Sarasota North Public Library hosts Smithsonian exhibit

Perhaps more than anything, the United States  champions itself on its democratic process. That process has a long and storied history, full of hardships and breakthroughs as the country has shifted over the years. 

For the next few months, the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library in Newtown offers a rare opportunity to learn about  that history. The library is hosting the Smithsonian’s “Votes and Voices: Democracy in America” traveling exhibition, a comprehensive overview of the history of voting in America. 

Votes and Voices is part of the Smithsonian’s “Museum of Main Street” series, with the North Sarasota Public Library being the first library in Florida to host it. The exhibition  opened Aug. 15 and will be on display through Oct. 10

“It’s an important time because we’re celebrating 100 years of women gaining the right to vote in America,” said Renee Di Pilato, director of Libraries and Historical Resources for Sarasota County. “It’s also an election year and we’re coming up on the 100th anniversary of Sarasota County."

The exhibition dives into the history of voting from its beginnings all the way to contemporary times, focusing displays on such landmarks as the 15th Amendment in 1870 allowing Black men the right to vote as well as the women’s suffrage movement leading to the 19th Amendment’s ratification in 1920. It also takes a look at the dark side of the American Experiment and how the democratic process can be tampered with, through lobbying, corruption, racism and voter suppression. 

“It was a pretty exciting opportunity,” said Erin Clay, Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library Manager. “It does a really great job of just showing that democracy is an ongoing story and something that to this day we are continuing to sort of work out.”

The Florida Humanities nonprofit and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation approached the library staff in 2019 about hosting the exhibition. Clay filed out the application and everything was approved. What was also helpful was $5,000 in grant money awarded to the library for programming to coincide with the exhibition. 

The exhibition — initially planned to fill out the lobby — now has a main section as you walk in and five other sections spaced out throughout the library. It is Clay’s hopes that visitors can take a look at the various sections without feeling closed in or compromised. 

The library planned several programs and in-person events for the exhibition. As with many events during the COVID pandemic, those programs have been moved online.  

 “Large crowds and offering food isn't really a great thing to be doing right now,” Clay said. “So we changed our kickoff event to  a Facebook Live (production).”

There's also a local touch. Sarasota County Historical Resources has contributed materials for a complimentary exhibit at the library showcasing voting conditions and women’s suffrage moments in Sarasota County. Several displays show stories and excerpts from early 20th-century Sarasota newspapers about "Americanization" meetings amongst women, instructions on how to vote, and the literacy percentage amongst Americans at the time. The display also lists the names of every woman registrant to vote in Precinct 1 in 1920.

The library also hosted a “A Dolly Madison Squeeze” — named after the famous First Lady who was well known for bringing together politically divided guests to debate and discuss — that had different groups voicing their political opinions. More events are planned. 

The North Sarasota Public Library also is a polling location, and Clay recommends anyone casting a ballot to take some time to learn about the history of voting. 

"I think there are many things we need to reflect on in our history and also its a great time to consider the future and where we want to go as a society and county," Di Pilato said. "This exhibit is thought provoking … and is so timely this year.”

Sidebar: If You Go:

What:  “Voices & Votes: Democracy in America” Exhibition

Where:Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library,  2801 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34234

When: August 15 to October 10

Website: https://www.scgov.net/government/libraries/library-events/voices-and-votes-exhibit