FOVL Board Honored by $1.1 Million Gift

Venice Philanthropist Leaves More Than $1 Million to Support Community Library

A Venice philanthropist recently gifted more than $1 million worth of stock to the Friends of the William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Library, a nonprofit that supports programming, materials and services not funded through the library’s operating budget.

Joan Hrachovina, 96, passed away on December 16, 2022, leaving a large number of shares of Home Depot stock to the Friends of the Venice Library. The stock was worth $1,119, 647.01 upon her death, according to a receipt from the company.

Hrachovina was a longtime supporter of the Friends of the Venice Library. Her regular donations were utilized to enhance programs and services provided by the library.  

“The Board is humbled and honored by this gift. We will be meeting this year to decide the best way to honor this donor and utilize this extremely generous legacy to fulfill our mission of enhancing the Venice community through its public library,” said Tony Mowry, president of the Friends of Venice Library Board of Directors. “Ms. Hrachovina exemplified the generosity of this community and ensured a lasting legacy of access to knowledge and a window to the world for all residents, young, old or in-between.”

According to Renee Di Pilato, Sarasota County’s Director of Libraries and Historical Resources, “The gift represents Ms. Hrachovina's commitment to ensuring all residents have access to lifelong learning, vibrant culture and enriching programs for all ages. We are grateful that she chose to recognize the importance of library services through her generous gift.”

The Venice Library is part of a system of 10 libraries operated by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. To learn more about opportunities to support the library system, please visit https://www.scgov.net/government/libraries/donations.