Editing Lynn Haven, Florida (section)

==Library==

Lynn Haven Public Library, Bay County's first library, was established in the city of Lynn Haven in 1911 when a group of fourteen ladies donated a book and three magazines.<ref name="Lynn Haven Public Library">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www2.youseemore.com/lynnhaven/contentpages.asp?loc=40 |website=Lynn Haven Public Library |access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> Without a true library, they met in various homes and other local buildings as the Lynn Haven Literary Club.<ref name="History of the Library">{{cite web |title=History of the Library |url=https://www.cityoflynnhaven.com/226/History-of-the-Library |website=City of Lynn Haven |access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> By 1915, the collection grew to 500 volumes. In 1922, the McMullin family donated a building and $1,000 and library became known as the McMullin Library.<ref name="Lynn Haven Public Library" /> The Literary Club began a weekly story-telling hour on Saturdays for children under the age of twelve.<ref name="Lynn Haven Public Library" />

In 1925, the Literary Club joined the Federation of Women's Club, continuing their sponsorship of the McMullin Library. The Lynn Haven Women's Club provided building maintenance and expense, made several improvements, and purchased many books.<ref name="Lynn Haven Public Library" />

In 1961, the McMullin Library joined the Northwest Regional Library System. During this time, the city was flourishing and required a larger, more modern building. The building was moved to make room for the widening of Ohio Avenue and was moved three more times before finding a permanent home on Georgia Avenue. In 2017, the Heritage Society of Lynn Haven and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows began a $110,000 renovation project to restore the building.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkins |first=Neysa |date=2017-05-05 |title=Restoring Lynn Haven's past |url=https://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Restoring-Lynn-Havens-Past-421410494.html |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=www.wjhg.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 1970, the new North Bay Branch Library was constructed. In the middle of the 1980s, the library underwent a major expansion to improve service and create room for over 11,000 volumes. A fund drive was held, along with funds matched by a grant from the State of Florida allowed for the building addition. The grand opening happened at the end of 1988.<ref name="Lynn Haven Public Library" />

In 1990, the City of Lynn Haven took charge of the library's financial responsibilities and the name was changed to the Lynn Haven Public Library.<ref name="Lynn Haven Public Library" />

Hurricane Michael, a category 5 storm, damaged the library in 2018. The building was removed in March 2021. City leaders may use the $1.9 million in insurance money to build a new library in a different location. Plans for a new library were unveiled in January 2022, but no decision has been made as of November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-26 |title=Lynn Haven unveils designs for new library |url=https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/bay-county/lynn-haven/lynn-haven-unveils-designs-for-new-library/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=mypanhandle.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=Lynn Haven library plans could be postponed |url=https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/lynn-haven-library-plans-could-be-postponed/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=mypanhandle.com |language=en-US}}</ref>