Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon Raises $556,730
Thank you to the 600 friends who joined us February 6 for our 14th annual Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon.Together we raised a record-setting $556,730 to support Sarasota County public libraries! This amount includes a $75,000 challenge match which raised $193,000. Guest author Harlan Coben was as thrilling as his books, and a self-proclaimed believer in libraries. “I’ve never known a strong community that didn’t have a strong public library system,” he shared. And we agree!
And make sure you save the date for next year’s celebration: Friday, February 5 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets go on sale this fall.
February is National Library Lover's Month
As we wind down National Library Lover’s Month, we wanted to share the 2026 Love Our Libraries video with you. It showcases some of the many reasons we love libraries -- and librarians. Enjoy!
Library Foundation Earns Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
We’re excited to share that the Library Foundation has earned a Four-Star Rating (99%!) from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator.
We are committed to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability to ensure that resources entrusted to us are used for the greatest possible impact. Thank you for choosing us to be your philanthropic partner to support Sarasota County’s public libraries.
Good Vibes (and Flamingos) at Gulf Gate Library
Thank you Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources for hosting a celebration in honor of Library Lovers’ Month. A wonderful crowd ‘flocked’ to the event to learn what’s new at our local libraries. There’s so much happening at our libraries – take a look.
Giving Challenge Returns. Save the Date: April 15-16, 2026
The 2026 Giving Challenge will be held April 15 – 16, noon to noon. Save the date so you can help:
keep children engaged in reading
strengthen technology resources
advocate for robust public library funding
bring world-class authors to Sarasota
promote early literacy
The 2026 Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation.
Great communities deserve great libraries.
Your tax-deductible gift helps ensure the future of our libraries as an indispensable community resource. Learn about all the ways to give here.
The Library Foundation for Sarasota County is a qualified tax exempt charity under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture Consumer Services under §496.405, Registration No. CH35489
