|
|
|
 Friends of the Library Mission Statement |
|
|
It shall be the purpose of the Friends of the Freedom Public Library to cooperate with and support the library in the development and promotion of library services, resources and facilities for the community and to encourage and receive gifts, endowments and bequests to the library to provide supplemental financial assistance.
The Freedom Public Library opened on September 5, 2000. The formal dedication took place on November 5, 2000 and was attended by several commissioners, as well as Julie Sieg, the Director of the Marion County Public Library System, and Mr. Norman Fitzpatrick, Branch Supervisor of the Freedom Public Library. On the first day there were 200 books checked out from a stock of over 25,000 books. In January 2003, the library had a one-day total of 839 books circulated from among a total of 42,000 books. Just as there has been a tremendous increase in circulation and the number of books, there is a huge amount of expansion that we hope will be done in the near future. The building has the capability to expand from the current 8,500 feet to 30,000 feet. Mention must also be made of the wonderful meeting room that allows many varied community groups to meet and conduct business - a great service to the community at large. This room is in great demand! The whole concept of a branch in the SW region came to fruition when developer John Rudnianyn donated a three acre parcel of land to the county for the library. The building came in under budget and on time. The facility is something to be proud of and has increased the circulation numbers of books for juveniles and young children as well as other age groups. The computer classes, children's programs and the many resources available to the patrons, make Freedom Public Library one of the jewels in Marion County. The staff members are phenomenal in every respect - helpful, hardworking, creative and inventive. A huge "THANK YOU" to all of the staff! The Friends of the Freedom Public Library was formed early on and the first meeting was held on July 26, 2000. Bill Haussmann was the first President of the Friends group and he and the members of the newly formed group were able to purchase a vacuum cleaner, a microwave and a refrigerator for the staff. Membership fees and donations, as well as used book sales, are the means by which the Friends group is able to assist the library in purchasing supplemental equipment and paying for children's programs. |
|
|
Branch Locations & Hours |
Contact Us |
Volunteering |
FAQs |
Friends of the Library |
Careers Marion County Public Library System  2720 East
Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, FL
34470
(352) 671-8551 |