By Patricia Johnson

The Bloomingdale Regional Library welcomed 250 guests to its first birthday party last month. To celebrate a very successful first year, the Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library, a non-profit organization committed to supporting and advocating for the facility, hosted the celebration and provided food, refreshments and children's treat bags.

According to Julie Beamguard, site coordinator, the popularity of the library in its inaugural year exceeded all expectations and Bloomingdale is now the fourth busiest library in Hillsborough County. More than 40,000 materials circulate to the pubic every month and the staff of 18 consists of two full-time librarians as well as part-time reference, circulation and support employees. As a result, plans to expand the facility are already in place.

Pat Boody, president of Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library, beams with pride when expressing the integral role that this facility plays within the community.

"I am so proud of the hardworking library staff and volunteers dedicated to serving the public and providing the most comprehensive resources to patrons of all ages," she says.

Beamguard looks forward to a second year packed with stimulating and informative speakers, classes and programs: Actress Phyllis McEwen will portray anthropologist, folklorist and writer, Zora Neal Hurston on March 21, at 7 p.m. and the library is gearing up for an eight-week workshop on life story writing for both budding and seasoned authors.

Beamguard also plans to augment the computer program with another class open to patrons of all ages and to maintain the series of special interest mini-courses.

During this past year, Friends of Bloomingdale Regional Library raised $14,000 to finance everything from special programs to the purchase of bookshelves. Sources of revenue include income from a used book store located in the library's main lobby and proceeds from fundraising campaigns.

Currently, the organization provides refreshments for seniors and low income individuals awaiting completion of their federal income tax returns. The library, in partnership with AARP, is offering tax preparation services for qualified residents every Thursday morning. Boody also will be sponsoring the Summer Children Speakers Series for a second year.

"Our purpose is to supplement funding thereby enhancing the quality and array of services to the community," she explains.

Both Beamguard and Boody invite the public to avail themselves of the library's ample offerings including use of the Website. Among other features, it allows cardholders, from the convenience of their home computers, to place materials on hold status for future pick-up. And as always, the library staff is on hand to assist the public and to listen to all suggestions.