FOUNDATION JOINS GROUNDBREAKING FOR MICANOPY’S NEW LIBRARY
On May 4, we joined community partners to break ground on a new library that embodies Micanopy’s spirit—historic, creative, and connected to nature. During construction, the current library will remain open to serve our neighbors, and when the new building is complete, it will transition into its permanent home—bringing with it the same welcoming service that defines this town.
Micanopy already treasures its library: the Alachua County Library District operates a branch right here in town. Our new space will deepen that service—supporting families, students, and lifelong learners with more room for reading, technology, and community programs.
This project honors a storied place. The downtown Micanopy Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1983), and the Micanopy Historical Society museum keeps local history alive in the heart of town. Creativity thrives here too: the annual Micanopy Fall Festival brings artists and visitors together in a celebration of local arts, crafts, and community spirit.
Just beyond Main Street, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park reminds us that discovery happens outdoors as well—through hiking, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable vistas that serve not only Micanopy but the entire county.
Thank you to our partners, supporters, and volunteers. We want to build a library worthy of Micanopy—rooted in history, alive with art, and open to everyone.
FOUNDATION PROVIDES FUNDING FOR NEW HAWTHORNE BRANCH BUILDING
It’s a joy to share that the Alachua County Library District celebrated the Grand Opening of the new Hawthorne Branch Library on Saturday, April 25. Construction began in June 2025, and the branch now opens as a larger, modern space designed to serve the community in new ways .
This new Hawthorne Branch offers more than 10,000 square feet, with expanded room for the collection and patron computers, plus new features including a Snuggle Up Center, Teen Space, Quiet Reading Room, two Study Rooms, a Meeting Room, and a MakerSpace designed to help people get familiar with creative tools, equipment, and technology at little to no cost . The MakerSpace will function as a collaborative workspace that supports learning, experimentation, and skill-building; resources may include items such as 3D printers and digital media tools . Throughout construction and the transition, the Library District continued service—most recently via a Bookmobile — underscoring the commitment to access for Hawthorne residents .
Hawthorne’s library story runs deep. Local residents helped bring library service to the city as part of the Santa Fe Regional Library System, established in 1959. Mary Moore, one of Hawthorne’s first and most influential librarians, was instrumental in establishing services locally and a stand-alone library building downtown. Building on that foundation, Hawthorne native Sid Martin first proposed the Alachua County Library District, which was created by the Florida Legislature and approved by county voters in 1986 . The branch’s long-standing traditions—like the Hawthorne Library Art Show begun by Mary Moore—reflect the library’s role as a cultural gathering place and community hub .
This is precisely where the Foundation — and our Associates—make a lasting difference. The ACLD Foundation provides supplemental funding focused on long-term sustainability and planned giving, with the core goal of building a robust endowment that annually funds enhancements across the Library District. By drawing a percentage each year, the endowment gives the Foundation a stable, flexible source of support to complement tax-funded services and help each branch innovate and become even more welcoming for local residents . At Hawthorne, Foundation support included a $65,000 contribution to help fund the new Teen Space—an investment in youth, learning, and belonging that will pay dividends for years to come.
