Author Luncheons
February 9, 2024
12th Annual Love Our Libraries Luncheon with Colson Whitehead
We had a wonderful time celebrating our libraries with Colson Whitehead at our 2024 Love Our Libraries author luncheon!
Thanks to the generosity of our many community partners and donors, our event raised a record-setting $417,269 to support Sarasota County’s public libraries. We are incredibly grateful for our sponsors, donors, and library staff who made Love Our Libraries a tremendous success.
Press
Library Foundation celebrates Sarasota's public libraries with author Colson Whitehead
Your Observer
Two-time Pulitzer Prize novelist heads Library Foundation for Sarasota County fundraiser
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
February 10, 2023
11th Annual Love Our Libraries Luncheon with Erik Larson
On February 10, 2023, we welcomed 700 guests, the event’s largest attendance since its 2012 inception, to our annual Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon.
The event featured Erik Larson, best-selling author of narrative nonfiction including "The Devil in the White City," "The Splendid and the Vile" and other books that have been published worldwide.
The sold-out event raised a record-setting $386,100, which will help to fund Summer Learning programs at all ten Sarasota County public libraries, purchase books and digital resources, increase advocacy efforts, and enhance the libraries’ technological footprint.
Press
Erik Larson highlights 2023 Library Foundation luncheon
Your Observer
Author Erik Larson to speak at Sarasota Library Foundation luncheon
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary!
February 3, 2022
10th Annual Love Our Libraries Luncheon with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Photo by Your Observer
In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, we presented our annual Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon on February 3, 2022 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.
The event featured Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author, literary scholar, and creator and host of the groundbreaking PBS genealogy series, “Finding Your Roots.”
We’re grateful to everyone who supported our 2022 Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon, which raised over $350,000 to support our Sarasota public libraries.
Press
Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. leads Library Foundation luncheon
Your Observer
Henry Louis Gates Jr. to speak at Library Foundation for Sarasota luncheon
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
February 9, 2021
9th Annual Love Our Libraries Celebration with Susan Orlean
On February 9th, 2021, more that 1,000 individuals tuned in to watch our virtual Love Our Libraries Celebration, an event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating all the ways our library system has helped our community navigate the challenges of an extraordinary year.
Press
Author Susan Orlean talks love of libraries at Sarasota event
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Author Susan Orlean on the Importance of Libraries
Sarasota Magazine
February 10, 2020
8th Annual Author Luncheon with Bob Woodward
Photo by Mike Lang
On February 10th, 2020, more that 650 individuals arrived at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium for our 8th annual Author Luncheon, featuring best-selling author Bob Woodward.
Press
Journalist Bob Woodward to speak at Sarasota Library Foundation Luncheon
Sarasota Magazine
Bob Woodward comes to Sarasota for author luncheon
Your Observer
February 11, 2019
7th Annual Author Luncheon with David Brooks
Photo by Sarasota Herald-Tribune
On February 11th, 2019, we welcomed NY Times columnist and best-selling author David Brooks, along with 600 guests, to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium for our 7th annual Author Luncheon.
Press
David Brooks takes the stage for the Library Foundation for Sarasota County
Your Observer
David Brooks speaks at Library Foundation luncheon
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
February 7, 2018
6th Annual Author Luncheon with James Patterson
Photo by Your Observer
On February 7th, 2018, more that 600 library lovers celebrated our 6th annual Author Luncheon featuring best-selling murder-mystery author James Patterson.
Press
OUT AND ABOUT: Library Foundation Luncheon with James Patterson
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Murder-mystery author James Patterson gives audience a laugh
Your Observer
February 1, 2017
5th Annual Author Luncheon with Dave Barry
On February 1st, 2017, we held our 5th annual Author Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, featuring best-selling humor writer and longtime syndicated columnist Dave Barry.
Press
Humorist Dave Barry entertains Library Foundation Luncheon
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Dave Barry speaks at Library Foundation luncheon
Your Observer
Photo by Your Observer
February 8, 2016
4th Annual Author Luncheon with Cokie Roberts
Photo by Your Observer
On February 8th, 2016, an audience gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the Library Foundation’s 4th Annual Author Luncheon featuring Cokie Roberts, political commentator and author of six books including bestseller Women of Washington.
Press
Author Luncheon welcomes Cokie Roberts
Your Observer
Library Foundation Author Luncheon
Sarasota Magazine
February 11, 2015
3rd Annual Author Luncheon with David Baldacci
Photo by Your Observer
On February 11, 2015, we held our 3rd annual Author Luncheon at The Devyn, featuring best-selling author David Baldacci.
Press
Author David Baldacci visits Sarasota
Sarasota Magazine
Author Luncheon featuring David Baldacci
Your Observer
March 18, 2014
2nd Annual Author Luncheon with Carl Hiaasen
Photo by Your Observer
On March 18, 2014, community members gathered at Michael’s On East for our 2nd annual Author Luncheon, featuring best-selling author Carl Hiaasen.
Press
Essay Contest for Hiaasen Lunch
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
2014 Author Luncheon with Carl Hiassen
Your Observer
April 16, 2013
Photo by Your Observer