In the fall of 1991 members of the Library Association (Stuart Friends) and community leaders met to discuss the possibility of establishing a foundation to raise funds for the entire library system. A new library director, Gretchen Hammerstein, had been hired in the summer. A large planned gift had gone to another institution because there was no library foundation. A gift of $50,000 was given by
the Library Association to establish a foundation. The Library Foundation of Martin County, Inc. was incorporated in February 1992 and received their 501 (c)(3) letter in August. Steve Shaw was the organizing president and Milt Christie took over to serve as the first president. Jim Sopko served two terms as president followed by Michael Ciferri, Robert A. Cline and Gloria Wolfe. As of the year 2000, The Library Foundation has received more than three million dollars in gifts from the people of Martin County to enhance the Martin County Library System. A little more than 1.5 million has been contributed to the building funds of the Cummings Library, the Blake Library, and the Hobe Sound Public Library. $400,000 will be given this year for the building of the Morgade Library. Programming has been underwritten, books, audiobooks, videos, and computers and computer programs have been added to the libraries in Martin County
Activities and accomplishments of The Library Foundation of Martin County:
* Since 1992 the Library Foundation of Martin County has presented special programs and events at all branch libraries.
* It has collected and donated over $10 million, which assisted the construction of six libraries in Martin County.
* Programs in all library branches are presented for adults, children and families.
