access resources
This is great news! A great way to connect with the community will be to recognize the conservative and Christian element that is predominant in the local community. I personally know people who have chosen not to patronize the Century Library due to policies that do not reflect the local values. Sensitivity to this issue could go a long way towards turning around this trend.
There is a message on the library’s website that the transition to their new system is complete. And it is. I went into the library and discussed it with a librarian. The new site is mywfpl.com, not wfpl.com. I’ve been logging in, requesting books, and receiving them with no problem since then. Best of luck to you!
Congratulations to Stevie Thomas. May you thrive in your new Season with the WFPL.
“One way for the West Florida Public Libraries to grow would be if they fixed their website so people could sign in and use their accounts.”
Someone here just logged into a personal WFPL library account with no issues. Seems to work fine.
One way for the West Florida Public Libraries to grow would be if they fixed their website so people could sign in and use their accounts.
Someone in the media should write a story about this. Patrons spend a lot of time trying to fix their sign on information when the problem is with the West Florida Public Libraries website and there is no information on their website explaining anything about this problem.