It's National Friends of Libraries Week and we started the celebration Friday, October 18, 2024 with a Member and Volunteer Appreciation Event. Over 50 attendees heard Commissioner George Kruse, Assistant County Library Manager Lyn Begraft, and Branch Manager Tiffany Mautino praise and thank them for their commitment and dedication in support of the library.  The Friends raised $411,000 to double the size of the opening day collection and have provided an additional $49,000 for programs, equipment and materials in the past ten months! Our members and volunteers make a incredible impact and demonstrate a united spirit of service to our community! THANK YOU!


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FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS


Photo: Brianna on left, Melanie on right.

Help Support Melanie’s Recovery After Hurricane Helene 

Our dedicated Lakewood Ranch Library staff member, Melanie, has always gone above and beyond for her community. Sadly, her home on Anna Maria Island was devastated by Hurricane Helene, leaving it flooded with over three feet of water, mud, and sand. She has lost nearly everything—furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. 

Fellow staff member and good friend, Brianna, has set up a GoFundMe account to help Melanie replace essential items, repair her home, and cover daily living expenses as she begins to rebuild.  

Please consider donating and sharing her story to help make a difference. Every little bit helps! 

Link to GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/84821dad

Thank you for your generosity and support!

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ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF LAKEWOOD RANCH LIBRARY


The mission of the Friends of the LWR Library is to raise awareness and appreciation of our library’s services, programs, and resources as well as funds to fill the gaps left by county dollars. An all-volunteer, non-profit organization, the Friends are committed to champion and sustain the Lakewood Ranch Library with funds that will provide lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities for everyone!

Want to donate books to the Friends' Book Nook?

The Friends currently accept gently used hardcover adult and YA fiction books published within the past five years, as well as children's books and puzzles.  We don't have storage space at the library so please read our procedures here.


THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS PATRON MEMBERS!

Marisa Bucci

David and Claire Charlson

Color It Up Painting, LLC

Fogg Sound DJ Entertainment & Event Lighting

Jennifer Klobuchar

Marcia Krajewski

Machuga Financial

Alan and Charlotte Miller

Premier Home Watch and Concierge

Charles and Norma Slade

Slim Chickens

Sozo Web Agency

Travel Changes Life

Dale Weidemiller

Upcoming Events

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Branch Updates

The new library branch is now open. It is located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway (near Premier Sports Campus) in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. It is designed to be approximately 50,000 square feet to accommodate the tremendous growth in East Manatee County. Read more...

Seeking Volunteers


It's a good feeling to give back to your community. Email us to get involved in our Bookstore.


THANK YOU SPONSORS


A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE LAKEWOOD RANCH LIBRARY  (REGISTRATION NO. CH57400) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com

Founded in February 2017, the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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