Passing of former Manatee County library director a big loss

Bradenton Central Library displays a new library catalog system on one of the new touch-screen computer kiosks. The software, called Polaris, can be accesssed via any computer with internet access.
TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/Bradenton Herald — Bradenton Central Library displays a new library catalog system on one of the new touch-screen computer kiosks. The software, called Polaris, can be accesssed via any computer with internet access. TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/Bradenton Herald ttompkins@bradenton.com

I was saddened to read a recent Herald obituary about the passing of Phil Place, and am confident this sentiment is shared by a large number of Manatee County residents and former colleagues in county government.

Phil made so many contributions to our citizens as library director over a period of several years. The success of our Central Library and a couple of branch libraries were in no small measure due to Phil's professionalism and hard work.

As a former county department head, I worked closely with Phil on numerous educational and community programs. Those of us who knew him and worked with him have lost a dear friend and dedicated professional. He was indeed a kind and gentle man.

Richard Aalberg

Bradenton

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Passing of former Manatee County library director a big loss ."

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