Organization Spotlight - Friends of the Coastal Branch Library

One thing South Waltoners are is dedicated....dedicated to protecting the natural ecosystems unique to this area...dedicated to maintaining the integrity of aesthetics and sustainable growth in South Walton...dedicated to community service. 

Unfortunately, many of these important groups and organizations are underexposed and under the radar. There are SO many great things to talk about in South Walton and we just don't hear much about the men and women - and the organizations they have created - who are selflessly giving their time and talents behind the scenes to preserve and protect our quality of life in paradise.

Well, I am going to try to change that here on SouthWaltonScene.com.  I want to put them ALL back into the the conversation.  I want to recognize them and bring them back into the spotlight, to give them some of my attention and, hence, yours to ensure they stick around.   If you have a group doing important work, give me a shout about it at jill@southwaltonscene.com.  And now onto our first Organization Spotlight ...

Friends of the Coastal Branch Library

Coastal Branch Library
437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 [MAP].
(850) 267-2809
Website
Katie Voss, Branch Manager/Librarian
New Hours of Operation (effective August 3, 2009)

• Monday: 9am-8pm
• Tuesday-Friday: 9am-5pm
• Closed Saturday and Sunday

History and Mission

Founded in 1987, The Friends of the Coastal Branch Library was originally organized to create a grass roots library for the community, which at that time was not a part of the County Library system, and to provide volunteer staffing and fundraising for the facility. Fast forward to today and they have come so far - the new Coastal Branch Library on Hwy 331 South in the South Walton Government and Education Center occupies a whopping 12,572 square feet with meeting rooms and computer stations throughout.

A not-for-profit corporation, their mission is to "Provide Walton County residents, visitors, and businesses with information to meet their business, educational, and personal needs" which they accomplish through special programming, support services and, of course, day-to-day operations of the library. The Friends also raise funds to support the library and raise awareness of library assets and services.

Fundraising:

•  “Buy a Book”. Book - for $25, a plate will be put inside the cover of a book with your name of the donor or the person you wish to honor
• Buy-A-Brick - for $100 (or $250 for three), a brick will be engraved for you and placed in the courtyard in front of the library. 
• Book Drives and Sales - held throughout the year

Membership, Contributions and Volunteering
A Friend’s membership costs only $10 per year and includes the quarterly newsletter Sea Oats.  All donations are tax-deductible.  They are always looking for volunteers! For more information, call 850-267-2809.

Related Links:

• The South Walton Community Council in South Walton