Libraries & Historical Resources
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November 2017 DIRECTOR’S REPORT – LIBRARIES & HISTORICAL RESOURCES Library News Two memorable events within two weeks! Libraries and Historical Resources staff celebrated two major milestones within a span of two weeks – one marking the beginning of construction of the new library in Venice, and the other marking the grand opening of the library on the campus of the new Suncoast Technical College. William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library Groundbreaking: . On October 30, about 200 people gathered in celebration and support of the new library at the groundbreaking event. The following donations were recognized: • $1 Million endowment from Dr. William H. Jervey, Jr. • $350,000 from the Friends of the Venice Public Library, for the capital campaign; and • $100,000 from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. [SARASOTA HERALD-TRIBUNE STAFF PHOTO / EARLE KIMEL] Shannon Staub Library Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening: . On November 7, over 300 people attended the Suncoast Technical College-North Port and Shannon Staub Library Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening. Shannon Staub was celebrated throughout the ceremony and received a Library Champion award from the Tampa Bay Library Consortium. Shannon announced gift of $50,000 from John and Rachel Jakes for programming at the library. The esteemed author is a Foundation Board member and [PHOTO / SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS] strong library supporter. Visitors received complimentary bags of goodies, including library information. S. Kalajian & K. Stone /November 2017 November 2017 DIRECTOR’S REPORT – LIBRARIES & HISTORICAL RESOURCES Programs and Events Creation Stations: As a result of $40,000 in gifts from the Shapiro Family, the Baltimore Orioles and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the first of the Creation Station makerspaces opened at the Shannon Staub and Selby libraries. All of the libraries will feature makerspace activities such as: Crafting and sewing, 3D printing, Coding, and Robotics. PRIME TIME at North Sarasota Library: North Sarasota concluded its PRIME TIME Family Reading Time program. PRIME TIME is an award-winning reading, discussion, and storytelling series serving children ages 6 through 10 and their families. The program encourages disadvantaged families that do not use the public library to read with their children and discover the variety of resources available to them at their library. During each session, participants bond over meals, storytelling performances and a discussion of themes such as courage, friendship, adventure and family. Friends of Selby Library Bookstore Grand Reopening: The Selby Friends celebrated the bookstore’s recent renovations by hosting a grand reopening event on October 20 and 21. Age-Friendly Festival: The Library System hosted a booth at the event on October 28. The booth was visited by nearly 400 people. InspireSarasota: Selby Library joined the Arts & Cultural Alliance and Sarasota County Schools to host the annual InspireSarasota on November 4. Activities included: Craft activities Book giveaways Art exhibits Music, dance and circus arts performances S. Kalajian & K. Stone /November 2017 November 2017 DIRECTOR’S REPORT – LIBRARIES & HISTORICAL RESOURCES Find Yourself System-wide Branding: Additional promotional materials, including flags, coffee mugs, and tote bags, were produced. System-wide materials to inform the public of library services and resources are in production. An informational flyer was developed to accompany library card applications. Director Sarabeth Kalajian attended the following meetings and events: 2017 Annual Florida Public Library Directors Conference Urban Libraries Assembly Meeting of State Library Council Sunshine State Leadership Institute orientation (serving as a mentor) Friends Alliance at Gulf Gate Leader’s Circle Shannon Staub Library Preview Party Library Advisory Board meeting and presentation of report to Board of County Commission The Arts Mean Business luncheon Opening of Venice Museum exhibit Construction kick-off meeting for William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library Two Fall Leadership Circle events Community Advocacy Team meeting Volunteer Statistics: As of the end of October 2017, Libraries and Historical Resources had 959 active volunteers. 