The Context
2.1 Environment & Setting
DeFuniak Springs is a small town of approximately 6,000 residents located within Walton County, Florida (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). Geographically, DeFuniak Springs is situated within the Florida Panhandle, nestled between Pensacola and Tallahassee, Florida's state capital. To the south of DeFuniak Springs shares Walton County with quaint and picturesque towns like Seaside and Destin, both well known for their beautiful beaches and prime real estate. DeFuniak Springs itself is notable for Lake DeFuniak, one of only two naturally perfectly round lakes in the world.
2.2 Community Profile
DeFuniak Springs, situated in Walton County, Florida, is a small city with a population of 5,919 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. The city serves as the county seat and is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin Metropolitan Statistical Area. Geographically, DeFuniak Springs is located in the Florida Panhandle and is characterized by its rural setting, with surrounding areas comprising unincorporated communities and natural landscapes.
Race and Ethnicity: The racial makeup of DeFuniak Springs is predominantly White (63.41%), followed by African American (16.83%), and Hispanic or Latino of any race (11.07%). Other smaller racial groups include Asian (0.91%), Native American (0.44%), and individuals identifying with two or more races (6.64%).
Age Distribution: The median age of residents in DeFuniak Springs is 40 years old. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (n.d.), the age distribution is the following: Under 18 years: 21.1%, 18 to 24 years: 8.7%, 25 to 44 years: 23.1%, 45 to 64 years: 24.3%, 65 years and older: 22.8%
Educational Institutions: DeFuniak Springs currently maintains two public elementary schools (Maude Sanders Elementary School, West DeFuniak Elementary School), one middle school (Walton Middle School), and one public high school (Walton Senior High School). DeFuniak Springs also maintains a public charter school accommodating grades 5 - 12 (Walton Academy), a public alternative schools accommodating grades Kindergarten - 12 (Walton Initiative for Success in Education), and a vocational public school (Emerald Coast Technical College). DeFuniak Springs is also home to a satellite campus of Norwest Florida State College, whose main campus is located in Niceville, Florida.
Economic Indicators: The median household income in DeFuniak Springs is $51,883. Approximately 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% of the U.S. population living below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024).
Political Profile: At the local level, DeFuniak Springs operates under a nonpartisan political system. Elections for positions within DeFuniak Springs (including positions like the Mayor and City Council members) are conducted without regard to political party affiliation (City of DeFuniak Springs, n.d.).
2.3. Agency “System-Centric” + “User-Centric” Profiles
The Walton-DeFuniak Library located in DeFuniak Springs, was first established in 1886 and is the oldest continuously operating library within the state of Florida. Located in downtown DeFuniak Springs, Florida, it functions as a branch of the Walton County Public Library System and financially supported by both the City of DeFuniak Springs (within the Parks and Recreation Department) and the Walton County Commissioners (City of DeFuniak Springs, n.d.). The Walton County Public Library System's mission statement aims, "To provide services, spaces, materials, and experiences that promote innovation, exploration, creativity, literacy, and learning for personal growth and limitless opportunities" (Walton County Public Library System, n.d.)
The Walton-DeFuniak Library services patrons reflective of the demographics of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. The Walton-DeFuniak Library offers various materials and programs catered towards all age groups and multiple interests, including children's story time, adult education classes, club meets (Children's Chess Club, Lego Club), craft workshops, and makerspace equipment.
References
City of DeFuniak Springs. (n.d.). Draft charter: Nonpartisan elections [PDF]. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.defuniaksprings.net/DocumentCenter/View/14463/DFS-Draft-Charter-NP-Copy---for-May-6th--Meeting
City of DeFuniak Springs. (n.d.). Walton-DeFuniak Library. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.defuniaksprings.net/945/Walton-DeFuniak-Library
Data USA. (n.d.). DeFuniak Springs, FL. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://datausa.io/profile/geo/defuniak-springs-fl
U.S. Census Bureau. (2024). Income in the United States: 2023 (Report No. P60-283). U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2024/demo/p60-283.pdf
U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). QuickFacts: DeFuniak Springs city, Florida. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/defuniakspringscityflorida/PST045224
Walton County Public Library System. (n.d.). Library information. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://waltonlibraries.com/library-information/