The goal of our organization is to foster sound, long range support of the Venice Public Library’s goal to provide the most outstanding public library service for the Venice area.
The Friends of the Venice Public Library, Inc. continues it’s rich history of active support to ensure outstanding library service for the community. As we move forward we will continue to work with County Commissioners and Library administration to ensure a superior public library for the Venice Area and it’s citizens.
WHAT IS LIBRARY ADVOCACY?
The majority of the funding for the Sarasota County Public Library System is derived from public funding. The Friends advocacy efforts are intended to ensure adequate public funding exists to support a superior library system.
DOES ADVOCACY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
YES! In 2007, in order to cut costs, it was proposed that in addition to reduced hours, some libraries in Sarasota County would also loose days of operation. It was through advocacy that extreme cuts, were avoided.
In April of 2009, the Florida State Legislature proposed “0” funding in state aid to public libraries. It was through the efforts of Friends groups like ours throughout the state of Florida that this aid was restored.
ISN’T THE LIBRARY USED LESS TODAY THAN IN THE PAST?
No! In fact, the use of the library has been near an all time high for the last several years. In 2008, Venice Library circulated 421,582 items, which translates into every item circulating 4 times last year. Sixty-six percent of Sarasota County residents have a library card, according to the Florida Library Directory with Statistics 2008.
The library has added new technology in the recent past providing self-checkout stations, databases available from home, and other innovations for the convenience of library users.Card users can browse the library catalog online, reserve and renew items over the internet. Computers for internet access are available in the library, visitors to our community receive free internet access. In addition, WiFi is offered throughout the library for laptop users, so everyone can access the internet and surf the web.
Advocacy has been used to bring these new technologies to our library. It will be the method by which we can ensure future funding of our public library to our growing community.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Each year the County Commissioners determine the library’s operating budget, help us to inform the Board of County Commissions, and our State officials of the value of your local library. Lend your voice to our efforts. It can be as simple as making a phone call and telling our officials how much you appreciate the library. Others can write a letter or email to our representatives explaining how important it is to maintain funding for public libraries.
And remember while election years are important, these officials need to hear from us year-round.
The Friends primary advocacy goal is to expand public funding to support the Venice Public Library and the Sarasota County Library System. Please help us as we work with our elected officials in pursuit of this essential goal. A great way to start is by signing up to be part of our Advocacy Network, which provides timely updates on critical library issues -- including calls to action. Sign-up below.
Speak Up!
Thank You to the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
for naming Friends of the Venice Public Library, Inc.
