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Tag: Island Branch Library

Library lecture explores artificial intelligence

Written by Lance Roy on . Posted in Entertainment, Lectures.

HOLMES BEACH – “Demystifying AI: What It Is and What It Can Do For You” was the title of the lecture given by Manatee County Librarian of Information Services Ryan Nunez. 

Speaking to a capacity crowd gathered inside the Island Branch Library’s community room on Thursday, Feb. 5, Nunez spent nearly an hour discussing artificial intelligence (AI). 

Nunez said artificial intelligence has been under development for more than 50 years, though its rapid expansion into public use has occurred largely within the past five years. He referenced the origins of AI in 1950, when British scientist Alan Turing proposed what became known as the Turing Test – a concept designed to determine whether a machine could imitate human conversation well enough that a person could not tell the difference.

Nunez then shifted to modern applications, highlighting widely used AI platforms such as OpenAI ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. He explained that these tools allow users to generate information, draft documents and complete various tasks in seconds.

The presentation addressed both the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. Nunez discussed concerns that included copyright infringement, plagiarism and the spread of misinformation. He emphasized that AI users are responsible for verifying information generated by AI systems and they should use AI technology ethically.

The artificial intelligence lecture was well-attended. – Lance Roy | Sun

During the question-and-answer session, attendees asked about AI’s role in current news events and the challenges of identifying misinformation. Nunez reiterated that individuals must evaluate and confirm the accuracy of the information they receive.

Another audience question focused on controversies surrounding data centers that support AI systems. Nunez explained that concerns in some communities center on the high electricity and water usage required to operate the facilities.

“With artificial intelligence still new to many people, questions and research are ongoing,” Nunez said.

Friends of the Library volunteer Sue Seiter introduced featured speaker Ryan Nunez. – Lance Roy | Sun

After the discussion ended, Friends of the Library volunteer Sue Seiter thanked Nunez and encouraged attendees to return for the three remaining lectures in the eight-week lecture series. 

Robert Gaglio will present his “The Other Italy” lecture on Thursday, Feb. 12. “Captain” Scott Moore will present his “50 Years on Anna Maria Island” lecture on Thursday, Feb. 19, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder Nate Jacobs will conclude the lecture series on Thursday, Feb. 26. The free lectures begin at 2 p.m. The Island Branch Library is located at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

Jewelry Sale offers great deals for a great cause

Jewelry Sale offers great deals for a great cause

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – For the second year in a row, the Anna Maria Island community has shown incredible support for the Island Branch Library. The Friends of the Island Library (FIL), a group of volunteers dedicated to fundraising and support for the library, held their second annual jewelry sale. More than 22 volunteers began taking jewelry donations and sorting them in November 2023 and have been working towards the event, which was held on March 15 and 16. Hundreds of people came out to shop for bargains on high-quality items, which were priced as low as $1.

FIL member, Julie Perry said they were blown away by the number of items donated. Thousands of items were donated and priced from $1 to $50 or more. There were also high-end items from brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and plenty of gold and silver. Many of the high-end items were sold through a silent auction to maximize the fundraising efforts.

“This community is just unbelievable; they’re so generous,” Perry said. “I have no words for the amount of donations we have received, it’s just crazy.”

Perry said this year, due to the incredible amount of donations, they expanded the floor space used for the sale and added more space for non-jewelry items such as handbags, scarfs, wallets, vintage items and other various accessories. Perry also wished to thank Jess Jewelers, who helped appraise some of the more valuable items, making it much easier for the volunteers to correctly price the items and amplify their potential.

FIL says the reason they do this work is their love of the Island Branch Library and the need for the funds. Perry likens it to school teachers, although schools are publicly funded, just about everyone has heard of teachers buying supplies with their own money due to lack of funding. Public libraries are in a very similar situation; while publicly funded, those funds are not enough to do everything the library is capable of providing to the community. FIL uses funds from this annual sale to support projects such as new furniture, supplies, lectures and programming. Funds from this year’s sale will go to replacing the conference room flooring that is in disrepair.

