Funds to support Sarasota County public libraries’ Summer Learning program
The Library Foundation for Sarasota County has received a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the Sarasota County Libraries’ Summer Learning program, the Library Foundation has announced.
The summer program is “designed to spark imagination, inspire creativity, and support life-long learning for all ages,” a news release explains.
Funds also will be used “to support the Library Foundation’s advocacy efforts and professional development to increase awareness and impact,” the release notes.
“Summer Learning programs keep children engaged during the months when many students experience a decline in academic skills, while also providing lifelong learning opportunities for adults and seniors,” the release adds.
Running from May 23 through Aug. 15, the program will provide educational offerings involving STEM studies, the arts and literacy, the release says. “Last year,” it points out, “more than 20,000 residents participated in these programs.”
“We’re deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for their generous investment in our work,” said Alisa Mitchell, executive director of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, in the release. “Their commitment ensures that children and families across Sarasota County have access to wonderful learning experiences during the summer months and more people become champions for strong libraries.”
“The mission of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County is to champion strong public libraries, support innovation and help to extend the library system’s reach for everyone in Sarasota County,” the release explains. Since its founding in 2011, the nonprofit Foundation “has raised more than $8 million in private funds for the benefit of Sarasota County public libraries,” the release adds.
To learn more about the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and how individuals and organizations can support its mission, visit SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941-404-3139.
“The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community,” the release points out. For more information, visit cfsarasota.org or call 941-955-3000.