Supporting Libraries, Strengthening Community

Make your voice heard for libraries! Sarasota County’s Fruitville Library has submitted a $500,000 grant request for essential renovations and expansion. The grant stands a strong chance of passing—but only if funding is approved. The Florida Senate has proposed $5.5 million for Public Library Construction Grants, but the House has proposed $0. Please Take Action Now: Email or call your state representatives and urge them to support the Senate’s proposed funding for Public Library Construction Grants. Let them know how vital our libraries are to education, access, and community life! Contact information for our elected officials is here. PS: We’re also closely monitoring the status of federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding. Sarasota libraries receive approximately $300,000 annually from IMLS grants, which fund the purchase of books and materials. To learn how you can advocate for this funding to remain intact, click here. Mark your calendars! Free For All: The Public Library Public libraries are cornerstones of our communities—but have you ever wondered how they came to be? Free for All: The Public Library is a new WEDU documentary that explores the history and heart of this essential American institution. From the bold women who led the “Free Library Movement” to today’s librarians navigating closures and book bans, this film shines a light on the people who turned a radical idea—free access for all—into reality. Don’t miss the premiere on Tuesday, April 29 at 10 p.m. on WEDU PBS. Celebrating Library Milestones and Community Library Foundation board members and staff had a wonderful time celebrating two recent special milestones: the 20th anniversary of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library and the 10th anniversary of the Gulf Gate Library. Thank you to the incredible library staff and Library Friends whose hard work and vision made these celebrations so meaningful! We're also grateful to Commissioners Mark Smith and Joe Neunder for their support and remarks highlighting the vital role libraries play in our community. A new library catalog is coming! Sarasota County Libraries is launching a brand-new catalog on Thursday, May 8! The upgraded system offers smarter search, personalized recommendations, and easier ways to find what you love. Enjoy features like unified title displays that show all formats—print, digital, and audio—in one place, enhanced author pages, and a more engaging children’s catalog. Get a sneak peak here! Please note: all library locations will be closed on Wednesday, May 7, to prepare for the launch. Give smarter with your DAF! More and more people are choosing to give through their assets—not just cash—to make a bigger impact without spending more. One popular way to do this is through a donor advised fund (DAF). If you're looking for a simple, strategic way to support the libraries you love, a gift from your DAF might be a great fit. Learn more here or contact Alisa Mitchell at 941-404-4985 or alisa.mitchell@sarasotalibraryfoundation.org. Give from my DAF 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.  Thank you for your generous support.  Make a Donation Today We champion strong public libraries, support innovation and help to extend the library system’s reach for everyone in Sarasota. sarasotalibraryfoundation.org | 941.404.3139 | hello@sarasotalibraryfoundation.org 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  Our Contact Information *{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}* *{{Organization Website}}* *{{Unsubscribe}}*