The people that work the downstairs part of the library are nicest can be the ones that work…read moreupstairs are rude selfish do not listen to the rules they apply to everybody else and do not like a biracial couples or anybody with a backpack I'd avoid the place if you can

Books and art…read more The Deland Library is a sleek and modern looking library that is exceptional well organized but still remains aesthetical interesting and attractive. Most libraries in Central Florida tend to be relatively new but frequently just look like big boxes that happen to hold books and computers. The Deland Library was definitely designed to be more than just storage for a bunch of books. The library has a very nice exterior with palm trees all around and the inside is spacious and uses natural light very well. Some great old photos of Deland are scatter around as well as some interesting and eclectic sculptures. The library has a very impressive genealogy and local history room and some interesting programs for both adults and kids. The staff were very pleasant and friendly and one of them even gave us a tour of their wonderful library A very nicely designed branch library that manages to do the usually libraries tasks extremely well without forgetting that there is more to a great library than just a bunch of books.

The Port Orange library is, unfortunately, the noisiest library I have ever visited. What should be…read morea quiet and welcoming space for reading, studying, and reflection has instead become disruptive and distracting. After raising my concerns with staff, I was told. 'That's the way it is now". For a public library, and institution meant to foster learning and concentration, this response was disappointing. Libraries should uphold their role as sanctuaries of peace and focus, not places where noise is normalized. I hope leadership will reconsider how the environment is managed so that patrons can once again enjoy the quiet, respectful atmosphere that a library is meant to provide.

I really enjoy this library; it is easy to access, they have very comfortable hours, and it is very…read morewell run. It is also very quiet and pleasant inside. The staff is very capable and always ready to help you. It has always been this way as far as I know, and I have been a Volusia County Library patron since 1983.

The last few times I've bee in this branch of the library, the staff has been less than helpful…read more The information on their website is inaccurate regarding services and programs and the librarian was absolutely rude to my daughter and I when we went in to pick up a book we had on hold. It's too bad because some of the other library branches in the area go above and beyond.

A Covid19 update on August 1st. This branch was closed for a while but is now reopened with regular…read morehours. I don't remember if masks are required, but the employees have them, and you should too. They have been giving away fabric washable masks there, in fact, as available. They encourage distancing, of course, and the stacks are labeled one way, though the times I have been there lately it is not at all crowded. They have plexiglass shields where you check out. They did some reorganizing when it they were closed. The DVDs are on regular shelves rather than rotating racks - easier to browse. Plus the non-fiction shelves have signs on the ends not only giving the Dewey decimal numbers in that aisle, but some subjects, such as Sports, History, True Crimea, etc. It is all good. As a general note, it is part of henLake a County library system now, which is handy as I can order stuff online from other libraries now and pick them up here in Eustis.

