Library to check out new model

The Longboat Library could shelve its current membership fee-based structure. In its place, the library is considering the adoption of a voluntary donation system and foundation that would raise funds for the private, not-for-profit organization.

Board members also hope a new donation-based structure could make the library eligible for town and county funds.

“We’ve listened to everything the commissioners have told us,” said board member Hazel Steskal. “There seems to be a hang-up for commissioners because we are a private library.”

The library is currently “in the planning stage” for potential changes, according to Steskal.

Library board members first approached the town to request assistance two years ago. Founded in 1957, the library’s $28,000 budget comes primarily from membership fees, donations, book sales and charging for use of its computers.

The library owns its building and leases its land from the town for $10 every 10 years but has faced rising insurance and maintenance costs in recent year.

Board members asked the Longboat Key Town Commission to consider ways the town could help the library shoulder costs, possibly by adding it to its insurance, but they learned the carrier wouldn’t allow it because the library is a separate entity from the town.

The Sarasota County Commission agreed last year to give the library a one-time, $20,000 grant for capital improvements.

Last fall, county officials told library supporters the county is limited in the ways it can assist because state aid is predicated on the point that library services are free.

In January, at a Town Commission candidate forum, Mayor Jim Brown told members that line items in the town’s budget have typically been reserved for organizations belonging to the town but suggested that library services are an area in which the town could seek some of its tax dollars that go to Sarasota County each year.

“It would be worth pursuing whether you would gain funds through the county by dropping the annual fee,” he said.

Library board members will discuss possible changes throughout the summer, according to Steskal.