FIL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and can be reached at www.friendsoftheislandlibrary.org for anyone interested in learning more about its mission. As of the time this story went to print, the Sun was not able to get a total amount raised from this year’s Jewelry Sale. Last year they raised $7,500, and Perry says they hoped to top $10,000 this year. The Island Branch Library is located at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Library Advisory Board awaits commission decision

Library Advisory Board awaits commission decision

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners left the county’s eight libraries without an advisory board when they voted 6-1 to table seven appointments to the nine-seat board in January, despite having 13 candidates step up to volunteer.

Two of those candidates were seeking reappointment to the board.

The move was initiated by Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who said that he didn’t feel any of the candidates, including the two seeking reappointment, shared the same viewpoint as the county commissioners.

Commissioner George Kruse was the lone dissenting vote.

In April 2023, commissioners voted to expand the library board from five to nine seats. With the four new seats vacant and three of the five existing seats expired as of Jan. 31, that leaves only two members sitting on the board.

The 2023 county ordinance governing the Library Advisory Board, ordinance 23-105, which replaced a previous ordinance from 1984, states that the board must be ruled by a simple majority. Without a majority, the board can’t meet. The county’s webpage dedicated to the advisory board notes that meetings, usually held once a month, are now to be determined. As of press time for The Sun, no county commission agendas had been released listing the appointments to the advisory board as an agenda item.

According to the ordinance, board members are tasked with several responsibilities, among them, working with the library services manager to review and purchase new books and other materials, making recommendations on available and new resources and providing recommendations on the Manatee County Collection Development Policy.

They are also in charge of receiving grants, payments and other monies designated for the library and turning them over to county commissioners; advising the library services manager on public needs that can be served by the library and giving input on programs and services; reviewing and recommending library policies to the county board of commissioners; reviewing and recommending a long-range plan for library services to the county commission; ensuring that the library collection meets the needs of the public; and annually presenting a report to Manatee County commissioners on the state of the library system.

Speaking during the Jan. 23 county commission meeting, Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott said that she was pleased with the candidates who had put their names forth for consideration to the Library Advisory Board and said it was “the most robust” pool of candidates she’d seen in her time with the county.

All nine seats on the Library Advisory Board are appointed by Manatee County commissioners. Each person appointed to the board serves a four-year term unless filling an unexpired term vacancy on the board.

Letter to the Editor: Commissioners stall library board appointments

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

On Jan. 23, I listened to the Manatee County Commission meeting. It has been about a year of discussion to expand the current “volunteer” Library Citizen’s Advisory Board. After the ordinance passed, people within the community came out, adhering to the specific demographic requirements. Sure, some positions only had one candidate, but others had multiple. As Tammy Parrott stated, she was happy with the candidates.

The motion to table was made by Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, stating, “I’m not satisfied with the applicants on the list… the individuals on the list are not like-minded to this board.” Not one of you asked him to define what like-minded means to him. So, I ask, what is the definition? Without an answer, I can only conclude Commissioner Van Ostenbridge only wants Republican-registered applicants to apply for advisory board positions. If this is true, we live in a democracy and this attitude is discrimination.

Your continuing disregard and disrespect for the professionals who lead this county, not only in the Library Department, but other departments, shows a lack of good conduct on your part as an elected leader, and inappropriate means for change.

Thank you to Commissioner Kruse, the only one of you who had the resolve to question and dissent from the motion set forth.

Now you have tabled the appointments and because of this decision, the advisory board does not have a quorum and can’t meet! There was no reason why the two returning members should have been restricted from approval and no reason why the positions with multiple applicants could not have moved forward. How did you vet the process?

Your residents came out to volunteer, several are college educated (with masters), extensive employment backgrounds and volunteer experience. What a letdown for them.

