New foundation for Sarasota County's libraries forms

Sarasota County’s library system now has a new champion.

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County has been established to ensure the county’s libraries’ future an indispensible community resource.

A non-profit corporation, the foundation will raise private funds to complement public tax support, increase public awareness of the importance of libraries and keep libraries in the forefront of technology and services.

Although the foundation is not a part of Sarasota County government, it will work closely with the library system, the county’s Library Advisory Board and existing friends’ groups at all nine county libraries. While the friends raise money for individual libraries, the foundation will address big-picture, system-wide needs.
Former Sarasota County Commissioner Shannon Staub, known for her support of libraries when in office, is the foundation’s president.

“I am honored to be part of this effort because I am a lifelong library-lover and user,” Staub said, in a news release issued Tuesday. “Libraries are more important than ever. The foundation will help our libraries meet current challenges and serve future generations.”

The board, made up of residents from throughout the county, includes best-selling author John Jakes, as well as community leaders with vast experience in philanthropy and civic affairs.

The foundation’s launch coincides with the library system’s recent designation as Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association. The foundation’s first project will be a year-long educational campaign celebrating that award.

Despite the award and the popularity of the Sarasota County library system (74% of Sarasota County residents hold library cards, and 10,000 people visit one of the nine libraries every day), significant challenges loom. County and state support for our libraries has decreased every year since 2007, causing significant reductions in staffing, collections and hours.

“That’s why the foundation is essential,” said board member Charlie Huisking. “We’re not going to replace the county’s support, but supplement it with private money for programs, collections and new technology.
The foundation will seek donors, large and small, to support the possibilities for the future of the county’s libraries."

For information about the foundation, or to make a donation, www.sarasotalibraryfoundation.org or call 497-6643.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].