SARASOTA COUNTY - Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an all-day event featuring educational programming, live demonstrations, musical performances and much more.
The fun starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Jacaranda Library, 4134 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, with festivities concluding around 3:30 p.m.
“Thirty-year anniversaries are often represented by pearls,” said Dr. Renée Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. “Like a pearl, which takes time to develop and grow, our library has progressed into a highly regarded institution with a knowledgeable staff committed to serving their community.”
The schedule is sea-themed and will incorporate the following programming:
- 10:30 a.m. – Interactive and education program presented by Mote.
- 11:30 a.m. – Outdoor scavenger hunt, coloring station, sidewalk art supplies, popcorn snacks, chance drawing and more at the Pop-up Library.
- Noon – Musical performance by an outdoor drum circle.
- 1 p.m. – Pearl nitrogen ice cream demonstration by Delicious Science.
- 2:30 p.m. – Ocean-themed crafts for young adults and children.
“This event is about inviting the community to help us celebrate this special occasion,” said Di Pilato. “After all, it was our supporters who originally requested a library be built here in Venice.”
The library, founded by literacy advocate Frances T. Bourne and funded by a voter-approved one-cent surtax in 1994, was established in response to resident requests in the late 1980s.
As a testimony to community collaboration and dedication to literacy and education, the library was inaugurated on Jan. 15, 1994, and named in Bourne's honor on Dec. 10, 1995. Today, the library is considered a cornerstone of the south Venice community.
About Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources is a system of 10 community branches, a history center and a mobile pop-up library that provides residents with opportunities for lifelong learning, vibrant culture and enriching activities appropriate for all ages. For more information, visit sarasotacountylibraries.org