I respect the work of the County Library Department leaders and staff, and they have responded positively to all your requests for library changes and improvement. What a letdown for the staff!

As a resident of Manatee County, I am very disappointed with the rhetoric I heard and the silence from this Board of Commissioners. Remember, in the United States we live in a democracy.

Julie Perry

Friends of the Island Library

County commissioners reject library board applicants

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – Despite having candidates to fill seven vacancies on the nine-seat county Library Advisory Board, county commissioners declined to make any appointments or reappoint two candidates to the board.

Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott presented the applications to the county board of commissioners during a Jan. 23 meeting. While she said it was nice that there were multiple applicants for some of the vacant seats, including the one designated for an Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key resident, some of the seats had only one applicant. Parrott asked commissioners if they were ready to make an appointment to those seats or if they would like to open it back up to see if any more applicants put their hats in the ring for consideration.

Of the seven open seats, one is for a city of Bradenton resident, one for a city of Palmetto resident, one representing the Island communities, one for a Lakewood Ranch/Myakka resident, one for a librarian with a Master of Library Science degree, one for a parent/guardian of a child currently enrolled in Manatee County schools and one for a parent/guardian of a child that is homeschooled in Manatee County.

Only the seats representing the Island communities, Lakewood Ranch/Myakka and the librarian received multiple applications. The applicants for the city of Bradenton and Palmetto seats were seeking reappointment to the board. Putting their names up for consideration for the Island communities’ seat were Ashley Dawson, Nancy Deal, Karen Moss and Corey Wright.

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said he was “not satisfied with any of the applicants on the list” and recommended reopening the application process.

“This is the most robust applicant pool I’ve seen since I started working at the county,” Parrott said. “I was very pleased with the response.”

She noted that the current Library Advisory Board expires at the end of January and she was planning for the new appointees to be in place and begin work in February. She said she was happy with the applications received.

“I don’t see many individuals on this list who are like-minded with this board,” Van Ostenbridge said.

Parrott said three seats are expiring at the end of the month. Currently, there are five people on the board, which is planned to be expanded to nine in 2024. She added that with three seats expiring on the current board, the advisory board would be left with only two members in February with commissioners not making any appointments.

Rather than amending his motion to table the entire discussion until new applicants could be found for all of the seats, Van Ostenbridge said, “I’m not willing to amend my motion. Some may consider it hostile if they like but I would rather the board not meet at all than have a board that’s going to meet and make decisions that are not in line with this county commission.”

In a Jan. 23 email, President of Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library Sue Ann Miller said that she felt Van Ostenbridge’s comments could possibly be seen as discrimination since no board member asked him to define “like-minded.”

“I applied for the AMI position on the county’s Library Advisory Board,” Holmes Beach resident Nancy Deal said. “I would not be upset if someone more qualified than I was considered but none of the AMI applicants were considered.”

“I have no idea what I could have written on my application form that indicated any kind of ‘minded,’ let alone ‘not like-minded’ with BOCC,” Deal said, questioning if the decision made by the board was a form of bias against Island residents.

Commissioner George Kruse, who gave the lone dissenting vote on Van Ostenbridge’s motion to table the discussion, said that he felt the application process was well-advertised and the applications were well-received with one of the applicants for reinstatement on the board serving since 2017.

“These are people who clearly care,” Kruse said.

He also noted that the advisory board is tied to a millage rate being collected by the county and he worries that the county cannot collect millage due to failure of the board to meet. He advised that the commissioners should have the county attorney look at the ordinance governing the board before making a decision. County commissioners voted 6-1 to table the discussion.

New mural adorns Island Branch Library

New mural adorns Island Branch Library

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

HOLMES BEACH – Heads are turning as people drive past the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, after the recent addition of a colorful mural that stretches the length of the west side of the library. The mural depicts an undersea reading adventure where a diver enjoys a book with a curious octopus, fish and even a manatee eager to learn.

