Palm Harbor Library in Palm Harbor, Pinellas County, United States | Library

The Palm Harbor Library in Pinellas County, Florida is unique in the state of Florida in that it is the first and only Library to be funded by a Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU). The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative is the only other Library entity in the state that is also funded by a MSTU. "The MSTU is an instrument provided county governments to fund provision of municipal services, principally in unincorporated areas. Prior to 1991, MSTUs could not include municipalities. In 1991 the legislature amended F.S. 125 to allow the inclusion of municipalities in MSTUs. The MSTU is only a funding source and therefore lacks the secondary benefits provided by independent or dependent districts." (footnote 1). MSTUs are distinctly different from special taxing districts, but are often included in special taxing districts reviews at the state level.

The Palm Harbor Library is also unique in that it has the largest number of volunteers in the state. Volunteer workers are the backbone of the Library and continue the tradition of community involvement and dedication that were essential in the development of the Library. The Palm Harbor Library owes its existence to Mrs. Jeannette Malouf and the hundreds of volunteers who unselfishly donated the thousands of hours of service, books and materials that made it possible.