Starkey Ranch TLC will close at 2 p.m. on February 12 due to flooring updates. From February 13 through February 15, Starkey Ranch TLC will be open during its regular business hours; however, due to the flooring updates, the drive-thru and the Egret, Crane, Heron, and Children’s Discovery Room will be unavailable.
Pasco County Libraries will be CLOSED Monday, February 16 in observance of President's Day. The library will reopen at its regular hours Tuesday, February 17.

Friends of the Pasco County Library System, Inc.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Land O' Lakes Library/Teams

(813) 929 - 1214

  1. Call to Order/Roll Call
    The meeting was called to order at 10:33 AM, by Roz Fenton.

    In person
    Roz Fenton, President – Countywide Friends of the Pasco County Library System, Inc.
    Gail Hannas, Vice President – Countywide Friends of the Pasco County Library System, Inc.
    Robert Speich, Librarian III Community Engagement – Pasco County Libraries
    Linda Buzzee, President - Friends of Land O’ Lakes Branch Library
    Joy Vincent, President - Friends of Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center
    Susan Dormott, Friends of Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center
    Lorna Baker, Friends of New River Branch Library
    Julia Shepherd, Branch Manager – Hudson Regional Library
    Karen N., President – Friends of Hudson Regional Library
    Hannah Weber, Event Coordinator – Pasco County Libraries
    Bernard (Ben) Diel, Engagement Manager – Pasco County Libraries
    Kiersten Backus, Administrative Services Manager – Pasco County Libraries
    Tanisha Otten, Administrative Assistant – Pasco County Libraries

    Virtual
    Caroline Westerhof, Secretary – Countywide Friends of the Pasco County Library System, Inc.
    Nionni McBride, Branch Manager – South Holiday Branch Library
    Wayne Markley, President – Friends of the South Holiday Branch Library
    Dewayne Markley, Vice President – Friends of the South Holiday Branch Library
    Valerie Markley, Secretary – Friends of the South Holiday Branch Library
    Ginger Schurer, Treasurer – Friends of the South Holiday Branch Library
    Carol Capodanno – Friends of the South Holiday Branch Library
    Brandi Jagars, Branch Manager – Regency Park Branch Library
    Megan MacElroy, Collections Manager – Pasco County Libraries
    Hasina Ahkter, Librarian III - Pasco County Libraries
    Danielle Lee, Branch Manager – Hugh Embry Branch Library
    Glen Thompson, Friends of Hugh Embry Branch Library
    Riley Valentino, Librarian I – Centennial Park Library
    Laurie Whightsil, President – Friends of Centennial Park Branch Library
    Lorna Conley, Vice President – Friends of the Centennial Park Branch Library

 

  1. Approve/Review Minutes July 16, 2025
    Motion to approve minutes - minutes reviewed and approved.

 

  1. Officer/Committee Report
    1. President Report – Roz Fenton
      1. Friends Volunteer Banquet: The banquet was held at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The event was a success – the Dade City Quartet performed, and catering services were provided by Havana Dreamers.
      2. Book Donation Day at Chester Taylor Elementary: Books are being gathered to donate to the F-Rated Pasco County school. New River is sending volunteers to read to the children as well.
      3. Garden Club Outreach: Roz Fenton, Susan Dormott, and Joy Vincent presented at the Seven Springs Golf and County Club. About 30 people were in attendance and they were informed about all the many services offered by the library system. Several attendees became Friends of the Library of their local branches.
      4. “Take Stock in Children”: This non-profit organization assigns mentors to students in high school. The students get a free two-year, in-state, college education upon successfully completing the program. Roz Fenton and Robert Speich will be presenting to the mentors of the program to inform them of the many services of the library system.
      5. Friends of the Library Facebook Page: Joy Vincent has been doing an excellent job with her continued contributions to the Friends Facebook page.
    2. Vice President Report – Gail Hannas
      1. It was suggested to host more appreciation brunches/banquets, and summits. It was also suggested to share minutes from the Friends meetings of other branches with the Friends group.
      2. Countywide Friends email address: pascocountyfol@gmail.com.
    3. Treasurer Report
      1. The Treasurer’s Report reflects YTD August 2025 financial statements. A significant portion of the expenses consist of mini grants through staff requests (e.g. “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program prizes and AI software for staff projects).

 

  1. Unfinished Business
    1. Recap “Thank You Brunch”: A volunteer brunch was held at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The event was a success, with approximately 60 attendees. Special thanks were given to Hannah Weber for all her hard work with the event.
    2. Handbook Update: The handbook is almost complete, and Robert Speich will distribute a binder copy to each branch, along with a digital copy.
    3. Officer Updates – New Elections: There are branches holding elections within their Friends groups. Please forward updated rosters reflecting the newly elected officers.
    4. Chester Taylor Donation Plan
      1. The Countywide Friends of the Library are gathering books to donate to the school. A list of approved titles will be provided to ensure all contributions meet the guidelines.
      2. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, is National Giving Day, and will be the tentative date for the photo opportunity at Chester Taylor Elementary School. Other organizations are encouraged to participate.

 

  1. New Business
    1. Volunteer Scholarship/Service Awards: The Land O’ Lakes Library is modeling from other branches that have started volunteer scholarships and awards. The Hudson Library has an established program and will share information and ideas with Robert Speich. Each branch is also encouraged to share their ideas, which can be advertised as a group effort.
    2. Bylaws and Updating: As the updates to the handbook conclude, it was suggested to review the bylaws as well. Changes to bylaws do not have to be filed with anyone and can be updated at any time.
    3. Friends of the Library Week
      Friends of the Library Week takes place on October 19, 2025, through October 25, 2025. Any pictures and stories from any Friends events, and outreach events, can be sent to Joy Vincent’s email: joydvincent@gmail.com.

 

  1. Meeting Adjourned
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 11:21 AM, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by Roz Fenton.
    2. Next meeting: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM.
    3. Location: Land O’Lakes Library - 2818 Collier Pkwy, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639 (Location subject to change)