The Friends of the East Manatee Library organization knows libraries aren’t just about books.
The nonprofit has been raising money since 2019 to ensure the East County Library planned for Lakewood Ranch has all of the amenities it needs to support Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding area.
Attardi s Pizzeria Owner Mario DePaz hands a check to Friends of the East Manatee Library Treasurer Jim West after a Dine-Out Night. In addition to donating a portion of the proceeds, DePaz made a donation of his own. (Courtesy)
The fundraising effort, though, has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic as many of the fundraisers have been postponed numerous times.