Library Foundation of Martin County

The Library Foundation of Martin County’s mission is to enhance our Library System by:
• Promoting public support of the Library System
• Promoting understanding through cultural experiences
• Promoting literacy through reading for citizens of all ages

• The Library Foundation of Martin County has received over $9.5 million in gifts to the Library System of Martin County in the past fifteen years for construction grants and annual programming.
• In 2007 the Library System ranked 1st in the State of Florida in attendance at adult programs and 2nd in the state in attendance at children’s programs.

FOR CHILDREN:
• Children’s Summer Reading Program – weekly in twenty locations reaching 2,500 children each summer.
• Readers Rule! “library camp” to help improve 3rd graders test scores
• Lap Time Reading at Indiantown Library to help parents and children share joy and benefits of reading and using the library
• Homework Helpers in four branch locations teach students how to use library resources; 2,000 visits in 2004
• Teen Zone at Blake and Hoke Libraries offer special programs that let pre-teens experience a library that’s fun and useful
• Children’s book collection at Cummings library meets the needs of a rapidly growing group of elementary and middle-school patrons

FOR FAMILIES:
• Parenting 101 teaches parenting and coping skills to parents of teens and toddlers
• BookBlast! celebrates National Children’s Book Week by presenting family activities featuring children’s authors, illustrators, and interactive programs
• International Festival brings the culture, music and traditions from around the world for free performances
• Music Sunday Afternoon at the Cummings Library in Palm City features singers and musicians that appeal to all ages.

FOR ADULTS:
• BookMania! the weekend-long celebration of books and reading that brings nationally recognized authors to the Blake Library for discussions and book signings
• Humanities Librarian and Humanities Collection ensures that the Blake Library maintains a current and relevant collection for both research and circulation. Over 1,200 books in the subjects of religion, philosophy, art, music, history and literature are in the collection, as well as 150 music CD’s in classical or opera categories.

What we’re most proud of is the vibrant private-public partnership that characterizes the support of the community – your donations fund cultural and educational programs through our library branches: