SUBJECT:
Title
Present Recommended Short-list of Names for the New Library Branch in the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place
Body
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Mounir Bouyounes, P.E. County Administrator |
Administration |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
On January 5, 2021, the Board entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Ocala for branch library services at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in which the Library would be responsible for furnishing and equipping the space with funding assistance from the Friends of the Ocala Public Library.
As the library will be a new service point and a branch of the Marion County Public Library System, a request was approved by the Board on December 21, 2021 to begin the process to name the facility.
Commission Policy 14-02, Naming and Renaming of County Properties, was followed for the purpose of short-listing names for Commission consideration and selection for the new branch. As a result of Facebook posts, a press release, in-library submittals, outreach events, email submittals, and a community meeting, over 150 names were received and considered.
The ad hoc Facilities Naming Committee, appointed by the County Administrator, met to discuss the names submitted as well as consider recommendations of their own. Committee members included Commissioner Michelle Stone, Assistant County Administrator Angel Roussel, Library Director Julie Sieg, Historical Commission member Tom Schmitz, Friends of the Ocala Library board member Rhodia Berry, and City of Ocala representative Ramona Williams.
The Committee recommends the following names for consideration:
1. Sankofa Public Library,
2. Champions Public Library, and
3. West Ocala Public Library
Mayor Kent Guinn attended the August 2, 2022 Board of County Commissioners’ meeting and recommended naming the branch “the Erin Jackson Library at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place” in honor of the Olympian’s dedication to education. Ms. Jackson is a great example and role model for what can be accomplished with training, perseverance, dedication, and studying.
Also attached is the full report from the Committee including background information regarding the recommended names.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to select a name for the new library branch to be housed in the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.
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