Library

 

 

                                                           

The Lake Vista Library is located at the Clubhouse in a nook outside the Fitness Center. It is supported by residents on a Bring-a-Book-Take-a-Book basis. It contains gently used books and current magazines that are donated to a local charity after use at Lake Vista. The books include popular novels as well as non-fiction books on cooking, gardening and wellness. 

The library also offers playing cards, board games and other games located in the cabinet between the doors to the sundeck and pool. These may be borrowed for a game night or when family are visiting.

The Manatee Public Library has free downloads for books.  Go to the library home page:

https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/manatee_county_public_library_system

 

       Suncoast Empire: Bertha Honoré Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota by Frank A. Cassell. 

This book is a thoroughly researched story about a remarkable woman who has left a significant footprint in this part of Florida.  Bertha was married at a young age to an older Potter Palmer, who built the Palmer Hotel in Chicago.  He often discussed business affairs with his wife, who proved to be a good pupil.  Bertha was reportedly beautiful, wonderfully dressed and jeweled, and a leader of upper class women in the big Midwestern city.  She had homes in Chicago, Paris and London and socialized with royals and the elite.  After her husband's death, she took a train to the tiny fishing village of Sarasota to escape the Midwestern winter.  Ultimately, she moved to Sarasota and drove development and growth with her farms, cattle ranches and subdivisions.  She had far more impact than the better known John Ringling in Sarasota, and many roads and places are named for Bertha and her family members.

       Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter by Blaize Clement.

This is the first in a series of Dixie Hemingway mysteries.  Dixie was a Sheriff's deputy on Siesta Key until a family tragedy, which left her unable to function as a law enforcement officer.  Now she takes care of cats and other pets for people on the barrier island just off Sarasota.  When she finds a body in one of the houses, the detective tells her to stay out of it.  Of course, she didn't.

Parakeets are such drama queens.