The three libraries in Highlands County are part of a library co-op called The Highlands County Library Cooperative. Although each library functions independently, one Director oversees the entire library department. Each library has several librarians, including a children’s librarian and a reference librarian.

The library system is utilized by residents throughout the county. On average 280,000 items are checked out each year. In 2004, the Library Services Department undertook a massive expansion and renovation project that benefited both the Avon Park and Lake Placid Libraries. A Smart-Card patron access management system was installed for easy access to patron accounts.. A library card is free to anyone who lives in the four Heartland Library Cooperative counties: DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands , and Okeechobee. Each library provides free Internet access, free beginner computer lessons, and access to more than 400,000 items from books to compact discs.