Friends of the Selby Library Fundraising Luncheon with Author John Jakes

*PAID RESERVATION DEADLINE IS NOW 3/3, 4:30 p.m.

Author John Jakes to Speak at a Friends of the Selby Public Library Fundraising Luncheon March 7, 11:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the event will go to the creation of a teen center in Selby Public Library

 Acclaimed author John Jakes is the keynote speaker at a Friends of the Selby Public Library fundraising luncheon, Monday, March 7, at 11:30 a.m., at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota.   The cost is $55 and  paid  reservations can be made by calling the Friends of the Library at 941-861-1140 .  The last chance for paid reservations is Thursday, March 3, by 4:30 p.m.    Jakes is acknowledged as a contemporary master of the family saga.  He is the creator of the legendary eight-volume Kent Family Chronicles, the Main and Hazard families of The North and South Trilogy, and the Crowns of Chicago, German-Americans whose stories interweave the history of the twentieth century in Homeland and its sequel, American Dreams. His 2002 novel, Charleston, returned him to the turbulent years of the Revolution and the Civil War, and became his 16^th consecutive New York Times bestseller. Thanks to efforts by such groups as the Rotary Club of Sarasota and Friends of Selby Public Library, and funds from Sarasota County, area teens will soon have their own space inside Selby Public Library in downtown Sarasota. “This project is part of our goal to refresh, refashion and re-fabulize the library,” says Charlotte M. Ryan, a Friends of the Selby Public Library board member. “We want to create a space where teens can find camaraderie while exploring scholastic and creative potential. The center will offer a safe learning environment that can inspire leadership and personal growth.”    Ryan explains that plans also include a “peace corner,” where teens can meet with their peers and discuss conflict resolution. This informal seating area will be stocked with relevant books and materials.    This luncheon is only the first in a series of fundraising efforts for the initiative, explains Ryan. Sarasota County will provide the bulk of the funding for the library remodel and the teen center, but the Friends of the Selby Public Library is looking to the community for further support.  For more information about this event or about this project, call 941-861-1140, or visit www.selbylibraryfriends.org.    

About the Friends of the Selby Public Library:  The Friends of the Selby Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the development of library services by raising funds, providing a volunteer base, and advocating the use and growth of resources. Throughout the past decade, the organization has raised more than $400,000 to support library programs.