Newsletter | December 2019

Accepted Genres: (must be family-friendly)

Mural Society will determine the location of each book title in the mural

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The Library in Punta Gorda – The Final Chapter of History

In last month’s newsletter, we learned that the library had outgrown the Retta Esplanade location (it’s 3rd) after being there for 16 years.
In 1973, the City of Punta Gorda once again donated the land for the next library location, this time on Henry Street, with permission from Mrs. Paschal B. Nobles who had given the land to the city for a playground. A new 5,320 square foot library was built by the county and dedicated on July 22, 1974, as the Paschal B. Nobles – Punta Gorda Library. The County also passed an ordinance creating the Charlotte County Free Library System that same year.
The library continued to grow in popularity and volumes, and two additional rooms were added providing more shelf space and an activity room in 1985. This 1,800 additional square feet of space also included a bookstore and office for the Friends of the Library. Over the years this library was remodeled four times.
After 45 years at this location, a new larger library was completed this year just a few blocks away on Shreve Street. And yes, the property was once again donated by the City of Punta Gorda.
Over the past 111 years, the Punta Gorda Library moved five times, each time to larger and better facilities to serve our ever-expanding community. This is the history that will be captured in our “Pages from Our Library’s Past” Mural.
(Reference: Various newspaper clippings and information provided by The Friends of the Punta Gorda Library)

November Update on Library Mural Fundraising

We raised a significant amount of funds in November getting us to an amazing 70% of our goal. If you’ve donated, THANK YOU! If you haven’t, please consider becoming a Mural Book Sponsor discussed at the beginning of the newsletter. You can also donate online or by mail:
Online: visit www.puntagordamurals.org/donate

By Mail: Send a check (payable to PGHMS) to:
PGHMS, PO BOX 510506, Punta Gorda, FL 33951
All Donation Amounts are Welcomed, Appreciated and tax-deductible! 

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WANT MORE HISTORY?

Get the Whole Story
Sign Up for These 2 Popular LOCAL History Classes
 January, February & March Dates Listed Below

Join us as we present the history of the area as told through the murals throughout our beautiful City.  Visit all the murals from the comfort of your classroom seat while we present 450+ years of history using the murals as a guide.  Hear about the Mural Society and get a sneak peek of upcoming projects.

Presented in 2 Parts:
     Part 1 – “The Early Years” – from pre-Spanish Exploration to pre-WWI
     Part 2 – “Post World War I” – continuing the story from WWI to modern-day

Location: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA)
2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
Cost:  $18/Class  or  $30 for both Classes
Class Size is limited ~ Register at PGICA Office or call 941-637-1655
Check the schedule at CLASSES

Part 1 – The Early Years		Part 2 – Post World War I
Monday, Jan 27	1 – 3pm	Wednesday, Jan 29	1 – 3pm
Monday, Feb 17	1 – 3pm	Wednesday, Feb 19	1 – 3pm
Tuesday, Mar 17	1 – 3pm	Thursday, Mar 19	1 – 3pm

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Looking for a Few Good “Volunteers” 

  The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society was started 25 years ago as a non-profit, 501c3 organization with the goal to help revitalize our small town and capture its amazing history by painting murals on the outside walls of its buildings. With strong community support over the years, we’ve established Punta Gorda as a major Mural City, drawing visitors from far and wide.
The ‘Society’ isn’t really a society in the true sense of the word, but actually a small Board of Directors who oversees the organization and its activities. We currently have a few openings on our board and are looking to find a ‘few good volunteers‘ as potential board members.
As supporters, we know you are interested in the Society and the work we do. If you are interested in getting more involved, please contact us to better understand what being a Director on our Board is all about. I would love to meet with you to discuss what’s involved and see if its a fit for your time and talents. Please contact me at kgaylord320@gmail.com.

Kelly Gaylord, President
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society