A tremendous THANK YOU to the Wenk Family Charitable Foundation for their $26,000 multi-year grant supporting our partnership with the Imagination Library! Thanks to their generosity, 200 additional children from Sarasota will enroll in this critical early literacy program. The Library Foundation is delighted to support 1,450 local children in this transformative and cherished book-gifting program!
Mark your calendars for the
2025 Love Our Libraries author luncheon!
It’s almost time to announce the author for our 13th annual Love Our Libraries author luncheon! Keep your eyes on ourevent page in October for the big announcement and the opportunity to buy your tickets to this sell-out event supporting Sarasota's public libraries!
Tax-Savvy Ways to Support Our Libraries
Did you know? Donations of non-cash assets not only sustain our libraries but come with valuable tax benefits!
A Qualified Charitable Distribution is a tax-smart way for those 70 ½ or older to donate from their IRA, while satisfying the annual Required Minimum Distribution. And when you donate stock, your contribution to our libraries can be larger than if you sold the stock and donated the cash, due to tax savings. It's a win for you and a win for our libraries!
Mark your calendars for a special celebration on October 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as we honor the 20th anniversary of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library! This library’s inspiring journey began in 1979 when Betty J. Johnson and the Friends of the Library secured a $10,000 grant to launch a mobile library. That mobile service grew into the North Sarasota Library, which opened its doors in 2003. In recognition of her four decades of service, the library was named after Johnson in 2019.
Come join the community in celebrating Betty J. Johnson's legacy and all that this library continues to offer!
Join us in championing our libraries!
This summer, members of our Board Advocacy Committee took action, meeting with elected officials to champion Sarasota’s libraries and spread the word about the foundation’s mission and work. Now it's your turn! Head to our Take Action page to share why libraries matter to you, request advocacy postcards, download social media graphics, and more. Every voice makes a difference!
It’s Library Card Sign-Up Month!
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, the perfect time to unlock endless possibilities at your local library. Whether you're looking to explore new books, access digital resources, or attend enriching community events, your library card is your gateway to knowledge and adventure. It’s free, easy to get, and opens the door to a world of opportunities.
Your tax-deductible gift helps ensure the future of our libraries as an indispensable community resource. Click on the button below to make a credit card donation, or
The Library Foundation for Sarasota County is a qualified tax exempt charity under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture Consumer Services under §496.405, Registration No. CH35489