17 volunteers have been recruited for Shannon Staub Library. Important Dates: Tampa Bay Library Consortium Annual Meeting: November 17 (Haines City, FL) Patron Feedback from Customer Comment Cards and Program/Class Surveys Regarding Drum Circle at Gulf Gate: “Loved that it brought us together like a family. Everyone dancing and singing and drumming together was awesome. Young and old shared in tons of wide smiles!!” - Anonymous Regarding I Spy Books program at Fruitville: “My grandson, Colin, had a totally fun time creating the pages of his book – the librarian is so encouraging and full of ideas – the teen volunteers were great! The librarian has a great, welcoming smile.” - Kathy Vaughn Regarding North Sarasota: 5-Star Rating! “The N. Sarasota Library is my second home – I have been a dedicated patron since its opening. The staff is OUTSTANDING w/expertise, hospitality, patience, as well as Smiles. Creative programs flourish – No other library can compare to its mission.” - Anonymous S. Kalajian & K. Stone /November 2017 December 2017 DIRECTOR’S REPORT – LIBRARIES & HISTORICAL RESOURCES Library News “I Love a Parade…” Two Holiday Parades, Spreading the Library Story! Sarasota’s 22nd Annual Holiday Parade, December 2: . Sarasota County Libraries celebrated the holidays and Sarasota’s Circus Heritage at the 22nd Annual Holiday Parade! . 18 enthusiastic library “elves” represented Sarasota County Libraries, spreading yuletide cheer, and enjoying a night of camaraderie, fun, and entertainment! . The precision BookCart Drill Team, pushing book carts adorned with lights, garland, and circus animals, mesmerized the crowd with its intricate choreography! . Many thanks to the Friends of Selby Library for contributing the book cart decorations! . Catch a glimpse of the “elves” in action! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgjQBUobng0 North Port’s Poinsettia Parade, December 9: . Sarasota County Libraries combined forces with Sarasota County’s Contact Center to celebrate the tree lighting and Poinsettia Festival! . The BookCart Drill Team wowed the crowds again, and the Contact Center had a grand float, featuring Frosty! . Library “elves” handed out “Book Bucks” for discounts at the North Port and Shannon Staub Libraries’ bookstores. S. Kalajian & K. Stone /December 2017 December 2017 DIRECTOR’S REPORT – LIBRARIES & HISTORICAL RESOURCES Programs and Events “An Old-Fashioned Holiday” North Port Library once again invited community members to enjoy the annual “Old-Fashioned Holiday” event on December 3. Staff and visitors celebrated the wonders of a traditional southern holiday! Highlights included: Performances by the North Port Chorale and North Port Woodwind Quintet Crafts for adults and kids “Florida Stories” with Carol Mahler Demonstrations: Butter making, woodworking, feather tree, basket weaving, embroidery Displays: “The Making of an American Holiday” and natural floral arrangements One Book, One Community 2018: The One Book, One Community 2018 book selection was announced on December 1. The selection is “Sing for Your Life: A Story of Race, Music, and Family” by Daniel Bergner. Libraries staff is collaborating with the Sarasota Opera, the Library Foundation and Suncoast Technical College to host two author visits on January 26: . 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Center at the new STC in North Port (4675 Career Lane). 7 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, and to register for an event, visit: http://onebooksarasota.com/ Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC) Annual Meeting 2017: Libraries staff represented Sarasota County Libraries at the TBLC Annual Meeting in Haines City on November 17. Sarabeth Kalajian concluded her term as Secretary on the Board of Directors. Staff hosted an Innovation Booth, featuring the Find Yourself branding materials and information about how the successful promotional campaign was developed. Executive Director Charlie Parker announced his retirement; a search for a TBLC leader is under way with anticipation that an ED will be in place early in 2018. Volunteer Statistics: With over 980 active volunteers, we send a message of gratitude for their service, their dedication and their friendship. THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS! S. Kalajian & K. Stone /December 2017 December 2017 DIRECTOR’S REPORT – LIBRARIES & HISTORICAL RESOURCES SCORE Workshop Series, “Doing Business In and With Sarasota County” A free panel presentation for new and existing business owners was held at Jacaranda Library, with simulcasting at Selby Library. Experts from Sarasota County Government shared information and answered questions: . Permits for building, occupancy, health, and fire . Environmental regulations, tax requirements, and land use and development . State of Florida regulatory and licensing information . The County’s procurement process, and how companies can do business with the County Sponsored by: Manasota Chapter of SCORE, a non-profit organization offering free and confidential mentoring, coaching, and counseling to new, existing, and start-up businesses; the Friends of Jacaranda and Selby Libraries; and Sarasota County. Thank you SCORE! Director Sarabeth Kalajian attended the following meetings and events: Community Advocacy Team meetings