Library Foundation Raises Record-Setting $509,460

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The Library Foundation for Sarasota County welcomed 600 guests to its 13th annual Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon at The Ora on February 7, raising a record-setting $509,240 to support Sarasota County public libraries. The guest speaker was international best-selling author and champion of literary culture, Ann Patchett.

Event proceeds will enhance Summer Learning programs at all ten Sarasota County public libraries, increase advocacy efforts, and enrich the libraries’ audio book collection. The Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon was supported by 50 community partners, including Presenting Sponsor, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Author Reception Sponsor, Bookstore1 Sarasota.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our community partners and donors whose generous support helps the foundation to strengthen Sarasota’s public libraries,” said Alisa Mitchell, the Library Foundation’s executive director.

The mission of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County is to champion strong public libraries, support innovation and help to extend the library system’s reach for everyone in Sarasota County. Since its founding in 2011, the nonprofit Library Foundation for Sarasota County has raised more than $8 millionin private funds for the benefit of Sarasota County public libraries. To learn more about the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and how you can support its mission, please visit SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941-404-3139.