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Library Friends group adding benefits

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BY MEGAN HUSSEY

TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT

Published: March 25, 2009

A library card, in the eyes of Loraine Cors, is like "a card that unlocks a door to the world."

"You don't have to travel," she said. "You can do it in books."

A longtime patron of the Pasco library system, Cors is president of the Friends of the Pasco County Library System. She and other Friends are embarking on an endeavor to further support to Pasco libraries: The Pasco Library Foundation, an endowment established to support the library system during these difficult economic times.

Pasco County commissioners agreed March 10 to close the county's seven libraries on Mondays and limit each to being open 40 hours a week.

"The purpose of the foundation is to support the library system during these tough times, to support things in the budget that are cut," she said. "We want to keep the library running as close as possible to the level people expect."

The foundation's first major project was February's Book Fair, co-sponsored by Barnes & Noble Bookstores Book Fair last month at the Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. This event generated about $200 for the Pasco Library Foundation, which means more funds for area libraries.

"This was our first endeavor to get the word out," Cors said. "I'm very excited that we're getting established to become a partner to the library."

Ultimately, Cors hopes the foundation will be a steady source of financial aid for the library system. Through fundraisers such as the fair, said Cors, the foundation will be able to accumulate funds to meet the needs of Pasco libraries, as identified by director Linda Allen. They also hope to write grants, and are in the process of establishing a Web site.

"We want the director to come to us when the libraries need something, and we can vote on it," she said. "With all the budgetary cuts we want to be their backup group, and to write grants on their behalf."

Beyond financial assistance, the foundation hopes to raise awareness about the value and importance of libraries in today's society.

"The library is a kindly source devoted to the service of people," Cors said. "The library does such a wonderful job and people take it for granted."
Cors said the library provides many valuable services for this community, whether someone is in search of quality free reads, fun events such as the Battle of the Bands, or informational resources such as the E-Government program and computer classes. And she encourages people to contact their legislators and representatives and express their appreciation of their local libraries.

"If you take your child to a story time, call your legislator and express your appreciation," Cors said. "If you're a teen on the Teen Advisory Board or attending library programs, call."

Stephen Kershner, assistant libraries director of the Pasco County Library System, said the goals and enthusiasm of the Pasco Library Foundation is much appreciated; especially as it will help the system meet customer demands in a variety of ways.

"The patrons tell us what they want, and what they want is more," he said. "More materials, more services, more programs, more hours."

"Friends and Foundation groups help our organization to provide the extras not available through tax funding," he said. "Support from the private sector groups such as the Foundation is essential for us to sustain the same level of service ... and will help us expand our programs and services."
Cors agrees.

"This is an investment for the future," she said.

PASCO LIBRARY FOUNDATION
SOME BACKGROUND: The Pasco Library Foundation, an offshoot of the Pasco Friends of the Library System, is a group intended to provide financial and promotional support for county libraries.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: Through fundraisers, calls to action, and an organizational Web site, the foundation hopes to spread the word about and support the programs and services of the Pasco County Library System.

A LITTLE HISTORY: The foundation was started by Loraine Cors, president of the Pasco Friends of the Library.

WHAT'S NEXT?: The Pasco Library Foundation hopes to stage additional fundraisers for the library system and to establish a Web site and a foundation board.

GET INVOLVED: To learn more about the Pasco Library Foundation, visit www.pascolibraries.org>, or call the Pasco County Library System at 727-861-3020. Information about the foundation also can be obtained by writing friends@pascolibraries.org.

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