ADVOCACY

March 2022 : LIBRARY HOURS TO INCREASE!

Thanks to our wonderful county library services department and public advocacy, county libraries will increase hours of operation. New hours will be Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The change will occur gradually as additional staff is hired. Central and Braden River Libraries will see the adjustments first and then the other branches will follow. The Friends organizations at all locations are pleased to see how our combined voices make a difference! Thank you for your support!

Manatee County Libraries Master Plan

In 2019, Godfrey Associates were contracted to provide a comprehensive guide for library facilities, operations and services for the next 10 years. Sponsored by The Manatee Library Foundation, the consultants’ review identifies strengths and needs.

The Manatee County Library Master Plan was presented to the Manatee County Commissioners in November 2021.

As a result of the Library Master Plan, Library Services published a Long Range Plan with four goals, that reflect the findings of the study. Library Services is moving ahead with the Long Range Plan with hopes of having many goals underway or completed prior to the opening of the new library on Rangeland Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.


Mission

The mission of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library is to support the library and sustain its work for the continued enrichment of the people of Manatee County. This is accomplished by educating the community, advocating to support the efforts of the Manatee County Public Library, and providing funding for the library through public and private sources.

History

The Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library started as a grassroots movement in February 2017 formerly known as the Friends of the East Manatee Library at Lakewood Ranch. In January 2018, the first public meeting was held seeking volunteers for committees and board members. The first Board of Directors meeting was held in May 2018 with six board members. Our work supports the Manatee County Libraries with a focus on the new branch coming to Lakewood Ranch in 2023.

Purpose

Manatee County government budget and funding is stretched to cover the costs of library facilities and staff salaries. Therefore the Friends organization raises money to support lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities for all ages. Programs supported include, but are not limited to, story time, summer reading, cultural events, computer classes, special library collections, and book clubs.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sue Ann Miller, Ed.D.                   President

Regina Negrycz                             Vice-President

Ruth Castor                                    Secretary

Jim West                                         Treasurer

Janet Allen                                      Director

Emily Finnegan                             Director

Barbra Kaprielian                         Director

Rhonda Leiberick, APR                 Director                       

Tammy Parrott                  Library Services Manager

Tiffany Mautino                 LWR Branch Manager

COMMITTEES & CHAIRS

Author Luncheon/Gala: Open

Bookstore: Barbra Kaprielian

Financial: Jim West

Grants: Sue Ann Miller, Ed.D.

Marketing & Public Relations: Rhonda Leiberick, APR

Membership: Emily Finnegan

Mission: Janice Novello, Ph. D.

Stewardship: Janet Allen

Technology: Regina Negrycz

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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