The Special Library District Advisory Board meeting held on October 21, 2024, focused primarily on preparations for an upcoming fundraising event titled "Books and Evening for Citrus Libraries," scheduled for February 22, 2025, at the Lakes Region Library. The event aims to reintroduce the library to the community and showcase recent renovations while raising funds for future projects.

The meeting began with a presentation from the fundraising committee, chaired by Bob, detailing the progress made thus far. The committee has been meeting bi-weekly and plans to increase the frequency of meetings as the event date approaches. They have outlined various activities for the fundraiser, including a silent auction and a wine toss, and are in the process of securing sponsorships.

A key agenda item was the request for a vote to allocate $10,000 to cover upfront expenses related to the event, such as catering, decorations, and entertainment. The committee clarified that any unspent funds would return to the foundation fund. The board discussed the necessity of this funding, noting that previous requests for similar events ranged from $7,500 to $8,000, but costs have increased since the last event in 2020.

The committee also confirmed that the event would be open to the general public, with an expected attendance of 250 to 350 people. Ticket prices are still under discussion but are anticipated to range from $40 to $50, reflecting increased costs since the last fundraiser. The board emphasized the importance of finalizing ticket prices soon to ensure effective planning and fundraising goals.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of the library staff and volunteers in organizing the event, with a focus on community engagement and financial support for library initiatives. The board will reconvene in two weeks to further discuss ticket pricing and finalize the budget for the fundraiser.