Our Vision and Mission
SWFLN Vision
People will have fast, easy access to regional, state, and worldwide information resources through Southwest Florida libraries. Key stakeholders, funders, and the general public will be aware of the value of libraries to the quality of life, economic development, and education for Southwest Florida residents.
SWFLN Mission
Through the power of cooperation, SWFLN helps member libraries deliver better, faster service. It is the mission to provide library members with cost-effective sharing of library materials, staff training and education, and to help libraries make well informed technology decisions.
The Southwest Florida Library Network enhances and promotes library services in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, and Okeechobee counties.
- encouraging interlibrary cooperation among all libraries in the service area, including materials, facilities, and local experts;
- assessing member needs, providing training and education to keep members informed and current;
- promoting professional relationships and partnerships; and
- monitoring trends and demonstrating innovative technologies.
About SWFLN
The Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN) is one of the five, regional consortia of Multitype Library Cooperatives in the State of Florida. The SWFLN region covers Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Lee counties, although we also serve the Heartland Library Cooperative which includes DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands and Okeechobee counties.
Florida’s five Multitype Library Cooperatives (MLC)
- Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN)
- Panhandle Library Access Network (PLAN)
- Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN)
- Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN)
- Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC)
The team at SWFLN develops and executes SWFLN’s continually evolving range of member programs and services.
SWFLN works closely with an outstanding group of advisors, including the members of the Board of Directors, library leaders, and their staff.
Member Directory
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Research Library
Ave Maria University
Avon Park Public Library – Heartland Library Cooperative
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Barron Library – Hendry County Library Cooperative
Charlotte County Library System
City of Cape Coral Charter Schools
Clewiston Library – Hendry County Library Cooperative
Collier County Public Library
Collier County Public Schools
DeSoto County Library – Heartland Library Cooperative
ECHO
Florida B. Thomas Harlem Community Library – Hendry County Library Cooperative
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida SouthWestern State College
Fort Myers Beach Public Library
Glades County Public Library – Heartland Library Cooperative
Hardee County Library – Heartland Library Cooperative
Keiser University – Fort Myers
Keiser University – Naples
Lake Placid Memorial Library – Heartland Library Cooperative
Lee County Library System
Lee Health Library
Okeechobee County Library – Heartland Library Cooperative
Revs Institute
Sanibel Public Library
Sebring Public Library – Heartland Library Cooperative
Seminole Tribal Library System
St. Andrew Catholic School
Board of Directors
Dr. Richard Hodges, President (Assistant Vice President for Library Services, Florida SouthWestern State College)
Linda Waters, Vice President, Treasurer (Director, DeSoto County Library)
Jeremy Brown Treasurer (Associate Dean, University Library, Florida Gulf Coast University)
Matthew Etzel Secretary (District Manager, Lee County Library System)
Karen Smoczynski, Personal Affiliate Representative (Retired, DeSoto County Library)
Tracy Herman (Regional Librarian, Charlotte County Libraries and History)
Elaine Sullo (Medical Library Manager, Lee Health Medical Library)
Nicole Hellard (Director, Barron Library)
Amy-Jane McWilliam, Ex Officio, Non-Voting (Executive Director, SWFLN) SWFLN Staff
Mindi Simon, Immediate Past-President, Ex Officio, Non-Voting (Director, Lee County Library System)
Strategic Plan
Contact Information
Staff Directory
Amy-Jane McWilliam
Executive Director
Amy-Jane McWilliam brings over 20 years of extensive experience in library and research roles. Holding a Master’s in Information Science from Florida State University, Amy Jane has consistently demonstrated leadership throughout her career, highlighting her dedication to making strong community connections through strategic planning, staff development, resource evaluation, and community engagement.
Melissa Lanzilotta
Director Of Professional Development & Administration
Melissa is passionate about the intersection of education, technology, and community advancement. Melissa had the privilege of navigating diverse professional landscapes that have shaped her approach to making a difference. From overseeing a school library media center, teaching technology and robotics and coaching teachers on instructional technology, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of educational resources and innovative teaching methods. Having seen the profound influence that libraries have on local communities, she is dedicated to ensuring that the resources and training offered by SWFLN enhance and promote library services that reach every corner of our region.