Friends of the Punta Gorda Library

Dear FRIENDS,

Florida’s Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services just published its “Return on Investment For Florida Public Libraries.”  It reported: for every tax dollar received, Florida public libraries provided $8.32 in value.  Visits to public libraries increased over 7% while funding increased less than 1%.  This is a positive return on our investment. 

Charlotte County and Florida tax dollars provide most of the funding for our library.  The FRIENDS provide much needed additional funding and support for materials and programs at the Punta Gorda Library.  Recently the FRIENDS funded McNauaghton. This service provides the library with best sellers and new titles.  Please come to the library to check out these popular titles.  Since our library delivery system has been discontinued due to budget cuts, we are still unable to reserve these new titles.  If you feel as I do, please contact your Charlotte County Commissioners and ask them to please return funding for the delivery system.  If the delivery system returns, you will once again be able to place holds on new books, CD’s and DVD’s.  

The FRIENDS are providing additional funding for new materials for the Children, Juvenile and Young Adult collections.

In March we decided to give our blue book bags to 2010 Lifetime members.  We will continue this program until the bags are gone.  You will find an application blank in the Bookmark for membership in the FRIENDS organization.  Thank you regular and Lifetime Members for your continued support.  Gail Puckett is our outstanding membership chairperson.

The FRIENDS provide programs throughout the year.  I hope you were fortunate enough to attend our fundraiser on March 18, of the Barbara Rinella performance of Jon Meacham’s America Lion, Andrew Jackson In The White House.  This very successful program raised $3,000 for FRIENDS.  Bette Albarran chaired this fundraiser, some of it while in her wheel chair as she recuperated from leg surgery.  Thank you, Bette.

Joyce Schenk, local author and columnist signed her book, I’ve Become My Mother, at a recent library event.  More author events are being planned for the Punta Gorda Library.

 FRIENDS  hosted our annual Volunteer Luncheon.  Invitations were sent to all of our library and bookstore volunteers.  It is our way to say thank you to all of the volunteers who help keep our library and bookstore running smoothly. 

Mary Knowlton
President FRIENDS of the Punta Gorda Library
424 W. Henry St.  941-639-2049

 

St. Vincent appeals for furniture, appliances, linens   Supplies of used furniture, appliances and linens are unable to keep up with demand at St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference, in Punta Gorda.  Consequently, the charity is appealing to Charlotte County residents and businesses for donations. Especially needed are basic furnishings such as standard sofas or love seats, dressers, dinette sets and both large and small appliances, including washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators and microwaves.  Blankets, sheets and towels are also in short supply.  "If you have any of these items in good condition, please consider donating them," said Elaine Vogel, SVDP-Sacred Heart president.  "So many deserving families are in need." Donations are tax deductible and are given, not sold, to pre-approved clients. To arrange pickup of large items or if you have questions, contact the SVDP-Sacred Heart office Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings at (941) 575-8544. The Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Sacred Heart Conference 25200 Airport Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950