CRESTVIEW, Fla. — The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative and the Crestview Library are celebrating the launch of a new book lending machine and pick-up locker, expanding access to readers in south Crestview.
The new equipment, located at the Crestview Welcome + Adventure Center at 5131 South Ferdon Boulevard, operates like a vending machine but is free to use with a library card from Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville, or Valparaiso.
A grand opening ceremony will take place at the site on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 10 a.m.
“This is a fun and convenient way for us to expand our library services to Okaloosa residents who are not able to make the drive to the north end of Crestview,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon.
“I commend the work and partnership of the City of Crestview, our Public Library Cooperative and our Tourism Department who were able to make this happen.”
Crestview Mayor JB Whitten also expressed his support for the project.
“The book lending machine is a great addition to our community,” said Mr Whitten.
“This initiative not only expands our library services to south Crestview citizens but also encourages more people to visit and utilize the Welcome + Adventure Center.”
The project was described as a legacy initiative of former County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, who advocated for better library access for residents living south of Interstate 10.
For more information about the new machine and other library services, visit readokaloosa.org/alwaysopen.
