HOLMES BEACH – Though it’s been around since 1965, the Island Branch Library’s doors officially opened at its current location in 1982, making this year one to be celebrated.
For the 40th anniversary of the library’s location at 5701 Marina Drive, the Friends of the Island Library are working with library staff to plan some special events for the community to help celebrate the library and its positive contributions to the community.
Kicking off the fun for the winter/spring season is the Friends-sponsored lecture and travel series, held this year in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church to accommodate more people and social distancing. The popular lecture series began Jan. 13 with Steve Blass of the Pittsburgh Pirates and continues each Thursday at 2 p.m. into March.
Upcoming speakers include Cathy Slusser on Jan. 20 with “Cross Country Tails,” Dr. Tim Berra and “All Things Bourbon” on Jan. 27, “Dive into Reading” with John and Amanda Horne on Feb. 3, Mary Scharf and “Southeast Guide Dogs” on Feb. 10, “Walking the Inca Trail” on Feb. 17 with Joe Arena, Robert Gaglio and “Venice Empire from the Lagoon” on March 3 and Dr. Beth Brady’s “All About Manatees” presentation on March 17.
The very popular Friends of the Island Library book sale is planned outdoors in the library’s parking lot on Saturday, Feb. 26. Friends President Julie Perry said that this year’s book sale should be one of the best ever as many books have been donated for the event. Donations of gently used hardcover and paperback books, DVDs and children’s books are welcome and can be dropped off at the Island Branch Library during business hours or deposited in the after-hours book return drop box.
Proceeds from the book sale, as well as the Friends membership drive, are being used to help fund the many community programs that the group sponsors and purchase new furniture for the library. An open house anniversary celebration for the library is being planned this spring for the community when a check from the Friends for the new furniture will be presented.
The book sale isn’t the only time the community can take home a book from the library without having to worry about returning it. A carousel of beach-read books is available in the library every day for free along with a selection of books near the front of the library available for purchase.
Another way the Friends are encouraging the community to get involved and celebrate the library’s 40th anniversary is through a new program called “An Appetite for Books,” in which local eateries and the library promote each other. The program, launching Jan. 30, has four sponsors this year. Ginny and Jane E’s is the first sponsor partner from Jan. 30 through Feb. 5. On Feb. 10, the Friends are partnering with Pizza Social. Feb. 13-19 will feature Hometown Desserts and the final restaurant partner for this year is the Blue Marlin from Feb. 20-26.
In partnering with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Trolley Grant Awards, Branch Supervisor Aileen Valdes said that the library will be home to Sprout backpacks, early literacy and STEM kits for children up to age eight. The kits can be checked out by parents or guardians and help foster learning through books, toys and other objects. The Sprout backpacks will be exclusive to the Island Branch Library and can be checked out by anyone with a Manatee County library card.
Valdes said that to be a member of the Manatee County library system, you either need to present picture identification with a Manatee County address, provide proof of owning or renting a residence in the county or pay the $25 annual fee for a non-resident library card.
To join the Friends of the Island Library, visit the library to fill out a membership card or go online to the Friends website. Annual membership tiers go from $10 for an individual, $15 for a family membership, $25 for a library lover, $50 for a patron membership, $100 for a benefactor and up to $300 to have your name or the name of a loved one inscribed on a brick on the library’s honor wall. All Friends memberships at levels of $25 or more come with a tote bag. Tote bags can also be purchased at the library for $10.
