PALM CITY, FL--A group of young philanthropists plans to bring back a piece of the Martin County Library System’s storied history.
“The Story Express,” the library system’s bookmobile, was purchased in 1985 and decommissioned in 2002. A burdened economy and the increasing cost of fuel have created a heightened need for a new bookmobile to service Martin County’s community members unable to come to the library – including stops at local child care centers, nursing homes and community centers.
The Library Night Owls, a sub-committee of The Friends of the Martin County Library System, is led by Justin and Kelly Beard, Tara Biek, Stephen Leighton and Tori Savard. The committee was recently established to help raise money to maintain and operate a new bookmobile, as well as attract patrons and increase awareness of library programs and resources.
The group has organized a “Library After Hours” social networking event series rotating through each of the library’s six branches from 6 to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month remaining in 2009, as well as Jan. 12 and Feb. 5, 2010.
Money raised from the $10 admission charge, which includes two drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment, will help fund a larger community event in March 2010, where all proceeds will go toward the “Bring Back the Story Express/Bookmobile Fund.”
The next Library After Hours event takes place Oct. 6 at the Cummings Library, 2551 S.W. Matheson Ave. in Palm City, with guest speaker Casey Cummings, library tours, raffles, child care, kids’ crafts and more.
Library After Hours is made possible thanks to the generosity of The Friends of the Martin County Library System, Leighton Security Management, Smith Barney and Tara Biek Creative.
Call (772) 283-0019 to sponsor the event, volunteer, or for more information.
