The Library Foundation for Sarasota County Raises $386,100 to Benefit Sarasota County Public Libraries at Annual “Love Our Libraries” Author Luncheon

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County welcomed 700 guests, the event’s largest attendance since  its 2012 inception, to its annual “Love Our Libraries” Author Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton on February  10. The guest speaker was Erik Larson, best-selling author of narrative nonfiction. His talk was followed  by a question-and-answer session led by Renee Di Pilato, Director of Sarasota County Libraries and  Historical Resources. 

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. The “Love Our Libraries” Author Luncheon  was supported by 45 community partners, including Presenting Sponsor, Gulf Coast Community  Foundation, and Author Reception Sponsor, Bookstore1 Sarasota. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for our many community partners and donors whose support makes this  event a success and helps to ensure the strength of Sarasota’s public libraries,” said Alisa Mitchell, the  Library Foundation’s executive director.