The mural was painted by Matt McAllister at Matt McAllister Art, and funding for the project came from the Friends of the Island Library, who held a highly successful jewelry sale in March of this year that raised enough funds to get the work done.

“The Friends and library staff, especially Aileen Valdez, library supervisor, worked with Matt to develop a design that would highlight a young reader surrounded by books and sea life, including a manatee, the logo for Manatee County Public Library System,” Jan Riggs, president of the Friends of the Island Library, said in an email to the Sun. “Once designed, the mural was approved by both library administrators and Manatee County commissioners.”

Riggs added that the mural will serve in another way by bringing local corporations, businesses and residents together to develop a focused fund for the Island library and staff. Details about this endeavor will be released in the fall.

Library advisory board to expand

Library advisory board to expand

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

BRADENTON – Concerned citizens symbolically held up books, such as Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” in protest of a controversial proposal by Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard at the April 18 commission work session.

The county currently has a library advisory board that consists of five citizens who advise commissioners on a variety of subjects regarding libraries and their policies, but for Ballard, this isn’t enough.

“There’s been some confusion, maybe some deliberate fearmongering. My colleagues and I have been referred to as mullahs, fascists, Hitler book-banners and other incendiary terms,” Ballard said. “Public libraries have the responsibility to present all points of view, even if I, as an elected official, any other elected official or an advisory board finds those points of view personally abhorrent.”

According to Ballard, the current five-person advisory board was designed in the 1970s and its only requirement for members is to reside within prescribed geographic boundaries within the county.

“I’d like to see a larger collection development board with members that serve certain roles in the county,” Ballard said.

The new board would not have the ability to remove existing material from any county library, but if it did not agree with the purchase of new library items due to content or any other reason, the hope would be that librarians would consider the board’s opinion. In the end, the decision would rest with librarians, not the board.

Ballard closed her proposal by asking for the requirement of a parental consent form in order for anyone under 16 to check out materials related to sex education, reproduction and other books involving human sexuality, including LGBTQ+ materials, even if they are strictly educational. She also asked for general labels on children’s books involving human sexuality, coming-of-age, LGBTQ+ and other similar materials.

Commissioner George Kruse challenged the need for a second board, asking Ballard why a 15-person board was needed in addition to the current board, which would be essentially doing the same thing. Adding in third-party consultants, he said, amounts to the government being much bigger and more intrusive than it needs to be.

“I like smaller government,” Kruse said, “I also think that government is terrible at overseeing my life. To be finding a way to expand government with an additional advisory board in order to tell me more about what to do with my life seems to be counterintuitive to everything I campaigned on.” 

The room had more citizens than seen at many meetings and, at one point, bailiffs were brought down to remove at least one person after multiple interruptions were made while commissioners discussed the issue. All were reminded that everyone who wished to speak would be allotted their three minutes.

“I’m a Manatee County resident and I was appalled watching the Feb. 21 meeting in which the board came off as inflammatory,” Anna Maria Island resident Cory Wright said while addressing the board as a concerned citizen. “It was clear in the last meeting that you think some of the libraries’ collections are too gay, too racially diverse and too liberal for your sensitivities.”

Wright’s comments were echoed by numerous citizens who said they think the proposal is taking things way too far and crossing First Amendment lines. Very few in attendance were on board with the expansion for the advisory board.

“We are unsure of the motivation leading to this. If the BCC would like to gain understanding of the library and provide more oversight, the mechanism is already in place,” Julie Perry, of Friends of the Island Library, said in an email to The Sun. “The appointment of a secondary citizen board is a provocative move. The county commissioners, citizens and library users would be better served if staff were allowed to continue their work and the BCC were to engage with the existing library advisory board. We need to remind the commissioners that our librarians are highly trained professionals, that includes book selection processes.”

After the public comments concluded, Ballard revised her initial motion to ask for the admission of additional members to the current advisory board rather than creating an additional board. The motion to expand the advisory board from five to nine citizens was unanimously approved by commissioners. Once the new board plan is drafted by the county attorney’s office, it will return to the board for formal adoption.

