Wilton Manors' Richard C. Sullivan library is at risk of being handed over to the Broward County library system which would more than likely result in its closure. At the last budget meeting, several City Commissioners were in favor of this plan. The City touts itself as "an inclusive, innovative, vibrant City with best‐in‐class services" and aims to "Enhance Quality of Life and Livability", however the Commission often seems to forget that there are many families with children that reside within the City, and use its amenities frequently.

The mission of the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors is to maintain and improve the quality of life of all the citizens of our community by providing resources that enhance and contribute to individual knowledge, enlightenment, and enjoyment in the most efficient manner possible. We especially recognize our responsibility to serve as a place for children to discover the joy of reading and the value of libraries.

The library has a wonderful staff, particularly its youth librarians, Ms. Jill and Ms. Sherry, a solid collection of juvenile and youth offerings, as well as engaging programming. It would be a disservice to the community to allow this asset to be squandered.

We need your help and your voice to ensure that this community gem is kept safe. Please consider signing the petition below ASAP to help the cause.

IMMEDIATE NEED: Please sign the petition!

By EOD Tuesday 8/27 is best so the petition can be prepared for the the next Commission Budget Workshop Meeting (#3) THIS Wednesday August 28, 2024, 6:30 PM @ Commission Chambers.

ADDITIONAL ACTION

• Please take the time to make your voice heard by sharing your story or support as a comment below
• Attend the Regular City Commission Meeting, August 27, 2024, 7:00 PM @ Commission Chambers and speak during Public Comment
• Attend the Commission Budget Workshop Meeting #3, August 28, 2024, 6:30 PM @ Commission Chambers and speak during Public Comment
• Send emails and letters to the City Commission and leadership to make our needs heard:
             Newton, Scott, Mayor – snewton@wiltonmanors.com
             Bracchi, Mike, Vice Mayor – mbracchi@wiltonmanors.com
             Caputo, Chris, Commissioner – ccaputo@wiltonmanors.com
             D'Arminio, Don, Commissioner – ddarminio@wiltonmanors.com
             Rolli, Paul, Commissioner – prolli@wiltonmanors.com
             Henderson, Leigh Ann, City Manager – lhenderson@wiltonmanors.com
             Landi, Pamela, Assistant City Manager – plandi@wiltonmanors.com

Sample letter for parents:

Petition to Keep the Richard C. Sullivan Library under the City of Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors’ Richard Sullivan Public Library is important to me as a parent and for my child/ren’s development and quality of life. Learning is important no matter how old you are. Fostering an early interest in learning and promoting the joy and enthusiasm for reading will impact my child/ren for the rest of their lives. Through the library collections, programs, and physical spaces, children learn to share, to be engaged in community, use and take care of public spaces and shared materials, participate in the arts, and explore their immediate world and the world at large. The level of service at the Wilton Manors Public Library is different than you will find in a larger library. The library staff know the patrons by name and their reading interests, which helps to make reading fun. Please do not short-change my child/ren’s future by outsourcing the Library to Broward County.

Any and all support from community members is appreciated! Thank you!