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Northwest residents celebrate community with gala's return

Tribune photo by PENNY CARNATHAN

Yvonne Gonzales, nephew Jovan Lecaro, and sister Marlene Lecaro enjoy refreshments and culture amid the stacks at the new regional library as part of the Town ‘N Country Regional Library’s 7th annual Art, Wine & Music Gala on Thursday.

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By PENNY CARNATHAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 8, 2009

Checking out books? Sorry, not here. On Thursday night, this library was open only for wine, cheese, art and socializing.

Town 'N Country Regional Library's 7th annual Art, Wine & Music gala — back Thursday after a two-year hiatus and in a huge, brand-new building — drew hundreds of residents to an unusually un-hushed evening in the stacks. It was a big celebration for a community that has a lot to celebrate.

"In Town 'N Country, this is second only to the Incarnation [Catholic Church] Carnival for getting people out," said Laura Vickers, a longtime resident of Town 'N Country who's on the county library board. "Having this huge space makes it even grander than it's ever been."

"I love it," said Leah Lopez, who was among the artists showing and selling their work. "This is the only [library event] like this that I'm aware of."

The Friends of the Library have hosted the bash since 2000. It's a free evening of wine and finger foods, browsing art displays, bidding on silent auction items and meeting with neighbors.

Jovan Lecaro, 16, said he doesn't come to the library too often, though his mother, Marlene Lecaro, works there. But he was enjoying the party.

"I like it. I like art. I love the music, too," he said.

On the first floor, a string ensemble of eight Alonso High students played at The Friends' Café, a coffee nook with vending machines and tables. Upstairs, the Treble Clefs performed big band music against a backdrop of shelves of books.

In years past, Art, Wine & Music was held in a tiny building with a big name: regional library. The community lobbied for nearly 20 years to get the building expanded or rebuilt, and was constantly frustrated as new neighborhoods were built — and got new libraries.

"My son is 30 years old," said Joan Szeglowski. "We've been working for this since he was a kid."

Despite the leaky roof and cramped quarters, the library's nonprofit Friends managed for six years to host a cultural bash for the community. And hundreds came.

"It's not a fundraiser," said Friends president Gene Ann Kennedy. "It's a community service. We're thanking patrons."

The new library opened in December and the Friends spent $42,000 on embellishments, from sculptures in the children's area to Wii consoles and games in the teens' area. They raised money through memberships and book sales at their Bargain Street Bookstore.

People can become members of the Friends of the Library at a cost of $5 for individuals, $10 for families. The library is at 7600 Paula Drive in Town 'N Country.

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