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July 2023 BE AN ADVOCATE FOR OUR LIBRARIES By Anne Roman Libraries need community support to thrive, and we need you to be an advocate for our new library and the Manatee County Library System. Being a library supporter means communicating to the county government how crucial free public library services are to you and your family. When you look behind the scenes at successful public libraries across the United States, you inevitably find a strong Friends group that raises funds and advocates to ensure that their library is relevant and well-funded. Read more here.
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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. 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. |
MissionThe 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. | HistoryThe 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 our new branch. | PurposeManatee 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 DIRECTORSSue Ann Miller, Ed.D. President Regina Negrycz Vice-President Ruth Castor Secretary Jim West Treasurer Janet Allen Director Emily Finnegan Director Rhonda Leiberick, APR Director Melissa Rice Director Tammy Parrott Library Services Manager Tiffany Mautino LWR Branch Manager Callie Hutchison LWR Assistant Branch Manager | COMMITTEES & CHAIRSBookstore Volunteers: Melissa Rice Gala: Joyce Blight 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 |
Board Meeting Dates 2024
Tuesday January 9, 2024 Zoom
Tuesday March 12, 2024 LWR Library
Tuesday May 14, 2024 LWR Library
Annual Meeting, Board Elections
Tuesday September 10, 2024 LWR Library
Tuesday November 12, 2024 LWR Library
Meetings, times and locations are subject to change.
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 |
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Founded in February 2017, the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.