Jewelry sale success for Island Library

Jewelry sale success for Island Library

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Clubs, Entertainment, Events.

HOLMES BEACH – Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Island Library, significant funds will go to help the Island Branch Library and those who use it, raised at an event that couldn’t have happened without the generosity of many in the community.

“This is the first-ever jewelry sale that we’ve had,” said Julie Perry, a member of the Friends of the Island Library and the chairperson of the jewelry sale committee. “It’s all via donations from the community, so without the community support, we couldn’t support our Island library.”

The March 10-11 sale featured deals on jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings and more for reasonable prices ranging from $1 to $10. All the items for sale were donated by people in the community so all the money raised could go to projects related to the library.

“The reason we support this is because libraries run on such a small and tight budget,” Perry said. “With help from the Friends, the added value is funding programs for kids and adults, new furniture, craft supplies, equipment, beautification projects and other things that add value to our wonderful libraries.”

The Friends send a special “thank you” to the many who donated their jewelry and time to make the sale a success. Although the total amount of money raised from the sale is not yet known, they said they were very pleased with the turnout and expect this to be an annual fundraiser.

Celebrating 40 years at the Island Library

Celebrating 40 years at the Island Library

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

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.

Letters to the Editor: Roser crucial to book sale

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

Once again, the Friends of the Island Library are very grateful to Roser Community Church for making a space for us to have our popular book sale. A smaller space, but we had fewer books. The sale was another success, bringing in more than $3,500 to be used for future children’s and adult programs at the Library as well as our Lecture and Travel series. All books were donated.

So many thanks to the many volunteers who worked hard hauling, sorting, pricing etc. to get the book sale in shape. I have much admiration for your constant support. To the LaPensees for storing the books all year and everyone who attended the sale, we are grateful.

Please, friends, note that we have no space in the library at this time to store books and would be obliged if you would hold the books you wish to donate until July of this year.

Denise Johnson

Holmes Beach

More Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Thanks for Sun support

Letters to the Editor: No late calls, please

Janis Ian in demand for library appearance

Janis Ian in demand for library appearance

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Archives.

HOLMES BEACH – When Janis Ian makes her appearance for the Island Branch Library’s Friends’ Lecture and Travel Series Thursday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m., she will likely do so before the largest audience in series history.

The library has enlisted the aid of Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, located nearby at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, to handle the large crowd. To attend, you will have to get a free ticket at Waterline at 11:30 a.m. on the day of her appearance.

Ian will sing, read and talk about her life and career. Her appearance at Waterline will be live streamed to the library so more people can watch. Afterward, she will sign copies of her book for attendees.

Ian broke into the popular music world at the age of 16 with “Society’s Child,” a ballad about interracial dating in the socially conscious mid-1960s. She followed up in the 1970s with “At Seventeen,” a Grammy award-winning song about the importance of looks among young females.

She won a second Grammy in 2013 for Best Spoken Word Album, for her autobiography, “Society’s Child,” with a total of 10 nominations in eight different categories.

Janis Ian currently lives in Nashville with her wife, Patricia. The couple has visited Anna Maria Island in the past and is trying to engineer a move to the Island. Ian is familiar with the Island Branch Library but has not previously taken part in the popular lecture series.

“That’s why I said yes when they asked me to be a speaker in the lecture series,” she said. “I love what they do there and I’m a big supporter.”

Ian, who continues to write music, said she kept busy after “At Seventeen.”

“I went on the road from 1978 to 1982 and explored some things, but I was and am always writing,” she said.

“I look forward to my appearance for the library and I’m expecting to meet some nice people,” Ian said.

Legos at the Island Branch Library

Legos excavation at library

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Family fun.

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Legos Excavation on Saturday, June 24, from 2 to 3 p.m. It’s part of the library’s free summer activities where learning is mixed with fun.