The Library Foundation Awards Major Grant

April 20, 2022 – Sarasota

Manatee County’s The Library Foundation recently announced that it will award the Rocky Bluff Library in Ellenton up to $125,000 for facility repairs and improvements. To facilitate these updates, the Foundation is working closely with the Friends of Rocky Bluff Library, a group that enhances the resources and services of the library. Hal Harmon, head librarian at Rocky Bluff, explains that the improvements include adding a “maker space” for creative projects and private study rooms. Improvements will also be made to staff work areas. The initiative, which was previously stalled due to lack of financial support, is expected to kick off this spring with completion by mid-summer.

“Facility improvement has been a strong need for a long time,” says Harmon. “We’re thrilled that, with substantial support from The Library Foundation, we are now able to move forward with this project.”

Tammy Parrott, library services manager for all seven libraries in Manatee County, says her team is “pleased and grateful to continue our close relationship with The Library Foundation. The Foundation has supported many worthwhile initiatives, including the recent Library Master Plan, which was presented to the Manatee County Commissioners last fall. Funding for the Rocky Bluff Branch facility improvement allows us to continue to provide excellent resources and facilities to our patrons in the Ellenton area.  We are sure our patrons will be impressed with the final product!”

 Don Janezic, president of The Library Foundation, says the organization looks forward to continuing to provide enhancements for each of the six other libraries in Manatee County. 

“Our Foundation is fortunate to have the resources, strong support from the community, and excellent financial management through the Manatee Community Foundation. We look forward to sharing these resources with the community to keep our libraries thriving.”  Janezic reminds library fans to show their support for the Giving Challenge on April 26 and 27.

For more information about The Library Foundation, visit www.ManateeLibraryFoundation.org.