A $100,000 anonymous donation is helping Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources expand access to its extensive archival collections through new digitization tools and public resources.
The donation, made to the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, enables the Sarasota County History Center to purchase large-format digitization equipment for maps, artwork, and other oversized archival materials. This initiative is part of the county’s broader mission to preserve local history and make it more accessible to residents and researchers.
In addition to enhancing archival capabilities, the funds support the launch of a new “Memory Lab,” a public-facing space where residents can digitize their own historical materials. This includes photographs, home videos, audio recordings, and documents stored on fragile or outdated media formats.
The pilot Memory Lab opens this week at the Sarasota County History Center in the Osprey Library, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Residents can schedule appointments and receive hands-on training from library staff. More information on the Memory Lab can be found at sarasotacountylibraries.org/about-us/memory-lab. Future plans include expanding the Memory Lab program to other library branches across the county.
The donation supports the county’s ongoing goal to increase digital access to its collections while empowering the public to preserve their own family histories. For appointments and more information, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 941-861-1110.
