We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Friends of the Harlem Public Library hosted a Wine and Cheese Christmas! last week. According to Library Director Colleen Brommer it was the fifth year for the winter fundraiser. The Friends group provides financial support for library programs, like the very popular summer reading program for kids, and donate items that the library might not otherwise be able to purchase. The winter event offers donors wine and other items. The summer fundraiser's theme varies and has included a pie and ice cream social and themed-baskets offered by businesses and individuals.
Friends of the Harlem Library first organized five years ago. Libby Kuntz, a co-chair of the Friends, said, "We started the holiday fundraiser the first year our group organized. James Hodgson offered to donate the wine we auction through his Sagebrush Flats Winery." This year the holiday event featured a lot of wine but also some other items-homemade and purchased. Kuntz said, "We fully expect to have James Hodgson back helping us with the wines next year."
One of the first projects by the Friends was to purchase shelving that better met the needs of patrons and library staff. Nellie Obrecht, also a co-chair for the Friends, said at the kickoff to raise funds for the shelving, "The new shelving will assure a safer environment for patrons and staff." The cost of the shelving, plus installation, was nearly $20,000. The Friends raised around $12,000 toward the cost. Director Brommer said, "The wine and cheese event typically raises $1800 to $2,000. Our community shows great support for the library and we appreciate their support."
The Friends choose the needs they want to support from a "wish list" put together by the library staff and from suggestions by library users. In addition to the shelving, the Friends purchased a color copier, a paper shredder, an area rug for the children's reading area and commissioned some art to hang when remodeling of the meeting room area was done during the last year or so. Major items still on the wish list include a locking cabinet for reserve books, a portable sidewalk sign to promote events, new windows and additional lighting.
In addition to a significant fundraiser, the Friends' events are also fun social gatherings. Friends and library staff put together a wide array of holiday goodies from cheese dips and balls to meatballs and cookies. Guests could sit down for a while to enjoy their tasty treats and catch up on the latest news with friends. Several newcomers to town were also introduced during the Wine and Cheese Christmas! It's very much a social event as well as a fundraiser.
You don't have to attend a Friends' fundraiser to donate to the Harlem Library. Library staff will share their wish list with you, maybe there's an item you could provide. Or, you can donate to the Friends and they'll add your gift toward a larger project. Library staff can provide information about how to make a gift to Friends of the Harlem Public Library.
The "Journal" thanks the Friends of the Harlem Public Library for their dedication toward making a great library even better. And thanks to all the guests who attended and supported this most recent fundraiser.
