One thing libraries have learned from bookstores in the last decade is marketing. We're trying to entice people to read.

The libraries of old -- passive organizations that just sat around waiting for people to come in and take the books off the shelves -- those days are over, ... We have competition out there.

There is no Ruth Eckerd Hall in Palm Harbor, so for a community like ours, libraries are serving as cultural centers. It's not just books and magazines. It's a whole cultural endeavor, and I hope people see the big picture.

What do we owe this to? I think the building draws people. We have a better layout and more shelving, so the books are more approachable. It looks really sharp, and users can find things faster.

It's gotten busier and busier in every aspect you can imagine, ... We're doing a good job about letting people know our story, and people are excited to come here.

All I'm trying to do is make people aware because most don't even think of this. And it does affect people's health, no doubt about it.