North Port Library selected for new PBS ‘Library Corner’

April 20 ceremony held to mark the designation and recognition of childhood literacy advocate Phyllis L. Ensign

County Commission Chair Paul Caragiulo presides during the April 20 event, with many youngsters in attendance. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County via Twitter

North Port Library has been selected to feature the WEDU PBS Phyllis L. Ensign Library Corner, “a multi-media exhibit offering a robust collection of children’s books, movies, music and educational materials,” Sarasota County has announced.

The decision to name the corner for Ensign, a long-time supporter of local libraries and childhood literacy, came after she provided a $4-million gift to WEDU in 2015, a news release explains. The North Port library is one of only four in the WEDU service area to host such a corner, the release points out.

“We’re honored and appreciative to be among the libraries selected for this wonderful collection of books, recordings, tablets and activity kits,” said Sarabeth Kalajian, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, in the release. “This is an exciting opportunity to continue inspiring the children of our community, and to foster their love of reading.”

A ribbon cutting was held during the regularly programmed story time on April 20, the release noted.

The North Port Library is located at 1300 Tamiami Trail in North Port.