Lakewood Ranch residents have until Friday, Oct. 16, to enter a free drawing for a ticket to meet bestselling author James Patterson and receive a signed book at a Manatee County library fundraiser.

Entry forms are available at the Lakewood Ranch Branch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, and the county's six other library branches, WWSB reported.

Visitors can find entry forms and collection boxes near the main desk at each location. No purchase is required.

One winner will be selected at random and announced Monday, Oct. 19.

"If you want to be in the running, all you have to do is visit one of Manatee County's seven library branches, go through the front door, look for the main desk, and look for a large white box," Manatee County Librarian Andy Sulavik said.

Patterson to headline Oct. 23 library fundraiser

Patterson will appear at the second annual Booked for Lunch fundraiser Friday, Oct. 23, at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 U.S. 41 in Palmetto.

The luncheon runs from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a book signing.

The Library Foundation of Manatee County organizes the annual event to raise money for youth literacy programs and library resources beyond those covered by county funding.

Foundation board member Kevin Allen said the organization helps bridge the gap between the library system's public funding and the additional services residents want.

Patterson, whose books have sold more than 425 million copies worldwide, is expected to share stories about his writing career and experiences behind the scenes of publishing, Allen said.

Last year's inaugural luncheon featured Jenna Bush Hager and helped support a $25,000 investment in the library system's bookmobile collection and expanded youth reading programs, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

In a September interview with the Library Foundation, Patterson described libraries as "one of the last truly free gifts a community can offer."

Fundraiser supports growing library programs

The event comes as Manatee County libraries report increased use of their services.

Sulavik said library programming increased nearly 8%, while the system added approximately 3,000 new cardholders over the past month.

Beyond traditional book lending, county libraries offer programs such as yoga, line dancing, jewelry making and instruction in 3D printing.

Residents can also use free scanning and faxing services and borrow museum passes through participating branches.

The Library Foundation raises private donations to help expand educational programs, reading opportunities and other services across the county's seven-branch system.

How to enter the giveaway

Residents can visit any Manatee County library branch and submit an entry form through Friday, Oct. 16.

The drawing winner will be announced Monday, Oct. 19, ahead of the Oct. 23 luncheon.

Tickets and sponsorship information for Booked for Lunch are available through the Library Foundation's event registration page.

Key dates:

  • Oct. 16: Final day to enter the free ticket and signed-book giveaway.
  • Oct. 19: Drawing winner announced.
  • Oct. 23: Booked for Lunch fundraiser featuring James Patterson, noon to 1 p.m., at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.