Our History
Mrs. Lovette W. Harper
Founder of AACRC
July 18, 1924 - December 8, 2023
Vision
The vision is for The African American Cultural Resource Center to be the premier venue for the study of African and African American Life, history and culture in the Sarasota/Manatee communities and beyond.
Mission
The African American Cultural Resource Center at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, Inc. (BJJNSPL) houses a special collection of books, periodicals, media, art, and artifacts pertinent to the Global Black Experience. Created by the Friends of BJJNSPL, Inc, it is a reading room and research facility with materials not only about African Americans but also about African people living in Africa and in many other parts of the world. There is a special section with information about the history of Newtown and African Americans in Florida. The African American Cultural Resource Center is available for use by students, scholars, historians, researchers, and other interested individuals in the larger community.
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Executive Director
Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction.
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Friends Membership Benefits
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Membership Card
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Free book from the Bookstore upon joining or renewal
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Periodic Newsletters
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Information about upcoming events/programs
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Preview of Special Events
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Annual Membership Levels
Please select an annual membership level to become a Friend Of Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, Inc. a 501 (c)(3) organization. Membership fees cash donations and book donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Annual Membership Levels
Giving Tree
To make Tributes, Bequests, or In Memoriam, you can choose to give a gift from The Giving Tree. When you choose to give a gift between $300 to $1,000, the name of your loved one will be placed on the item you choose. It will be placed on The Giving Tree which is located in the lobby of the library. Please choose one of the following amounts.
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$300 = 1 leaf
$1,000 = 1 Acorn
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Donate!
Please deliver book donations to the Library Service Desk.
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Please deliver art, jewelry, decor, textiles, crafts, etc to the Friends Bookstore.