Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe will host a fundraiser to benefit the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library on Monday, May 14.

The event is from 7-10 p.m. and will feature a live performance by jazz vocalist Rose Bilal, light refreshments, a silent auction and a cash bar.

The Friends are active supporters and advocates for the library and raise money for the various free activities and programs offered at the library at 4711 Central Ave.

The Seminole Heights Branch Library was founded in 1927 as one of seven city libraries. It relocated several times until 1965, when it settled on Central Avenue. This heavily-used neighborhood library will soon be rebuilt in the same location, tripling in size to meet the needs of the community. The fundraiser is to benefit and celebrate the next chapter of the new library.

Tickets for the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library’s third annual fundraiser are $20 in advance and $25 at the door at 5119 N. Nebraska Ave. the day of the event. Tickets may be purchased with cash or checks only. Members of the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library receive a $5 discount. Folks can join or renew membership for an additional $5.

For advance purchase of will call tickets, send a check payable to: Friends of the Seminole Heights Library, P.O. Box 8948, Tampa, FL 33674, or leave at the library Drop Box. For more information, call 813-237-6021.

"Our new library is scheduled to open October 2013, hopefully,” said Pat Benjamin, who is the president of the Friends of the Seminole Heights Library.

Watch the video to hear Benjamin explaining the history and role of the Friends in the community. The chapter began shaping in 2008 and was officially founded in 2009.