Leaf design pottery

Leaf design pottery

Soldotna Friends group to party at the library

For just a few hours Saturday, all of the traditional rules of library etiquette will be suspended as the Soldotna Library Friends throw a party in the stacks to raise money for a matching grant.

Guests will eat food catered by Kenai-based Heavenly Delights and hear live music from local group The Spur Highway Spankers, all while bidding on art to raise money that will eventually be matched by the Rasmuson Foundation.

Several local artists contributed media to the auction. Five pieces will be part of a live auction and the rest will be part of a silent auction, said Soldotna Library Friends secretary Jeanette Pedginski.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The art auction turned fundraiser is the first of its kind for the friends organization, though Soldotna Librarian Rachel Nash said she’s seen similar events at other libraries.

“We have until June 30 to raise funds for a matching grant,” Pedginski said. “It’s a $100,000 community grant.”

So far, the group has about $22,0000, she said.

Tickets to the event are $50 and so far, 50 people have bought tickets in advance. They’re available at River City Books or by reservation at 907-394-6082 or 907 420-7088.

While it is not yet clear how the library will spend the funds, Nash said technology was at the top of her list.

“A lot of it depends on how much we earn,” Nash said. “But we’re going to look at all of the community’s needs. My first thoughts are that we could use some more technology, so more computers for patrons, because they are usually very, very busy. It just depends on how much we are able to meet that matching grant.”

The festivities will start at 7 p.m. and Nash said she was excited to show the community the library after-hours.

“Rather than coming to check out books, people will be coming to enjoy culture,” she said.

Reach Rashah McChesney at rashah.mcchesney@peninsulaclarion.com

Art by Doug Lindstrand "Prospector & Dog"

Art by Doug Lindstrand “Prospector & Dog”

Art by Charles Wysocki "Apple Butter"

Art by Charles Wysocki “Apple Butter”

More in Life

A clipping from a Homer Death Cafe poster.
Homer group tackles death and dying through open conversations

The local group mirrors a growing worldwide trend of “Death Cafes.”

Peonies bloom on Friday, July 4, 2024, in the garden beside Cosmic Kitchen on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
Homer chamber hosts 6th annual Peony Celebration

The weeks-long festival features art exhibits, events, flower sales, guided farm tours and more.

These fudgy brownies are a classic, decadent treat. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Dessert for a thoughtful reader

These classic fudgy brownies are dense and decadent.

Volunteers scoop up ducks at the finish line during the annual Anchor River Duck Races on Saturday, July 5, in Anchor Point.
Locals win at 4th annual Anchor River duck races

The event is part of the Anchor Point VFW’s Fourth of July celebrations.

Photo courtesy of the Melchior Family Collection
Between 1879 and 1892, Stephan Melchior (far left, middle row) performed his mandatory Prussian military service. He was a member of the Eighth Rhineland Infantry Regiment No. 70 in Trier, Germany.
Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 1

Did anyone in Alaska know the real Steve Melchior? That is difficult to say.

File
Minister’s Message: ‘Be still and I will fight for you’

Letting go of control and embracing faith and silence can encourage us in peace and divine trust.

"Octopus" is an acrylic painting by new co-op member Heather Mann on display at Ptarmigan Arts in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Ptarmigan Arts
July First Friday in Homer

Homer’s galleries and public art spaces celebrate with new and ongoing exhibits.

Frank Rowley and his youngest child, Raymond, stand in knee-deep snow in front of the protective fence around the main substation for Mountain View Light & Power in Anchorage in 1948 or ’49. This photo was taken a year or two before Rowley moved to Kenai to begin supplying electrical power to the central peninsula. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 2

In July 1946, the soft-spoken Rowley was involved in an incident that for several consecutive days made the front page of the Anchorage Daily Times.

This nostalgic sauce is so shockingly simple, you’ll never buy a bottle again. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
America’s favorite culinary representative

The original recipe for ranch dressing was invented and perfected in Alaska, out in the bush in 1949.

Most Read