Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library Inc

1. Identify library needs and generate funds to supplement library programs, special projects, capital expenditures, events, and vendor services. 2. Update and enhance our FOSSPL website and Facebook page. 3. Create ability to have donations/membership applications and payments received and submitted online. 4. Continue with ongoing membership drives to attract permanent and seasonal residents and local businesses. 5. Continue to establish our branding campaign which is centered around our distinctive logo that was created by one of our board members. The unique design of the logo has become a focal point for branding for brochures, signage, and communication. Our branding campaign continues through our social media presence with a very active Facebook page, and Instagram and Twitter accounts. Our goal is to improve our frequency with postings and to expand our reach within the digital community. 6. Fundraising activity needs include the purchase of a branded/imprinted tent for use at off-site outdoor events and activities. 7. Increase sales for two ongoing income-generating projects including the sale of custom-designed note cards and the sale of the “Friends Focus on Food" cookbook. FOSSPL created a series of custom-designed note cards featuring the original artwork of four art students from the Imagine Elementary School in North Port, FL. The note cards are sold in festive packages of twelve with three cards of four design in each package. Each package is sold for $12.00. The “Friends Focus on Food" cookbook features 300 recipes from friends, their families and the North Port/Sarasota County community. The cookbook sells for $14.95. Both projects will provide an ongoing income stream of revenue. 8. Continue to develop our volunteer network to identify skill sets and availabilities to maximize participation and assistance for projects and events as well as administration of marketing efforts and digital fundraising campaigns. 10. Identify and organize second Author's Luncheon as major fundraising event for coming year. 11. Further develop a minimum of four annual signature fundraising events.

1. For the library's needs, for much of 2018, we did not have a Library Manager at our library. The local staff and Sarasota County staff filled in very well. But we are looking forward to working closely with our new Library Manager to review their programs and events to determine what supplemental funding is needed to maximize their budget. 2. A major overhaul is required for the FOSSPL website which is being accomplished in conjunction with the purchase of Flipcause, an online fundraising and community engagement platform for non-profits. We are updating the site to reflect an operating facility with ongoing programs. 3. Related to the website, our ability to accept membership applications and donations on-line is in progress through our Flipcause-formatted website. We have implemented this capability on our new website in time to take advantage of the Giving Tuesday fundraising event. 4. Though participation at North Port community events such as the seasonal Farmers Market, Newcomers Day and North Port Chamber of Commerce events, FOSSPL is reaching out to the businesses and residents to join our organization and to actively participate in our endeavors. To date, one donated billboard is still on display on I-75. Our branding is spread throughout the community through regular attendance at local events. Brightly-colored signage banners, posters, imprinted tablecloths and brochures all reinforce our logo and branding and attract residents and neighbors to stop by our booths to become familiar with the new library and our Friends group. Currently we reach over 1500 Facebook followers each month and growing. 6. We are researching prices for a branded tent and attempting to find a sponsor to underwrite cost. 7. The FOSSPL note cards and cookbooks are available for sale at the FOSSPL Used Bookstore at SSPL, our booth at Newcomers Day and other community events as well as from members of the Friends organization. We also post sales information on social media outlets intermittently. 8. In 2018, we recruited five new board members and identified seasoned individuals who provide expertise in a variety of areas such as fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning and more. We are also maximizing Shannon Staub's extensive expertise in these areas. Our newly appointed Volunteer Coordinator is identifying skill sets and expertise among existing members and recruit new members with needed skills. 9. In 2018, we have scheduled a Charity Car Show for January 20, 2019 that is expected to become an annual major fundraiser. Other plans are being developed for a local author series as well. 10. Work is expected to begin with the establishment of an Author Luncheon Committee to begin implementation to find an author and work on all the details for the luncheon.

We have a very talented group of motivated volunteers with a varied skill set of expertise. As a result, the sky is the limit as to what we can accomplish. We have expertise in marketing, computers/technology, non-profit operations, accounting, banking, retail, digital marketing and more. We have approached local businesses and received both financial support and in-kind contributions that have transformed this organization into a first-class non-profit that is equipped to communicate in a professional manner. Our logo and branding campaign have made us a very identifiable entity in the crowded arena of non-profits in the City of North Port/Sarasota County. In addition, our board of directors is very committed to our cause and our goals. Personal contributions of donations of money as well as in-kind gifts have been generously provided over the last three years and are included as an expectation in our board orientation and in our correspondence with our board and the general membership. Our board members contributed extensively during the start-up of this organization and have continued to do so as we move into another phase of our growth. We are continually attending/participating in community events and meetings to increase the awareness of our organization, SSPL and the programs and services that the library offers. In addition, board members are also attending periodic seminars sponsored by the Gulf Coast Foundation regarding fundraising, governance, best practices for non-profits, etc. to grow our knowledge and expertise. Through this community interaction, our board will be expanded not only in number but in expertise to enable us to meet the challenges of growing and governing this organization. Additionally, we have created the position of Volunteer Coordinator which has designated one person to focus on greeting new members to help determine where they would most like to concentrate their volunteer efforts and to identify skill sets that can be maximized for the benefit of our mission.

1. We developed a very attractive and eye-catching logo which became the focal point of our multi-faceted branding campaign. 2. Membership has increased to 120 members with the majority of members renewing. 3. Our Constant Contact mailing list is over 650 people. 4. We have sold out of our first printing of 100 sets of FOSSPL note cards and have ordered another 100 sets for sale. We have sold 180 "Friends Focus on Food" cookbooks, anticipating a profit of approximately $7,000 once all books are sold. Since the cost of the cookbook was fully underwritten by one of our members, Dianne Patterson, and Publix Super Markets Charities, all income will go directly to sponsor programs at the Shannon Staub Library. 5. We generated nearly $10,000 in revenue after all expenses for our first Author Luncheon. 6. In October 2017, we hosted a very successful Quarter Auction that generated over $3,500 in revenue with a net gain of $2,285. 6. Overall, with all fundraising efforts taken into account, including our Applebee's fundraiser and the Perkins "Dine to Donate" program, we have built up a pool of over $45,000 since our inception, with $45,000 placed in a money market interest-bearing account. 7. We submitted and were awarded a $5,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Foundation in 2016. 8. We continue our planning with the staff of Shannon Staub Library and have sponsored a variety of baby, toddler, children and adult programs in 2017 and 2018. 9. We collected book donations and opened our Used Bookstore in the lobby of Suncoast Technical College adjacent to the SSPL. The store is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday and staffed by Friends Volunteers. The store has been very attractively merchandised with a collection of gently used books, CD's, DVD's and various book-related accessories. 10. As our first capital donation to SSPL, we purchased (3) pieces of outdoor garden furniture which are in place in the children's garden and the adult garden. 2018 was a time to focus on getting our organization more structured related to volunteer opportunities, governance and stewardship while at the same time, keeping our fundraising efforts moving forward.