The Johann Fust Library Foundation owns and maintains all of the original library grounds, gardens and buildings as well as the fine collections of artifacts and rare books. Throughout the year the foundation sponsors many of the events and presentations that take place at the library.
The foundation’s Articles of Incorporation were amended and restated on July 2, 2012. Prior to that, the Johann Fust Community Library was one of two libraries that operated on Boca Grande, the other being maintained by the Lee County Library System. (Click here to read about our Legacy.)
After several years of planning, negotiating and renovating, the Board of Directors of the Johann Fust Library formed an agreement with Lee County for the Lee County Library System to provide library services.
As part of the agreement, the Johann Fust Library Foundation’s Board of Directors raised over $1.5 million from the Boca Grande community to renovate the buildings and the grounds. The design team consisted of architects Sam Holladay and Michael Epstein and interior designer Pam Holladay, all of Seibert Associates, Sarasota, and builder Pat Ball of Ball Construction, Sarasota. The grand opening took place on June 25, 2013.
During the “season,” the foundation sponsors and collaborates with various island groups to further its mission to present literary, artistic, entertaining and other stimulating programs.
The Johann Fust Literary Series features both local and other prominent authors reading and discussing their writing. Since 2013, these programs have been made available for viewing on YouTube via the foundation’s channel, Johann Fust Library Foundation.
Every other year, springtime brings Poetry in the Garden, a dynamic program of The Live Poets’ Society of Boca Grande, in which visiting and local poets read aloud from their own work.
History Bytes, a popular offering by the Boca Grande Historical Society, occurs every Wednesday morning in February. Presentations frequently include talks by noted historians and by local residents who have first-hand experiences of the island’s history.
The Johann Fust Library Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) private operating foundation. Donations are tax deductible.
