Learn more about the Friends of the LWR Library. See our INFOGRAPHIC here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Board of Directors, May 2024

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.

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 our new branch.

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

Steve Borkenhagen                      Treasurer

Janet Allen                                      Director

Emily Finnegan                              Director

Sue Glass                                        Director

Melissa Hood                                 Director  

Lindsay McSweeney                      Director  

Tammy Parrott                  Library Services Manager

Tiffany Mautino                 LWR Branch Manager

Callie Hutchison               LWR Assistant Branch Manager

COMMITTEES & CHAIRS

Bookstore Volunteers: Melissa Hood

Donor Recognition Wall: Sue Glass

Events: Lindsay McSweeney

Financial: Steve Borkenhagen

Grants: Sue Ann Miller, Ed.D.

Marketing & Public Relations: open

Membership: Emily Finnegan

Mission: Janice Novello, Ph. D.

Stewardship: Janet Allen

Technology: Regina Negrycz

Board Meeting Dates 2024

4:30 pm

               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

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

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software
Questions? Send us an email.