| SARASOTA COUNTY – During the Tuesday, Jan. 31, Sarasota County Commission meeting, the commissioners voted to support a continued partnership with the Town of Longboat Key for library services. “We look forward to collaborating with the Town of Longboat Key to provide this much-wanted amenity in a way that complements the town’s vision for their Town Center Green project,” said Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis. “Our state-of-the-art library facilities and services will integrate seamlessly with the Town of Longboat Key’s vision to provide arts, cultural, and educational programming.” Aimed at serving as a community hub, the county will welcome community input and participation in the planning and design process, with the intent that the facility serves as both a library and a community event space. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with the Town of Longboat Key to provide lifelong literacy and learning opportunities for residents and visitors,” said Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Director Renee Di Pilato. Identified as a top priority for the Longboat Key community, the Principles of Agreement outlined the work done between the county and the town over the past two years to structure a partnership that would provide for the design and construction of a future permanent library facility on the key. “Thank you to Sarasota County for recognizing the town’s vision for the Town Center and partnering to advance this important community amenity,” said Town of Longboat Key Manager Tom Harmer. “We are excited to bring the latest library design and programming to the Town of Longboat Key.” As funding becomes available, the joint Sarasota County and Town of Longboat Key library project will move through next phases. For more information, call 311 or visit scgov.net. |