BRADENTON BEACH – As the new librarian at the Tingley Memorial Library, Stephanie Katz is focused on initiatives to bring people back into the library.
“I definitely want to bring our bread-and-butter patrons back in, especially people who live in this direct community and also the snowbirds who come down,” Katz said. “I’m hoping when they come back this year, they see us, and they’re excited about the new things we’ve done.”
Katz is bringing book clubs and local artist showcases to the library, along with a newly-expanded children’s section and best-seller books.
“People love this library, and I think some people don’t even realize we’re back open after the storm because unfortunately, the library was closed for such a long time,” Katz said. “We just want to get the word out that we’re back open.”
Katz is expecting to have best-selling books on the shelves within next few weeks.
“We’re going to be getting some new books in shortly,” she said. “My biggest number one plan is to get those best sellers on the shelves so people can check them out.”
Another new initiative at the library will be a monthly book club.
“It will be book clubs with books by Florida authors,” she said. “Other libraries have book clubs, but none focused on local authors.”
The first book will be “The Mango Tree” by Fort Myers author Annabelle Tometich and the book club will meet on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m.
“We’re refreshing the children’s collection with some new books so that we can get some more families back in,” she said. “We have some coloring sheets and some toys in the children’s area. If people want to bring their kids in for a little bit to come play and get out of the sun, they can.”
Rhea Lana’s of Manatee County donated more than 750 children’s books along with multiple board games for younger library visitors.
Local artist Kelly Hunt, founder of the Painting with a Fish art class and Charted Waters apparel, will have her works celebrating coastal living on display at the library throughout the winter.
The Tingley Memorial Library is a private library and is not affiliated with the Manatee County library system. Except for Katz, it is staffed by volunteers. Most library operations are funded by a bequest from Beulah Tingley, and the rest is funded by donations, memberships and sales of used books.
“We’re a membership-based library. Membership is just $10 for the year, and kids are free with an adult membership,” Katz said. “You get a library card with us if you’re a member and you can check out three items at a time for three weeks. As an adult with a card, your kids or grandkids can get a card for free, and they can check out items on their card as well.“
To attract renewed community interest and support, Katz said the library will be represented at events such as Christmas on Bridge Street.
Katz, a lifelong Anna Maria Island resident, has worked in libraries in Manatee County for more than 15 years, most recently as the youth services librarian at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach.
She was introduced to the city commission at the Oct. 23 meeting.
Vice-Mayor Deborah Scaccianoce said at that meeting: “Stephanie has lit our volunteers on fire. There is so much engagement at our library now.”
