February is Love Your Libraries Month! It is a time to pause and appreciate the places that serve our community in ways we may not always see. We love our libraries for the quiet corners, the storytimes, the familiar faces at the front desk. But beyond the affection lies something even more powerful: real, community-wide impact. The 2025 Manatee County Public Library Annual Report tells that story clearly. By the Numbers Here’s a snapshot of the impact and value Manatee County Libraries...

BRADENTON, FL — The Library Foundation of Manatee County hosted its signature annual fundraiser, Booked for Lunch, welcoming author, journalist, and Today with Jenna and Friends host Jenna Bush Hager as the featured speaker. The event drew a full house in support of the Manatee County Public Library System, raising both funds and awareness for the essential role libraries play in community life.