The mission of the Heartland Library Cooperative is to provide to the citizens of the member-county service area with enhanced access to library materials and library services which would otherwise be unavailable under current and anticipated funding. This cooperative venture will expand the quality and quantity of library materials to local residents by providing greater access to regional collections through shared technology, shared resources and cooperative collection development.

The Highlands County Library System was created by affirmative referendum in 1987 to be governed by the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners. The system was formed by joining through contractual agreements, the municipal libraries of Avon Park and Sebring, and the Friends of the Library supported library of Lake Placid.

The Board of County Commissioners created a Library Advisory Board that coordinates major library operation and policy concerns with the Director. The Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for the development of the library. The System Director reports to the Highlands County Administrator. The Avon Park, Lake Placid and Sebring Public Libraries each have a professional librarian acting as library manager. These librarians report to the System Director.