I recently had the opportunity to tour the historic 19th century DeBary Hall. The 20 room,…read moreItalianate style hunting lodge was located a mile from the St. John's River. The property was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places on July 24, 1972. DeBary Hall is the oldest intact building in southwest Volusia County. This historic site sits over 10 acres and includes the 8,000 square foot main home, stables, ice house, equipment shed, and tenant house. DeBary Hall was built in 1871 as the winter hunting retreat of Samuel Frederick DeBary (1815-1898), a European-born wine merchant for Mumms Champagne. He chose Florida to help ease his daughters asthma and to indulge in his love of hunting. This was the smallest of his six homes. While this may have been a vacation retreat, he still used it to make money. While in residence he operated a 600 acre citrus grove. He built a packing house beside the lake pier and was one of the first citrus growers to sort oranges by size by rolling them down an inclined trough with variously sized holes. He also developed the DeBary Merchants Line which ran a commercial steamboats for trade up the St. John's River to Jacksonville. German born Samuel Frederick DeBary was one of the wealthiest men of his day. His estate was a center of sport hunting and hospitality. In the late 1800's and early 1900's DeBary entertained Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland; the Astors, Goulds, and Vanderbilts, General William Tecumseh Sherman, and the Prince of Wales before he became King Edward VII. Popular activities included swimming in the local springs, fishing, and hunting quail, deer, and alligator. The DeBary's used the hall as their family winter retreat until 1941, when the last American ancestor, Leonie DeBary Lyon Brewster, died without an heir at the age of 31 in a plane crash with her husband. Her brother Adolphe met a tragic end at the age of 23 in New York while saving a young lady from being hit by a taxi. After Leonie's death there were plans was to create a grand subdivision in the 1950's and land was parceled out in 1/2 acre plots to begin Debary Village but it went bankrupt a few years into the project. After that DeBary Hall passed through various hands as the house was left to decay and the furnishings lost. The State of Florida purchased DeBary Hall in 1967. After years of abandonment, people came together in the 1990's to restore the home to its former glory. The State of Florida now leases the historic site to the County of Volusia as a historic house museum. The home has few original pieces but there are other period furnishings representative of what would have been accurate for the time. Unique advanced features of the house for the time include an elevator for guests' luggage, running water through a 500-gallon tank in the ceiling, wall fed electricity made onsite by natural gas, a wired call system throughout the entire house, and a lightning protection system that covered the roof. The house had Florida's first spring-fed swimming pool which used a pump to fill and drain the pool each day. Mr. DeBary also had the bathroom moved indoors which was not common for the time. Later on family members added indoor plumbing. The house also has an almost unheard of feature in Florida, a basement! My admission was only $5. I came late in the day and was lucky to receive a private tour from Ed who was so kind and knowledgeable. I learned do much about the DeBary family and the history of this area. A visit starts with a 15 minute movie about the history of the St. John's River during which you take a simulated steamboat ride. After the movie I was given an informative tour of both floors of DeBary Hall. In February they have an annual Living History Day that I would love to come back for next year. I highly recommend a visit DeBary Hall if you are in the area. A big thanks to the community for saving this historical gem for everyone to enjoy. DeBary Hall is a stop on the Lake Monroe-Gemini Springs-DeBary Hall trail. The Spring to Spring Trail is so named because the 6.6 mile trail links a number of state and county parks that contain springs. Be sure and check out some of the beautiful springs if you visit the area.

We came here on a Friday afternoon and took the tour with Ann. The tour took about an hour and a…read morehalf and we walked some of the grounds and toured the house upstairs and downstairs. We learned so much about the history of Mr DeBary his family and his vacation hunting home. There's also a short 15 minute movie with rotating seats! Prices are very reasonable $4 for seniors and $5 for adults. Kids $2. Although I think the kids may be a little bored. But each year they do offer a History Day that sounds amazing check the website. A must see if you're in the Sanford area. Across the street is Gemini Springs a beautiful Park where you can stroll through the woods or a long the beautiful springs. Pet friendly with dog park and kids area.

Nice place has lots of local history for Daytona. I love the painted murals inside. Super friendly…read morepeople working there. Price of admission very reasonable.

This museum was just steps away from the chocolate factory snd was recommended to visit this rainy…read moreday. It costs $10 for adult admission and was well worth the price. Find the director, she's a wealth of knowledge and is doing an exceptional job here. She's in search of full women mannequins to display the many articles of clothing ready to display. I'm a Florida native and learned so much visiting today. So interesting to learn about Daytona's history with artifacts thousands of years old on display.

Great location for an event. I had my daughter's wedding here and it worked great. Back rooms for…read moregrooms men vs Bridesmaids (larger room). Plenty of parking and even room for a 20 passenger limousine to pull up and turn around. The venue was wonderful for a casual wedding.

Just went to a wedding here. Nice space, pretty nice size. Bathroom were clean and big, the out…read moredoor area was pretty too. With the water and fountain in back

Today I had an interaction with the CBO who came to perform a fence inspection. I was helping my…read moreneighbor tear shed their storm damaged shed and was unaware a permit was required. The CBO was very polite and explained things respectfully and professionally. I know some people are quick to judge these departments but they are in place to protect us citizens. The CBO was very personable and my interactions with him were positive. My advice to my fellow citizens of Holly Hill is don't rush judgment on our city workers just because they do their job. A permit was immediately pulled and work continued. Thanks CBO for your understanding and for all you do in the community.

Our church purchased a ChungHo Nais water cooler and financed it through their company. Product…read moreGreat--Financing Bad! After a couple of years, we decided to pay it off, so we paid Eco Water. Unfortunately, that payment was lost at the finance company. After trying unsuccessfully to resolve the problem for three weeks, I had to call the Sheriff's. It was resolved immediately. However, the company refuses to service the water cooler whenever there is a problem or needs filter changes. And these things are expensive. Save your money. Don't do business with Eco Water!

Great experience all around. Andy K. was very helpful educating us about this technology. Got the…read moreERR3700 and installation was on time and easy. The installers helped us with the app and made us feel confident that the system will function perfectly.