Item E2 E.2
Coty f � ,�� ,' BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
�� Mayor David Rice,District 4
The Florida Keys � Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates,District 1
y Michelle Coldiron,District 2
James K.Scholl,District 3
Ij Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
County Commission Meeting
November 15, 2022
Agenda Item Number: E2
Agenda Item Summary #11214
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Public Libraries
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Kimberly Matthews (305) 292-4540
NA
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Presentation of a donation of$58,000 from the Friends of the Key
West Branch library to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and acknowledgment
of the Friends' 50th anniversary.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
The Friends of the Key West Library generously donating $58,000 to the Key West
Branch of the Monroe County Library. The mission of the Friends of the Library is to support,
improve and promote the Key West Branch through fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy for
the library. Of the Friends' total donation, $50,000 helps to fund print and digital library
collections, fees for performers and speakers,program supplies and refreshments, and staff
participation in library conferences and trainings. An additional $8,000 was raised at the Speaker
Series Gala Event with Sam Sifton and will be used to install professional lighting and a new
sound system in the Palm Garden for outdoor performances and concerts.
This year marks the 501h Anniversary of the Friends of the Key West Library. Every year,
members of this organization volunteer countless hours in support of the Key West Branch.
Forty-five years ago, the Friends raised money to build the library's auditorium wing, dedicated
by Tennessee Williams in 1975. Forty years ago, the Friends were key to the formation of the
Literary Seminar, which continues to preserve and promote Key West's literary heritage while
providing resources that strengthen literary culture. Thirty years ago, the Friends donated
$250,000, their largest-ever contribution, for the first wave of technology automation in the Key
West Library. Renowned Key West artist Suzie DePoo created the ceramic mosaic"quilt"
installed on the library wall at the front entrance to commemorate the gift. Thirty years ago, the
Friends established the Palm Garden of native trees, one of two outdoor library gardens in the
United States. Twenty-five years ago, the Friends founded the very popular series of author
lectures, now known as the Speaker Series. Today, the Friends hold monthly book sales,
volunteer at library programs, and continue to organize and sponsor the popular Speaker Series,
which consistently attracts best-selling authors including Meg Cabot, Charlaine Harris, Tom
Perrotta, Carl Hiaasen, and Judy Blume to name just a few. This Fall, the Friends are sponsoring
a Palm Garden refresh, with new plantings and benches for the continued enjoyment of our
community. The Friends organization is committed to fulfilling their mission of supporting,
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improving, and promoting the Key West Branch and share the joy of working with a community
of amazing people who feel the same passion for libraries.
The Monroe County Public Library System and the Key West Branch are truly humbled
and grateful for the dedication and professionalism of these community volunteers who should
be recognized for their contributions. Monroe County Library thanks the Friends of the Key
West Library for their very generous donation and for all they do for the Key West community.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
NA
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DOCUMENTATION:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: NA
Expiration Date: NA
Total Dollar Value of Contract: NA
Total Cost to County: NA
Current Year Portion: NA
Budgeted: NA
Source of Funds:NA
CPI: NA
Indirect Costs:NA
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: NA
Revenue Producing: NA If yes, amount:
Grant: NA
County Match: NA
Insurance Required:NA
Additional Details:
NA
REVIEWED BY:
Kimberly Matthews Completed 10/27/2022 12:50 PM
James Molenaar Completed 10/27/2022 1:02 PM
Purchasing Skipped 10/04/2022 9:40 AM
Budget and Finance Skipped 10/04/2022 9:40 AM
Brian Bradley Skipped 10/04/2022 9:40 AM
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E.2
Lindsey Ballard Completed 10/31/2022 3:13 PM
Board of County Commissioners Pending 11/15/2022 9:00 AM
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