February is Library Lover's Month at your Santa Rosa County Library, a month-long celebration of public libraries and a time for everyone to recognize the important role libraries play in local communities and the nation as a whole.

One import role of public libraries is building strong economies. A recent study by the state of Florida reveals that for every $1 spent locally on libraries, the return on investment is $5.64. Research has also shown that everyone loves libraries, but no one thinks about them very much. That's where you come in. You don't have to be a public relations expert to promote your library. You just have to talk about your library. Here are some ways to do it:

Communicate with local, state, and federal officials and urge them to make library funding a high priority.

Encourage your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to get involved. Many people are not aware of what the library needs.

Invite your librarian to talk about library services and needs.

Speak up for libraries at groups that you belong to - PTA, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, League of Women Voters, and faculty groups.

Write a letter to the editor of your newspapers or call in to a radio talk show to express your support for your library.

If you would like to learn more about the Santa Rosa County Library System, link to http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/libr aries. The Santa Rosa County Library System is a department of the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners. Libraries are located in Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, and Navarre with the Pace library opening in 2007.